Boundaries

 

We have all become aware of the importance of boundaries in our lives.  In the beginning, God made it clear there were land boundaries that marked tribal territories.  In the book of Job, we learned of the borderland that God created to hold in the seas and between light and darkness.  In Psalms, David claimed: “the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance.”

God’s boundaries written in His commandments and living word provide protection and blessings for me.  As a youth, I did not realize this.  In my rebellion , I would drive too fast, stayed out late, and frequented unsafe areas.  This entire boundary breaking put me in danger.  I was inconvincible.  When I crossed those limits, I suffered consequences,;some of those trespasses resulted in lessons and scars for a lifetime.

Our granddaughters have a little neighborhood gang and decided they needed to create their own rules, so they could get along.  They designed a banner long enough to scroll from the ceiling to the baseboard. The title of their gang is “Life Learners”.  Also on the banner, they each wrote a goal, a boundary, or their truth.  Their ages range from a 5-years-old to my oldest granddaughter, Ava, who is 10.  Ava, always playing teacher, created an agenda notebook where each child’s name was written followed by three areas that needed improvement.  If they achieved two of the three objectives in a week, she rewarded them with a star or a stuffed toy from her abundant stockpile. (I’m wondering if I make a banner, if my boyfriend, my roommate of 49 years, will buy into this idea.)

Here are some snapshots of the gang’s banner and their mottos and even a poem, which depicts their understanding.  I was touched when Ava and Ellis took me upstairs and showed me their project.  This old blogger, who has written life lessons for six years, was moved to tears.  Ava asked, “Why are you crying?  Ellis asked, “Do you think it will work, Mimi?  My answer, “You are much wiser than your years.  I am very proud and so in love with you and your project.”

They have realized early in their lives the importance of boundaries.  Will they be broken? Of course, but they are trying at a young age to give honor to each other’s space and place. This simple neighborhood project has assured me our future generation is warming their hands and hearts on life’s long ladder.

Waiting prayers

Waiting …everything I am seeking is on the way.

            In May, I planted two small moonflower plants.  I wasn’t sure they would grow on the trellis because it was not located in full day sun. I asked God to bless them as I do when I plant most of  my flowers.

             As each of my spring beauties blossomed, I marveled at their bright colors of yellow, purple and pink and wondered when my moonflowers would bloom.  As summer annuals were mixed into my perennials, I looked at the moonflower vine and observed it was growing, but there were no buds.  Annuals bloomed brightly, and soon in July and August my ten hydrangea bushes burst forth large, elegant white and pink blooms.  I looked at the moonflower vine, and it was still climbing the trellis.  September came and I pulled wilted annuals and cut back some of the perennials and wondered if I should pull up the moonflower vine since it was doing nothing but producing heart shaped leaves.  I was rushed that day of gardening and decided to just leave it and pull it out when I came back from vacation.

              As I surveyed the gardens when I returned, I could not believe what I saw.  Giant moonflowers were on my trellis and evidence of some that had bloomed and wilted while I was gone.  The plant produced what it promised.  It bloomed in its time and its season.  In the midst of becoming my blessing, I almost uprooted it.  Instead of expectation as I had in the early months, I felt disappointment toward the end of summer. I almost destroyed my blessing before the bloom time was here. 

            How many of us have planted prayer seeds and wondered if they would be answered?  At first we were patient and diverted by other things around us.  However, months passed and seemingly no answer.  Then, it shows up.  It slips into your life so quietly, with grace and ease.  You might not even believe it at first.  When you weren’t looking, working, or even praying about it; suddenly the answer is there.  My moonflower taught me a wonderful lesson this summer.  Pray for something with all my soul, my full heart, and have confidence that God hears my prayer and acts on it.  That’s it! In fact, I don’t have to do anything but look up and see my moonflower in His timing.

70 YEARS OF LESSONS

70 years of lessons

1.     Being a kid is fun; so I will continue to be one until I die.

2.     Take time to breathe, and breathe deeply.

3.     Laugh when things are funny. When things aren’t funny, find something funny about the situation.  Laugh and laugh some more.

4.     Creating draws from the soul, so I seek my soul’s help often.

5.     Create paintings, collages, recipes, gardens, writings, quilts, scrapbooks, journals, wreaths, and anything else that is fun.  Try to create something everyday.

6.     Seek the presence of God as many minutes a day as I would want Him to protect and love me. 

7.     Be spontaneous! You’re a kid, remember?

8.     Be flexible, it makes stretching lessons so much easier.

9.     Get outside as much as you can.  Outside air generates more energy.

10. Love with the intensity and energy that it takes to remove a stubborn pickle lid.

11. Say “I love you,” more than you think you need to do.

12. Hug all who are loveable, and hug the unlovable twice as much.

13. Read God’s word every day.

14. Seek God.

15. Teach a child a life lesson whether you are playing ball, making art, or eating dinner with them.

16. Eat at the dining table everyday and offer blessings to all who are there.

17. Use your best crystal to drink your wine.  Today is special.

18. Float with the musical notes around you. Dance and turn round and round.

19. Sing simply; sing often.

20. Forgive your past; God has.

21. Savor the sparkles in the sea, the warm breeze against your skin, the sweet smell of Jasmine tea, the purity of a clear blue sky, and the fragrance of the rose.

22. Learn from your adult children.  They are bright. After all, who were their mother and father?

23. Cherish old and new friendships.  Each of these people was sent from God to help mold you. 

24. Giggle with your husband and at your husband every day of your life. 

25. Hold no grudges.  They make wrinkles in your soul and your brow.

26. Read constantly.  Read for pleasure, learning, coping, and hoping.

27. Pray constantly for your children and grandchildren. You may be their only intercessor for the day.

28. Guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.

29. Do not weary the Lord with your words, “Where is the God of justice?” Know that He is justice and righteousness.  Trust Him.

30. If life is going to work on my behalf, I must give myself permission to grow, to change, and to let go.

31. For me to grow spiritually, I must make an empty space by ridding myself of garbage.  Then, a new truth and epiphany can have room to enter.

32. Be content by not comparing.  Just be.

33. Reach for new truths, special activities, and meeting new people.  These will enrich your body, mind, and soul.

34. Remember to say prayers of thanks everyday.  They make God smile.

35. Slow down. I can’t get to my destination until I get there.  Enjoy the curves, the hills, and valleys.

36. Life is good if I choose to think it is.

37. Accept that sometimes I make wrong turns, choices, or words. God forgives me so should I.

38. We are made in God’s image.  Be merciful; it is built within.

39. Resist blaming or imagining the worst.  Instead, take one step, a baby step in the process of understanding the lesson that is to be learned.

40. Remember all the snow that the storm brought must melt someday.  The storm is passing.  This too shall pass.

41. I know that in all situations, every day, in every situation, I can depend on God.  He never fails.

42. Take time for rest, reflection, and time alone.  Spiritual vibrations only happen when we take time for them.

43. When I can’t, faith can.

44. Grab every opportunity to travel.  Save for it, so when the great deal comes along, you can go.

45. Find the sacred in everyday.

46. The color of the sky at its last light paints an orange you will never forget.

47. Pay attention to the sparkle in another’s eye or respond to the hurt you feel in their heart.

48. Know everyone has a story.  Take time to ask them.

49. If you really listen, you can hear each other’s pain and fears.  Pray for them.

50. Behold the blossom. It won’t last for long.

51. Listen to your life.  Your smallest incident may be your biggest moment of awareness.

52. Love well.

53. I’ve learned that everyday I need to reach out and give a hug, pat someone on the back, or drop a special note of affirmation.

54. Life gives second chances if you are sensitive enough to find them

55. No matter how awful today is I know that joy will return in the morning or perhaps the next day.

56. Enjoy now.  It doesn’t matter if you are overweight; under dressed, house is a mess, or a bad hair day.  Just enjoy today and cherish the now.

57. Kiss often, hug spontaneously, and pray for your spouse every day.

58. Laugh uncontrollably at anything that starts that giggle force.

59. Dance with your Heavenly Father. Twirl, waltz, and bow before him often.

60. Doodle when idle, it is like yoga for the brain.

61. Allow your toes to sink in the sand, splash in a mud puddle, or stand bare footed on soft grass because it will make you aware of how really grounded you are.

62. Thank your bones, tissue, ligaments, hands, feet, legs, cells, and any other parts of your body for being healthy and moving you through this journey. Speak gratefulness to your body.

63. Gratitude is the key to happy living.  Pausing, seeing, and looking for the little things that make life great brings not only joy, but also humility. I am humbled because I have not taken time to appreciate my mother’s teacup and all the memories it holds.  I am humbled when you acknowledge it is your husband’s morning kiss that means far more than the gifts he buys for me. 

64. Speaking of gifts; everyone enjoys a surprise gift for no reason at all except that they are dear to me.

65. Tell your grandchildren about your childhood.  Tell them things you feared or desired and ask them to share the same with you.  I discover amazing things in the minds and hearts of my sweet granddaughters.

66. Write your children a yearly letter (I choose birthdays).  I tell them why I love them and the gifts that I admire in them. I share stories of their past and cute things they did as little guys.  I write through tears because I love them so much.

67. I’ve kept a daily journal for years and years.  It grounds me and I share new truths, epiphanies, and dreams in it.  I copy favorite poems or talk about a book that had permanent impact on my mind, soul, or body.

68. I try to exercise everyday. I remind myself that those who age well aren’t necessarily killing themselves in hours in the gym, but they are choosing exercise that they enjoy.  I bet that is why they do it each day.

69. Learning to listen is the greatest gift a mother can give to her kids, a spouse to her mate, and a grandmother to her grand babies.  Listen well and concentrate on what details they are willing to share and are important to them.

70. Live life well.  It may be a sunbath at the beach, setting a beautiful table from the flowers in your yard, creating a painting that no one may like but you.  Share dinner with your family as often as possible.  Speak positives and affirmations to encourage those around you. I’m still learning to live life well but sure am enjoying the moment I am in.

Cardinal Rules.

               Cardinal Rules.

Birds Are for Teaching.  

  I have been taking an online class called Project 137  facilitated by Patti Digh, author and speaker. I first met Patti in Indianapolis, where she was doing readings from her book, Life is a Verb. I immediately liked her as much as her books. She taught at the Midwest Writers Workshop that year, and I observed a woman with a quiet spirit and wise soul. So, I was eager to be a part of her class.

     The online class offered prompts to encourage participants to observe more closely. We attempted to live each day fully and love deeply by remembering to take life-filling breaths, use our creative nature, and make intentional choices, and carefully observe the life happenings around us.  One cold winter day, I looked outside at my bird feeder and learned these lessons from my cardinal family. 

    While watching three red cardinals on my feeder, I visually detailed each brilliant crimson feather and how it blended into a softer red belly. I marveled at the exactness of their black mask around a yellow cone shaped beak. Their crest on the top of their head could go up and down. The great Creator marvelously designed them.

    I recognized that the ladies always allowed their mates to eat first. The female sat on an empty branch waiting their turn. They just sat and looked content.  I am trying to learn that kind of contentment. They loved their mate or understand the rules so well that they were content to just be, silently sit, and watch all that is around them on that branch that moment. I know love requires silence even when I don't think the order is correct. I know true love requires me to sit and observe, not correct or suggest that my way might be better. I see, just like the soft reddish brown cardinal with much less color in her feathers, that I have an important mission. Because I am not dressed with intense colors does not mean I am less important, just different. Because my purpose is to wait my turn does not mean I am less significant, I am just on a different branch. Because I cherish watching every insect, feeling the roughness of the branch underfoot, and mentally stretch to memorize the exact hue of the azure blue sky that caresses me from above, makes me grateful that I appreciate the universe that surrounds me with beauty and awe. I realized that there are many lessons to be learned by our fine-feathered friends, who live between heaven and earth.