I woke up alone in my king size bed in Ocean City, New Jersey, last Monday. It was the last day at the beach with my girlfriends and it was raining. I opened the door to the balcony and crawled back under the warm blankets.
I love the sound of birds singing their morning greeting. I love the sound of rain dripping on various objects. A rain drop hitting a tin roof makes a different sound than a rain drop hitting concrete or plastic chairs. How pleasant the symphony of rain.
And then, in the distance, I heard the beep, beep, beep of a large vehicle backing up. All day and all night and all day and all night for as long as we've been here the crews have been working to build up the beach after Hurricane Sandy's destruction. Large machinery out in the ocean has been sucking up sand and piping it back to the beach. Sand and salt water is then spewed out in big wet sprays on the bare beach. The water runs back to the ocean and a big crane-like shovel scoops up the sand and swings around and plops the sand on the section of the beach they are restoring. Hours and hours of man-power and machine power are at work to prepare for summer guests to have a sandy place to lay their beach towels, get a tan, and read a novel.
I decided to focus on the sound of the birds singing and amazingly, the birds singing became louder than the other noises.The beeping died down. As soon as I stopped focusing on the birds' song, the beeping became annoying louder.Then I focused on the musical rain, and again, the beeping faded in the distance.
But finally, its' insistence broke through my resolve to listen to the beauty of early morning and I got up and closed the door on the beeping and retreated back under the covers with a captivating book.
I've been thinking about that Monday morning experiment all week.
The sound I focused on became the sound I heard the loudest.
In life, there is beauty all around us.
In life, there is always a beeping annoyance.
Sometimes, we have to deal with the annoyance before it goes away.
We have to turn off the key on the equipment that is producing the beep.
Sometimes, that beep may never go away, and we have to get up and close the door.
Sometimes, the annoyance of the beep causes us to search out what is causing the beep.
I am talking of our souls now.
The beep is a warning that something is coming our way.
The beep protects us from injury.
Other times, we are far away from the dangerous equipment.
We are under the blankets and want to focus on the beauty of life.
Then, it is okay to ignore the beep.
In light of that thought, several verses come to my mind.
Jesus focused on the joy set before Him when He was facing the cross.
He endured the pain and despised the beeping shame.
He knew that many would come to Him in glory
because of His death and resurrection.
He focused on you. On me.
We were the joy set before Him.
And then, there are Isaiah's wonderful words-
"You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are stayed on You.
Because we trust in You."
It is possible to have perfect peace in the midst
of terrible suffering.
It is possible to have perfect peace in the midst
of the annoying beeps of life.
Deal with the beeps if you have to
and stay focused on the joy that will
soon be yours.
Stay focused on the singing.
The birds.
The raindrops.
Stay focused on Him.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Hertzler Doings-May 6-12, 2013
Mon.-Good day. Went out to Farmville. Got groceries, etc. Picked up two red box movies. Rain. Rain. Rain. 1 1/2 inches.
Tues.-Went out to co-op. Had lunch with Catherine at Riverside. She gave me her brother's manuscript about Mary, the Mother of Jesus to peruse. Stopped in to see Judy before heading home. Michelle came over late afternoon for a visit. Knit group in eve. Baby shower for Teresa. Good to see the girls again. 1 1/2 inches of rain.
Wed.-Watched 'Lincoln' with Michael and Susan. Chalked it up under 'history' hours. Cleaning back room. Can reach the piano again. Raining more. Making candles. Day 8 of Juice Fast. Eating that salad yesterday made me hungry for salads to eat rather than salads to drink. Officer H. stopped by today. He is interested in buying Philip's pigs. He showed us how his dog performs and told us how he is trained to scent follow humans, etc. He also told us how to barbeque a pig with apple juice. He reminds me of Buddy S. I made the first salad from our garden. Lettuce and spinach. I added cucumbers, radishes, and onions. I decided that it is okay to eat anything I could juice. I made up a salad dressing that is delicious. One avocado smushed. A squirt of olive oil. Twice as much red wine vinegar. Salt. A tsp. of honey and a tsp. of coconut sugar. Mix it up. Then toss it with the salad. I had it for lunch and supper. Susan wants it every day. The supper men liked it also. The sun shone a little this evening. The sky is blue and pink. There is fog in the meadow. The dishwasher is running. A new candle is burning. There is peace in our valley.
Thurs.-Once again, Homeschool Softball unites the Body of Christ, and I am glad.
Fri.-My 55th birthday. Heard from family and friends via face book and phone calls. Last day of 10 day juice fast. Celebrated with homemade ice cream. Mulched front garden. Phil brought home beautiful lilies, peonies, and purple flowers. We dug up a new little garden on the other side of the front porch. Windows open. Breezes blowing.
Sat.-Almost finished new front garden. Cleaned house. Went to a meeting at church to meet-n'-greet some precious people. Visited Buddy S. and Cierra and Ian after we came home. Kids had friends over tonight. Sarah, Jordan, Haley, Erik, and April. They made a big pot of pasta with cheese sauce, bacon, and sausage. They're playing a version of volleyball in a circle and the plans are to play Quelf later. Sara S. gave me a bonsai plant with the word 'Faith' on it. I asked God for the gift of faith and he gave it to me. She wrote a most encouraging note. I love her. I am thankful for hope. I am thankful for the tearily whispered 'Thanks for bringing them to us.' I am thankful for the sound of young voices laughing and the bopping of the ball.
Sun.-Yay! Pastor Bill and Jenny McIntosh were overwhelmingly welcomed by love and votes by New Lifer's this morning. They have four children ranging in ages 8-17. They've been staying with Steve and Dianna this weekend. Our whole family was there together. Michael made me a Mother's Day meal of Fish and Chips. We had ice cream and Freeman and Alli's brownies for late dessert. We watched a movie together in the evening. A Bourne movie. It was a nice day.
Tues.-Went out to co-op. Had lunch with Catherine at Riverside. She gave me her brother's manuscript about Mary, the Mother of Jesus to peruse. Stopped in to see Judy before heading home. Michelle came over late afternoon for a visit. Knit group in eve. Baby shower for Teresa. Good to see the girls again. 1 1/2 inches of rain.
Wed.-Watched 'Lincoln' with Michael and Susan. Chalked it up under 'history' hours. Cleaning back room. Can reach the piano again. Raining more. Making candles. Day 8 of Juice Fast. Eating that salad yesterday made me hungry for salads to eat rather than salads to drink. Officer H. stopped by today. He is interested in buying Philip's pigs. He showed us how his dog performs and told us how he is trained to scent follow humans, etc. He also told us how to barbeque a pig with apple juice. He reminds me of Buddy S. I made the first salad from our garden. Lettuce and spinach. I added cucumbers, radishes, and onions. I decided that it is okay to eat anything I could juice. I made up a salad dressing that is delicious. One avocado smushed. A squirt of olive oil. Twice as much red wine vinegar. Salt. A tsp. of honey and a tsp. of coconut sugar. Mix it up. Then toss it with the salad. I had it for lunch and supper. Susan wants it every day. The supper men liked it also. The sun shone a little this evening. The sky is blue and pink. There is fog in the meadow. The dishwasher is running. A new candle is burning. There is peace in our valley.
Thurs.-Once again, Homeschool Softball unites the Body of Christ, and I am glad.
Fri.-My 55th birthday. Heard from family and friends via face book and phone calls. Last day of 10 day juice fast. Celebrated with homemade ice cream. Mulched front garden. Phil brought home beautiful lilies, peonies, and purple flowers. We dug up a new little garden on the other side of the front porch. Windows open. Breezes blowing.
Sat.-Almost finished new front garden. Cleaned house. Went to a meeting at church to meet-n'-greet some precious people. Visited Buddy S. and Cierra and Ian after we came home. Kids had friends over tonight. Sarah, Jordan, Haley, Erik, and April. They made a big pot of pasta with cheese sauce, bacon, and sausage. They're playing a version of volleyball in a circle and the plans are to play Quelf later. Sara S. gave me a bonsai plant with the word 'Faith' on it. I asked God for the gift of faith and he gave it to me. She wrote a most encouraging note. I love her. I am thankful for hope. I am thankful for the tearily whispered 'Thanks for bringing them to us.' I am thankful for the sound of young voices laughing and the bopping of the ball.
Sun.-Yay! Pastor Bill and Jenny McIntosh were overwhelmingly welcomed by love and votes by New Lifer's this morning. They have four children ranging in ages 8-17. They've been staying with Steve and Dianna this weekend. Our whole family was there together. Michael made me a Mother's Day meal of Fish and Chips. We had ice cream and Freeman and Alli's brownies for late dessert. We watched a movie together in the evening. A Bourne movie. It was a nice day.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Hertzler Doings~April 28-May 5, 2013
Mon.-Still at the beach house. Raining and a bit chilly. Washed our sheets and towels and cleaned the house. Loaded the car. Went to a little Mexican Restaurant nearby while things were in dryer. Came back and switched things around and went shopping on Asbury Street. Came back and finished putting away towels and dishes. Headed for home around 1:30. Rough traffic in Phila. Went back to Naomi's.Went out to Yoders with Mabe, Naomi, Krissy, and Ashley. Had the soup and salad bar. Met Bev on her way home from work. Had sent most of my things with her since there wasn't room for everything in Naomi's car. So good to see her again. Came back and watched Pride and Prejudice with the girls until we couldn't keep our eyes open. Slept again in Morgans bed.
Tues.-Visited with Naomi over coffee and then headed to Rosalee's for breakfast shortly after 8. She made everything so special by using Mother's place mats, plates, saucers, and glasses. She served a toasted English muffin with ham, eggs, and provolone cheese. After she made it, she wrapped it in foil, and the cheese melted into everything. So good. Also served hash browns, Grandma Landis' crumb cake, fresh fruit salad, coffee, and orange juice. We had such a nice visit. Then I headed to Glennwood Foods. Bought some ham loaf and a frozen turkey to keep it cold in my cooler. Bought some cereal, etc. Then headed home. I stopped at Marian's Fabric Store off 81 and bought some housecoat material and fell in love with her son-in-law's huge German Shepherd-Damien. I videotaped him on my camera for Phil and he fell in love with him too. Had to keep stopping at rest stops to stay awake. Closed my eyes at one just to rest a bit. Judy talked to me the last half hour of the trip and that really helped. Got home after 6:30 and had left around 11. Put alot of my things away and gave out gifts. I got Susan pretty earrings that had lots of little pieces of color in an oval shape and circular shape.She liked them very much. I got the boys a painted sign that says, "MANCAVE-Women by Invitation Only." They loved it. I got Freeman and Alli a box of Shriver's salt water taffy. I got Phil...well, I came home. And he forgot he had a meeting and he got there late and wasn't here when I got home. Took me a long time to stop jerking awake. Kept feeling like I was about to be run over by big trucks. So much traffic on 81.
Wed.-Catch up day. Washed and cleaned and rested and blogged. Saw Lindsay's announcement on facebook. She announced it with a picture. A clothesline. Gil's white shirt. Lindsay's white baggy shirt. Emma's white dress. Adi's white slip. And a little white onesie. Little darling is now a size of a hershey's kiss. 9 weeks old.
Thurs.-Second day of juice fast. Miserable. Aching. Cold.
Fri.-A significant day. All will be well.
Sat.-Alli got me some tomatoes and herbs to plant. It's cold outside. Heart of Va. Julie and Susan went to Heart of Va. and fireworks. S. spent the night at Julz. Freeman got a 23 pound turkey at Rich's. Michael is working there today and got to see it. Phil and Philip are fishing. Freeman, Alli, and I, went to Ranck's to pick up our two beehives. Gil and Emma spent the night. They are going to District Council this week. So great to see them. Emma slept in bed with me since Phil was away.
Sun.-Nice breakfast and conversation with Gil, Emma, and Michael. Gil took part of the service at church and represented corporate missions in PAThomas's sermon on missions. They came back here afterwards along with Freeman, Alli, and Susan. We had toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup and tortillas with bear meat and beans for anyone who wanted it. They left soon after 3. So great to see them. So easy to be with them. Phil and Philip got home late in eve. with two coolers of trout. Phil got to see Tom T. while he was in Pa. I'm starting to feel better. Day 5 of juice fast.
Tues.-Visited with Naomi over coffee and then headed to Rosalee's for breakfast shortly after 8. She made everything so special by using Mother's place mats, plates, saucers, and glasses. She served a toasted English muffin with ham, eggs, and provolone cheese. After she made it, she wrapped it in foil, and the cheese melted into everything. So good. Also served hash browns, Grandma Landis' crumb cake, fresh fruit salad, coffee, and orange juice. We had such a nice visit. Then I headed to Glennwood Foods. Bought some ham loaf and a frozen turkey to keep it cold in my cooler. Bought some cereal, etc. Then headed home. I stopped at Marian's Fabric Store off 81 and bought some housecoat material and fell in love with her son-in-law's huge German Shepherd-Damien. I videotaped him on my camera for Phil and he fell in love with him too. Had to keep stopping at rest stops to stay awake. Closed my eyes at one just to rest a bit. Judy talked to me the last half hour of the trip and that really helped. Got home after 6:30 and had left around 11. Put alot of my things away and gave out gifts. I got Susan pretty earrings that had lots of little pieces of color in an oval shape and circular shape.She liked them very much. I got the boys a painted sign that says, "MANCAVE-Women by Invitation Only." They loved it. I got Freeman and Alli a box of Shriver's salt water taffy. I got Phil...well, I came home. And he forgot he had a meeting and he got there late and wasn't here when I got home. Took me a long time to stop jerking awake. Kept feeling like I was about to be run over by big trucks. So much traffic on 81.
Wed.-Catch up day. Washed and cleaned and rested and blogged. Saw Lindsay's announcement on facebook. She announced it with a picture. A clothesline. Gil's white shirt. Lindsay's white baggy shirt. Emma's white dress. Adi's white slip. And a little white onesie. Little darling is now a size of a hershey's kiss. 9 weeks old.
Thurs.-Second day of juice fast. Miserable. Aching. Cold.
Fri.-A significant day. All will be well.
Sat.-Alli got me some tomatoes and herbs to plant. It's cold outside. Heart of Va. Julie and Susan went to Heart of Va. and fireworks. S. spent the night at Julz. Freeman got a 23 pound turkey at Rich's. Michael is working there today and got to see it. Phil and Philip are fishing. Freeman, Alli, and I, went to Ranck's to pick up our two beehives. Gil and Emma spent the night. They are going to District Council this week. So great to see them. Emma slept in bed with me since Phil was away.
Sun.-Nice breakfast and conversation with Gil, Emma, and Michael. Gil took part of the service at church and represented corporate missions in PAThomas's sermon on missions. They came back here afterwards along with Freeman, Alli, and Susan. We had toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup and tortillas with bear meat and beans for anyone who wanted it. They left soon after 3. So great to see them. So easy to be with them. Phil and Philip got home late in eve. with two coolers of trout. Phil got to see Tom T. while he was in Pa. I'm starting to feel better. Day 5 of juice fast.
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