REACHING BACK TO MAY 2014  .....  RE-ENTRY

What a happy month!  I purged my house of things I don't need.  Rented a storage closet and got a lot of things out.  Donated a dresser and bookshelves.  NOW the fun begins!

I even learned how to make chalk paint and re-did a formerly dark wood/wrought iron dresser for my guest room (which I call a Prophet's Chamber).

I gave away the big dresser and mirror so now I'm working on filling the wall with LOTS of mirrors - and my sweet Tobey made me a huge "flower" out of an old Shakespeare book - perfect centerpiece!

Methinks it's PERFECTLY perfect now!

Re-entry into life as a US person has been ... interesting!  But hanging out with family, church friends, and neighbors - it's just been fabulous.  My wonderful handy-man friend has come over 2-3 times and we're beginning a huge project on those railroad ties which used to hold up the slope on which my house is sitting!  This is going to be major - the house is cracking in the middle.  I've known for a long time that the dirt was slowly sliding off into the street but now it seems the house is too - oh boy!  Trimming trees, spraying for critters ... total immersion, eh?

I got a big surprise from the Bedford Police on the 27th of May - a SPEEDING TICKET! Yes I was going too fast and yes it was a construction zone - but I did NOT plan on spending $300 right at this time.  Believe you me, I drive the speed limit now!  I guess that police officer was having a very bad day - and he surely didn't know I' d just bought a CHAIN SAW - ha!

AND I got new house numbers!  For the first time ever, this house has numbers - ain't THAT grand! I call my house "Villa Shalom" cause it's full of peace! Hopefully, yours is too.

REACHING BACK to April 2014      .....     NEW BEGINNINGS

Well now - into each life some poo must fall.  And a boatload fell into mine the end of February - and now, here I am back in Texas.  Betrayal is NEVER fun - on any level.  "Nuff said!"

A painful parting with my precious Shakespeare - he was so very weak and frail and those eyes were just begging me to let him go.  I couldn't bring him back and bury him in our yard - I just had to leave him in the hands of my sweet vet and trust I'll see him again!

Rest in Peace, my little love.

So, Dickens and Janey and I arrived at the airport in Cairo just before midnight to prep for our loooooong flight back to Texas.  We were met by Latif - the expiditer provided by the company - who quickly found out that there had been a mistake on my ticket and I had only booked ONE DOG in the hold and one CAT in cabin.  Both cats were in their air carriers - Janey's too big for cabin! You can't imagine what a stir we made at the airport.  TWO huge bags, two cat carriers, a carryon and a frazzled me.  What do we do?  I cannot leave her.  I cannot go back ... getting out of Egypt was HARD! The airline (Lufthansa ROCKS) agreed to take my carrier AND my carryon as checked luggage at no extra cost.  See the shrink wrap?  That's my carry-on - which had my LAPTOP in it! OY VEY!

 

Latif went out on the midnight Cairo airport street and found a plastic gym bag.  He and someone at the airport cut holes in it and THIS is what my precious Janey rode home in - in Business Class.  She was an ANGEL!  She couldn't turn around - barely ate - but slept all the way home.

And then the tricky business of getting all this stuff home - thank goodness for sweet Daphne who picked us up in her big Volvo, helped get Janey into the carrier and transported all of us home.  Of course, there was the mandatory stop for cat litter - and half-n-half for my coffee!

Janey has forgiven me - especially since I've fixed her a cozy place to watch birds and squirrels! Dickens - well he's old and getting senile and can't quite bring himself to try and get along.  But we're coping.

                                                 

And once again - BOXES!  This time only 120 or so!  But they arrived, were unpacked and the settling began.  Getting out of Egypt was very painful but it is SO WONDERFUL to finally be home and safe and "out" - honest, transparent and humbled.

My major project has been this horrid yard.  I first began with weekly trips to my favorite store - Lowe's - to purchase plants in the "sick plant" department.  I planted rose bushes and Mandevilla vines along the fence - now Janey and I have a pleasant view from our prayer closet.

                                              BEFORE                                              

AFTER in transition

It's starting to take shape ... I'll show you more as progress evolves.  Suffice it to say, that turning into the driveway now makes me smile.  I needed a "happy place" and this is it.

Loving getting to spend time with my son and his family - and driving up to Tulsa to see my sweet daughter and her hubby.  And of course, being able to join my church family is over the moon wonderful!  All in all, it's GOOD to be home!  The biggest difficulty is pronouns for me - I now have to switch from "us" to "me" and from "we" to "I" - but I'm learning - hee hee!

My first Monday back at volunteering brought a very special surprise.  Two sweet people, newly arrived from IRAN and needing English help.  Voila!  ESL classes at DFW New Beginnings have begun.  We have Sunday morning lessons and Monday night lessons and I am LOVING it!

The book is almost ready.  Finishing up edits and proofing cover designs - SO exciting.

No matter what life throws - God is bigger.  No matter the hurdle - He is able.  Life is GOOD and God is GOODER (don't tell my ESL students that though)!

Vol.1, No 14

11 October 2003

Long Time No Sea

WELL – though it seems an eternity since I posted a “mews,” it’s really been only the LONGEST WEEKS OF MY LIFE!  (Okay – just seems like it.)  I was “grounded” from the sea because of a sciatic nerve problem and thought my mewsing was over for the winter.  NOT SO!  Been back in the coooooooooooold water 3-4 times – even the starfish are hiding in the cold.  I wonder where they go?  Deeper water?  South for the winter – but, er, this IS south!  Or maybe just under the sand?  WHATEVER, they are hiding cause it is COLD down there!

Anyway, today I had a “smack you in the face with it” revelation and have been chewing on this for awhile.  Thought I’d share it with you.  Guess what?  I’VE GOT A FEELING EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE ALL RIGHT!  WHY?  Jesus is in MY boat!  (p.s.  He’s in YOUR boat, too!)

This morning, I read the story of the storm at sea in a devotional book.  Now picture this:  Tiny boat, 12 disciples and Jesus, deep water, middle of the night, black dark, STORM!  As the boat is rocking and rolling on the sea, the disciples are in a state of panic.  I can picture them trying to bail a boat full of sea water with a thimble, can’t you?  They are yelling at each other, frantically trying to figure out what to DO to fix this mess – AS IF!!!  Oh, yes, and where is the main character in this scenario – in the back of the boat, FAST ASLEEP!

Finally, after an eternity (so it seemed to them) of trying to figure their way out of this problem, somebody remembered Jesus was with them (are you getting this????).  They wake Him up!  NOW, step inside my shoes for a moment and listen to my heart.

Jesus (as I picture this) groggily steadies Himself in the boat, speaks to the winds and the waves (GUESS WHO, BOYS!  It’s your CREATOR speaking!  KNOCK IT OFF!), then slowly sits down and points those incredible eyes at the disciples.  He doesn’t have to SAY a word because in their spirits, they are hearing … ‘DID YOU HONESTLY THINK THIS BOAT WOULD SINK AND THAT YOU WOULD DROWN --- WITH THE SON OF GOD IN THE BOAT!’

Anybody reading this in the same “boat” with me???  I’ve been trying to figure my way out of the current mess (bailing the sea out with a thimble) while Jesus is calmly snoring IN MY BOAT!  How in the world could I ever think that He would let me drown if He is in the same boat?!?!?!  He brought me here!  He opened the doors to get me where I am!  And if this boat sinks, I figure there’s a bigger better one waiting to rescue me/us – right around the corner!!

While repenting for my lack of faith, I picked up my Bible and read of the woman with the issue of blood.  Mews #2:  This woman had to fight crowds to get to Jesus.  She had faith to believe that if she just touched His clothes, she would be healed – but because of the time she was living in, she actually had to FIND HIM and TOUCH HIM!

Guess what?  Though heaven is a noisy place – with billions of angels singing and praising and glorifying Jesus and the Father – all we have to do is WHISPER “Jesus” and He says “SH!  QUIET!  My daughter/son is talking to me!”  We can have His attention with a whisper!

I don’t know about you folks, but I think THAT will PREACH!  When your “boat” begins to rock and roll, remember you don’t have to GO anywhere to find help – just whisper His Name and TRUST HIM!

Meow!

MARTHA’S MEWS

Vol. 1, no. 13

11 September 2003

I’m Proud!

It is indeed hard to believe that 2 years have passed since the horrid events of September 11, 2001.  Each of us is remembering where we were and what we were doing on that fateful day.

Here at the base, we had a fantastic memorial service and it made me proud.  First of all, I’m proud of our Chaplain.  He and I (plus Stacey and Corey) were the music event.  Chaps was bustling around like a little bee when I arrived at 7:15 a.m. (that’s in the morning, folks!), setting up the sound system and other equipment.  But when the memorial started, he was dressed in his khaki uniform and ready for action.  He led the opening prayer.  It was probably the only event of the day not scripted and rehearsed and it was PRECIOUS!

I’m proud of our military – both the US and the Greek.  American Navy men and women saluted and civilian personnel stood at attention as the Greek national anthem was played.  And the Greek military and civilians did the same while our anthem played.

I’m proud of our flag.  As I stood there with my hand over my heart, listening to the strains of the “Star Spangled Banner,” I must confess, I was thinking of all the places I’d been where this song had been played.  As I looked up at the flag, I saw a white plane flying high in the sky – and I thought about those people who perished in planes two years ago.  I remembered a basketball game at ORU just before I left the states, when I was wondering if I would ever hear my national anthem again.  What a road I have traveled in these past years.

I’m proud of our Commanding Officer.  He stood tall and read words of peace and memoriam.  He talked about how these tragic events had unified us and made us realize that we are not alone – we are part of families and neighborhoods and communities.   As I listened to him, I looked out at the faces of the men and women in uniform, the firefighters, the civilian personnel, and precious little Shannon, munching her breakfast on top of the big fire truck.  We are members of a community – even here in Souda Bay, Crete.

I’m proud of the Greek Captain as well.  His speech was made in Greek (and beautifully interpreted by the South African Executive Assistant at the base) and had some very soul-stirring words.  He said that many people perished in that attack two years ago who were not Americans.  He said that this was not an American attack but an attack against all free nations and people.  “Terrorism has affected all of us.”  We were two nations, side by side, this morning.  And it was beautiful.

I’m proud of our police department.  As the policemen’s prayer was read, I thought about all the men and women in law enforcement all over America – who have a prayer that acknowledges God as creator, protector and guide.  WOW!

I’m proud of our fire department.  As Corey struggled to keep his composure while reading the Fire Fighter’s prayer, I thought of all the families of fire fighters who are remembering today.  The bell rang at the end of each line – it was hard for all of us to hear but good for all of us to remember.

I’m proud that Chaps and Stacey and Corey and I could stand in front of this group and proudly sing “To God Be the Glory” – without fear that someone would imprison us for our faith.

And as wreaths were laid respectfully at the base of the huge anchor that sits in front of our Administration Building, I was proud to be allowed a part in all of this.  Who knew that becoming a dishwasher on a military base would allow such a privilege!

However, I totally lost my composure when taps was played.  The strains of that trumpet blowing the notes that are known far and wide as the final FINAL – crystallized it all.  Noone knows when the “taps” will sound.  We have no guarantees of a tomorrow or even a tonight.  Some of those precious people who perished in New York City were ready to meet their Maker – had made their peace with God.  Many were caught by surprise. 

I stood there and listened, grateful for the knowledge that I’m ready – in fact I am MORE than ready – I’m WAITING for that final trumpet to blow.  I pray that you are, too.  THAT would make me more proud than anything!

Tell someone you love them today – and mean it!

1 Sept. 2003

Vol. 1, No. 12

Stars, Slugs and Happiness

It is an interesting position to find oneself in – happiness.  But I’ve come to realize lately that I am there!  Money?  Position?  Power?  Nope.  Just a deep, abiding sense of contentment, happiness and surety that I am 100% in the center of God’s will for my life at this moment.  In the eyes of some, I am wasting myself – not using my talents or abilities to their fullest potential.  But in the eyes of my Father, I am right where He wants me - and that is a tremendous release from stress and pressure.

As I swam yesterday, I think I discovered an object lesson for this contentment.  First I saw a tiny little starfish.  Some are a grayish blue color and really easy to see on the sandy floor of the sea and this little guy was about 2 inches from tip to tip - literally the only star visible.  As I watched him, he moved slowly for a short time and then he seemed to bury himself in the sand.  Only the outline of a star was visible – it really looks like the sand dollars that sometimes are found on the beach.  There was nothing coming after him – not even a little ugly fish – so I was a bit puzzled as to why he was digging in so deeply.

I swam a few feet away and something else on the bottom caught my eye.  At first I thought it was just a blade of sea grass.  But as I looked more closely, I saw LEGS!  This was some kind of centipede creature – with dozens and dozens of tiny little legs.  It was colorful in a brownish-beige sort of way and about 6 inches long.  As I hung above this little critter, I watched it struggle mightily against the current of the sea.  It would take a few “steps” and then get blown all over the place – upside down, sideways – it must have been a frightening experience.  Then the sea would settle a bit and the critter would start its slow crawl all over again.  There could not have been much of an agenda for this “trip” because the critter started each step in a different direction after it landed.

Of course, then the lesson came.  The Bible says for us to be rooted and grounded – like the little star.  It might not have been trying to protect itself but it surely did not blow around haphazardly from place to place.  The little guy with all the legs didn’t have sense enough to burrow into the sand and so he was carried every which way by the flow of things.  Do you get it?

Contentment (aka happiness) comes when we are buried in Him – the One Who gave us life and has all authority to govern what we do with it.  Fighting His will for our lives only results in our being blown about unprotected.  The little star was snuggled up in the sand, waiting out the storm.  The critter with all the legs had certainly more qualifications for success – lots of legs, EYES, much more movement – but he just did not quite get the plot.  He was still trying to “get there” on his own steam – and that was quickly stopped by the winds that blew across his environment.

So, my friends and loved ones, I find myself quite content.  I still stretch my legs and try to plot my own course a bit – but the next time I find myself blowing about in the wind, I’m going to remember that little star and snuggle up to the One who knows the plans He has for me – plans for a future and a hope!   Psalm 1

Shalom

Vol. 1, No.11

26 August 2003

THE DANCE, THE PICNIC AND THE ROCK

Kali Mera from the beautiful island of Crete.  Today, I am “playing” the glad game and telling my Father all the things I am glad for.  I had to send a phone message to Helmut to tell him thank you for loaning me his family.  Angelika (sister) and Miriam (niece) are here with me and we are having a ball getting acquainted.  Miriam’s husband is fascinated with American things so I am teaching her phrases and idioms and she is teaching me German sentences – one per day.  I have learned to say “This is a beautiful day,” “I had a wonderful time” and the best … “Swimming in the sea was fantastic!”  They are truly precious and a BIG “glad” for me.

So, I took the girls to my beach for a swim today – buckle your seatbelts!  The first thing I found was a lonely crab having a little picnic in the sand.  His (or was it her?) back parts were buried in the sand and in his “arms” he held the most exquisite shell – the kind I find on the Blue Beach.  Of course, I watched for the longest time, hoping he would finish and I could have the “remains” – no such luck.  This is an AMAZING creature.  On the end of his pincers, there are long spears which look like a white toothpick.  He was sticking these spears inside the tiny shell and forcing out the meat.  Then he would turn it over and over and over to make sure he didn’t drop a bite.  Every so often, he became aware of me and would grab this shell like a Dallas Cowboy with a football and scurry across the sand.  Then he would back into another little hole, bury his back legs and begin again.  Of course, he didn’t realize that I just swam along with him – ha!  All at once, I saw him bury his whole body in the sand – all I could see was the very tip of his picnic.  The reason?  A platoon of baby fish was swimming by!  What an interesting place is the bottom of the sea!

THEN, I swam right up to the turtle rock – never been so close before.  The most gorgeous fish I’ve ever seen was having a meal there.  He was colored like a parrot – turquoise, bright green, yellow.  Don’t even ask – you KNOW I didn’t have a camera – I’ll take it with me next time!  I watched this heavenly bit of my Father’s creation until the Imperial Guard arrived.  These are tiny scissor-tail fish – about 3 inches long.  They swim in big platoons of 30 or more – fearsome looking.  They are dark Army green and outlined in black.  Reminds me of the Orks in the Lord of the Rings in a way SO when the Imperial Guard arrives, I scoot!

On the way back to shore, I found another miracle.  Of course, I followed a few stars for a while and then I saw the REAL King Ugly!  This fish was horrid – dark green and black wavy lines all over his body and his eyes were outlined in black like Cleopatra.  I thought he had a “track” in the sea but soon realized it was another fish – sand colored.  THEN I became aware that I was watching a courtship.  This ugly fish actually STOOD UP on his back fins and danced!  Then he went around and … are you ready … SAT ON HER HEAD!  Oh, thank You Jesus that I am not this kind of creature!  Can you imagine King Ugly sitting on YOUR head!  ICK!

Suddenly, K.U. began to swim away quickly – so of course, I followed.  He was on the hunt – there were 3-4 other large sand-colored “queens” in his path and they did NOT find him the least bit attractive!  At one point, he flipped over, showing me the most beautiful shimmery silver belly!  I thought – this is like our enemy, isn’t it.  He has ugly parts and then can become an ‘angel of light’ if need be.  But these girls were NOT buying his act – they just kept swimming away.  And this is what WE should do – because we know that in spite of all the shiny, shimmery, silvery parts – he is at the core – KING UGLY!

And so, my friends, when tempted to horde your blessings from the Lord, remember this little crab – a picnic is no fun if you’re all by yourself.  SHARE THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD TODAY!  And watch out for dancing King Uglies who would only sit on your head and pull you away from the hope that our Father brings!  God loves us each so very much – He has such a brilliant future for each of us.  And hey – the present ain’t so bad either!  So, get out there and rejoice and be GLAD!

MARTHA’S MEWS

 Vol 1, No. 10

10 August 2003

Star Track Gazing

I know you’ve seen this heading before but THIS is different!  I’ve been thinking a lot lately about a couple of old hymns.  First is the one called “Let Others See Jesus in You.”  I went on a search for the words so I use  this song in our chapel group.  Here’s a refresher (or an introduction, if you’re not familiar with it):

While passing thru this world of sin and others your life shall view,

Be clean and pure without within.  Let others see Jesus in you.

Let others see Jesus in you.  Let others see Jesus in you.

Keep telling the story; be faithful and true.

Let others see Jesus in you.

Your life’s a book before their eyes.  They’re reading it thru and thru.

Say, does it point them to the skies?  Do others see Jesus in you?

Powerful words, eh?  These words popped up in my spirit while I was watching the starfish yesterday morning!  I found a little “clan” of about 6 starfish – all sizes, colors and textures – and as I watched them moving about on the sandy sea bottom, I noticed something fresh and new.  One starfish was making a deep impression on the sand (!) because when it moved away, there was a perfect star track where he had been.

I know you can see where I’m going with this.  I watched in amazement as this little starfish continued impressing the sand as it traveled thru the sand.  And then, here came those words – my life is a book that the people around me are reading.  Is it leaving tracks that point the readers heavenward – or someplace else?

AND THEN, the chaplain’s message Sunday was from Acts 27 – Paul’s shipwreck.  He pointed out that Paul’s promise from the angel was that all the people with him would be saved.  He challenged us all to look in our “boat” and find the people that are looking at us for hope, light and help.  So I’m right back at my starfish tracks again.  Here’s a little “oldie but goodie” to leave you with! 

BRIGHTEN THE CORNER

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,

Do not wait to send your light afar.

To the many duties ever near you now be true.  Brighten the corner where you are!

Here for all your talent you may surely    find a need

Here reflect the Bright and Morning  Star.

Even from your humble hand, the bread of life may feed,

Brighten the corner where you are.

Brighten the corner where you are!

Brighten the corner where you are!

Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar,

Brighten the corner where you are.

I hope you’ll look around at the people in your “boat” and see whose corner needs a little brightening!  I know that our Father wants us to leave tracks where we’ve been.  They don’t even have to be big tracks – just some kind of mark that says you were there!  The HK teachers are always telling me they miss my laughter – hey – that’s a star track!