Normal Conversation?

 Normal Conversation?

 

Right now, in the parts of my brain that are still not stewed into mush, the thoughts circling the kettle include the difficulty of trying to carry on any semblance of a “normal” conversation—one that does not include the groans and moans that accompany the lack of comfort found in the atmosphere. Other than early in the morning with a breeze out of the east, it does not seem possible to enjoy being outside. Sprayed down the ground underneath the deck and suddenly discovered that Thompson had found that cool, wet place. And the silly ol’ woman wonders how the floors get so dirty!

 

Two brave—or foolish—hens had dropped their bounty in the nests today. Had offered a dozen eggs to the young neighbors who sometimes hold a Bible study at their house. One of their attendees is a guy by the name of Jerry Jones. He has cancer and has told them he thinks he is about ready for hospice. His breathing has become more than just difficult. Anyway, a little prayer for his comfort and hope have been on my mind and in my heart. He is pretty much all alone. Just sad.

 

Keep getting sweet pictures from Sharon Dickerson showing their little “garden” of cone flowers, yucca flowers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. Growing something makes a person feel hopeful even when all else seems a bit hopeless. Think Sharon and her husband Jim may be coming this direction for his high school reunion in July. Have hopes that they are both feeling better by now.

 

Went down to check on Patty this morning. Saw her going down the backside of her steps on the east side of her porch. Then she even went out of sight. It scared me just a bit, so after getting the house key, took off to see about her. Got down about half way to see her make her way back up the stairs holding on to both rails. Seems she was putting caps on the rail ends to keep it from being sharp and make it look nicer. Ended up asking her to PLEASE put her phone in her pocket if she is going outside like that. Tried not to be bossy, but she really does worry me at times. We sat out on the patio and let the pups run around in the grass where it is still green.

 

Have read more in this book about the Bible. Some of the things have made me laugh. Had never thought about the idea that the folks who try to produce a “harmony of the gospels” are actually trying to reconcile four men who never argued! Baxter talked about the reasons that God showed the differences between the writers and their relationship to Christ. Baxter explained the creatures of Ezekial—the lion, the ox, the man, and the eagle. Matthew referred to the Messiah-King. Mark sees Jehovah’s Servant—the ox. Luke portrays the Son of Man—the man. And John portrays the Son of God—the eagle. Sometimes it really amazes me that the pictures are right in front of us, and yet it only becomes clear when something is pointed out. The Bible is often like those hidden mystery puzzles that take a certain perspective to become clear. It takes God to show us the outlines and then the whole picture.

 

Praying tonight for all those who must work in this world of pain and despair tonight. From dawn to the final ebbing of light, it feels as if we are hardly strong enough to endure. May God give us all strength and hope.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.