Friday, April 13, 2007

Friday the 13th


Today is Friday, the 13th, typically a day clothed in superstition and thoughts of bad luck, etc. The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia (a word that is derived from the concatenation of the Greek words Παρασκευή, δεκατρείς, and φοβία, meaning Friday, thirteen, and phobia respectively; alternate spellings include paraskevodekatriaphobia or paraskevidekatriaphobia) or friggatriskaidekaphobia, and is a specialized form of triskaidekaphobia, a phobia (fear) of the number thirteen.

To me, it’s simply another day that the Lord has blessed me with, and it’s one of the most beautiful days we’ve had this week. It was supposed to rain today, but instead we have blue skies with high white clouds and a slight breeze!

God gives us the choice of being free from the superstitions and fears that often plague our lives. The rituals that we sometimes go through to avoid certain situations and places that could bring us “bad luck” or difficulties, are a weight that we don’t need to carry. We don’t need incantations, or protective spirits or amulets of any kind to protect us. God’s love does that for us, and much more! All we have to do is ask – that’s the blessing of His love!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Psalm 46:1

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Those Special Moments

Sometimes those special little moments that we all treasure, can come upon us quite unexpectedly, in unexpected ways and places.

I have found that the people here in my new “home town” are quite friendly and seem to always be ready to help a newcomer. I’ve found them in shops, parks, and on the buses.

I remember when I was just moving here and had to take a city bus to my apartment. One of the passengers was obviously a “regular” and was chatting away with the driver. Suddenly he slowed the bus a bit and pointed out to us a white squirrel in a yard along the route. Sure enough, it wasn’t a cat or any other kind of critter - it was definitely a white squirrel. I know they exist, but as far as I knew, none had been seen in this area before, and I had certainly never seen one! What a moment that was!!

I was riding the city bus again yesterday to take care of some errands. When we arrived at the main transit center downtown, the bus driver and I had a chance to chat a few minutes, as we waited until it was time to go again. There was only one other dozing passenger on the bus at the time, so I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and ask him where I could find certain things in town, and about some of the bus rules and routes, etc.

He was a nice personable man and I enjoyed his company. He was very helpful and even went out of his way to show me where to get off to get to particular stores, etc. After leaving the transit center, I knew I had a while to ride yet before reaching my destination, so pulled out my book and got comfortable.

Suddenly the driver spoke up and said “Look at the deer!” There we were, only blocks from downtown and standing in the open, in a partially wooded area were two deer! What a neat surprise for this city-living country girl!!

Man and nature coming together, if only for a short while. As we continue to infringe on, and take over their homeland, more and more creatures are coming closer and closer – both in fear, and out of need of space and food. Yet, it created a very special moment for those of us just riding a city bus to somewhere.

Two very special moments, in two very unexpected places . . . another of God’s daily blessings!

It’s Spring, and that always holds the promise of very special moments, in very special times and places. Watch for them, with family and friends – and even with the occasional stranger!

This is the day which the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

A Future Full of Hope and Promise

I have finally moved forward through the transition of relocating to a new home and new life in a new town! In answer to many prayers, God has led in this transition, and it just feels right!

My new home is in a nice, quiet neighborhood. It’s a friendly apartment complex where neighbors look after each other – like the good ol’ days! Friendships seem to be easily made, and some have been nurtured and treasured for years!

Life here is quiet and peaceful – flowers blooming outside my window, and birds singing away throughout the day! It’s a bright and beautiful day out today, and there is happiness in my soul. I see a promising future with new friends to add to the longtime and treasured friends that I’ve collected over the years.

Now comes the time for unpacking and settling in for the long haul. There’s a true sense of satisfaction in being able to get my own creativity flowing as I decorate and set up my new home in a way that reflects who I am, and what I like! Hopefully my new apartment will soon be my own little haven of serenity.

God has truly blessed me with wonderful friends who have been very supportive during this transition, and I think there will be more treasured friends in my future! God is true and dependable in His leading on our paths along life’s journey. We can rest assured that in our relationship with Him, we will always find a trusted Friend who blesses us each day with His Presence and guidance in our lives!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11