Graduation and the associated party over, I started the day feeling strangely tired and drained. I didn't know if it was a hangover form the prep and stress of company, the remnants of my cold, a hormonal imbalance, or just what, but my remedy was to take a cup of coffee and a brownie and go sit on the deck with the birds and the trees and talk recent events over with God. The good news is that it worked! The beautiful day was impossible to resist, as was the combination of chocolate and coffee in the presence of the Lord! The moment could only be described as heavenly, a word that I suddenly realized described the history behind the brownie I was so quickly consuming. They were baked and delivered by a lady I met over the cash register at Kroger. We had become good friends over the course of her infrequent shopping trips, and when she heard I was stressing over my graduation party plans, she sent me a note saying that she wanted to deliver some treats for the event. Of course I told her not to do any such thing, but to simply come and be a part of the celebration. She didn't expect to be able to do so, however, with two other obligations scheduled for the same day.

Party day arrived and soon the guests did, too. The house was filled with friends old and new, and lots of food and laughter. Suddenly my husband spotted a car pull into the yard and a woman get out of it that he didn't recognize. I did, however, and ran to the door, where my shopping buddy handed me the promised treats - brownies baked to perfection, individually wrapped and tied with gold ribbon, and layered in tissue in a beautiful gift bag. Refusing to come in because of the other places she needed to be, she merely hugged me and left, despite the dog's best efforts to hogtie her with the rope on which he was tied and make her stay.

The brownies themselves were the hit of the party, people declaring them to be the best they'd tasted and some upcoming grads asking shyly if perhaps she could make them for their graduation parties, as well! My pastor simply buried his in scoops of ice cream and layers of hot fudge sauce, declaring himself ready for a nap when it was consumed.

Thinking about it later I remembered that I'd asked God to be present at the party. I just hadn't expected him to arrive in a pink dress, wearing pink shoes and with his blonde hair piled high on his head, carrying His love for us all in his heart and his hands. I guess I should've known...!

Today is Graduation Day! At 7 p.m. tonight my son Kevin dons his cap and gown and collects his diploma. As he headed out the door to school for the last time this morning I was doing okay...until he turned around and THANKED me for the last 13 years of getting him up in the mornings, driving him to school or waving goodbye as he drove himself!!!... as if it was some kind of burden instead of just an incredible joy to be the mother of such a terrific kid. I lost it at that point... managed to wait till he pulled out of the driveway before the floodgates opened completely. Then I grabbed a cup of coffee and headed out to the back deck for a "slow down and celebrate" moment with God. I let myself have a good cry. But just as the sunlight was fighting back the morning fog, so the Son fought back feelings of sadness and replaced the mood with one of celebration. Truly I am thankful to God, today and always, for the gift of three such incredible sons. It's no wonder the time has gone by so fast - "Time flies when you're having fun" - and my boys have the corner on fun!

My week's been alarmingly busy...seems like all I've done is eat and talk, although the meetings of heart and soul were so beneficial to all parties involved - or at least, I hope so! I know they helped me. But after a week of meeting with everybody else, God said, "How about meeting with ME?! See you at Hueston Woods in the morning!" Amazing how much I looked forward to it and enjoyed it today, even though the skies were gloomy with heavy clouds and the wind put a bit of a chill in the air. The woods were gloriously leafed out (!!!) and there was the prettiest carpet of lavender flowers. Wish I'd taken a picture with my camera, as I can't seem to find the flower on the online listing of Ohio wildflowers. Oh well. What I did find in the woods today was peace.

I escaped to Hueston Woods State Park this morning in the hope of catching wood violets, redbud and dogwood all blooming at the same time. Redbud was in its glory, and there was a nice sprinkling of violets along the path I hiked. Too early for dogwood, I guess. But what I found blooming in abundance all over the forest floor were Dutchmans breeches, the spring wildflower that looks like pantaloons hanging on a line to dry... a gentle nudge from God, perhaps, that I should be home working on my own laundry instead of goofing off in the woods! I laughed, snapped a few more photos and came on home. Now both machines in the laundry room are busy and I am relaxing once more, sipping a fresh cup of coffee and reflecting on the glorious start to the day!

(Further research online makes me wonder if what I saw was actually Dutchmans Breeches or its very close relative Squirrel Corn. No hope for it - I will just have to play hookey again on Friday and check it out, to see if God wants me back in the laundry room or out feeding rodents! Either way it looks like I'm in for another wonderful day!)

I woke up this morning - only days after Easter! - feeling discouraged abut some aspects of my life spiritually. I sat down at the table with my cup of coffee, started praying, and God began ministering to me. He reminded me of the back page of the a section in yesterday's newspaper, an ad by Hobby Lobby ministry projects, pictured at left. What a reminder that today (and every day) is a new chance to begin again...to make better choices...to receive His new mercies. It was a such a blessing! Suddenly I looked at the Starbucks mug I was sipping my coffee out of and realized that it was the same - all black with words of love written on it in white. It will serve as reminder of today's message and each day's fresh start.

Another thought: One cup of coffee is never enough to satisfy me. It barely gets me through the first hour of the day! Deliberately I refill it, many times throughout the day. In the same way spiritual "times of refreshing" are available to me whenever I need them, now that my sins have been erased and I live with joy in the presence of the Lord.

"So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord;"
(Acts 3:19 AMP, emphasis mine)

For more years than I care to count I have used Bob Hostetler's "Parents Prayer Calendar" to pray valuable character traits not just into my children's lives, but lately more my own. Posted on my fridge for easy access, I find on it the current date and read the trait to pray about that day. I've been doing it for so long now, however, that rarely do I need to actually check the calendar to guide my daily prayer.

The 30th day of the month has always been a scary one for me in that regard. Praying for courage as the calendar suggests brings thoughts of trial and tribulations requiring the same that I'd rather avoid altogether! I likewise have a list of daily prayer requests to make on behalf of a pastor, and on that page the other night I found the instruction to pray for courage for every task. Now, that I can do, without fear and trembling about what might be coming down the pike.

Thank You, God, for sending that my way... so timely, too, since yesterday's character trait was...courage!

Thinking about the way God keeps us safe from worry and fear when we're resting in Him, my contemplation was disturbed by a situation with my pets. Suddenly I realized He'd just given me a perfect illustration of the concept. My cat (contentment) had been sitting on my lap, purring peacefully. Suddenly the dog (worry and fear) started edging closer and closer, soon making whining noises in his throat which I knew would quickly erupt into a full-fledged bark. So I picked up the cat and carried her towards the safety of the stairs to the basement where she spends most of her time. I turned my body as I did so to shield her from the dog's torment, and even kicked him back a few times when he would try to get in front of us and hinder our progress, jumping and trying to nip at the furry bundle I carried in my arms. In like manner does God shield and protect us, carrying us safely all the way Home.

"...I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will give safety to your children and ease them."
(Isaiah 49:25 AMP)