HE is the Potter and We are the Clay

In Jeremiah  18 1-10 We read about the Potter's house, but today Miracles still occur every day when we, Listen and Obey the call of God's direction.This is such a story.
 Recently I re-connected with someone I knew years ago from our small Methodist church. When this church was absorbed by a much larger church, we all went our separate ways and lost touch with many of our old church friends.By accident, but some have said, it was not an accident it was meant to be, I met an old friend in an unlikely place, the election polls. Barbara was actually a transfer to our working team and had never worked this precinct before. What a provident day that turned out to be!

Ten years ago Barbara and her husband George, a retired psychiatric nurse joined a small  Disciples of Christ Church in Clearwater,  Florida. This church has only 230 people as members, but what this small band of devoted people have accomplished is mind boggling.!

Barbara and George have a mission and a Passion that "no one should go hungry", for over 10 years they followed that direction, funding with their own monies, by feeding the homeless on the street in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is a long story of many successes and I imagine some failures. Even Barbara's devastating diagnosis of MS did not change their plans.Many times the plan was interrupted when health issues interfered but these are mighty warriors who refuse to be deterred. Barb had been asked to give a talk about what she was doing  to a group of woman from other churches who were instrumental in starting similar projects in their community. This time of sharing was a time of inspiration and the rest is the beginning of a collaboration of Barbara's passion and her Pastors devotion to doing work for Jesus. As Pastor Donna said to me, this is not about us as individuals this is about Jesus!  Amen to that!

Pastor Donna Oberkreser is a remarkable leader of her church,. When presented with an idea that follows the Church's doctrine and goals she finds a way to make it happen. Through her networking contacts she was able to connect Barbara and George Bridgeman to "Feeding America Tampa Bay" . Feeding America is the largest relief organization in the country and currently provides food to feed 400,000- people in the W. central Florida area.  The donations come from all local grocery stores, Publix, Winn Dixie, Panera bread, CVS drug stores and too many more for me to continue mentioning. When the idea of a neighborhood food pantry was presented to the planning committee of the church  they were on board  and were willing to provide funds from their resources within the church to fund this program. Barbara was elected outreach chairman and  "Feeding the Neighbors" was born. February 2013 and the first give away day took place. The only advertising was a sign in the front yard of the church.  37 people came to receive that day and there were 10 volunters..

It sounds so easy, but behind the scene there were many hands helping and participating in this. All health standards must be met and they are stringent. Picking up the food is no easy task. Barbara has a budget, but I know for a  fact there are times she adds to that when needed. Planning meetings, reports  and sacrifice of personal time. She is a natural leader and that entails, spreading the word, soliciting help from every source , while still participating in other ministries. Food is purchased, church donations, clothing donations, and household donations now have become part of this program.

Today this outreach "Feeding the Neighbors" gives food one Saturday a month to over 100 people with a total of approximately 350 family members. Last month there were 35 volunteers including 3 children. What a wonderful vehicle to show and teach our children what it is to love and help others. Many of the volunteers are not even members of this church, but they also see the needs and have the passion to follow God's direction and who could ever refuse Barbara when asked to answer that call-- not me!

 How sad that this is even necessary, but in this Tampa Bay community the churches have put their servant's  hearts together and are feeding God's children!  Mr. Dude and I are so blessed to be able to participate in this program and it has led to so many other missions that we hope will enrich the lives of others. There are so many stories we hear as people come through the line to choose freely what they want and need. We do not choose for them, they fill their own boxes and we are often asked to pray on the spot. Amazing how quickly this takes place, Volunteers instantly come to pray for those who ask, the other people waiting seem to find solace in this as well. It is a magical thing that takes place! 

In this new Year 2015, it is with great sadness that I report that the needs of the homeless and hungry are growing in larger numbers almost daily. On the plus side I can also report that God's people are reporting for duty and answering the call . We are the clay being formed daily by the Master potter.  We must always remember why we are participating in the care of others and who it is really for. We, who follow Jesus and his teachings know that is what is commanded of us, and we are blessed in turn. I would tell anyone Volunteer just once and you will be Hooked! I have met some extraordinary people, a gentleman over 90, cancer survivors, people who them selves have been homeless at one time, nurses who have other missions vital to veterans,  business men and women who are away most of a week, but come faithfully on Saturday, and some who have the very same needs as the ones they are helping. The door is always open for those who want to help. This is in part, the story of only one mission of the Central Christian Church of Clearwater Florida, If you look you will find a place you can serve in your community!  Thank you for listening to my heart today.

The Meyer Lemon Harvest

February 1st is upon us and I am still wondering when January did a.disappearing act. Where was I when this happened?  It just disappeared in a cloud It had some earth shattering events for some. My Niece's Hubby turned 50. As I told him the first 49 years were just a rehearsal for the next chapter.  If I remember correctly 50 was a pretty good year for me
.
In January  I lost a dear cousin in Sweden, a sweet gentle woman, but my Mother will celebrate 99 years in February. The exchange of these things, is our own Soap Opera of life, " As the World turns".

The land of Sunshine wasn't so sunny for awhile, in fact we had some record low temperatures, but complaining about it would only elicit raised eyebrows and a few snickers from those living in states that had  30 or 40 inches or more of snow. I remember those days myself. I am from New England and then lived outside of New York for many years. It took us awhile to get  through to us, that there were warmer places to live.Here we are!

Some years ago we stopped for gas, on one of our vacation trips, just outside of the Florida border. While Mr. Dude was paying the gas bill I was buying fresh vegetables at the stand outside . Loving most plant life I spotted a sweet little tree in a 5 gal. pot. It is so long ago now I don't remember the price but it must have been nominal. Of course no one told me that I might actually not be alive by the time this "thing in the black pot" would grow mature enough to bear fruit!  The tag said Meyer lemon.--hmmm!

Now we all have heard Martha of cooking guru fame and several others extol the virtues of the Meyer lemon. How bad could this be?  Patiently I waited, and waited and waited!  The first year we saw the possibility of fruit, someone with a fruit appetite ate them all--we suspected fruit rats, alright go for it was my theory and I abandoned the idea of ever having fruit.

Yesterday I was checking the backyard to see just how much work needed to be accomplished, after winter. How much effort would it take to bring  it back to a reasonable and clean garden space. Lo and behold  we had lemons hanging down to the ground.  Mr. Dude grabbed a basket and this is what he brought into the house,

Some of the single lemons are as big as a small grapefruit.

The Meyer lemon tree had more faith than I did in its abilities.  This is just another lesson in this life, be patient, and trust that eventually things will turn out the way you have planned,. Once again I am reminded God is in control, I am not, but if I listen and follow his direction, his gifts will show themselves to me.

Now let me see, what shall I do, make a lemon pie? That is my son's favorite. He always wanted a Lemon Meringue pie for his birthday instead of a cake.  I will juice and put in the freezer for summer lemonade,
I will make candied lemon rind, and I will share with my friends. 

Thank you for tuning in and taking the time to read my wanderings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! The Famous Ball dropped and 2015 Arrived

The first day of the New Year is already coming to a close, it seems a little anticlimactic after watching, what they said was a million people braving the cold temperatures of Time Square in NYC last night.  How anyone could be cold, rubbing shoulders and playing " Hug a Friend" surrounded by all that body heat is a mystery? I wouldn't know because I was snuggled under the covers with my Mr. Dude, watching the scene from a warm and comfortable vantage point and sipping on a little red wine.( ahem, My Doctor says it is good for me--who am I to contradict that?)

It has always been our custom to stay home or have friends visit or stay in our neighborhood. Usually we are too tired to do much else.. Until the last 15 years we owned a retail store in a mall and our holiday hours were horrendous. Staying home seemed like a gift, because we would be going right back to work the next day. The challenge of paper work, handling returns or listening to the stories of gift recipients who needed to exchange, but didn't want the giver to know, were what sometimes awaited us. Then a customer would come in with their gift certificate or Gift of money looking for just the thing that would make them happy. I miss meeting the customers, it was always a fun time and there was always the excitement of seeing the little children, ready to tell me about their visit to our resident Santa Claus.  We would often meet the college age kids, home from school, of long time customers who would bring them in to meet us. Since I had my own college age son, who would come home, sharing time wasn't easy, but we managed  to make a lot of memories, along with the work schedule.

Now we are living a more leisurely existence, in a different place, always busy, but  differently.Part of the life changes. This year I received the usual informative letters enclosed in Christmas cards. Some unwelcome surprises that has required deep thinking about what the New Year might bring. Today I have written two letters of condolence, one was not a surprise, but one was a shock. In each case it was not easy to put words to paper, some how " Happy New Year" suddenly wasn't happy at all!

Then I began to write some thank you notes. To most people this is becoming a lost art--it is said "well It is much easier to Text" or e-mail".   Hmmm I suppose so, but not for me.  I need to tell the person who gifted me with their time and caring on a nice card, so that they will know how much I appreciated everything that
they have done for me. Somehow it seems like so little in exchange for their kindness.

In spite of the many events that bombard us daily, about things we cannot control or change, but give us angst and a headache. I am very optimistic about this New Year!  I am positive and live in hope that things will improve economically for everyone. People who are looking for a job, will find one. It may not be what they desire, but just to get back into the swing of the work force and feel productive is a good step. Praying always for those facing health issues for themselves or someone they love. We live in a great country, with all of our "warts", until you live somewhere else you never realize what we actually have here. why not ask a service man who is living in another country he did not choose where he wants to be. We tend to take for granted what we have always known, but it is time to think about preserving our great heritage. This may be the year for that to begin!

My New Year began with these,  brought to me, by my sweet and romantic Mr. Dude! He was asked by the clerk if they were for a special occasion, "No he said, it's just because!  This has not been the greatest year for us for several reasons, but when you receive a bouquet of your favorite color of roses, the Sun shines, and love conquers all! It promises to be a very,
                              HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Sending those thoughts to all my friends and followers!

Who are the Angels In Your Lives?

. The subject on my mind today is the Angels who touch our lives on a daily basis.Some we do not know are even there or what they have done for us.

I am old enough to have lived through the ending years of the second world war, granted I was a child, but I remember, We knitted blankets for the soldiers, and were taught to hide under school desks in the event of an attack. Then Korea came along, by then I was a teen, became a Pen Pal to soldiers I still have never met. My memories are strong during this time because our church, near Ft. Devens in Mass.Organized a place for soldiers to come for music, food, dancing and happy times. Our Mothers provided the refreshments and some of us sang with a live band, brought fellows home for dinners and  Friendships were formed.

Then of course Vietnam became the next "Biggie" with some un-named fights in between. This was an unpopular war, and our troops were treated badly by our own population, I never understood why they were punished for just following the orders given to them. Faithful to those in command. They suffered physically, and mentally and when I visit the Va hospital with my husband I see the results of that time. 

Now we are in the present and we are still being confronted with enemies, but these times are quite different, and we still have the "Bravest of the Brave" protecting us!  Everyone of these men, from every battle in our history, are ANGELS who have protected us and our country. Maintaining our precious way of life.When I began to think of Angels every definition that I found, proclaimed, " A Guardian spirit sent by God"  A spiritual being believed to act as an attendant , agent or messenger of God. The word itself is from the Greek, Aggelos, which means Messenger.

How many of you have someone in your current life that you know is an Angel sent for you.?  Is it a special friend who looks after you selflessly?  I have one of those, who I know I can depend on for anything, despite her own needs.  Is it a Doctor who has given his or her ALL to heal you? Is  it a spiritual adviser who really cares about your pain?  Perhaps it is a now elderly person who has mentored you just to make you strong, or a teacher who influenced your life, a neighbor who just loves you for you, warts and all?

I recently, just by accident, re-met someone who was an acquaintance some years ago. Many things had happened to this person in the intervening years. She herself now has MS which is a daily battle, she has a grown child who has a terminal illness. These are only two things in her daily struggle, but she saw a need in our area, and facilitated the opening of a food pantry in her church. She works tirelessly to make this a success. I can attest to that because My husband and I became  volunteer recruits and feel blessed to be able to do so.  She is definitely my definition of a modern day Angel.  God is working through this person , She is one of his ministering spirits!

When the Angel  of the Lord came to the Virgin Mary to proclaim that she would bear a child. I wonder just what Mary was feeling?  Can you imagine such a thing? She, who was so young, trusted!!!  We have heard the Bible stories of the Christ child and the birth in the stable, but would anyone of us really have that much faith or trust? Think of the tumult of emotions for Joseph!

In discussions, often among my own age group, the subject many times  is,  "we, as a society are bending the "rules. Some sacrifice unborn lives because it is not convenient or not the right time. The nuclear family life is shrinking, and the Christian religions are under attack. Divorce is on the rise, because it is now relatively easy to do. I am often told " well times are different" " Lives are busier and there are more choices." ,  It is then . I am reminded  of Mary, who bore and birthed a child on trust and Faith and Joseph, who did not leave her.  God's rules do not change!

We have just celebrated the Christian celebration of Christmas!. Now all of us will celebrate the New Year and turn the calendar page to 2015. I never make resolutions, about diet because I would probably fail that test, more money--well it would be great, but probably won't happen. I will pray, to meet the challenges with Grace, and kindness. To become a more passionate follower of Christ and to trust!  What will your resolutions for 2015 be this time? I will share with you just a few pictures of friends and those I count as Angels. Mr. Dude counts as No # 1 with my darling son right there with him. They both keep me centered.There have been so many in my life who have guided me and mentored me, many are now in the arms of our Lord including my dearest Earthly Father Carl. I cannot show them all--my sweet young neighbors who include us in their lives. My  Younger brother who comes when I call and takes care of our Mother. All of these single acts of kindness makes us all  the better for it.

Dearest and some of our oldest friends.We have been nurturing each other for almost 40 years. The kind of Angels you can call in the middle of the night or be called by them  in the middle of the night! We both feel blessed every day by their love and Friendship.They are family!

My Sweet 98 year old Mother with my friend Barbara who is such an example of service and helps me in so many ways. She is helping me take up the mantle of service my Mother always did but can no longer do.  My sister in Christ Norma who I met through our work for those less fortunate that we are.  We have such a good time doing what the Lord has asked us to do.These woman are an inspiration to me, despite their own burdens , they carry their crosses with Grace and move forward always helping others.

Norma and I joking with the picture "taker" and he snapped this one of us both being silly,so had to include it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!





 

Brooklynese is Spoken Here in Pinellas County Florida!

If you have lived in or near to New York City or hail specifically from Brooklyn, I have a treat for you. Mr Dude and I lived very close to NYC for many years and he comes from that area. When I came to Montclair, N.J. as a young bride I had no idea how the  experiences or the people I would meet  would enrich my life.  Now that we are older and have relocated, we both find ourselves missing so many things. The memories continue to sustained us. Our dearest friends moved here at the same time and came from the same place.  " Do you remember?" is a frequent start to many conversations.  They found and introduced us to the "Lucky Dill Deli". If you love great Deli sandwiches, made the New York way, then follow this tale of our lunch date this week.

We traveled up highway 19, never a pleasure on any day, but knew that this restaurant spot would be on the West side of the highway in Palm Harbor, Fla.  Hooray,  old, but still keen, Eagle eyes spotted the sign! It necessitated a turn around, but I wasn't driving and  the thoughts of the menu made any anxiety I might have had about oncoming traffic disappear--whew, it was close though.

When we parked and walked to the door knew we were in the right place, the Brooklyn flavor began right here.

It was a little later in the day so seating was easy and  fast.  This was the wall scene that we were able to see while waiting for our waiter.  This just brought us both to the right place at the right time. I hope that this one brings back fond memories for you. Beautiful, beautiful Broadway.

I rarely  put pictures of people in my blogs, but when I told our Waiter what I was doing he showed an interest in being part of this story and gave me permission to include him. A delightful man, an excellent waiter, cute sense of humor and above all dedicated to our needs and making our lunch time a positive experience. His name is Mike and if you are there at that hour ask for him.

  We gave our order and while waiting we had all of these wonderful pictures to prepare us for our NY. experience.  A picture taken in the 1930s or 1940s of the great old Cotton Club where so many

great artists started and then stared. This next picture is another one of my favorites. We sat and picked out buildings and places we  could identify.

Do you recognize the old Flat Iron district?  Wowza is all I can say about the memories that came flooding in on us.  Lunch had arrived!  Take a look at what is one of our favorites.

A  NY style Pastrami on Rye bread 1/2 sandwich, homemade potato salad, and a delicious cup of Matzo ball soup. A bargain at 10.00. Oh yes, don't forget that famous Kosher Dill pickle! There was so much there on the plate it was impossible to eat it all--a Doggie bag please! I had viewed many of those bags leaving with other satisfied folks who are lovers of the food and the New York atmosphere. I did not feel uncomfortable asking for my little container .

I had been told to " check out" the ladies room for a surprise. Now, it isn't any news to anyone that most Ladies and Gents, yes Gents are not immune to the old age maladies as well, Have you seen that ugly commercial that shows the women checking out the necessary rooms and locations, well I personally believe that is just good planning!  When I opened the door I thought I was in  the subway station looking at the graffiti that New York is famous for. Isn't this wild?  I am told the Gent's is the same.

I decided, that little bit of nostalgia demanded a cup of excellent coffee and a free sliver of apple strudel. Time to say Thank you to Mike and pay our bill, but we were not through just yet. A trip into the bakery was ahead of us.  The array of delicious morsels starts the taste buds into high frequency over drive. There is almost every Sweet Goodie for the most demanding . This place is impossible to escape from--well you will see what I mean, I will let you be the Judge. It is truly a sweet sinning!

Now I ask you??? and that is not the half of it.

Well you know what happened here, but I honestly tried to be conservative--ahem, well I did try? Time to get on the MTA and take a ride together, just like we used to do. It  was a great afternoon, sharing the best of times with my special Mr. Dude. It never ceases to amaze me, that after all these years we still have so much to talk about, we still have fun together, and we still are in love as well as like each other--what a gift we have been given!

Why don't you take this same trip through Pinellas County, Brooklyn, Florida? I promise you will like it.

 

The Gentle Waves Bringing Peace!

It was 6:00 P.M. after a very hot "muggy" day.   It had been a full working  day at the computer with our internet business, and I was not looking forward to organizing dinner, when my Darling Mr. Dude popped his head in the door of my office and said, " let's go to the beach!  We live very close to the beaches, but frankly very seldom go there.  His enthusiasm was infectious, and how could I say No when he had already packed our smaller cooler bag with bottled water, and packed our current reading material in another bag.  The folding green chairs were already in the back of the Volvo, so what was a "Girl" to do, but tag along.

That hour in the evening is usually a very good one, most people have taken their families home for dinner and the tourists are soothing their sunburns in the privacy of their rented Condos.  When we arrived at the beach in Indian Rocks Fla. we were almost alone.  Parking the car was easy , the parking lot was empty. As we walked down the ramp to the water's edge the most wonderful breeze greeted us and I knew that this had been the best decision we could have made.

This is the scene that greeted us as we walked to the water's edge,unpacked our chairs and settled down to read a chapter or two of the books that we are currently reading. No technical devices for us, we love the feel of a hard cover book in our hands. Birds were flying before us and occasionally a rider on a bicycle would ride by and wave to the two of us. The special larger beach tires making their ride swift and safe for
rider and the sand.

Sitting there in the quiet of the early evening, in this peaceful setting, the stresses of the day began to melt away. The sound of the gentle slap of the waves, the chirping of birds, looking for a tidbit of food that that the lovers of the sun might have left. The splashes of the pelicans who float quietly on the surface and then suddenly dive and disappear for their dinner, could this be the same world that I left just 15 minutes ago?

The evening news at this same time presents us with the sad facts of War torn nations, continuing threats to our own existence, corruption on many levels, of facts which tell us, inch by inch we are losing our individual Rights and the control over our own lives.  The PC police are everywhere and most often do not use common sense or decorum . I come from, what I believe was a better time in our world. We did not have to lock doors, our children could play outside without supervision, every home did not have a gun and we did not carry guns on our person,  we felt privileged to live under the "Stars and Stripes", our precious flag that so many had fought and died for so that I could sit here and feel the beauty of this beach and sea. We believed in the rights of worship. How could we not believe that this wonderful place was created by someone other than ourselves?  Hmm. For this moment in time, I didn't have to think, worry or be stressed about the future of our country and the futures of  our children and Grandchildren. I feel the healing of this beautiful place.

as I look out to the horizon I see the changes coming in the horizon.  Will it rain, I do hear distant thunder, or is this some far away voice agreeing or disagreeing with my thoughts?  Fantasy--think it might be the notice of rain!

Darkness invaded, but we continued to sit and wait for the array of colors that we knew would soon be coming.

God's paintbrush at work!

The rain never came, and we continue to sit and watch this magic until a little after 8:00 P.M. This was better medicine than all the prescriptions we could have been given to relieve the daily stress in our lives. We came home feeling truly blessed to be able to have been able to witness this daily miracle of the "End of Day"

The Lone Brave Survivor

This has been one of the hottest summers on record in this part of Florida and we have the energy bills to prove it!  That tale is for another day.

The heat and lack of water has destroyed our small little garden, my beautiful basil bush is pathetic in its thirst. I cannot water enough to make things right. Our lovely Mature Magnolia is dying, even though we have done everything we can to save it.

In my anguish about this, started pulling out the tomatoes that never really fruited, the egg plant, which is usually the easiest thing to grow and trying to clean up, just so I wouldn't have to look at the devastation. when I came around the corner I saw vines all over the ground that had seeded from the compost bed. Hope lives eternal for this is what I found hidden under the leaves.

 Now this pretty thing braved it all and will ultimately end the fight in a pie or just as a vegetable for the table. Steamed, mashed with butter and cinnamon.

He or she weighs 2 lbs 10 oz. Is 4 inches in diam and 9 1/2 inches long/

Soon we will start out seed pots for the cooler weather crop. September has come and we really haven't seen much of a change in the weather as yet, but in October I should have quite a few plants to plant in pots, boxes and perhaps the ground. This part of Florida is really not a good place for "in the ground gardening" . We miss the wonderful soil of New England and New Jersey, but we keep trying new methods and who knows we might win!

Blessings to the Garden Fairy for allowing me to have at least 1 (one) success to prove I did have at least "One brave Survivor".