God Gave Me An Aisle Seat!

Ever since Paul and I split up I have rented out several bedrooms in my house to help pay the mortgage. My current roommate is Heather, a young woman that I actually knew years ago in Santa Barbara. Heather seems to have quite a knack for coming up with free stuff. Last Friday night, while attending her daughter's high school football game, she was given four free tickets to Crosby, Stills, and Nash at the Santa Barbara County Bowl. The concert was the very next night. Heather really isn't familiar with most of their music but she's game for fun so she wanted to go and invited me to go with her. She also invited her cousin, Paula, who lives in Santa Barbara, and Paula's boyfriend.

I was a Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young fan to be sure. They weren't at the top of the list - that spot is reserved always for The Eagles, but CSNY was a contender. Now they tour without Young and I've seen them before at the Bowl and they weren't all that good. After all, they are older than I am. Still, as I debated about going, I realized that I rarely do anything apart from my job or my family. I always was a bit of a homebody to be sure. But since Paul left, I've taken shelter in what I know. That isn't a bad thing. Praise God, I have a job I enjoy and a family I love that has stood by me through this whole process. But here was an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and I immediately had a sense that it might be good for me. If you don't suffer from irrational fears occasionally then I'm sure you're thinking, "How crazy is this woman? Free tickets!" But I am a person who hates crowds, avoids unknown places, hesitates when confronted with strangers, and generally am anti-social. Don't judge. Anyway, I found myself saying to Heather, "Sure. Why not?"

We left town the next day with me driving. Heather said she had a tendency to fall asleep at the wheel later in the evening so I thought it prudent to take my car. We arrived at her cousin's house. Paula and her boyfriend were very nice and Paula had graciously fixed a salad and pizza for all of us. She also served pomegranate margaritas. I have never had one before but I'm telling you...they were awesome! I left with the recipe. Heather conveniently had another cousin who lives right across the street from the Bowl and had an extra parking place. Score! We arrived during the first song and really had to bust it up the hill to the concert. If you've been to the Bowl you know it's a beautiful venue but for an out-of-shape person such as myself, the hike up the side of the mountain was breath taking, if you know what I mean. Anyway, after a short breather, I was able to continue on to our seats. They were actually really good seats and as I sat down I realized, GOD GAVE ME AN AISLE SEAT!! Only some of you will realize the magnitude of that fact. For someone like me, crowds are threatening. Even on the aisle, I had to fight my way through a panic attack early on. But I gradually relaxed and began to enjoy the concert. I was struck by the beauty of the surroundings but mostly, I was amazed that I was there and I HAD AN AISLE SEAT! I knew God had provided that for me. I really did.

As it turned out, the concert wasn't very good. If you knew what they used to sound like you could sort of overlay that sound in your mind. For Heather, who didn't know how they used to harmonize, it was a bit harder. Graham Nash can still sing but he is really the only one. They all still play a mean guitar and I certainly appreciated that but the vocals? Let's just say you might want to stick with their C.D.s. But that isn't the point of this blog.

The point is that God is intimately involved in every aspect of our insignificant little lives. I doubt that it would have mattered if I went to that concert or not. It wasn't "life changing." But I was proud of myself for branching out just a little, I met some nice people, and Heather and I enjoyed the trip. Most importantly, I was reassured. If God cares enough to give me an aisle seat at a concert, why do I ever doubt that He will care for me during the trials of my life? He knows me intimately and loves me unconditionally. He blesses me just because He wants to and He is able. I have no idea what the future holds for me or for those I love. I certainly never expected to be single, for example. But nothing happens to us that is outside of God's sovereign will and I can count on that. I've got an aisle seat and God's on stage!!

The Pigeon

It was Thursday morning and I was looking forward to the day. My boss was taking a continuing ed course so I was off work! And I had plans. The Tuesday night Women's Bible Study that I have attended for many years had just started back up after the summer break. I was excited to dig into the new study. Then, I was intending to design, shop for, and maybe even start sewing the Quiet Book that I was going to give Arrow for his 2nd birthday. I'm a homebody at heart and I don't get bored at home so the day sounded perfect to me.

I had been sitting contentedly at my computer for only a few minutes. Suddenly, I heard a very loud commotion coming from my garage. I ran out to see what was going on. There was one of my cats, Lei Lei, chasing an extremely large pigeon. The bird was cowering under my car and Lei Lei was moving in. I'm not sure how she had even managed to bring down the bird because it clearly outweighed her. Anyway, I know pigeons are sort of like rats but I don't like death much and try to save whatever I can. When the cats bring home something that is obviously mortally wounded I let them have it. I figure it's kinder that way. But this pigeon, while injured, was definitely still very much alive. I could see that each leg was banded. One leg had a red band on it and the other had a numbered band. Maybe it was a famous homing pigeon!

Thus commenced the screaming that I employ when I am trying to separate a seasoned predator from its terrified prey. The screaming was followed by plenty of running around the garage. Eventually, I managed to grab Lei Lei and threw her in the house. The pigeon was crammed in a corner by the water softener. I took a breath. I was already sweating and tired. I grabbed a trash can and a broom that I kept in the garage and attempted to "sweep" Mr. P into the can. After only a few tries I had the bird contained. Now what? I was hoping that maybe it was just stunned a little by the previous excitement so I took him up behind my shop building, found some shade, and dumped him out. I was hoping he would rest, recover, and then fly away. Instead, he took shelter under an old truck of Donny's that was parked next to the shop. No problem. Good place to rest. I retreated to the house to give him his space.

About 15 minutes later, I tromped back up to the shop. I really wanted him to be gone. He was quite a pretty bird with very expressive eyes. I didn't want him looking at me again and saying, "Come on lady! Save me! I've got things to do." However, no such luck. He was still under the truck. In fact, he hadn't moved an inch. At that point, I ascertained that he could not get off the ground. I once again got the broom and trash can. This time, though, was much more difficult. With the truck for cover he simply walked from one end to the other with me, looking like a fool, poking at him with the end of the broom. Have I mentioned that it was 100 degrees? Finally! I managed to get him out from under the truck and then into my can. I plodded back to the house and decided that I needed to transport him to the bird E.R. I spotted my old cat carrier. Perfect! Only problem was that every time I tried to dispatch him into it he flared out his wings and then he didn't fit. I didn't want to injure him further but I figured I was his only hope so I threw caution to the wind and plopped him rather roughly inside the carrier. Done!

I put in a call to Pacific Wildlife Care  http://www.pacificwildlifecare.org/  in Morro Bay and they very nicely called me back within the hour. They would be happy to take my wayward pigeon but I would have to drive him over there. I had also posted a plea on Facebook but that wasn't productive. In fact, it generated a little bit of hate mail (you know who you are). I took a 2 minute shower (100 degrees, remember) and loaded up Mr. P into the back seat of my car. I cast a longing glance at my computer and Bible, still sitting on the desk, and headed out. It took me almost an hour to get to the Pacific Wildlife Care but it was a beautiful day and a beautiful drive so I put on some praise music and just enjoyed the spontaneous trip. I delivered Mr. P to his new caretakers. I have to say that we had bonded on the drive. I talked to him and he seemed to listen. He didn't fight being caged in the cat carrier (a double insult) and I was a bit disappointed to see him go. But I was glad he was in capable hands. The people at the center told me he was just a common Rock Pigeon and wasn't famous and a search for him was not underway. By the way, did you know that the pigeon is a monogamous bird? I'm just saying, if a pigeon can do it...

I went home via Atascadero where I did manage to shop at the Goodwill and Dollar Tree for Quiet Book accessories. Having left home suddenly at noon, I arrived back home at 6:00 p.m. Oh well. If you read my last post, you know that God seems to be teaching me a little bit about making plans and flexibility.

Now you know I can't stop at a simple pigeon rescue story although I realize it was pretty engrossing and had you on the edge of your seats. ;) I honestly do ponder stuff at random times, heavy stuff even. So here is what struck me about my pigeon incident...

1.   He was just a pigeon but I saved him anyway. He was a pretty pigeon, perhaps a talented pigeon, but a pigeon none the less. He needed help and so I gave it to him, sacrificing my day for him. You see where I'm going? I'm not remarkable. I have some talents but certainly nothing extraordinary. Yet God gave His Son for me and Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself to save me. Now that's remarkable!

2.   He was injured and he needed fixing but he was salvageable. We are also injured, disabled by the effects of sin in our lives. But we are recoverable. And God Himself, His Word, and the people He places in our paths are there, waiting for us. That pigeon wasn't going to be able to fix himself. Neither can we. Maybe the pigeon realized that I was his salvation and that's why he didn't fight to get out of the carrier. Oh, I am ashamed to think about how many times I fight God's work in my life.

3.   There are always cats hiding, waiting to pounce on some unsuspecting bird. My cats are well fed, they aren't starving. They often eat what they kill but they don't have to. It's instinct and sport. Likewise, Satan lies in wait for us and when we are vulnerable or not on guard, he makes his move. He deceives us, tempts us, harasses us, and sometimes disables us.

      I Cor. 16:13-14
            Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

      I Peter 5:8
            Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

4.   It was a fight for me to get the cat away from the pigeon. But I was determined and not about to give up, even though it caused me to sweat (something I am hostile towards). Often, it's a fight to be extricated from the grip of whatever has ensnared us. But we are His and He never gives up!

      John 10:28-29
            I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father's hand.

One last thought - once the pigeon is rehabilitated, he will be released and will once again fly free. No matter where we are in our rehab process, we are already and for always free when we belong to Jesus. Praise God!

My Week Off

So this was my vacation week. When the dentist I work for is on vacation, so are those of us who work for him. Unfortunately, I had no plans and no money for my time off. I knew if I didn't get it in gear and at least plan something, anything, I'd be crabby. Or worse. So I decided that I would try to give each of my local daughters a day - a day where they got to do what they wanted and a day that I got to spend with the grandchildren. Sounds great, right? And so unselfish of me! I am awesome! ;)

Here's how it turned out...

Day 1, Monday.

This was  to be Jenny's day. She asked me what time she could bring the kids over and I told her not before 10:00 a.m. She arrived at 10:10. She's no fool. After a brief 5 minute drop off she was out! Her four children and I started out with a reading time. We read three books from an old series about a singing songbook and family. They were books from when my girls were young and we still enjoy them.

The first book ended with the characters singing so the kids and I grabbed peacock feathers and marched around the living room, singing along with Logan's iPod. The song he chose? Puff the Magic Dragon. And yes, I still know the words. The next book we read was about one of the "booklets", Harmony, getting lost at the zoo because she was chasing a peanut. So we took a snack break and ate some peanuts. Last, we read a story about other kids being mean and how to treat those that wrong us. It ended with Psalty, the big blue singing songbook, praying with his booklet son, Rhythm, for the bullies. So...yep, the kids and I prayed together. Ahhh...........

Don't get me wrong. I'm not writing this to point out what a fabulous Grammy I am. Actually, it was more that it was a spontaneous unplanned time with the kids that was fun for all of us. I was honored to be a part of it. As you'll see, my "planned" activities later in the week weren't as successful.

After the reading session we had craft time which involved spreading hundreds of tiny foam pieces all over the dining room table, attempting to assemble them together into animals, and ending up with Dixie cups with random body parts stuck to them. Ever the glutton for punishment, I then organized a baking session. All four kids had bowls, each with their own cookie mix. Admittedly, Arrow had a little bowl with goldfish crackers in it and we occasionally tossed him a glob of cookie dough to eat, but the other three measured, cracked eggs, stirred and then carefully got their cookies on the baking sheets. The dessert was shared that night with their parents. It was a bit chaotic but again, fun times and we did at least end up with an edible finished product.

The rest of the day consisted of Arrow's nap time and a private viewing of "A Bug's Life" for the older three, swimming (30 minutes of changing everybody's clothes and applying sunscreen followed by 10 minutes of water play in cold windy conditions followed by another 30 minutes of getting everyone dried off and changed again), and finally, throwing rocks over the hillside while we watched for Jenny and Zac to come rescue me. All in all, a good first day. The kids and I had a lot of fun, Jenny got her break, and I went to bed tired and happy.

Day 2, Tuesday.

Melissa's turn. I picked her up at our mechanic's place so we could leave her car there for an oil change. She hoped to spend the afternoon sewing, something that is difficult to accomplish with a clingy, though miraculous, 4 month old. As it happened, Melissa was sick that day so she really wasn't feeling up to much. And sweet little Quinten, true to form, just wanted his Mama and not his Grammy. Melissa told me later that when she and Donny were going through the adoption process, she had asked the Lord for a baby that would bond with her, that would snuggle her, that would want her. Well, her prayer was answered! Quinten wants to be held constantly by either Melissa or Donny and he also isn't convinced that sleeping in his own bed is advantageous. No matter! He is here, praise God! Melissa is so patient and loving with him. I heard her singing to him while I did dishes and laundry. Melissa and I sat and visited but I kept getting stressed because she wasn't doing what I thought she wanted to do. Eventually, she told me that she just needed some company and she was perfectly happy sitting, holding and loving her son, and talking to me. It was humbling - I wanted to serve her, I wanted to be helpful, but I wasn't listening to her. I had my plans, my expectations, and I was determined to see those plans accomplished, come hell or high water. In the end, we had a pretty nice time. I had brought her a crock pot dinner, lots of laundry was folded and put away, dishwasher run twice and unloaded, baby played with and smothered with kisses. I drove her back to town so she could pick up her car. I had an unsatisfied feeling - I felt like I had let her down on two fronts. One, she didn't get to sew (I count this even though she told me she wasn't up to it) and two, I pestered her all day to do something fun when fun to her would have been just resting in peace and talking. Lesson learned? Probably not, sadly. My girls will be quick to tell you that I bulldoze them whenever I can. I'm well-intentioned but misguided. Melissa was gracious about the day and said she was glad to not have to worry about some of the housework but I hope to  try again another day.

Day 4, Thursday.

Yesterday was uneventful - I puttered at home, organized my fabric, went to the office for a bit, etc. But Thursday was Sarah's time. I wanted to take Gabriel somewhere and do something with him. He is 11 now and getting so big that I find it hard to think of creative activities for him to enjoy. I decided he would have more fun with a buddy along instead of only his old Grammy so I invited Logan to accompany us. My plan was to take the boys on a hike. I'd never been on the Bob Jones Trail but had heard about it and thought it might be just the ticket. Ever the planner, I got up early and typed out a scavenger hunt list. I had 15 items selected for them to look for and and then...I also had a spiritual lesson (don't worry, it was brief) to go along with each item they observed. I was pleased with my insights and I had visions of the boys being amazed by their Grammy's wisdom and ability to make God's truth applicable to them but still fun. I packed snacks, water, a first aid kit (after all these were boys) and took off for what I was sure would be a grand adventure. I met Jenny in town where I collected Logan and the three of us took off for the Atascadero Subway. Logan had a gift card to Subway and he had been saving it to use when he was with Gabriel. On the way to Atascadero with two young boys in the back seat, what topic do you suspect came up for discussion? What else? Farts! Rather than fight it, I told the boys that they had until we pulled up to Subway to make all the farts sounds as loud and as long as they wanted. But after that, it was a taboo subject. For the next 15 minutes I listened to various farts sounds as well as fart competitions and fart lessons. The boys were having a ball but they were real good about cutting it off when we finally (thankfully) arrived at Subway. We also stopped at a grocery store to buy grapes and more water so that we could be healthy for 5 minutes. We took our lunch to a little park in Santa Margarita and after eating the boys ran off to play for a bit. I should have picked up on this cue. They didn't want to leave but...yep, I had a plan. Off to the Bob Jones Trail we went. My roommate had given me directions. She had also explained that the trail started right where there was a sign regarding a mountain lion sighting. She assured me that I didn't need to worry. The sign was dated June, 2013 and had never been taken down.

This is what greeted us. In case you can't read it, the June date had been crossed off and it was now dated 8/22/14, just a few days before. Great. For the first 10 minutes of the trail, all the boys talked about was mountain lions.

"Do they eat people?" "I'll poke his eye out with my stick!" "What was that?" "What will we do if we see one?" "I'm gonna keep beating these sticks together to scare the mountain lions."

"Oh my gosh! Give it a rest!!"

Finally, that subject was put to bed and the boys quickly began finding the items on their scavenger hunt list. That was fabulous! The only problem was that they were uninterested in taking the time to hear my little spiritual lesson that was tied to each item. (For example, shouldn't every young boy want to know how sin is like poison oak or how a bird teaches us about trust in God?) They were also uninterested in hiking. These are two boys that will throw themselves around in my pool for endless hours but were complaining every step of the way about hiking. I admitted defeat and we turned around. On the way back, an older couple passed us heading towards the beach (where we were supposed to have gone.) The woman said to me, "Did you make it all the way?" I laughed and said, "Are you kidding? They've been griping since we got out of the car!" At this, her husband turned to the boys and said, "Right? That's what I said! I just wanted to drive to the beach." Thanks for the encouragement, buddy.

We walked a little farther and at one of the many rest stops, Gabriel decided he would try to break his stick on a boulder that was on the side of the trail. I couldn't resist so I did take that opportunity to tell the boys the story of Moses striking the rock with his staff instead of simply talking  to the rock as God had told him to do. I have no idea if any of it stuck but I was bound and determined to try. We made it back to the car, went to another park down in Pismo where we all had a good time and then finished off the day with Slurpee's at 7-11 and another timed "Fart Sound" session.

What do you want to bet that the thing they remember is that Grammy let them make fart sounds in her car? I had to laugh at myself! What a week! And yet, what a privilege to spend hours with grandchildren. Plans? Whatever!

Jeremiah 29:11 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 33:11

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Proverbs 19:21

 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.