Peace was the Advent theme last week. Our pastor’s sermon was titled “People in Pieces Can’t Be People of Peace.” I’ve had to ask myself, does that describe me? I have to admit, many times it does! I get stressed out over the sorry state of the world. Division bothers me, whether in relationships, religion or politics. And, there’s the pandemic, which ebbs and flows on the CDC charts and never seems to end. Lord help us, because peace among us begins with peace within us. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace” (Col. 3:15, NIV).

I received a postcard from one of my stepsons. It was one of those “having a great time, wish you were here” cards with photos of azure seas and exotic beaches. You know, the ones that really make you want to be there! Unfortunately, the card came two months after the fact. So, while I was dreaming of his international sun, sea and sand adventures, he had been back home for two months! Earlier this year, the mail didn’t arrive at my home for two days. That lapse was so unusual I talked to a staff member at the post office. She said our carrier had COVID and they were so understaffed they couldn’t cover our rural route for those two days. Two days, not two months! So whenever you think about complaining about your mail service, be grateful for the U.S. Postal system!

As the white pickup passed me, the driver flashed his lights. Not sure if it’s the same all over the country, but in Texas that’s a signal a police car is parked ahead. Speeders beware! I wasn’t speeding and didn’t intend to, but touched my brakes anyway—automatic reaction. And, sure enough, right down the road, there he was, waiting, like a spider for a fly. As I passed, I wondered if I should return the favor by warning the approaching cars. I was conflicted as to whether I should or shouldn’t. It’s not illegal to flash lights and it slows down traffic, that’s for sure. But it also allows speeders off the hook. OK, after a little argument with myself, I did pass along the favor and warn a few people. I’ve been guilty of not paying attention to how fast I’m going. We can all use a little grace sometimes.

Do you consider yourself a fix-it person? I’m not talking about unclogging a drain or stopping a dripping faucet. I mean in more personal matters, such as trying to repair relationships between people. Maybe you are and maybe you’ve been successful at times, but my track record isn’t so good. I’ve tried to be a peacemaker only to have both parties resent my attempts. I’ve tried to calm simmering angry words only to make matters worse. I’ve prayed for years for people to overcome their animosity toward one another, but to no avail. I’m still going to pray because all in God’s good timing, but as my pastor once said: “Get over yourself! You’re not God! You can’t fix it!” He’s right. Some things only God can fix.

Do you believe in answered prayer? I mean, even in the smallest ways? Sometimes it’s hard not to question even when we get what we ask for. Much of my reading is in religious works, some rather academic, but I read many other books as well. I’m a reader. One night I was wishing I had something lighter to read, something to make me laugh. When I opened my Kindle an ad popped up for a book by an author I recognized. She writes books without much redeemable literary or social value, but which make you laugh. Was that a coincidence? It’s not even a book I would recommend to anyone! Why would God send me such a silly book, except he knew it would make me laugh and lift my spirits. Isn’t our God wonderful!

Fall in Texas

We’re actually having a fall in north Texas this year. Sometimes it seems fall is here for a week or two and then bingo, it’s winter chill! My trees are bursting with color! Well, not the post oak, blackjack and bur oaks so much, but the Chinese pistache and the sweetgum are yellow, red and orange gorgeous. When I lived and worked in Southern California all those years, as much as I enjoyed the pleasant winters, I did miss the seasons. What was interesting, in spite of no frost, the trees there turned into their fall colors anyway. Nature will have its way.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a desire to stop whatever you’re doing and praise and thank God? That happened to me one morning last week while I was getting dressed for the day. I wasn’t thinking about praying.  It wasn’t premeditated or planned; it just happened. If that sounds eerie, it wasn’t. A warm and compelling desire to express joyous praise and thankfulness to our Father came over me. I believe that was the Jesus in me. I can explain the experience no other way. The Holy Spirit and our Savior are always expressing love to the Father and to each other. Sometimes we get to share in their divine love in a special way. Thank you, Jesus!

As I’ve mentioned before, I make homemade egg noodles for Thanksgiving, the old-fashioned recipe from scratch. That means eggs and flour mixed, kneaded, rolled out, dried enough to cut into strips and cooked in chicken broth. It’s a tradition passed down from my mother and her mother before. Noodles aren’t the most healthy food choice, but my family loves those noodles. The family cooks also contribute homemade pies, rolls, candied yams, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce and many other sides to accent the main entree—roasted and smoked turkey. This abundance shared with family and friends is in appreciation of all God’s blessings throughout the year. And, one of his greatest blessings is having family and friends to share those blessings with. Wishing you and yours a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

The full moon hung like a shining, golden medallion over the horizon. I could hardly take my eyes off it as I carried my recycling to the end of the driveway for next morning’s pickup. As I stopped to admire its beauty, I heard my neighbor’s voice from down the road, “Do you see the moon?” Yes, I said. It’s beautiful! Fascinated by what I was seeing I hadn’t noticed one of my neighbors was also taking out his recycling. Have you ever felt sharing an experience with someone else made it even more special? That’s how I felt when I heard my neighbor’s voice. No more was said; no more needed to be said. It was just a moment—two people appreciating the beauty of God’s handiwork.