Time outdoors at one of my favorite spots

My daughter is gone this weekend to Gatlinburg, TN for the middle school Resurrection and my husband had to work today.  So, after having taken care of some things at home this morning (finally finishing one of my session #2 Academy books, The Message of the Psalms by Walter Brueggemann, and catching up on my online beadisciple.com workshop I am facilitating), I grabbed my backpack and took off to the woods to one of my favorite spots, North Chickamauga Creek and Gorge.  AHHHH!!

However, upon arriving there, I found a church bus parked in the driveway.  The gate was locked.  Let down.  But, I pulled in next to the bus, got out, and starting chatting with the guys.  They were scout leaders from Knoxville, TN.  They had an overnight backpacking permit and planned to hike in and camp out with some of their troop.  They weren't expecting a locked gate.  Neither was I.  One of the leaders turned out to be a Bryan College graduate, graduating a few years before I came on campus to teach.  He met his wife there.  We had some friends in common on the campus and chatted BC Lions for a few.  They had called the appropriate numbers and someone was on the way to unlock the gate, so this allowed for calm chatting.  The boys were on and off the bus, a tad restless.  A guy came and unlocked the gate.  He was a neighbor and had gotten a call to come unlock it.

We were able to get in!  I was hoping for some kayakers, but sadly saw none.  However, I saw boulderers (people who boulder) as I started down the trail.  I asked if I could watch and take some pictures and they granted permission.  One had been at it for 2 years; the other about a year and a half.  They both try to get out at least weekly to boulder.  They had parked up on the road and had come down through the woods.  I watched and took some pictures, then ventured on.

As I left that area, I spotted some china on the ground.  That is odd for the woods.  I took a picture of it, then picked it up.  I wonder how it got there was one thing on my mind.  But the other thing in my thoughts was how perfect this piece would be for my friend Jeanne who does broken china art/jewelry with her Broken Elegance.

I wandered on down the trail, listening to the roar of the filled creek from all the rain we have gotten recently.  With the creek to my left, I walked along, stopping to take pictures and admiring the recently worked over path.  They have been doing work on the path with some sort of machinery, moving some rocks and smoothing it out.  It was quite muddy in spots, yet decent.

Meanwhile, the scouts haven't started on their trek just yet.  They are gathered outside their bus, getting their gear together... or so it seems from a distance.  Some rangers come and are chatting with them too.

After going down the path a while, the bouldering guys pass me as they look for more boulders to climb.

I decided to head back and go down to the lower picnic area so I get closer to the water and on the rocks.

As I headed back and passed through the parking lot, the scouts were still going through their gear, so I stopped for a chat and a photograph.  One of the scouts has graduated up to being a leader.  His sister went to Bryan, after I had been there.  I got to visit with the rangers a little too.

Then, I was off for some more rocks and water and/or silence and solitude.  As I neared my destination, there was someone heading back to their vehicle.  I hung out on the large flat rock for a while, but moved further away to not be in their space. 

I went to the gauge area and took some pictures.  I climbed over rocks and trees and made my way through the brush.  I found what looked to be a fossil rock.  I took a few pictures and left it there, though I was tempted to keep it because it almost looked like it could have been animal toes. 

I decided to video record some of the trickling and rushing waters for future quiet time meditation. 

When I decided to head back to the car, I went up by a tiny creek branch.  I found myself crossing back and forth as the path was best.  Suddenly it struck my that this was just like my childhood days when I would play in the woods at my Dad's campground, Trails Inn, off Connector 3, in Dalton, GA.  I would play in the woods for hours by the water, in the woods, etc.  A huge smile crossed my face as I realized the connection.  Those woods no longer exist.  My family and I went back recently to see when in Dalton.  Some of the campground still exists.  The fishing pond is still there.   The office building is there.  They are different, yet there.  There are mobile units on some of the sites and houses or other mobile units built up on the hill where the Enduro races would start.  The creek is still there.  But on the other side, there are no woods.  They have been destroyed.  There are industrial plants on the other side now.  So, even though I have felt a calling 'to go back' for a couple of years now, there is no 'back' to go to.  At least not physically.  I had to go see it to know that.  Yet, I believe there is still a 'back' spiritually and that is part of my spiritual growth and unfolding as I continue this journey.

Today was a breath of fresh air for me in my journey.  I got out into the woods.  I played on the big and little rocks.  I even skipped one rock.  I found some treasures of nature and other treasures.  I had conversations with people and made connections, even if we never see each other again.

But, most of all, I had time in creation with the Creator.  I basked in the beauty of the handiwork and was renewed by what I saw and what I heard.  My soul was also touched deep down at a level I won't fully understand as I travelled "home" to Trails Inn for a moment, to the early days of hanging out with my Creator in creation.

It was a few hours of body, soul, and mind relaxation, refreshment, rejeuvenation, filling, healing, and truly who knows what else?!?!

This was part of my journey today.  Contemplative with silence, solitude, nature and then some conversation thrown in.

What in your day has blessed your spirit? 

Blessings on your journey,

~Debra

 

 

 

 

Growth opportunities...

Each one of us receive growth opportunities daily.  I say "receive" because they are like gifts.  Our receptivity to these opportunities and our follow-up action with these opportunities will be the indicators to whether or not we truly grow because of them.

What kinds of growth opportunities come your way?  Do you recognize them?  They may come in the form of interruptions, an unexpected job offer, a difficult diagnosis of self/friend/loved one, an accident, a challenging thought or reflection from a book or a speaker, ETC.  The sources are endless.

This morning I read about growth opportunities coming from anxiety.  Now that is something to think about for me.... turning anxiousness around for good to become a growth opportunity instead of a stumbling block.  That sounds pretty awesome.

In today's Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, the devotion speaks of trust and growth:

"STRIVE TO TRUST ME in more and more areas of your life.  Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity.  Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties.  If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations.  Don't waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been.  Start at the present moment--accepting things exactly as they are--and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances.
     Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me.  If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed.  Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind." (page 23) 

The Scripture verses listed for today are: Psalm 52:8; Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amplified)

I will ask the questions that jump out (to me) from this reading:

• What tends to make you anxious? 
• Do you find yourself running away from the challenge(s) or embracing it (them)?
• What in your life feels like you are traveling uphill?  Are you on that journey alone or are you traveling it with the One who will sustain you? 

There are other journeyers along the path who can share strength and sustenance with you.  Don't forget to lean on them for support and to provide support for them.

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra ☺

Taking Down the Christmas Tree...A Ritual of Remembrance

January 18, 2013

 

Typically we take down our tree after Epiphany (January 6), but I was out of town last week for an Academy session.  I secretly hoped my husband and daughter would take off the ornaments and lights while I was gone, but they didn't.  My husband reasoned that he wouldn't have put them in the correct boxes.  Most of the ornaments fit in their original boxes, so that's not a great excuse.  It IS like putting together a puzzle though, attempting to find the right box for the ornament.  And, there are always ornaments left without a home at the end.  So, I understand his reluctancy.  I feel the same way.

But on the first sunshine day since I've been back home, I set out to de-ornament the tree.  As I took off each ornament and set it in the armchair (boxing them up comes later), I realized that this is a process of both remembering and letting go. 

Each ornament has a history, a story.  And, as each one comes off the tree (the poor prickly tree), I am reminded that it is time to let go of the Christmas season.  The twelve days of Christmas have ended and I don't celebrate by leaving the decorations up until February 2 (Candlemas).  For more on Candlemas, check out this link.

We had a smaller tree this year, so we didn't put up all our ornaments.  So, I didn't get to re-live all of the ornaments this season.

But, there were still quite a few to reflect upon.  There were the hobby ornaments: hiking and kayaking Santa, piano, swimmer, karate figure, sparring helmet.  There were the places we've visited ornaments: Paradise Ranch, Chicago, Grandfather Mountain, Rock City, Costa Rica, Washington, DC.  There were the picture ornaments: Charlotte at various ages and stages and one of Sean and Dana as kids.  The homemade ornaments: one that my former father-in-law made of a wise-man out of wood, some that Charlotte made, hand-made glass blown ornaments and an egg ornament.  The Spanish ornaments:  several "Feliz Navidad" ones in a variety of forms, a Spanish Santa Claus, and a nativity scene inside a cave. There were the snow flakes and crosses and candy canes (some real, some out of wood).  There were snowmen.  There were several Mickey Mouse ornaments.  There was the Pharmacy stamp ornament to honor my husband's profession.  There were the sports teams: Denver Bronco (1 being John Elway) and Chicago Cubs. There were ornaments that I inherited from my Nana and ornaments from my childhood that I received (though most of those are still on my parent's tree). There were ornaments that I've received as gifts.  The skirt around the bottom was made by my Mom in 1990 and this year's topper was made by Charlotte, a bright yellow paper star (ninja star-style).

 

 

 

 

One by one the ornaments came off the tree.  It was a time to reflect and remember the days gone by:  family, relationships, memories. 

Then I took off the lights, the star, and removed the skirt. 

My husband took care of removing the tree from the house.  It will become a sanctuary for birds or other animals (or simply find its way back to the earth) in the woods behind our home.

There are two challenges that remain.  One:  finding the correct box for each ornament and two: getting all those needles out of the house.... likely I'll be finding them for a while.

For me, this has been a time of reflection.

The journey continues,

Debra ☺
 

Restlessness gives way to peace as I abide.....

I changed the dining room table linens from red and green to a wintery blue.  I put away some of the Christmas items, leaving the tree up until Epiphany (January 6th), though I may be dreaming that I will actually get it down the day before I leave for Academy session #7 of our Academy #32. 

As restlessness crept upon me and overtook me, I looked for something to read.... and nothing caught my attention.  So I picked up my Macrina Wiederkehr book, Abide: Keeping Vigil with the Word of God, to see where I had left off in my devotional reading.

As soon as I opened to my bookmark and read the chapter title, "Staying Connected to the Vine", I started to feel some peace.  The Scripture for this section is John 15:1-8.  The danger in such a familiar passage is to read it without thinking, so I forced myself to read it slowly.  Then, I read the words of Macrina Wiederkehr.  This is what I needed for my soul to rest.  I needed to abide. 

Some of the things that stood out to me from the reading:

"Jesus often used symbols from the world of nature as teaching tools.  He encouraged his followers to look at the common things around them: bread, water, salt, light, fig trees, birds, sheep, rocks, seed, wildflowers, mountains, vines, and branches.  They were to learn lessons from these natural gifts by listening to their wordless sermons." (58)

Oh how I enjoy learning from nature's wordless sermons!  They abound!  Sometimes I seek them out.  At other times they seem to simply show themselves. 

Macrina writes: "Perhaps you too have discovered a beautiful truth in these "nature teachings" of Jesus.  In the ordinary miracles of nature there is a thin veil that separates us from the face of God, or we might say, a cloud that obscures us from the divine mystery.  Jesus often gives us clues, trying to lead us closer to our sacred Source.  He wants to help us break through the veil that separates us from our heart's deepest longing, which, of course, is union with the divine.  The Christian Celtic peoples spoke of these elusive connections with God as the thin places." (58) 

There is so much packed in those lines.   What clues is Jesus putting in front of me, in front of you, to help lead us closer to the Source?  Are we recognizing those clues?  What teachings from nature have been most significant to you?  Are we breaking through that veil?

In reading the passage about pruning, one cannot help but reflect upon what might need to be pruned in one's life.  As I head into another Academy session, I am not so sure that I desire "pruning" to be my word for the week.  Yet, if pruning is what is needed at this time in my life in order for me to bear more fruitful fruit and to be rid of needless dead wood or baggage, then I am open for the procedure.

Macrina writes: "It is a grace to be able to recognize how the branches of our lives need to be trimmed.  The trimming is generally for our good and for the good of the faith community of which we are a part.  The pruning will assist us in our journey to the "deepening places."  It is a work of transformation that will enable us to discover the incredible beauty of the intimate bond we have with Christ." (59)

The last paragraph of the devotional opens and closes with the following sentences that to me reveal that the effort of living out our faith is reciprocal between community and the individual: "Our efforts to stay connected to Christ will help us to remain spiritually linked to one another."  "The more we can learn from each other and support one another's respective journeys, the greater will be our intimacy with the One to whom we all belong." (61)

Macrina closes with this prayer:

Jesus, Vine of God,
     Just as you have proclaimed to be the vine, I proclaim that I am one of your branches.  To abide in you, to remain rooted and connected to you, is my soul's dream.  My heart desires you.  O Vine of God, protect and cherish all your branches.  Prune me carefully so that you may never cut away more than I can bear.  May your pruning be only to awaken the sleeping life in me!  May all that is weary and bored be snipped away so that my very best self can arise!  Prune away the dead wood from my life.  Awaken me to my full potential.  Amen.  (62)

Maybe there is something here that speaks to you where you are on your journey. 

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra



A shell on the beach at Cape San Blas, May 2011.  One of those nature teaching moments for me as I stopped walking to see more closely the work of the Creator's hands at my feet.  The sparkling sand, the shell..... it drew me to itself. 

The Third Desert: The Story of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue

This book, The Third Desert: The Story of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, was written by Fabrice Blée in French and translated into English by William Skudlarek with Mary Grady.  It was one of my required readings for the upcoming session #7 of Academy #32 for the Academy for Spiritual Formation. 

Though it wasn't an easy book to get through, there were many moments in which I found my spirit resonating with the message in it.  I found it to be another book that affirmed some things I have been growing into as well as challenging me into taking further steps of growth in the journey. 

An underlying premise to dialogue is listening.  And, in order to listen to the other, we must first be able to listen to ourselves and our Creator.  This requires making the time for solitude. 

Though the book focuses on the topic of monastic dialogue with one another, it does often show the need for this dialogue within the entire Kingdom and by example, shows that it can be done with "the other". 

As I read the book, I thought back to a paper I wrote a few years ago in seminary that discussed the open doors of some churches to the Muslim faith community needing a place to worship.  These communities had entered into dialogue with one another.  The research and writing of that paper was stretching for me and a marker in my journey.  I saw some wonderful examples of hospitality and dialogue, things which I have just read again in The Third Desert.

Here are some of the nuggets I gathered from this book:

• "...the more one enters deeply into one's own religion the more one is able to go to the heart of other religious traditions." (19)
• "...dialogue was necessary to counter mutual ignorance and the prejudices that were still too often present among the spiritual practitioners of different religions." (63)
• "It [entering into dialogue] involves making one's way toward the unknown and being willing to call everything into question.  But it also involves rediscovering oneself as a God-seeker and it offers the possibility of opening new horizons and moving beyond illusory certitudes and well-established routines." (73)
• "It is not enough to make experiences happen; they have to be reflected on, and what has been experienced has to be put into words." (123)
• "Encounter with the other as other is an opportunity, not a danger. The great challenge of our time is to make such encounters part of our spiritual practice." (134)
• "The more one descends into the depth of one's being, the more one draws near to the source from which all drink.  To live in the presence of the divine reinforces one's awareness of unity with the other and with the entire universe." (140)
• "Dialogue is spiritual when it invites the partners in dialogue to grow together in the Spirit and to anticipate the "kingdom of God"." (140)

There are many more nuggets that I gleaned from this book-- from the history of the dialogues that the monks have had to truths and examples and insight. 

Though I jokingly referred to this book as The Dry Desert once or twice, it truly took me on a deeper journey that isn't simply head knowledge. 

I look forward to discussing this book with others at the upcoming Academy session.  I also look forward to the opportunity to put into practice what I have learned from this book.

Though I'm unable to attend due to seminary responsibilities, home-life responsibilities and financial constraints, I did learn of a desert pilgrimage that would have been interesting to participate in.  It is an interfaith pilgrimage to the American Southwest: Exploring the Spirit of the Desert, sponsored by Spiritual Directors International.  Check it out at their link here.  A PDF flyer for the pilgrimage is available here for download and/or sharing.

What opportunities do you have to dialogue with "the other"?  Are you willing? 

We can learn and grow from the experience because we will ultimately learn more about ourselves and our own faith background in the process.  It is an important part of the journey.  At least for me it is.  Especially as I seek to love God and love others.  I cannot do the second part if I am not willing to enter into dialogue with them. 

Blessings on your journey,

~Debra ☺

Longest Night Service at Burks UMC 2012, December 21

Last night was the Longest Night Service.  This year, more than typically, there may have been vigils held at more locations due to the deaths in Newton, CT.  The Longest Night Service at our church, Burks UMC, included a beautiful time of remembrance for the lives of the adults and children of Newton, CT as well as others from the church family or those close to church family.   There were several aspects of last night's service that were touching for me, so I wanted to reflect.

It is never easy to allow ourselves to live into pain.  However, in my experience, it is only by living into and through the pain that I will be able to arrive on the other side to healing.  There will still be scars that hold memories, yet those memories are healed and restored if I have gone through the pain toward healing. 

A service of the Longest Night in which we focus on the light in the midst of the darkness of loss and pain is not an easy service.  There is somberness.  There is pain.  There are tears.  Yet, there is light, hope and life.  It is an odd place.  It is a paradox, but isn't much of what surrounds the Mystery?!!? 

A bagpiper player, Dr. Scott Douglas, began the service with a beautiful prelude which set the atmosphere (at least for me) in a beautiful somber tone. 

Last night I was blessed to not only attend, but participate.  I was able to bring words of welcome and lead in the call to worship. 

The call to worship:

Leader:  Jesus said, Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”  And so we invite each other to this time of peaceful worship.  Flee for a while from your tasks;

People:  Hide yourself for a little space from the turmoil of your thoughts.

Leader:  Come, cast aside your burdensome cares and put aside your laborious pursuits.

ALL:  Give your time to God, and rest in God for a little while. 

The "Prayer of the People" for this occasion was:

O God, we come to you in prayer this night;

For all who have a song they cannot sing,

For all who have a burden they cannot bear.

For all who live in chains they cannot break,

For all who wander homeless and cannot return,

For those who are sick, and for those who tend to them,

For those who wait for loved ones, and wait in vain,

For those who live in hunger,

And for those who will not share their bread,

For those who are misunderstood,

And for those who misunderstand

For those whose words of love are locked within their hearts,

And for those who yearn to hear those words,

Show us the way, O God, for we your people walk in darkness.

Amen

Reverend Leon Fraley, our former Associate Pastor, was in town for Christmas and was able to be part of the service as well.  That was a wonderful blessing.... not only to see him (and Rhonda, his wife), but to hear him share.  Prior to being in ministry in the church, he served in the school systems as an educator and a principal.  He was the perfect choice to honor and remember the children and educators from Sandy Hook Elementary. 

 

It was difficult to get up and read the Scripture passage after watching the names and faces of those who had been murdered.  Psalm 139:1-12.

 

Rev. Amy Nutt brought a reflection message, "Sleeping with Bread".   The title of this reflection comes from a book with the title, in which the story is told of children from World War II who could not sleep at night because they were hungry and afraid.  So, they were given a piece of bread for comfort and that helped them sleep because they had bread for the day and knew that they would have bread for the next day.

 

The story intrigued me, as did the book, so I had to do some investigating.  I learned that this book was based on this story, but expanded it into our daily lives.  The authors (Dennis Linn and family) show us how we can find comfort and hope in the things which sustain us.  Investigation also revealed that the book is about the daily examen and prayer and has been used for retreats and in many other venues to help people in their journey of growing closer to God.  This is a book that I must now read! ☺

 

 

 

Besides sharing this story about 'sleeping with bread', Amy spoke about 'hiding from God' from the Scripture passage and our desire to do so.  She shared about her personal grief and needing space... we all need space to grieve and grow.  I appreciate leaders who model and lead by example.  I have been blessed to know quite a few.

 

Amy asked this question: "What has God brought in my life to give me comfort?"

 

After her reflection, candles were lit in remembrance and for healing for those in the church family.  After the list had been read, the congregation could add to the names.  Mary Lee Clark and I got to be the candle lighters for this time.  For me, that was a sacred time as well.

 

We had communion next.  Rowland and Amy served us the elements this time.  Often they will prepare the table and serve the servers and be available for prayer.  But last night they prepared the table, served each other and then served all of us.  That was meaningful for me last night... to receive the elements from them. 

 

After communion, Wil Martin sang "Christmas in Heaven".  What a beautiful song. 

 

"Christmas in Heaven" lyrics:

 

December hasn't changed
This town looks the same
They still light that tree in the city square
There's red, white, and green shining everywhere
And I wish you were here
And I wonder

Is the snow falling down on the streets of gold
Are the mansions all covered in white
Are you singing with angels "Silent Night"
I wonder what Christmas in heaven is like

There's a little manger scene
Down on Third and Main
I must have walked right by it a thousand times
But I see it now in a different light
'Cause I know you are there
And I wonder

Are you kneeling with shepherds before him now
Can you reach out and touch his face
Are you part of that glorious Holy night
I wonder what Christmas in Heaven is like

Is the snow falling down on the streets of gold?
Are the mansions all covered in white?
Are you singing with angels "Silent Night"
I wonder what Christmas in Heaven is like

                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I couldn't help think that this year, there will be quite a few more children running around at Christmas time in heaven.  That, along with the deaths I've personally encountered this week, touched me tremendously.

 

The bagpipe player closed us out with another beautiful tune.  On the way out, Amy had arranged for each of us to be able to have our own bread to take with us.  Tangible ways to remember the reflections are always neat.... especially when they are edible. ☺

 

 

A very blessed longest night service indeed!

 

~Debra

 

 

What plagues you and drags you down? Thoughts from Jesus Calling, migraines, and an extended break from writing

I really still don't have the time to do this, but I have to.  It has been too long.  I didn't post a single post in November and here it is December 18.  This is a record for me.... a record that isn't one I desire.  Yet, it has been necessary.

In November, I did plan to post the two sermons I preached, but I just wasn't able to get to it.  I still plan to post them, so that is something I will work on between classes.

The reason for my absence on my writing portion of my spiritual journey?  It was out of necessity in that I had a project for one class to write and a paper for another.  The project I chose was to write a retreat.  A weekend retreat.  The paper I wrote on was "discermnent".  There was quite a bit of reading I did in preparation.  And I knew that I needed to save my creative writing energy for those two "biggies". 

However, there were many times when I could have used some short processing of life, situations, thoughts, etc.  There have been lots of great things from sermons, conversations, books I've been reading, a contemplative photography site I found, etc. Yet, I couldn't take the time to write about them.  I really didn't even have much time.

My husband had shoulder surgery in the beginning of November.  It was supposed to be primarily to scoop out a bone spur, but the doc worked a tad on the rotator cuff too.  So, the estimated week of being home for recovery turned into a month.  That took some adjusting to schedules and life, but we all made it work.

Then there have been the migraines that have been nearly non-stop since November.  I have had migraines for many years.  I am on anti-migraine medication plus I take migraine medication when they come on.  But at this point, I am starting to be worn down.  Yes, the stress of life and school has been weighing on me, but has it been that strong?  Have not my times of prayer and exercise (taekwondo, yoga, and zumba) been sufficient to rid my body of the stress?!?!  I guess not.

So this morning I pull myself out of bed, get my "Be still and know that I am God" mug with some Café Britt java and read today's Jesus Calling entry.

The very first line read: "WHEN YOU ARE PLAGUED by a persistent problem--one that goes on and on--view it as a rich opportunity."  Really?!?  'A rich opportunity?!?!'  Hmmm.... Well, I'm not so sure I can see these migraines as 'a rich opportunity.'  However, I will keep reading.

"An ongoing problem is like a tutor who is always by your side.  The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable.  In faith, thank Me for your problem.  Ask Me to open your eyes and your heart to all that I am accomplishing through this difficulty.  Once you have become grateful for a problem, it loses its power to drag you down."

I fully realize that I can learn from listening to my body.  And, likely "stress" is an issue.  Yet, it would be ironic, considering that I'm doing less in my life this year than I was last year when I worked part time.... and even less than when I worked full time.  Even with the exercise, I haven't been able to go for a therapeutic massage in a while, so that would be good.  I have read THOUSANDS of pages in a short time period..... that could be a very valid reason my head hurts.  Books for seminary, books for the Academy sessions.  And, simply because my brain gets to a point that it can't stop... one book for relaxation. 

Today I am challenged with being thankful for my migraines and being willing to see them as an opportunity for learning and for listening.  Okay, I accept this challenge.  If I learn that the answer means checking back in with docs, that's cool.  There is always this thought way back in the back of my head when I have headaches like this because of a family history of brain aneurysms.  I did have a brain scan several years back when I was having many migraines and they found nothing in my brain. ☺  A confirmation to many.

For those who have been keeping up with my blog even though I have been M.I.A. (missing in action), THANK YOU!! 

Since I have been challenged today, it is only appropriate that I pass along that challenge to others....

What plagues you and drags you down?  Can you come to the point of being thankful, learning from it and seeing it as an opportunity?

Blessings on your journey,

~Debra

P.S.  If you are interested in looking them up, the Scripture references for today's Jesus Calling are: Isaiah 30:20-21; 2 Corinthians 4:17 (Amplified)