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A Prayer for “The Normal Signs of Aging”

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I love May Day. Not because it is the month when you can (mostly) count on spring finally arriving. I mean, if winter lingers through April, at least May is the month when spring must come. And, it isn’t because of the celebrations surrounding May Day, although when I was a kid, I loved making little baskets to take to my neighbor friends. No, my love of May Day is actually rather selfish. As a child, I knew that May Day meant that May 2nd was the very next day and May 2nd is my birthday.

Yesterday, I once again celebrated my birthday. The excitement still lingers even though I am now three-quarters through my life expectancy. Last year I was distracted from the full ramifications of the shock of the big 6-0 by the cancer I faced. And, to be honest, the best birthday present I ever received was the phone call from my doctor telling me my lymph nodes were clean and I didn’t need any more treatment!

But, this year has provided more opportunities to experience what others tell me are normal signs of aging. Muscles, joints, bones, energy, focus, hair that has thinned and won’t do what it used to. . . if you know, you know.

However, with age has come a realization that there are things I wish I had grabbed onto when I was younger. Things like the truth of the power available to me to live the Christian life through God’s power, rather than my attempts. Sigh. Maybe this is some of the wisdom that people talk about getting with age. To be honest, I kind of feel like I’m finally growing up. You know, maybe I’m 40 now?

When my sister-in-law wished me a Happy Birthday, I asked her. . . “How did this happen to us?”

She responded with, “One day at a time, but it still SNUCK UP on us!”

Snuck up, that’s the truth.

So, yesterday, instead of going to the arboretum as we had planned, I made an urgent visit to my optometrist to see about the new floaters and flashes in my right eye. Thankfully, as with last year, I received the best possible news from the doctor. “Your retina is fine.” But, then she had to add that other phrase. “It is just a normal sign of aging.” Yes. I think my eyes might have rolled.

There is a prayer I found a couple of years ago in The Divine Hours, by Phyllis Tickle. It is meant as a morning prayer, but by just changing the word “day” to “year” it can be a prayer for the year. Since I am facing the normal process of aging, I think it might help me remember that available power I spoke about just a moment ago. It is now not only my morning prayer, but also my birthday prayer.

Lord God Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me safely to this new year. Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity, and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen

Of Poetry Month, Arbor Day, and Psalm 148

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What do National Poetry Day, Arbor Day, and Psalm 148 have in common? Let me tell you!

It’s a beautiful day here in Western North Carolina today. The trees are all fully leafed out and everywhere you look there is glorious green. I sit at my bedroom window looking out on the massive Norway spruce that was once the Bradley family’s Christmas tree, as well as a new volunteer maple which is now big enough to offer  privacy. What a fitting way to celebrate Arbor Day.

This morning I read Psalm 148 whose theme is “Let all creation praise and worship the LORD.” After the command in verse seven to “Praise the LORD from the earth,” there is a list which even mentions the trees in verse nine. “Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars.”

It isn’t hard for me to believe that even the trees praise the LORD. Their beauty, strength, usefulness, and so many other things all shout glory to the Creator.

Besides being Arbor Day today this is also National Poetry Month. So, in celebration of Arbor Day and National Poetry Month, I offer you this poem by Joyce Kilmer, a man who gave his life for our country in World War I.

 

Trees

By Joyce Kilmer

 

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

 

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

 

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

 

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

 

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

 

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

2023 Spring-Easter Book Suggestions

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The time-change is always an indication that spring is here. Or, at least that it is coming soon!

Spring means Easter. It will be here before we know it. The stores are already full of Easter baskets and chocolate. Like every other holiday, consumerism has affected Easter too.

Our parents chose to focus on the real meaning of Easter—Christ’s resurrection. We didn’t do Easter baskets and I don’t remember ever being in an Easter egg hunt. Our excitement was over the Easter bonnet, the new dress from Aunt Rachel, white gloves, and new shoes.

 

But many people enjoy giving Easter baskets. So I had a few suggestions for items parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles could give a child, whether in an Easter basket or not. I know you will be shocked to hear that my recommendations are books.

First, I want to suggest a new book I came across the other day, The Garden, The Curtain, and The Cross by Carl Laferton, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri. It is a retelling of the gospel account from the Garden of Eden to the Resurrection.

Second, a friend wrote a delightful story about a bunny who wants to save the flowers in the fall. Now, I know it isn’t fall, but it’s a bunny, okay? Saving Kate’s Flowers, by Cindy Sommer, won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award – New York and has educational elements to boot. This is a beautiful picture book that all ages can enjoy. It’s illustrated by Laurie Allen Klein.

 

 

 

Third, I would like to remind you of Carolyn Frasier’s new book Moon Tree-The Story of One Extraordinary Tree, illustrated by Simona Mulazzani. This non-fiction book would be a fantastic choice for children of all ages. It too has wonderful educational information.

Next I have ideas for older readers. Susan K Marlow, my first editor, wrote an entire series for ages 6 and up. In these books she follows  Andi Carter and friends from childhood to age eighteen. Take a look at this video and check out her website. It is chock full of books and ideas. She even has accompanying educational materials for homeschoolers and young writers.

https://circlecadventures.com/book-series/

 

 

 

Finally, I would love it if you would consider my Double Cousins Mysteries as well as the Nearly Twins book. You can find more about them here on my website, and they are available through online stores. I am always happy to sell signed copies.

All you need to do is email me at miriamjonesbradley@gmail.com and we’ll get you taken care of!                         

So there you have it. My Spring 2023 book suggestions. Do you know of a great book or series for children? Share those titles below.

From My Front Porch to the Great Plains

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Most mornings you can find me on my front porch. Even when I leave for work at 6:20, I steal a few minutes on my porch with a cup of coffee, watching the day dawn and listening to the birds greet the new morning.

Every day I become more and more amazed, enthralled, and captivated by the variety of birds and creatures God gave us. For instance, just from our porch I have seen the following this Spring/Summer.

Early one morning, two raccoons marched down the road and climbed the maple tree, as if they own it. Maybe they do.

Two groundhogs burst out from under my porch in the middle of some kind of altercation. When I yelped—yes, yelped—they turned tail and ran back under opposite ends of the porch. I guess they decided it was better to get along under-ground than to deal with that crazy human on the front porch.

Squirrels. Lots of squirrels, which my husband calls tree rats. There is one who likes to pretend he is a high-wire performer and jump from the tree in our front yard to the tree across the road. He’s made it every time, so far. We have rabbits that hop around the yard and into the gardens, if given a chance, and the occasional deer or three.

Then there are the cats. A neighbor has some cats that made some more cats and you get the idea. They are semi-feral, but deign to approach our porch for the little bit of kitty food we put out to entice them to visit our property often, and at length. You see, there are also mice, and it sure helps to have cats prowling around the exterior of your home.

The most recent cat visitor to our porch is a kitten. We’ve named it Tippy—short for Tippy-toes—because it has perfect white toes on his front feet which contrast with his brown black coat. I admit it. We’ve named them all. It’s easier to say, “Patch was out on the porch this morning,” than, “that white cat with yellow patches was out on the porch.” So we have Bob—his tail somehow got cut off—and Tom. They are both big male cats and they rarely eat from our porch but do roam our yard. There is Patch and Spice, Clove and Cinnamon, Cinder and Stretch, and now Tippy. And Sandy, the feisty runt of his litter. Bruce calls them skitty kitties, and the little one is “the itty bitty skitty kitty.” We like rhyme.

The other day Clove tried to come up on the porch with a big old mouse in her mouth. I guess she was showing me that she was earning her keep. I shooed her away. I saw her a couple of days later with another one. I cheered her on, while assuring her I didn’t need to see the results of her exploits.

And finally my favorite, the birds. Our neighborhood sounds like an aviary, especially in the morning. At first light they start warming up. Cardinals, wrens, blue jays, tufted titmice, chickadees, crows, doves, towhees, hummingbirds, and wood peckers.

One recent morning I sat on my porch and thought about the joy the birds bring to me, and how they glorify God with their beautiful song. I couldn’t help but remember the little chorus I used to teach the children:

           

The birds upon the treetops sing their song,

            The angels chant the chorus all day long,

            The flowers in the garden blend their hue,

            So, why shouldn’t I, Why shouldn’t you.

            Praise Him too?

 

In two weeks, Bruce and I will take off in our motor home for an 11 week tour of the Great Plains. The purpose is two-fold. First, we will be visiting all of my paternal aunts and uncles, as well as Mom’s sister and brother. But, secondly, we will follow in the steps of the Double Cousins from the Double Cousins Mysteries. We plan to visit every town in which a Double Cousins mystery was set.

So far I have eleven events scheduled and I’m expecting a few more before it is all said and done. You are welcome to follow along virtually through my Double Cousins Mysteries (Ages 7-13) Facebook page.

If you are interested in the itinerary, go to my website’s home page and you will find it there. In addition, like and follow the Double Cousins Facebook page so you don’t miss any of the fun!

I have a feeling I might miss my front porch a bit while I’m gone. However, I am thrilled at the thought of all of the unique Great Plains creatures and creation I will see instead!

She Lived. . . Stitch by Stitch. . .

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Last night I was exhausted; mentally, emotionally, and physically. Wednesdays are always difficult for me since I work the previous two nights, but despite extra sleep yesterday afternoon I was pretty pitiful. So, I put myself to bed. I snuggled under my Grandma quilt and drifted off to sleep.

Today is the 98th anniversary of the day my Grandma Jones was born. This marks the first birthday we won’t be celebrating with her. She is celebrating it in heaven and I don’t regret that. I miss her. A lot. But, I know she was ready in every sense of the word and I’m thankful she is there. However, I couldn’t help but think of the impact she had on the lives of so many people in this world. She wasn’t famous. She wasn’t rich. She wasn’t a huge success by today’s standards. Yet, in every way that really counts she was famous, rich, and successful. And she did it stitch by stitch.

You see, my Grandma was a wife, mother, grandma, sister, friend, daughter. She took her relationships and responsibilities seriously. One way she showed her care was by providing for her family. She made quilts. Lots of quilts. When her children were at home she made quilts to keep them warm. They weren’t for show, although she loved to make them beautiful. As her family expanded, so did her quilt making.

For each new grandchild she made a baby quilt. There were 23. For each grandchild’s high-school graduation she made a tie-quilt. There were 23. Then she went on to make each of us a quilt for a double bed. When she came to a wedding, she brought a quilt and Grandpa brought money. A few years ago, when it became apparent even to her that she wouldn’t be able to keep her house much longer, she gave out he quilts to those who weren’t yet married. I put mine away for awhile but then decided I wanted to use it, married or not.

Since getting married I have kept the quilt folded at the bottom of my bed. When I am cold I pull it up. I can see different pieces of material in it that I recognize. They were the remnants of things Grandma made for us when we were younger. I know that Grandma put a lot of love into each of the quilts she made, just like she put a lot of love into each of our lives. She wasn’t a woman of many words. She wasn’t managerial. She was just a woman who loved her family and provided for them.

Even though I don’t have children I can learn a lot from her. I need to use the talents I have to provide for, and bless those God puts in my life. That’s all He asks. I don’t need to do it all at once, either. I can do it like my Grandma, stitch by stitch, over a life-time.

On My Father’s Side. . . and On My Mother’s Side

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We so often talk about our physical and personality traits and trace them back to our parents. I love doing this. Today I received this amazing song. It is one I have never heard before but it is well worth the time it will take to listen to it.  For someone like me who needs a human connecting point to “get something” this was amazing. Thank you, Jesus for coming as the perfect God-man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5ddoyfn6g4&feature=related

Right Feeling Follow Right Actions

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Why is it that we sometimes have to  be reminded of our own advice?

Right Feelings Follow Right Actions.

The first time I remember hearing this phrase was at Northland Baptist Bible College. It is an amazingly simple concept, one we all have experienced but certainly one that is difficult to live consistently. At least it is for some of us. I’ve found it useful when teaching children. I even put it in my first book. It is such a critical concept to “get”.

While I don’t remember hearing it put quite that way before Northland, I had certainly been taught the concept. I had been taught that if you do your work first, your fun time is much more enjoyable. I can attest to the fact that is true. We all know that if there is a task we are dreading, getting it done brings such a sense of relief and accomplishments. I had also been taught that if we obey, even when we don’t want to, we will be thankful we did. This also is true.

So why the difficulty? I’m sure it is wrapped up in the human nature, sin, selfishness, laziness, all of those negative traits.

Whatever causes it, I struggled this morning. I didn’t feel like getting up but I wanted to get things done. Once up I didn’t feel like doing the things I wanted to get done, but I wanted them done. The longer this tussle went on the more miserable I became. I even started to get a headache.

Finally, after a few stops and starts and some prayer on my part for divine help I gave myself the right-feelings-follow-right-actions speech. Then I got the two things I was most dreading DONE! Then we rewarded ourselves and went to Sonic for a Diet Cherry Limeade and a drive in the convertible. Now that I am home I am whizzing through my list.

 Well, maybe plodding is a better word but at least I’m moving forward.

A Legacy Should Not Be Wasted

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I am impressionable. I admit it.

For instance, when I watch the movies made from Jane Austin books I have to make a pot of tea. When I watch You’ve Got Mail, I need a cappuccino.

One year, after watching You’ve Got Mail for the umpty-jillianth time, I made handkerchiefs for all of my nieces. Do you remember the scene where Meg Ryan’s character uses a handkerchief with a daisy on it? Then, in another scene she gets daisies when she is sick. They are happy flowers. I like happy flowers. Let’s just say I bought a lot of daisies when that was my favorite movie. . .

Like I said, I’m impressionable.

For this reason, if no other I am exceedingly grateful for my upbringing. We’ve all seen those impressionable souls who can’t decide what they believe. They can’t make right choices. They always seem to be following the wrong guidance. I really believe I have that potential in me, considering my impressionability factor.

So, what made the difference?

First, of course it is the Lord. His Spirit dwells in me convicting me and helping me make right decisions. Without Him I would be in a heap of trouble, that’s for sure.

There is another thing though. I have been given—by God no doubt—a precious and valuable gift. It came packaged in my parents and grandparents.

For an impressionable child there was nothing more valuable than a world filled to the brim with mature, loving, consistent, Godly examples of the fruits of the Spirit. I’m not exaggerating here folks. My parents and grandparents taught me everything I need to know to succeed in life. Then you throw in some awesome aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, and friends and I have been wrapped in a cocoon of positive impressions.

I have seen—lived out in full color—self discipline, the value of hard work, a vibrant prayer life, patience, forgiveness, wonderful marriages, meekness, goodness, faith, moral excellence, determination, humor, and the list could go on and on.

My spirit was overwhelmed and I cried yesterday as I drove to work. Why me? Why did God bless me with this amazing life? So many people struggle through life, overcoming their surroundings and I’m given this amazing opportunity. Why? With great opportunity comes great responsibility.

Please pray for me as I seek to use the opportunities God gives me to make the best use of this legacy. It must not be wasted.

Generational Friends

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Generational Friends is a term I coined to explain some of my family friendships. I don’t mean friends in my family, but friends that encompass an entire family. I guess it is the result of growing up in small churches where we didn’t have all of the groups that seem to be so essential in churches today.

I really don’t need to get off on a tangent here but I must say. . . I do not understand the hang-up people have about needing a church to meet all of their needs. For instance, a youth group, a children’s ministry, a singles ministry, a young married group, a seniors group, etc. etc. etc. How on earth are the older women supposed to minister to the younger ones when they never interact. Besides, what about the idea of what You can do to help the church. To borrow a phrase from President Kennedy, ask not what your church can do for you, but rather, what you can do for your church.

OK. Sorry. That is one of my soap boxes.

 Because we didn’t always have the opportunity to have friends in our particular age range, my siblings and I learned to be friends with those much older or younger than us. Some of my best friends have been senior citizens. In another instance I was in my early twenties when I gained a friend in her teens. From that friendship I developed a close friendship with her older sister, her mother, and eventually the entire family.

In the case of another family the friendship started with the parents who are ten years my senior. I babysat their children when I was in nursing school. He was my Pastor. Through the years I went back as often as I could to see them and our friendship grew and continued. I went to graduations and weddings. The funny thing was, once the kids grew up they became my friends too. One went with me to a singles retreat.

 Another one, Josh, called and I helped he and his wife and baby Emmy get back to Sheridan to surprise the parents. During that car ride was when the term generational friends was coined. Josh said to me, “Miriam, I bet when Emmy grows up she’ll be your friend to.” I hope so.

September Morning

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September Morning

Crushed

By the numbers and images.

Falling buildings, broken hearts

Crashing Planes, crushed bodies

Jumping people, hijacked dreams.

America staggers

Under the weight.

Fear, anger, disbelief,

lost innocence.

Our hearts are fallen,

Our minds unable to conceive this evil

Hiding amongst us.

As the fog of dust and ashes

begins to settle,

We lift our flags

In homes, businesses,

and even amidst the rubble.

Reaching a hand to God

We pull ourselves first

to our knees, and then

United

As “one nation, under God,”

We stand as fast as we can

To face a changed September,

Mourning.

by Miriam Jones (2001)