Meet Nova Lee Uriel Nault - my youngest daughter and son-in-law's sweet new baby girl.  It is truly a thrill to welcome the miracle of new life.  I stare at this little person who we have only begun to get to know and can only be thankful for the incredible gift of life.  It is a joy to hold something/someone so precious as she takes her first breaths in this world.  I whisper prayers for health, safety, sweet relationships and a deep commitment to the loving Father who created her and offers eternal hope and promise.  Lord, may we be as needy and trusting of You as she.   

Abi sometimes

sometimes

sad marches in

and invades your mind

your heart

your soul

and the dwindling defense

of holding yourself 

together

is like trying to contain water

in a sieve 

and the lump

there beneath your chin

enlarges

and every swollen thought

turns liquid

when even the day

seems dark

and not 

one shimmering star

offers a twinkle

of hope

sometimes 

the usual brilliance and beauty

of life's offerings

share only

a cloud

without clarity

without proclamation

sometimes

you want to raise your voice

and your empty hands

in pleading desperation

or fall into a heap

of tears

praying that this road

will have been a bad dream

sometimes

you wake up

and find it's not a nightmare

and want to

go back to sleep

and then...

a single memory

catches your fall...

Moss covered paths between scarlet peonies,

Pale jade mountains fill your rustic windows

I envy you, drunk with flowers,

butterflies swirling in your dreams.

by: C'ien Ch'i, translated by Kenneth Rexroth

In honor of school being back in session for most this month, I'd like to re-post this blog.  I work with children and young adults who are challenged with various kinds of disability.  It is my highest desire to serve in ways that bring success, better life quality and joy to these very special lives.  I often find myself in a teacher's role and realize that doing my best requires much responsibility.  I salute the many who have been there for me to answer questions, solve problems and help pave a path for my entering adulthood.  I also salute each who continue to do so in an ever-changing world with constant complications and difficulties.  These patient educators are the treasures and vessels through whom God often sparkles like glitter, leaving imprints across the pages of many lives.  May He bless and guide those who have chosen to give themselves to the task of preparing and caring for our next generation.

A Tribute to Educators

I believe it is true that a picture paints a thousand words.  And though I am a great advocate for capturing the kind of photographs that encourage imagination and curiosity, I am also a cheerleader for those who take the time to paint a picture with words, stories and actions.  I had a father who loved to tell stories!  Sometimes they were exaggerated or colored with elaborate fabrication.  But even the overstated tales captured my interest and challenged my future!  I have had a number of extraordinary teachers in my life.  What made them so special was that they took the time to tell the stories that drew me into the world they were painting.  Their activities and actions showed sincere interest in me.  Their smiles and sense of humor made the lessons attractive, and the respect they showed me as an individual allowed me to in turn, apply all they had taught to my real world.  Some of those significant individuals were school teachers and some were friends or family members who genuinely wanted to see me succeed in all I pursued.  Every one of them spent something of value on me - love and time.  

Here's to all those who desire to pass along understanding, heritage, information, encouragement, hours and love.  It is a life-time endeavor, but one that will indeed come back to bless you.  It will rarely pay the big bucks, but will reap big rewards.  It will cost honesty, loyalty, consistency and patience, but will offer to others some of the greatest treasures of earth - and heaven.  Perhaps within I Corinthians 13 lies the heart of a God-fearing teacher, who is willing to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things and endure all things for the sake of loving others as Christ loved the church.  Perhaps this is a command for each of us to consider and obey.  Perhaps that is why our Lord Himself was called "Teacher"...and perhaps that is why He has called us to be a living reflection of His example.   

A yearning heart

Has little rest

The aching throb

Of loneliness

Seeking comfort

In the pain

Needing sunshine

Feeling rain

Dwelling by

The tombs of fear

Praying comfort

Might come near

Heavy songs

Flow through my head

They carry me

By tiny threads

Back to Him

Who holds my heart

The One who's been there

From the start

Jesus grip 

My trembling hand

I can't see You

I can't stand

Give me strength

Lend Your touch

Take away 

What hurts so much

Grant new mercy

Send fresh grace

Pour it o'er

My tear-stained face

Hold me up

With Your strong arm

Walk me through

This raging storm

I will trust 

That You are there

That I am safe

Within Your care

Joy at the start, fear in the journey

Joy in the coming home

A part of the heart gets lost in the learning

Somewhere along the road

Along the road your path may wander

A pilgrim's faith may fail

Absence makes the heart grow stronger

Darkness obscures the trail

Cursing the quest, courting disaster

Measureless nights forebode

Moments of rest, glimpses of laughter

Are treasured along the road

Along the road your steps may stumble

your thoughts may start to stray

But through it all a heart held humble

Levels and lights your way.

Lilies anyone?

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and you exalt yourself as head over all.  I Chronicles 29:11