A Still Life

Welcome friends...thanks for coming by. We're seeking beauty in all of creation... in our faith and our families; our art and our music; our crafts and kitchens, and even in our own backyard. We'll share a poem or a recipe, a picture or a memory; maybe a dream of how we wish our life could be. And though we acknowledge that the world can be harsh, we're keeping it pleasant in our little corner; endeavoring to keep the words from the Book of all Books: ...Whatsoever things are lovely; think on these things.

I so enjoy hearing from you...so leave me a comment; it'll make my day!

Photo: Bee and thistle: Taken high in the Cascade Mountains where there is a bee buzzing on every thistle. by Debora Rorvig

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

A Still Life

"Be still, and know that I am God..."
Psalms 46:10

I've been thinking about this verse for a couple of days. It seems so appropriate for my life right now.

Be still.

This phrase could mean a few things. In the old days, it meant to be silent--clam up--shut up. A more contemporary person might understand it to mean-- stop moving-- halt. It could mean both things simultaneously.
But my heart of heart senses that it means so much more. In the depth of my spirit I know that this is an admonishment to still my body, my mouth, my mind and my heart. To live quietly and confidently.

Being still allows us to really "know that He is God." And when we know that He is God, we won't have to act like we are God; which has caused me a ~~few~~ lot of headaches in the past. Managing the universe is just too big of a job, and I'm not really so good at it--though I've certainly tried!

Enough of the frantic, frenetic, frenzy.

It's time to be still. To rest. To know.

A still life.
*

8 comments:

Lovella ♥ said...: I've spent some time the last few days picking a verse for this year. I picked a different one but when I read yours..it could have been mine too.; January 4, 2012 at 9:12 PM
joanne said...: one of my favourite verses...and it all ties in with listen doesn't it!; January 4, 2012 at 9:32 PM
Linda O'Connell said...: This is lovely and true.; January 5, 2012 at 4:04 AM
ellen b. said...: Ahh, good thoughts to read...; January 5, 2012 at 8:27 AM
trump said...: A nice thought provoking post Debora for the new year. Richard; January 5, 2012 at 11:54 AM
farmlady said...: It's always wise to step back, be quiet, breath and let God make the first move. If you're trying to have all the answers you won't be listening to God.
Great post!; January 5, 2012 at 7:06 PM
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...: This is really a great post! I really like that verse. Thanks.; January 6, 2012 at 7:24 PM
Linda O'Connell said...: I always say, get quiet and listen, and let go and let God. Peace to you.; January 6, 2012 at 9:15 PM

I Am From

I Am From...

by Debora Rorvig

I am from a lumber mill worker’s company house
with peeling paint and a sidewalk made of two by fours.
From faded flannel shirts that smell of pine and cedar boughs.

I am from Mason Jars of homed-canned pears,
from Dairygold milk with cream on top
in bottles on the porch.

I am from a garden plot with rows and rows of golden corn
that always wanted hoeing,
and from atop the highest branches of the Gravenstein apple tree in the Attolini’s orchard-
with apple juice dripping from my chin.

I am from saurkraut and wooden shoes-
the Millers and the Youngedykes,
and from the lively Scottish clan
who wear the McKinnon tartan.

From farmers and woodsmen
plain folk all,
who’s hands were calloused hard
but who’s hearts were tender-soft.

I am from ‘what will the neighbors think’
and ‘if you can’t say something nice,
don’t say anything at all.’

From saints and sinners who didn’t see eye to eye
but loved each other anyway,
and in their own way.

I am from the Western shores of Washington
strewn with agates, kelp and driftwood,
from Steelhead salmon, salty smoked
and chowder made from clams we dug
at Semiahmoo spit.

I am from my mother Ruby,
who taught me how to sew
on the old Singer treadle machine;
and told me all about my heritage.

And from my daddy, Raymond Claude
who took me nightcrawler hunting in the moonlight
and showed me how to bait my hook
and fish along the Nooksack River’s edge.

I am from an ancient, tattered Holy Bible kept safely on the upper shelf
with pictures of Jesus Christ
and a letter edged in black- carefully tucked inside.
There are births and deaths recorded there,
and a poem by great- great grandfather Alexander Laughlin Mckinnon
who I never met--and yet I know him
better than some I’ve met.

Precious is that Book to me.

And that is where I am from.

My Life List

*Seek first the Kingdom
*Never stop dreaming
*Make a difference in my students' lives
*Create alternate streams of income to fund my goals
*Dress with flair
*Master virbrato on my violin
*Try cross country skiing in Eastern Washington
*Lose those extra pounds and be healthy
*Be more active in my church
*Stop fearing things, people and confrontation; say what I think
*Stop Hurrying
*Inspire my grandchildren
*Own a Cottage on the Beach
*Live the Word
*Memorize the Book of Hebrews
*Find the perfect hairdo
*Be myself
*Look up old friends and make new ones
*Remodel the kitchen and bathroom
*Make my garden lovely
*Sleep under the stars in the desert and hear coyotes howl
*Write and publish a book(s)
*Travel toRio de Janiero, Cape Breton, South of France, Italy,Scotland, Wales, UK, Ireland, Norway, Turks & Caicos, New York City and the Eastern Seaboard; The Deep South, Africa

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

A Still Life

8 comments:

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