I’m sitting cross-legged on my bed this morning. There’s a nuthatch on the branch outside the window–the window with the broad, cracked smile. The smile that D has sealed with transparent packing tape and dolloped with some whipped putty. The power line from pole to house corner sags and glistens in the sun, and shadow trees dance in a snow-dusted ballroom.
All in celebration of time.
How fleet it is. And how fragile. Like a glass slipper.
Handle this moment with care.
I’m thinking of the past year’s passings.
Through the firsts of a season of grief following my mom’s passing into the arms of Jesus. Today she would have turned 84, but it’s her second birthday in heaven.
From a season of wants to a season of gratitude. Traveling to Haiti changed the way I see, gave me new lenses.
From chaos to order. Well, kind of. Sort of. At least I’ve made some progress.
From noise to stillness. Or into a deeper need for it. And I’m in awe of those who long to and are able to stir a little serenity into Saturdays, who help us peel our eyes and hearts from the world of shiny and focus on the Light. In fact, some of the most popular posts of this past year pool in the stilling and the seeing.
But also in the stories. The real and the raw. The ripped open and bleeding ones. The ones filled with laughter and love. Because somehow we’re linked together through them.
This year I’ve passed into a new season of spilling words and photos in other places like BibleDude and The High Calling. And in case you haven’t noticed, this blog has a new look (thanks, Dude) and a new tag line and even a new email subscription service that started today. (You can subscribe over there on the right and get these posts right in your box.)
And the dude has helped resurrect my Facebook writer’s page. You can like it from here, too, there on the sidebar. Go on, do it. I know you want to.
I’ve got some other writing projects in the works for next year as well. I’m excited. And scared. But it’s never too late. And His timing is perfect.
Last year, this word floated in my head all year. It helped me focus my time, and it worked well for the most part.
Now I’ve chosen a new word to live with. It’s a word that’s clung to me since I read this little book. So I guess I can blame Ed for it.
Create.
It’s a word I can embrace on so many levels. According to Strong’s, the Hebrew even includes ideas of cutting out and paring down, of fattening and filling, of smoothing and polishing, as well as of forming and fashioning, of making something new.
And today’s the first time I noticed that it includes the words eat and ate. It should be an interesting word to resurrect, explore, and incorporate into my life in a deeper way.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, here are the three most popular (viewed) original (not Still Saturday) posts of 2012:
2. I Belong in this World–and I am Angry
3. Of Green Mohair and Breakdowns
And the cracked window? We’re having it and most all our other windows (the ones installed in the 1960s) replaced on Thursday. That project should change the way we see the world, too.
In the stillness,
Sandy
I am excited to see what the new year brings Sandy. I’m so proud of you. This Father has done such amazing things in and through you this past year.
Never too late – I hope not! I think you’ve encouraged me to dust off the little book and give it another try.
Now I’m off to “like” your page!
I think you should, Linda…
Oh yes, my friend. Dust it off. Do.
miss Linda – you already know my take on this topic!
Love the look of your site. don’t know if ‘he’ looked at my url site or not, for my blog. I would love a critique or two.
Thanks so much, Sharon. Maybe he needs a reminder. 🙂
Sharon! I’m so sorry! That request had gotten lost in a stack or thread somewhere, and I totally forgot! Thanks for the ‘reminder’! I’d be happy to offer some critique on your site… e-mail me at dan@dankingblogs.com, and we can chat more. Thanks!
Wishing you a still, yet creative new year, Sandy.
I almost chose the word, “still.” But I’ve been living with that daily–and without it, there’ll be no creating. 🙂
Wishing you the same, my friend.
Oh, Sandy, this new space is beautiful! Dude did good! And, yes, yes…create. Perfect. I’m looking forward to seeing all that He creates in you and through you in 2013, my friend. So much love.
The Dude’s still dusting, I think, but I love it, too. We tried on different looks–but this river. Oh!
And there’s so much in “create” besides words…
So much love to you, Laura. I so can’t wait to see you again. Face to face.
Lovely reflections and word for 2013, Sandy. Remembering what God has brought us through – builds our faith for the future, doesn’t it? Here’s to the new year before us – and the promises of God to which we cling and the family and friends we hold close to our hearts. Much love, Patricia
Love clinging and creating with you, Patricia. Holding you close to my heart.
I love the new blog design and your word is wonderful. Looking forward to all that you create with your words in the coming year.
Thank you, Barbie. And I love your word–and the difference between simplify and simply!
I too am excited to experience what you ‘create’ as the days unfold.
My word for this year is… Rejoice!
And what is created in me. 🙂
I can’t wait to how rejoicing changes you.
God’s blessings to you as you seek to fulfill that holy discontent he’s placed within you to create just as your creator has.
No more excuses. No more procrastination. No more guilt. 🙂
Miss Sandra –
Ah, this is such a beauty full new site. What an encouraging way to kick of the New Year!
May the Lord guide all of your projects to be fist-bumpin’ & soul-searchin’ good.
Blessings.
You bless my socks right off, Miss Darlene.
I love your new look for the year and wish you blessings and peace and much creativity! 🙂
Thanks, Martha. Wishing you much contentment. 🙂
What a year, what a year. Lots of ups and downs in there, Sandra.
God bless you in the coming year. I’m eager to see what you Create!
Quite a year, yes and oh my!
I have so much to learn how to do, to know WHAT to do, so many thoughts/ideas and so little techie knowledge of how to make things come to pass. I always see more and more on you and sure would like to have a nice hangout time to learn FROM you. I guess that’s the next step of my life for this year.
Knowing you… and many others… has been a huge blessing in my life. Look forward to seeing people face-to-face rather than just post-to-post.
Blessings.
Oh, you’re too kind, Joanne. I didn’t have a clue when I started–still don’t much. But I’m so glad there are others to help me.
You are a huge blessing, my friend. And I can’t wait to rub shoulders with you in the spring. I’m ready for spring. So ready already.
I wonder which part of the word will be filled through the Creative Genius workshop.
Musing on the chocolate homework, I might pick “filled” 😉
I like” filled” better than “fattening.” Although I guess it’s all in how you look at it. 😀