While I am impatiently waiting for Tess to edit the photos from Steve’s big birthday bash (yesterday’s wonderful shots were from our dear friend, Joe Earwicker), I shall list my current thoughts in random order.

  1. I have a tree in my back yard that is just now bringing forth a profuse abundance of gorgeous, white flowers.  This tree has a peak blooming time of about 20 minutes.  It seems like it goes from stunning white to simple green overnight, but I tell you it gives a good show while it’s bloomin!
  2. Steve has decided not to go through with the clinical research trial.  The decision was made for a lot of good reasons and it was made by him, but with our full support.
  3. Turns out, I had been saving a lot of my processing (not in love with that word, really)  for the time when we would be in Portland for clinicals.  I guess I had viewed it as my chance for regaining emotional equilibrium by having long hours of uninterrupted thoughts.  This quote by a brilliant philosopher best states my need for time like this: “Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.”-Winnie the Pooh
  4. I only began to realize the truth of #3 on Sunday,  when I wasn’t packing to go to Portland and I felt sadness settling in so heavy I could hardly breathe and couldn’t figure out why.
  5. Today, I figured it out (thanks, Lila!) and that’s when we made the brilliant decision to go to the beach next week.  During that week, I won’t be checking email or blogging.  I’m just going to regroup and let His grace sink into the deep places again.  I’m also going to lean over some bridge rails.  I am very excited.   But I will miss you.  Sniff.
  6. In other news entirely:  if you have thirty minutes to kill today cleaning or walking or counting your shot glass collection, you should let this sermon be your sound track.  It’s remarkable.
  7. Still more random:  I saw a church discipleship class today called “Journey to Belong” and it made me wonder –   should belonging be a journey?
  8. This one is a freebie, so I can have a list of ten.
  9. My friend, Karen, sent me this recipe a bunch of months ago and I finally made it and it was divine.  Dee.  Vine!
  10. Still no photos from Tess.  Maybe tomorrow.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Bo

3 Comments

  1. What a wonderful wonderful report. As you have your Winnie-the-Pooh processing at the beach, may GOD refresh you and focus you together, with ALL your hope-eggs in the basket of His incredible love and power!!!
    Love the analogy of your blossoming tree. Been thinking along a similar train of thought. Do you realize that Jesus did all of his ministry in 3 years? And only until age 33. I’m only just now realizing how young that was. And have you ever thought about how young Jim Elliot was? Or do you have any clue of how old David Livingstone was? Oh, for us to live moment-by-moment, with an eternity focus and mind-set and trust GOD’S character and creative genius to be in charge of the time-frame of the blossom display. I’m really appreciating Steve’s blog. The whole Team Stern is so awesome!!!! I love you!!!

  2. I knew today was going to be a special day from the very start because:
    1) I saw the moon while making the coffee
    2) I saw the sun which is a BIG DEAL in Portland
    3) I found my very own name in one of Bo’s posts.

    Sending love and peace to you dear friend. So glad you are retreating at the beach – watch those waves and let His grace wash over you. I’ve been debating a retreat day for myself (supposed to be tomorrow) and I was letting my (very scary) list get in the way. I think maybe following up on medical insurance, paying the deposit on the DD’s wedding cake and a zillion other very important list items can and should wait…..so thanks for your encouragement to get my big rocks in first!
    Oh, and yeah, that chicken is so good…I’ve got another recipe for you now! Braised pork! Last ditch winter comfort food!

  3. Oh, DOO it! Go to the beach, and do such silly stuff that you feel a little guilty about the “time wasting.”

    That’s something God’s been showing me. Sometimes we spend too much time keeping all the balls in the air and too little time using that great advice of Winnie the Pooh. 😉

    Love you guys soo much dear friend. Let us know if you need ANYTHING done here while you’re gone.