THE JURY IS STILL OUT

An eventful summer.

I learned lots and connected lots.

I lost the white spaces on my calendar.  Appointments over appointments. (Remember six months ago? I had plenty of white space on my calendar! Headed for the hills, grabbed Andrew Murray's WAITING ON GOD and had lots of contemplative time!)

Not so this summer,

 Either my extrovert ways grabbed me by the nape of my neck and pulled me into an extreme vortex of connectivity, OR, I took total advantage of walking through new open doors with zeal and excitement.  I will claim the latter.

Caught up with friends I hadn't spoken to for 20 years, met in a book study with others, and together we explored our own vulnerability and authenticity.  I listened to incredible testimonies from pastors of other cultures who honored me with their stories.  Once again, I climbed to a higher vantage point with my own perspectives.

And, I responded with due diligence to the call of jury duty.  Be still my beating heart.

I gritted my teeth over the November election.  I "rumbled" with God (to use 'Rising Strong"author' Brene Brown's terminology) about what in the world is my response to be?!

I regained my love of cooking again, thanks to my adult son Tony, whose meals melt in my mouth, and who is a joy to co-create with!

I smiled at my tiny weeny green thumb experiment as my favorite geranium  survived last winter and screamed at me with spectacular blooms, "I AM ALIVE!  YOU DIDN'T KILL ME!"

I had cataract surgery.  NOW  I can see clearly. I turn off the news, and go to prayer instead.

I ramped up my technological expertise.  I upgraded to Iphone 6 in spite of my husband's warnings that he could not help me with Apple stuff.

Ah ha!  he was right!  I had to be a big girl.  ONCE AGAIN.  Most techies are okay, but my son is the gentlest at responding to his mother's ignorance.  Does that make me a big girl?  Or, a grateful mother.

I vowed that after last year's family intervention with my fanatic football fervor, I would scale it down this year.  No sweat after watching frantic flailing by the Oregon Ducks.  Wow.

A new season is upon us, and THE JURY IS STILL OUT, on the following:

On whether I can finish my novel before the end of next year.  So far, I love my characters!  After all, I created them!  (Note to self:  Is that how God the Father feels about us?)

After marching out of my last jury duty stint in June, I was assured that for two years, TWO YEARS, I would not be called again.  Someone do the math -- I have a summons at my right hand to report for jury duty November 7th.

The election and the future of this country. I strongly suggest reading Beth Moore's "The Scandal of the Election 2016.  A good friend  sent it to me amidst my rumbling thoughts of"Oh Lord! what is to become of  us?" Moore's take not only grounded me from the craziness swirling around the country, but she encouraged me.  Take the time to read it!  It is worth it.

I am convinced that the storms of life will continue.  You think? Question is, how will I respond?

With love, grace, authenticity, and courage?

As I have listened and watched issues cross my life's path this past summer, I am moved to dig and share a little deeper, watch a little closer, love a little more, show grace in the midst of uncertainty and be brave in trying.  Love to have you join me as I unfold a new blog  in the next months, which plays more to my journalistic instincts. As I have experienced in my adventures of late, we can disagree and still find common ground.  For me, I need to practice this more!  So come join me and we can practice together.  The blog is still unnamed, if you have any suggestions, let me know!

"Coffee's On" will continue as always.  My lighter, more random side.

For now, thanks a latte for joining me.  (Had to do it.)