Sunday, August 24, 2014

Communion

 We were up in the high country retreating.  It was an annual meeting for people who work with Bill and I tagged along.  The views exhilarated everyone even though the altitude takes some getting used to. 
 The coolest part for me was communion at the close of the three-day meeting.  Juan Carlos from Ecuador led us.  Instead of wine, we had some strong tea-like beverage in a sipper-type tin cup.  Instead of bread, we partook of a tortilla.  Juan Carlos said, "Jesus said to do this in remembrance.  Please share something you remember about Jesus." Well, of course I became quite weepy.  I shared that I remember that He is the Shepherd.  I couldn't say more than that because I felt so overcome with emotion.  What I was thinking was, "I am so glad that I, a silly sheep, belong to the Good Shepherd."  I think it was the most memorable communion service of my life.   
 This year, because I am not at school all day, I am savoring the garden.  I picked cucumbers and made pickles!  The sunflowers are reaching for the sky.  I'll have time to pull out dead stuff.  
 Look what happened.  A leaf fell.  Fall is coming and don't we like to call it the season of cozy and bloggers' best time of year?  (Mags reminded me of this) and MK can't wait either (she reminded me of my season of cozy phrase)! This year I'm going to savor the end of summer because I can, but I can't lie - I am VERY eager for fall.  I plan on walking and biking in the crisp fall air.  I shall drink a goodly amount of tea throughout the day.  We have a few trips planned, but overall I look forward to a quiet year of regrouping and waiting for direction.  I know He will direct me, my Good Shepherd.
Samantha and I took a monkey-like selfie last Sunday.  Aw, my warm little grands.

21 comments:

Sharon Lovejoy said...

LOVE the joyful selfie and love the photos.

How can you NOT feel great when you not only grow your own pickles, but also your dill for them. Hope they are crunchy and great.

Thanks for your congrats. It is the 12th printing, which totally shocks and amazes me.

Your posts and blog style make me SMILE.

Love,
S

TexWisGirl said...

so sweet - and touching, too. :)

Granny Marigold said...

I love your selfie with your cute grandaughter. It feels very fallish here with chilly mornings followed by pleasant warm afternoons. Nice that you now have lots of time to enjoy each day.

Farm Girl said...

How nice, I am glad you shared that communion thought. I feel that way every single time, when I think of the magnitude of the words and what it cost Jesus. I like that your answer was so simple and to the point.
Lovely little selfie. Such a cute photo.
The mountains look so pretty. I am glad you are going to be at home enjoying fall. It sounds so nice. I like your leaf in your yard. It is coming. :) Have a wonderful day.

Terra said...

What a beautiful and meaningful communion.

Between Me and You said...

I'm having the day off tomorrow to savour my garden while the going's good! Definitely a nip in the air now. Hello socks,shoes and boots - goodbye Birkenstocks! Lovely post, Pom and lovely selfie. Have a restful week. x

Julia said...

I think when you get overcome with emotion at a time like this, it's real communion with Jesus. It doesn't get any better than that.
I'm so glad that you had such a great experience with the Good Shepherd.

I made two batches of Lady Ashburnham pickles for our church fund raiser. I do this every year. It's so rewarding making our own pickles and I love the smell in the kitchen.
Cute selfie.
Hugs,
JB

Elderberry-Rob said...

I have always thought that when we feel humbled, emotional, tearful and lost for words in communion, that is when God is very close by and no words or thoughts are needed. I liked your post today. Thankyou for sharing.

Kezzie said...

I get overcome like that when I am in communion like that. God is with us.x

Left-Handed Housewife said...

I've been thinking of you not being at school this year ... and I've been thinking about how I can't wait for fall, the coziest time of year!

xofrances

Unknown said...

Here in So Cal the leaves are starting to fall as well. I'm so happy for your time of retreat and refreshment. God bless you:)

Aida said...

You and Samantha are looking so cute making monkey faces. Sounds like you had some good days of spiritual retreat in those beautiful mountains. What a perfect spot for personal musings

Enjoy your week Pompom

Amy at love made my home said...

Your communion sounds like an amazing experience, and a true sharing in community and communion with others. I hope that you enjoy the autumn and that it is just as memorable for you. xx

Nancy McCarroll said...

Glad you could get away for a retreat. It was, or sounded, memorable for you...and all present.

Have a wonderful at home week during our last days of August.

Maggie said...

Lovely post, the selfie is so cute, one to treasure indeed.

Sherry from Alabama said...

What a touching post. I'm glad you're surrounded with your lovely grands as you transition into a stay-at-home lady. For me, it can still be lonely, especially in the fall, after my retiring from homeschooling. I'm so glad my grandbabies aren't far from me now too.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

That is a wonderful communion. I look so forward to seeing what God gives you this fall in this new season of your life! Enjoy!

M.K. said...

Aw, look at you with your grand-girl! Sweet :) Recouping and waiting for direction. That's a good idea. We don't wait very well, do we? I know I don't. God has a good plan, every minute. Even our waiting is an important part of his plan for us. That communion sounds so good. i have found myself often emotional during Jesus's supper. Now I play the piano through it, so not as much as I used to feel.

Leslie said...

I used to go to a church that always used tortillas in communion. I forget why now, but there was a reason. Are you going to get to travel with Bill more now? I hope so. Your retreat sounds wonderfully refreshing to the soul.

Catherine said...

You have the softest heart. So tender & open. Love you x0x0x

Aura said...

Indeed a very special communion. Jesucristo es mi Señor! I am seeing signs of Fall here in Aiken SC...our new town. We moved from Charlotte NC this past July.

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