The Valley of Vision

(Photography by Mrs. Lisa Hollinger)

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,

Thou has brought me to the valley of vision,where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells; and the deeper the wells, the brighter thy stars shine; Let me find thy light in my darkness, thy life in my death, thy joy in my sorrow, thy grace in my sin, thy riches in my poverty, thy glory in my valley. "The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions".

This prayer ministered so much to me. If only Christian's~ would take this prayer more seriously meditating upon its words and humbling ourselves long enough to apply these truths. How much grace with depth of understanding we could all share. What peace would be ours!

What Man Has Made of Man

I heard a thousand blended notes

While in a grove I sat reclined;

In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts,

Bring sad thoughts to the mind;

To her fair works did Nature link

The human soul that through me ran

And much it grieved my heart to think

What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts in that green bower

The periwinkle trailed it's wreathes,

And tis my faith that every flower

Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopped and played,

Their thoughts I cannot measure;

But the least motion which they made.

It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan

To catch the breezy air

And I must think, do all I can,

That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,

If such be Nature's holy plan

Have I not reason to lament

What man has made of man?

(Lines written in early Spring'. W. Wordsworth)

Somewhat of a melancholy note as I reflect upon happenings over the past year. I have seen what "man has made of man" in view of the Civil War which is still a sore spot for some. It truly has saddened us as believer's to observe Christian's blindly harboring offenses for such chatisements of the Lord. God has also disciplined the North (well deservedly so), in times past and the same principles apply.
Divisive words like "Yanks" and "Rebs" rub salt on wounds that refuse to heal. Shortsighted individuals reinvent these meanings as jest for segments but the origin cannot be mistaken-especially from those who hold these as "truths". Words like "infiltrators" express a mind darkened by bitterness and hopes of "rising again" does not accept God's loving hand in the matter.
We must still express Christ's character when we feel wronged. Surrendering all hurt and pride we trust the Lords leading. True repentance teaches multigenerational forgiveness, releasing the offense of others and seeks "God's lesson plan".

~ True humility reflects greatness of mind.~

March 16th
It snowed softly and lovely today. My husband and son made a fort on our porch of thick snow pillars with a camouflage tarp. Our son looked so happy in his new fort. It reminded me of all the time Brian spent with Seanna making special Forts with her. That brings to mind how years ago-he took one of my favorite sheets (along with others) to make a living room tent extravaganza. I have to say he did impress me with a fantastic Safari like expedition. It made me want to be 11 again too. They are so blessed to have a father to do special creations with them. I pray that these special times will off set the trials in life with warm memories to reflect upon.

March 17th
Up at 4:30 am again. Having a hard time adjusting back from International time but as Benjamin Franklin would say "Early to bed, early to rise~makes a young man healthy, wealthy and wise". If one follows this plan, your eyes won't stay open too long in the evenings as the sleepy comfort of bed calls. Like the saying concludes~A young man won't want to go out for the shenanigan's. Keeping him healthier, wealthier and wise in the end

~that's if he gets up early enough.

March 18-24
Finally adjusting to the time change from Mexico. Weather has been warming up a bit. Snow still covers the ground in parts. A little snow and rain and some sunny days. My husband has kept the fireplace going everyday. We are all cozy and snug. How lovely it is and awe inspiring when the warm glow of the sun highlights the evergreen covered mountains. It is a picture worth painting~still haven't been able to do it justice in film. Hope to someday film it like I see it.

March 25-31
Weather warming up but still crisp and cool enough to have the fireplace going. Green grass growing in spots and dry enough for our son to make his sled fly down the hill without getting muddy. Robins are beginning to look for early season delicacy's. Our son has been trying to sneak up on one~unawares. He slowly creeps towards the bird but to his surprise it fly's away seconds before he can touch it. That bird must have eyes behind its back~hmm...how can this be?:>)

Singing Under the Stars in Yelapa

My beautiful daughter~Seanna (Sea-Anna) and I went to Yelapa, Mexico and had an absolutely wonderful time. My husband sent Seanna to continue her medical training in Alternative Health to keep our family and her future family healthy. My kind husband wanted to bless us with a much needed restful mother~daughter retreat. I was so grateful to go to this beautiful part of the world, to film some of the training sessions, film the area and enjoy this peaceful paradise.

We had joyful times together swimming, taking long walks along the beach with breathtaking views, spending refreshing time with my dear friend (another homeschooler~business helpmeet) Dr. Sarah Jernigan and clan~especially the Jernigan girls (which is a fun filled story in itself). There was horseback riding to waterfalls, salsa lessons, attending a Mexican Fiesta, (unexpected) high speed boat rides, talking with jungle Indians (that still wear colorful intricate beaded garments) and the traditional "bartering" which is expected in certain areas of Mexico. Seanna spoke the language well enough that we were able to enjoy conversations and blunders with the locals of Yelapa and Porta Vallarta. Along with happily conversing with boatmen & taxi drivers~while not getting us lost!

We were surprised at how many Europeans, Canadians and Americans have found their way to visit or live in this elusive place. Our friends also introduced us to a "Count" who has a castle in France, tells funny jokes and loves to hear them. Seanna had many to share~brightening his countenance with new material~as we all laughed late into the night with the Jernigan's. Though we are not star struck by "Counts" or what the world may deem as "Great" individuals, we never thought we would be spending time and dining with Royalty in this quaint little fishing village.

One evening my daughter sang to the people of Yelapa and dedicated a special song to her doctor, David Jernigan called "The Prayer". He said he was so honored as that was the first time anyone dedicated a song to him. We are so honored that God used him to heal our daughter. The Jernigan's joined us at a restaurant called "MiMi's" that had live musicians. Seanna was given opportunity to play piano and sing various solo's~ with the musicians backing her up. She blessed our evening with a special "concert under the stars". Some of the locals asked if she could stay a few more weeks, for they wanted to introduce her to some famous musicians and sing in their concert in late March but alas it was time to go.

We were so blessed by the open arms and hearts of the Yelapa people. We met many new friends and cherish all our memories in this incredible place.

(I hope when I get our digital camera attachment fixed to download some of our pictures in future).

Tea Talks~Lessons In Contentment

(Photograph by Mrs. Lisa Hollinger)

During our time in Florence, we spent time with our dear friends Mrs. Lydia Sherman "Lady Lydia" and her daughter Mrs. Elizabeth Humphrey who Seanna and I call "Lillibeth".

Whenever we get together we go out for tea and have wonderful talks which we always wish we had recordings of.

*I tried to link our audio tape but I have not been able to make it work*

"Tea Talks"

Lessons In Contentment

Lydia was trying to explain how focusing on our work at home and suffering can become an avenue to bring about true happiness and contentment.

As I reflected upon our conversation, I thought of how we are given opportunities to turn to Christ during adverse situations~ turning them into what Elizabeth Elliot calls "Our Gateway to Joy". Not that we are necessarily"feeling" happy during times of suffering, yet as we focus on our Lord and Savior~ Jesus, we are lifted high above our circumstances. Like the metaphor of the eagle using adverse weather conditions to its advantage, rising to higher elevations, we too can rise to greater, calmer heights as we press in to Christ.

High Tea At Mona Mi's~"Tea Talks"

(Mrs. Lisa Hollinger and Mrs. Lydia Sherman)

When we visit the coast of Oregon, we love to get together with our friends Mrs. Lydia Sherman and her daughter Mrs. Elizabeth "Lillibeth" Humphrey for "High Tea".

Our eldest daughter's are dear friends, adding dimension to our talks, making this a very special meaningful mother~daughter time. Representing the various seasons in a woman's life makes this time very full, insightful and timely. *My daughter Seanna is unmarried, Lillibeth is a young married with small children, I have a homeschool graduate and still homeschooling a 6 year old, while Lydia has all grown children and is a grandmother. We seem to cover a wide gamut of a woman's life.

Also~including our boys who love high tea! My son and his best friend (Lydia's eldest Grandson) Issac join in the fun as they learn to be gentlemen. We've enjoyed it so much in the past covering a variety of timely topics that I decided to start recording them. I call them our:

"Tea Talks"

• This particular talk was a result of a mother asking Lydia to give her advice on how to help her daughter learn "Lessons in contentment". She used examples from real life experiences as a Pastors wife, to help a mother reach her daughter struggling with understanding "true happiness".

• A lot was going on at our luncheon with happy children coloring, chatting and lots of laughter in between. Funny things happening around us as we were having High Tea at "Mona Mi's" in Florence Oregon.

I wish I could have filmed that part too. I was able to digitally record the "Tea Talk" but so far unable to put it on my blog for others to hear. If anyone knows how to do that~just drop me a note and I will try place it on my blog.

Knit Hearts~Dearest Sisters.

(Mrs. Elizabeth "Lillibeth" Humphrey and Miss Seanna Hollinger)

"Lillibeth" is Seanna's dear friend and has been like a "Real" sister to her over the years.

Thank you Lillibeth for your friendship and all your loving wise counsel to Seanna.

Little Is Much When God Is In It

What a fun contraption!

I almost felt like I was watching a scene from Tom Sawyer as my father explained this wonderful invention and our son begging to pull all of Grandpa's weeds. I had fun too as we walked around looking for something qualified to pull.

A Picture Worth A Thousand Words

~Our trip to the coast with memories along the way~

(photo's by Mrs. Lisa Hollinger)

'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.'

1 Samuel 3:9