Messy because...

Last week I began the ordeal that is prepping for tax filing. I say prepping because I have my own business. And, as many of you are aware, that entails mileage, receipts, education, membership fees & dues, etc., etc.

Now, many of you in this situation are on top of things, I'm sure. I, however, am not. I should be. I know how to take care of things. But I don't.

As I tackled the box of papers, I had to first start with filing the everyday stuff — the stuff that has nothing to do with tax prep, per se — the mortgage statement, bank statements, utility bills, etc. Instead of filing these neatly away (yes, there IS a place for everything...I am ORGANIZED after all!) after paying bills or balancing the checkbook, I put them aside in a pile that soon becomes a boxful. Silly, right? Am I just in a hurry? Lazy? Or...what? Why do I do this to myself?

Then it occurred to me...I enjoy the process that is 'cleaning up a big mess'. Strange, but there you have it. It's much more enjoyable for me to vacuum a carpet that has a visible mess on it, (think potting soil from a plant that your cat played in) or cereal off the kitchen floor where your 3 year old tried to get her own breakfast. I always prefer tackling a garden full of weeds to a couple of stray weeds in the yard. It's much more satisfying to wash a filthy dirty car than it is to wash a car where you can barely see any dirt. You get the picture, I'm sure.

So, is my lack of timely filing just another way for me to have satisfaction for a job well done? Hmm...

As my daughter would say, "Don't judge!".

I Miss You Dad! (And you Uncle Vern!)

As I sat in church this morning, the guitarist began to play and I recognized the song - with the words coming to mind - even before the lines appeared on the screen. Trust and Obey*.

This song ALWAYS reminds me of my dad. It takes me back to a time in my childhood when dad often 'filled the pulpit' at churches in the Sacramento valley. There were more than a couple where dad filled in for weeks or months at a time. One in particular was Wilson District. Week after week, for what seemed like 6 months or so, our family traveled the distance each Sunday morning so dad could preach. During our time at this church we sang Trust and Obey nearly every Sunday, I think. Dad must have been wrestling with something in his life about that time or...well, who knows. But I could see the passion for God and the belief on his face as we sang. He knew that the only way to serve God was to trust and obey.

My dad passed away nearly 4 years ago. The sadness has returned, along with a new sadness, since my Uncle Vern - dad's only brother - passed away a few days ago. My Uncle Vern, younger than dad by 4 years, was wonderful! He was fun and funny, always ready with a smile and something to make us laugh. In my younger years we didn't see much of Uncle Vern, but by the time I was a teenager we saw him more often.

I remember just after Dan and I were married. We had been in Carmel for a day or two and decided to drive home via highway 1. Passing through Half Moon Bay I suddenly recognized the area (though I had been there only once, about 4-5 years before). We slowed down and I found the house where Uncle Vern and his family lived (no, I didn't have his address with me). We stopped and knocked, being welcomed in by my surprised uncle. What an impromptu visit we had!

In recent years Uncle Vern moved out of state but we kept in touch. And somewhere in there he came to faith in God, realizing that he needed to trust and obey. I know that today, my dad and my uncle are rejoicing with God, along with my grandparents.

I truly thank God for the legacy left by my parents and grandparents. In my life I have walked closely with God and I have strayed away, but I know where I belong...and I know where I am happiest & where I am loved. Thank you Dad. I miss you!


*Trust and Obey
 John H. Simmis, 1887
 Public Domain

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
   What a glory He sheds on our way!
   While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
   And with all who will trust and obey.
   • Refrain:
     Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
     To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
   But His smile quickly drives it away;
   Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
   Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
   But our toil He doth richly repay;
   Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
   But is blessed if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
   Until all on the altar we lay;
   For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
   Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
   Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
   What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
   Never fear, only trust and obey.