COMMONPLACE

"A commonplace life," we say, and we sigh,

But why should we sigh as we say?

The commonplace sun in the commonplace sky

Makes up the commonplace day;

The moon and the stars are commonplace things

And the flower that blooms, and the bird that sings,

But dark were the world, and sad our lot,

If the flowers failed, and the sun shone not;

And God, who studies each separate soul,

Out of commonplace lives makes His beautiful whole.

~Susan Coolidge

  This day has been 'commonplace' up to this point, and it will probably stay comfortably that way. We made the trip to Lower Brule, and worshiped with those who came to church to worship with us. We ate our sandwich, chips, and strawberries up on the hill overlooking the town; and we returned for Sunday School. It was nice to get back to Lower Brule today, as the weather was too vicious for us to go over last Sunday, and the interstate was closed all across the state. Today, however, everyone at Lower Brule seemed to be enjoying the relatively mild day, and they were out walking and driving around. It felt like a busy little village. We returned home and enjoyed a quiet afternoon.                      

 

    Some things seem 'commonplace' to others, but they are important to us or bring us happiness. For instance, I enjoyed the beautiful snowfall that we had last week, and I like that it is soaking into the thirsty ground.

Ray brought me happiness when he had a dozen beautiful red roses waiting in the middle of the table one morning this week when I came down for breakfast.

I also had a few private moments of special parental pride and joy when I watched online our two daughters play a duet on the piano and violin in Florida. It was a beautiful piece, and well done. I can give you a link if you ask. :)

    The commonplace things I have enjoyed in my commonplace life in the last week are too many to list here, and they would bore you; but I'm sure you can remember many of your own commonplace things, and they would be much the same. All the same, they have made "His beautiful whole." God is our Father, and He watches us as a father watches his own children. He delights to give us precious things so often they become 'commonplace.'

    I pray that you will have a week in which you can see plainly God's 'beautiful whole.' May God bless you!



 





"HIS OWN"

   This weekend was a far-overdue time of rest and renewal for Ray and I.  We left town with a goal in mind to get away from our Mitchell responsibilities for a little bit, and to meet with our friends of the Spring Creek Indian Camp on Saturday. Our family has been blessed and enriched by this camp group for twenty years. We have never come away from attending one of their rallies without feeling uplifted and helped in our daily lives, and this weekend was not an exception. Rev. Brent Woodard from Rapid City spoke in both services; and his practical messages were challenging and directional. In the morning meeting, he spoke to us about being one of "God's Own Children," and he reminded us of the awesome fact that God claims us as one of His own when we give ourselves completely to Him. He also talked to us about our responsiblities when are one of God's children. We are special to God, and we are required to keep ourselves apart from the evil in the world; but it is also our responsibility to contribute good to the world.  It is a comfort to know that God will keep us as His Own.

 

 

    I also enjoy time alone with 'my own' hubby. Sometimes we get so busy, we pass each other 'as a ship in the night.' I'm so glad that we enjoy the same activities, and we are 'as one' in most of our opinions and thoughts. We stayed at a quiet and comfortable inn near Chamberlain both nights, and we just relaxed. The motel served a nice breakfast, and we ate in the little breakfast room and made acquaintance with some friendly people who were traveling through.

   A Gideon Bible speaker comes to the church at Lower Brule periodically, and this morning was his time to come and talk to us about their ministry. We were happy to hear from him, and the men who came to worship with us listened respectfully.

    This afternoon's Sunday School was quiet, and the children made Valentines after the singing and the story. It was especially enjoyable to tell the Bible story today, as the children were so engrossed in it and helped me by adding little comments. They were so happy to take their Valentines home to those they love.

   Thank you for your interest in Lower Brule, and remember that you are one of His Own. :  )