Monday, April 10, 2023

The Oak Tree, The Anger, The Angel , and The Gifts - Personal Story

 

The Big Oak Tree Revealed A Divine Message
Deborah's Little Gems



Spring brought new growth and aliveness to all living things in Northern California. The fruit trees were blooming, the grasses lush and green and daffodils emerged lifting their yellow faces up to the sun. The giant oak tree had grown so much that its leafy branches extended to block much of my friend's scenic view out the window. In the image above you can see the oak tree has covered half the window.  I could relate to having a view blocked as I have had to make peace with structures blocking my view. One was a  carport which blocked my favorite view of the alfalfa fields and the next obstacle was a tractor shed blocking the view of the mountain range. I just made peace with it.  Losing our peace is not worth it.  Our level of peace is important to our well-being and the well-being of the world. There is a song about peace. "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."




Let there be peace on earth

and let it begin with me.


    


Oddly enough, just a few hours after declaring how important our level of peace was, I became angry over something that triggered an old issue from the past.  I lost my serenity, my peace of mind so much so I could not sleep. My mind was throwing darts.  I hadn't had that kind of anger for years. "Where is this coming from ?" I asked myself.  I tried every modality I knew of to bring peace to my mind and body.  I let my mind wander to positive images like flowers blooming and birds making their nests and the orioles returning after the cold winter. I felt a shift and became willing to open my heart to peace. By the afternoon I had softened a bit but I still felt stressed. I knew it would unfold naturally. I had faith I would find peace again. 




I had faith I would find peace again.


         

Bandit, my dog, barked. I looked out the kitchen window to see one of my neighbors had driven into my driveway. She got out of her car and I came out to greet her.  I had not seen her outdoors for months after her husband passed.  She looked so healthy and reached out her hand holding some mail the postman put in her mail box by mistake.  How sweet that was and how good to see her outdoors. She looked the picture of health. We talked and laughed for awhile. I found we had a lot in common. Both from California. We talked about how our area of Utah had changed. She was expecting family to arrive from Illinois and stay a few days. I was so happy to hear that. I thanked her for bringing us our mail. As I came indoors I felt boyant, uplifted.  I had been given my peace back. Thank you God. My neighbor was the angel that delivered our mail and my peace of mind. 




My neighbor was the angel

                



My eyes lifted to the kitchen window again. I noticed my neighbor across the road was outdoor picking weeds and the grasses that bring foxtails. I wanted to dig up more of my carrots and bring them to his goats. I walked over and asked him if I could feed the carrots to his goats,  He said "Sure anytime !" 



Harvesting carrots....Deliver a dozen eggs...


On my way back I thought before harvesting the carrots I would deliver a dozen fresh eggs to my next door neighbor. My young hens are laying everyday so I had enough to give her. I called her to ask if I could bring them over and she said "Yes, come on over." I knocked on her front door. She said, " I have something for you. Come in." I took off my shoes and went in.  She took the carton of eggs and as usual opened the carton and admired them. I followed her into the kitchen and she picked up a ziplock bag full of a variety of Taylor's tea. "My daughter gave me a whole set of these teas and I want to share them with you." My eyes opened wide and I smiled and thanked her. " I know how you love tea" she added. She pointed out a large 9"x13" pan on her counter filled with uncooked elbow macaroni. "Would you like some macaroni and cheese ?" she asked. "Oh yes, I love your macaroni and cheese." I answered. She told me she was making this for a potluck at the church after Easter Service. " I will bring it over when it is done" 




I practically skipped home.                 


By this time I felt very uplifted. I practically skipped home. The chain made a clinking sound as the garden gate opened.  The shovel sunk into the thawed soil and the carrots easily lifted out. I washed them in a big bucket of cold water then carried them over to the goats.  It was something I had wanted to do but the cold temps, snow, and strong winds kept me inside. 




First Came The Willingness To Receive Peace

             


First came the willingness to receive the gift of peace, to open my heart, then out of nowhere all these gifts, all these opportunities to share came flowing to me. It felt wonderful. 



Easter Sunday



Easter Sunday arrived the next morning. I  rose up out of bed with life giving energy, feeling a revival, a renewal, a rebirth. I sat down to my computer to check my messages and noticed  a photo my friend had just taken and here it is. 


                   


Easter Sunrise ! 



I responded, "Glory Be ! When we perceive an obstacle such as an oak tree or fit of anger, once we open the door of our hearts to receive peace God's Glory Shines Through. Amazing photo, Amazing Grace !


She responded. "Yesterday there was an Oriole on one of the new outreaching scene blocking branches…oh the irony! yes Amazing Grace!"





Thank you for visiting Deborah's Little Gems

Until next time, 

May God;s Glory shine bright and bring you and yours peace and happiness. 


Deborah Moen
Deborah's Little Gems



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