March 02, 2008

Jeremiah 17:5-18 The Watered Tree

Beauty on the Edge,Red Ginger growing on the side of a cliff, above Rainbow Falls and the Wailoa River. Kaumana, above Hilo Hawaii

Jeremiah 17:5-18

Thus says the Lord:
Cursed is the man who trusts in man
and makes flesh his strength,
whose heart turns away from the Lord.
He is like a shrub in the desert,
and shall not see any good come.
He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,
in an uninhabited salt land.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit."

The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
"I the Lord search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds."

Like the partridge that gathers a brood that she did not hatch,
so is he who gets riches but not by justice;
in the midst of his days they will leave him,
and at his end he will be a fool.

A glorious throne set on high from the beginning
is the place of our sanctuary.
O Lord, the hope of Israel,
all who forsake you shall be put to shame;
those who turn away from you shall be written in the earth,
for they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living water.

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
save me, and I shall be saved,
for you are my praise.
Behold, they say to me,
"Where is the word of the Lord?
Let it come!"
I have not run away from being your shepherd,
nor have I desired the day of sickness.
You know what came out of my lips;
it was before your face.
Be not a terror to me;
you are my refuge in the day of disaster.
Let those be put to shame who persecute me,
but let me not be put to shame;
let them be dismayed,
but let me not be dismayed;
bring upon them the day of disaster;
destroy them with double destruction!

Labels: flowers, Hawaii, scripture

February 09, 2008

Family Values

Beautiful Double Camellia Descanso Gardens La Canada Flintridge

Family Values
Post started 2-9-2008
Aboard American Airlines Flight 3347

Over half of the people in America die without a will
Over 90 percent of people have no long term care plan in place
Most people over 80 need some assistance with regards to daily decisions but 25 percent of them live alone with no assistance from family or spouse
There are 50 violent crimes against the elderly in Orange Co every week
If you leave an aging relative on their own without assistance due to negligence it is a misdemenour in California punishable with prison time. It is considered the same as child abuse.

"Aunt Jean, you need to think about coming to live near us… we would have days like this and there are plenty of nice homes and apartments to choose from. Didn’t we have a wonderful day today? You have gotten your money’s worth out of this trailer. It is falling apart, and isn’t safe anymore. To top that off they are robbing you on the space rent 900.00 is horrible and they are raising it too. 1200.00 a month…it’s a sin! Worse, Disney wants this land bad, its right next to the park and if the owners get their price, every trailer in this park will have to move, and yours is in such bad shape, it cant be moved. One good earthquake and its done for…

This is the only place I know, Hoku. You and Woody like it there but I don’t know if I would like it there. California is all I know

You would, the people are nice and there is plenty to see and do. I could take you round and help you…

My neighbors help me well enough…

Aunt Jean, your neighbors have been wonderful, but they are illegal aliens. You let them drive you to the store, to the doctor and they have no license, no insurance, and no green card. They don’t speak English well enough to help you. Please take your ID whenever you go out so if they get picked up, you can prove who you are. If you cant you could be deported along with them, and I cant do a thing about it. If you have a heart attack they might not call 9-11 because they don’t want to talk to the police get deported. Please consider it. Please give us the name of your doctor, and your lawyer…We need to make sure that arrangements

Please give me the chance to be as your daughter in this situation…"

She said no to everything. The trailer is unsafe and unsanitary with half of the plumbing not working right. She got the heat fixed this year but the electrical is scary and does not always work. The stove works haphazardly and oven is broken, and she wont accept meals on wheels because people have to come to her house… she doesn’t own a microwave and eats a lot of things cold or raw. The neighbors feed her as well… All home cooked foods that are traditional Mexican cooking full of fat that will cause her health to deteriorate, as she has had quadruple bypass, an aortic valve replacement and most recently a stent into one artery . Other than these things she is spry and with it mentally, only having some confusion about medical bills , which confuse the soundest of minds as you sort the various charges out...


It’s a wonder that the Mexican people next door were able to help her the way they did. Jean had a heart attack last month and her doctor wouldn’t release her to stay alone, so she stayed with one family for 19 days. She got a huge education in Third World life. The kids translated and they used sign language…but I know that her doctor would help us to move her closer to us and the family that has been so gracious wants to see her looked after.

But the same environment that allows these two families their illegal anonymity is very dangerous for a frail old lady, who some people might think is rich, due to her European bred manners and tall tales. They might break into her home thinking she has money or jewelry stashed away. In their disappointment they will hurt her, if not physically, then emotionally as they violate her privacy and tear up her home in search of non-existent valuables. The owners of the park have cut off the outside lighting and are no longer repairing the security fence. This area of Anaheim is known as the Disney Resort Area but the park is tucked away in a back alley and the police cars drive by and never pull in. It is a high priced slum where the trailers are full, two and three families in tiny single wides. It is the only afordable housing in this area, yet it is filled with enough crime that the daughters of Aunt Jean's friends are not allowed to walk uneascorted... Even around our timeshare, just a stones throw away from the trailer park, there were police and incidents requiring the police day and night. It frightens me to think she is alone there day in and out.

Other family members have not been in her home to my knowledge. Her other cousin, Betty Grace has not physically seen her in 50 years. She is 75, and in poor health and resides with a son in Bend Oregon. I have only seen Aunt Jean a handful of times in my life and never was invited into her home. I had no idea what to expect and I did give a report to Betty Grace by phone this week with regards to the situation and the condition of Jean’s living space

I was pleasantly surprised to see the order she keeps her home in. Things are not clean, thought she dusted for our coming, but everything is put somewhere, and if you didn’t know what you were looking at you would think she just has a thing for dust covers. I know differently. If you will remember my post about the death of her husband Peter , I Will Be True To The Promise I Have Made you know that this lady has made huge strides in dealing with her acute mental illness. She was Paranoid Schizophrenic, with a huge Obsessive Compulsive component for much of her life. Because I know this I know what to look for… Truth is she has covers over things because she is paranoid and is hiding her possessions. She covers up the radio and tv, and has piles and piles of stuff on her bed, all wrapped in plastic. She is paranoid about running out of paper goods and could stock the park with paper towels and TP for a year. While she is doing better about hording, (she recently with the help of Maria and Nery her neighbor ladies) she disposed of all of Peters clothing and “stuff”. She felt it was wrong to keep things that others can use. Maria told me that she is restraining her from buying more paper goods and is helping little by little to clear out the stuff, one plastic wrapped package at a time. Jean agreed that she should do this and as we talked about her moving, she said frankly she could do without most of her stuff and is sorting things out.

There will come a time soon when she wont be able to stay there. Who wil call me? No one knows that I am related to her, she is my second cousin, and how do I go about establishing this? I will need a lawyer and a whole lot of paitence. Woody tried for an hour to get her to give us the name and number of her cardiologist and her lawyer. We did find out where Peter is buried and will try to figure out what we can do long distance to make arrangements in advance. I dont dont know what I can do but I shall try to do what I can...

For her sake and the sake of a 4 year old little boy that she and her parents took into their home and raised, my father, I promise that I will not give up...


Seal Beach California

Labels: California, Faith, Family History, flowers

February 05, 2008

Ranch of Rest

Shaded pathways, Descanso Gardens LaCanada Flintridge California


This is a place in Los Angeles that I dream about...From the time I could drive this patch of heaven on earth has been a part of my home just slightly detached from the rest. I would come and enter a different world, one filled with peace and life. The smell of the city would fade away and be replaced with the green smells of cedars and green plants. Often I would go early in the day and the little valley would be filled with mist that would burn off by noon into glorious sunshine.

water garden in the summer this smells of lotus flowers that grow in abundance


El Rancho del Descanso, the Ranch of Rest has a very interesting history, read here Manchester Boddy came to California with hardly any money, and a young growing family to support. He began to write for a local paper eventually founding his own highly sucessful daily paper. A survivor of the gassings of WWI he was a pacifist and outspoken supporter of the isolationist ideal during the 20's and 30's. His Newspaper the heavely read Los Angeles Daily News was the liberal journal of its day, and Boddy was its outspoken editor for nearly 30 years.

His home in the San Gabriel Foothills, on 150 acres of virgin California Black oaks was a haven against the social and political swirl of the day. He built a 22 room Mansion above the oak forest with sweeping views of the wooded vally below. It became a place of renown as Boddy and his gracious wife entertained the elite of the LA Political Scene, during the city's golden age. Movie Stars and Business Tycoons flocked to the Ranch of Rest, for the hospitality and serene atmosphere.

An Amature botinist and plant breeder, Boddy's championship rose gardens were exceptional. He hired noted plant breeders to work for him, and a number of famous roses (Chrysler Imperial, Mr. Lincoln and Tropicana among others) were bred there.


Spanish Oaks Descanso Gardenso


But Descanso is most famous for its camellia forest. Boddy himself was a camellia fancier and breeder and worked with a number of Japanese nurserymen in the 1930's. The enviroment under the shade of the oak trees combined with the soils nurished by the oaks decaying leaves provides the perfect enviroment to grow exceptional camellias. Boddy planted thousands of varieties. Later as the Japanese Internment was inforced, Boddy bought his friends nursery stock and had more acerage planted, so that currently Descanso Gardens has the largest Camellia specimine gardens outside of Asia. Today, the late winter forest comes alive with color as the camellia's bloom again. It is a fantastic sight.

Camellia Blossom


Years later the property was sold to the county and many improvements made. Many Thousands come every year to relax learn and just be free of the hassles of life. It is one of the gems of Los Angeles County and place I will visit everytime I come back to California

The sundial garden, where Woody proposed for the umpteenth time and I accepted under the pair of gingko trees in the foreground. This place is filled with my young life's memories


This week Woody and I needed this rest. We were only able to spend a few hours there, as we had other commitments. But we had lunch in the cafe at the garden gate, and took a walk among the beautiful trees and plants. The air is sweet filled with the scents of plants and the sharp smell of decaying oak leaves


Formal garden at the Main House Descanso Gardens La Canada Flintridge California

Labels: California, Family History, flowers, Traveling, Woody

May 13, 2007

Ephesians 6~ Some Final Words of Instruction

Dogwood Dreams

Ephesians 6
Children and Parents

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."Honor your father and mother" this is the first commandment with a promise, "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Slaves and Masters

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

The Whole Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Final Greetings

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Labels: flowers, Scenic Arkansas, scripture

March 31, 2007

The Fullness Of Spring

Snowdrifts of Dogwood our back garden in the fullness of Spring!

It was a stunningly beautiful day here in the Ozarks. Dogwood trees in full bloom are like brilliant drifting clouds in the forest. Light filters though passing clouds and brilliant new green leaves giving the place a feel of otherworldliness I feel but have a hard time describing... Birds sing, critters like the squirrels and chipmonks are full of themselves as they run about the new grass. A beautiful Kestrel flew into our yard scattering the rodentia, was one of the prettiest birds I have seen come into our garden...

I have spent much of the day on my lounger in our sunroom windows wide and taking in the beautiful scene. I did get out in it to take a few photos and hang a feeder for the furry creatures. Tomorrow is going to be just as nice and after church we will be going door to door handing out fliers inviting people to come to our sunrise service, that will be held at the Metfield Clubhouse next sunday. Im so looking forward to that. I am also looking forward to being out in the sun, walking...

My walks at work have been so nice that I take more and more time from my desk. I realized that I was gone nearly a half an hour yesterday and thought.."Hoku...dearest you are going to get written up..." but my boss may not even notice that I am gone... In fact I am sure that half of the time he doesnt and he trusts me to not abuse the priviledge. There is always something to look at upclose or to ponder. The fields of wild violets pale lavender and white cover every grassy knoll. I know its a weed but its lovely to behold.

Speaking of work...I am still not assigned to a "team" but on the "Talent Pool" and spending time filling in for those that are on vacation, or leaving and we havent gotten a replacement for someone that left the group. I am loving this sort of thing. Doing work that I am familiar with yet is new and a bit challenging. I dont know how long this can continue. In between the vacation fill in assignments I just do housekeeping tasks for my old group, and listen to my Ipod. Bible teaching (I take notes too if I feel lead, and keep a little notebook on my desk for such notes )Its ideal and pray it continues indefinatly.

Woody is not doin very well at the carlot...The truth is that he has never done well at the carlot. I cant understand why he persists at this line of work. I finally had a discussion with him about this lack of productivity. With the hours that he puts in, hes in the red much of the time and so if he finds himelf short he borrows against the margin of his brokerage account. Not wise at this time in his life. A fall in the markets could lower his value and trigger a margin call, effectively stealing a chunk of his retirement savings. It bothers me, first because I feel like he could do something else if he tried and second I feel like he doesnt care about the future. He actually said that he expects me to work full time, support us through his retirement and then when hes dead and Im old...oh well... I think not, so I am opening a IRA and putting the max in and what ever is left after saving and bill paying. We'll have that...

I worry about getting old and being alone and penniless. I mentioned this to my friend Sandy. Sandy was the lady that I roomed with at the retreat a few weeks ago. She too has this same concern. She has visions of all the things that she wants to do but then she figures that she will have a place to sleep and a crust of bread, maybe enough crust to share some with someone but not much else...I cant see even that at this point.

And so I will likely put all other dreams aside and keep working at the Place, putting money aside. This is the time in my life when I need to think about that, while I can still work and earn a fair living. I keep having visions of my mother and the poverty she lived in. I dont want that for myself if I can help it.

There is this, the fullness of the Spring. I am very happy to be here in the midst of it. Glad to be well.Glad to be feeling somewhat ok about life, and glad that God has been so good to me. I need to trust Him and not worry so much and know that just as He provides for this earth, He will provide for me

Labels: Faith, flowers, Scenic Arkansas, Woody, working

March 19, 2007

A Rose By Any Other Name

???

I am a Petunia What Flower Are You? You are a tried and trusted friend who will be there for your friends when they need you. But you have a tendency to be nervous about doing things that go against the norm.

I did this quiz and this is what came up with. Im not very familiar with these flowers, but Woody says they are sturdy and he thought that I made a good petunia...so romantic... by the way, I got this quiz from the blog "This Garden Is Illegal" by way of "Mind-Muffins" both very nice blogs...

Now when I think of "Petunia" this is what comes to mind



I.E. Princess Petunia of "922 Cats" one of my favorite blogs and a daily read...

When I think of myself and flowers though, this is more what I think I am like


Fluffy slightly sweet and watch out, grab me too hard or without care and you will get a thorn!

Labels: Blog Recomends, Cats, flowers, Quizs

February 11, 2007

Colossians 1~ In Christ, Preeminence

Sunrise Dahlia Descanso Gardens



Colossians 1

Greeting
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the saints and faithful brothers,(and sisters) in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth,7just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks* to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Preeminence of Christ

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Paul's Ministry to the Church

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Labels: flowers, scripture