December 20, 2009
Are you ready for Christmas? We ask it of each other especially during these last weeks as a conversation opener. I envy those who have all their preparations complete because I seldom have been satisfied with my own progress, no matter how hard I try. I recognize it has to do again with my expectations of what is necessary. I have let go of some traditional tasks, pared down others and don't feel frenzied or guilty about it. Circumstances have changed my routines which at first left me unsettled, but have taught me the importance of the little things.
For many years, I spent the month of December running on the treadmill of Christmas projects which I believed was important to give my family. We mothers are particularly drive to design a course, program it in and exhaust ourselves in the marathon.
When are we ready? When it arrives, no matter what part of our plans have been completed. I'm sure Mary would rather have been in her own community with family and friends for the birth of her child, probably hoping they'd be able to get back home.
God was ready though
Posted by Marlene Obie.
November 26, 2009
My greatest gratitude is for all the people in my life--past and present. The greatest gift was being sent to Sunday School at an early age and discovering the unconditional, continual love of God and being part of a church family. I have no doubt that my mental and emotional survival is due to my relationship with God and all the angels that have brought into my life. I feel particularly blessed to have been part of some special churches, always filled with people who live their faith day... Continue reading...
Posted by Marlene Obie.
November 23, 2009
Everyday I do it, sometimes just saying it without embellishments or explanation. No matter what, there's something to which it applies. In the darkest night, for belief that light exists; and it will ride in on dawn's superwave. Throughout the day, for another chance to breathe, see, hear, smell, taste, feel, love, and enjoy it all. For another clean, fresh space to explore and find more understanding and insight and and apply it, perhaps with greater finesse. That evening brings closure, bringi... Continue reading...
Posted by Marlene Obie.
August 23, 2009
I had a quote on my wall before I moved. I'm not sure where it is now. Just looked it up. It's this: And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk to bloom" - Anais Nin I have a high pain threshold which is both good and bad. I can endure pain, put it aside and carry on for quite some time. The bad is that I carry it too long before I move away from it or do something about eliminating it. Sometimes, it creates scars or health problems before I at... Continue reading...
Posted by Marlene Obie.
July 28, 2009
Okay, I just had a brilliant piece done and lost battery power. When I powered up, I was at first grateful it was there, but when I posted it, it went away. Ratzzle, frazzle. This past week, I've been privileged to receive e-mails, a note, and a phone call about devotions I wrote which were published in Christ in Our Home by Augsburg-Fortress. These are short writings for two weeks in this quarterly booklet which reflect my insight and understanding of some Bible passages. I don't feel I c... Continue reading...
Posted by Marlene Obie.
May 28, 2009
Or in this case to the beat of the Energizer Bunny.
This morning, Andrea left her body behind and took the trip around the world she assured me she would be taking for free to see all the places she hadn't visited yet. I suspect she is giving it all her studied, practical assessment and will be taking her recommendations to Management. I'm also sure she is enjoying the beauty.
If I were to devote post after post to extoling her virtues, they would stretch across more time tha... Continue reading...
Posted by Marlene Obie.
May 24, 2009
I sat at the bedsite of a ninety-six year old friend today who will probably take her leave within a day or two. At Foss Home & Village, she's been a fixture for 38 years, at least that's the figure since volunteer hours started being counted. I've known her for only nine and one-half years. She began volunteering at Foss when involvement in her children's activities required her less. The volunteer coordinator at that time suggested she just come in and visit with people and see ho... Continue reading...
Posted by Marlene Obie.
May 3, 2009
When she appears, I must follow closely. If I look away, I may lose her in the forest of fatal assumptions and be left holding a piece of writing that looks and smells like gobbeldy gook that I don't know what to do with. I could wander for days, weeks even in a stupor searching for the trail she cleared and then cluttered with my hourly "do" and "should" intentions. This is my alibi for my absence from these pages and my former ufinished post. I have an idea for a possible gift ... Continue reading...
Posted by Marlene Obie.
March 31, 2009
This last week I was able to greet, hug and honor once again the ladies of the Foss Home Auxiliary. What a privilege it was for me to work with them for nine and one-half years and count them among my friends. Now in their 70's, 80's and 90's, they certainly look back and feel good about the positive changes they have worked for all their lives. They devoted years to their families, taking care of husbands, children, and parents while working in and outside the home. Schools, churches, an... Continue reading...
Posted by Marlene Obie.
December 19, 2008
Pushing off the edge with faith I can spread my wings and they will take me anywhere is hard. I often stand there for years gazing at the beauty I'd like to be in and tell myself it's not possible, better to be happy with gazing at it. Yet, like watching travel and nature videos. It doesn't fully convey the wonder. While I've waited, afraid to let go of the security I delude myself I have, positions erode and crumble and storms change the places I stand. There's always the option of back... Continue reading...
Posted by Marlene Obie.
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About Me
| Marlene Obie |
| Bothell, Washington |
Most recently, I'm a contributor and co-conspirator of the book, Spirit to Spirit, a collection of poetry, stories, prayers and essays by Writers of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland, Washington. It is available from Amazon, categorized under "poetry". Try it! I think you'll like it!
Have had two books published which are presently out of print, but can be obtained from various sources, What's a Mother To Do? and What Color is My Collar? and a number of articles. I write pieces of nostalgia, personal experience, inspirations from life's continual surprises and lessons, poetry. Have written devotions for Christ In Our Home Lutheran quarterly devotionsl booklet. Working on an inspirational poetic gift book, short stories, and novels.
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