It's A Marvelous Night for a Moondance

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.”
Psalm 19:1



Wow, blue (well, bluish black) sky and red moon!

Seeing a lunar eclipse never ceases to amaze me, and so much easier to view than a solar eclipse.

How wondrous are His works in heaven!
The heavens truly declare His Glory and mystery
and sing of His creation.

"Music Hath Charms..."

A little more on a bit of impressive and delightful entertainment I mentioned in a previous post. A wonderful group of young college men who produce some sweet, sweet, music. Non-professionals with a sound quality many pro’s never achieve. The mellifluous sound of a capella singing, something that takes real vocal talent, perfect pitch, and a love of the genre. It also takes a lot of hard work (I know, I sang in a choir and I’m really only a shower singer…LOL.) These guys give it their all, and it shows in their beautiful and perfect harmonies. Their repertoire ranges from well-known tunes to some obscure little ditties, from “oldies” to “newbies”. Who are they? Why, none other than The Vineyard Sound. A Martha’s Vineyard institution and a joy to see and hear.

"Love Me Tender..."

What can be said, the King of Rock‘n Roll still lives. I guess Elvis will never really die.

A cultural phenom, the first real “American Idol”. It intrigues me, all the attention, all the fan frenzy, even 30 years after his demise. Some reverent and respectful, some bizarre and unhealthy. I wouldn’t even attempt to understand the reasons behind it all. So much talent, so much to live for and so much yet to give. He gave so much pleasure to so many people and they loved him, still do. Yet it seems there was so much anguish in his heart and spirit…so sad.

I loved him too…well, loved his music and I guess, the sweet little boy from Tupelo, Mississippi who never really grew up and literally never grew old. I know that he’s happily raising his voice in joyous song to our Father with the Angelic Choir, and gyrating those hips in his Blue Suede Shoes all over God’s Heaven.

How Sweet the Sound...Eph 6:24

"From Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, there came a great life force that flowed in and through all things..." Teton Sioux saying

Afterglow (“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb 11:1

“The heavens declare His righteousness
And all the peoples have seen His glory.” Psalm 97:6



I’m revisiting our last night on the Vineyard because it was special in more ways than one. That evening God gave me cause to reflect on the many gifts He gives us, the big ones and the sweet little ones, and the lessons He teaches to help us grow ever closer to Him. I thought about the hard times, the rough patches, and how valuable they are no matter how much they may hurt. I thought of all the relationships in my life and how each fills me in a different way. I thought of acceptance, forbearance, forgiveness--- of faith, hope, and love.

I thought about the irreplaceable gift of my family, a treasure beyond earthly value, of the love and sharing. The events of that evening also reminded me of how precious the gift of true friendship is, especially when that friend becomes so much more, becomes a sister of the heart. All the more precious because of her love and caring, her generosity, and most of all, her faithfulness to me. She has given me so much of herself and I love her dearly.

Has God ever given you one of those very personal, very special, little gifts at the perfect time and in the perfect place, only meaningful for you? The kind someone else might find silly or capricious, that they would never understand? He has done this for me on occasion. These gifts are so rare that I store them in my heart and treasure them even more for their rarity. Well, on that last night on the Vineyard He gave me one. My last night---Home Port--it means much to me in so many ways, home tomorrow where so much of my heart lives, and after this world, my Home Port for eternity. Your gifts, sweet Abba, almost overwhelm me sometimes.

After a truly scrumdiddly-icious meal at the Home Port Restaurant in Menemsha...view of the ocean, an amazing meal, so abundant and generous I couldn‘t finish it (yes of course I brought home my peeps baggie), lobster and other bounty from the sea, each tasty morsel cooked to perfection...wonderful service, and again, the name of the place! (Dear Lord, You made it so appropriate for my heart and You didn‘t stop there), we joined about 100 other observers at sunset out on the jetty. It’s somewhat of a tradition on the Vineyard, sunset at Menemsha.

Someone had a recording of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes playing from a boat right behind us...a special treat for any "Trekkie" and I‘ve been a devotee since the very first episode, (this music was in the film “Star Trek II, The Wrath of Khan“)...is it also a Navy tradition? I wish I knew. According to urban legend the hymn was sung by the Cherokee people on the Trail of Tears and is considered a sort of anthem for the Cherokee Nation. It is also very meaningful for me personally in many ways.

I find it difficult to imagine anything more appropriate than wailing bagpipes to set the mood for a funeral...yet God in His mysterious way has designed this particular funeral dirge to instill a feeling of hope and the anticipation of something new and better beyond this life in the heart of some listeners...at least it does for this listener and believer in God's faithfulness and promises.
This life we live is not an easy one. It seems it's the way this fallen world has to be for a while longer. Yet for believers, something is different. We suffer tragedies and we also see the sufferings of other's, and we weep for them...those we love and those we will never know. We plod along and tough it through the daily trials, the pain and disappointments. We struggle through the deserts of despair and loneliness and yet, somehow we endure. Somehow we manage to retain that little spark of hope in our hearts that life can be better. That feeling, my friend, that little spark, is God. He is that still, small voice of faith that kindles the spark of hope. He always manages to give us a glimpse of what His world is supposed to be like and what it will be with Him.

Just before I heard the music I had almost allowed myself to slip into a mood of melancholy, a little self-indulgent sadness over the end of a beautiful week. This despite being happy to be heading on to my Home Port and everyone I love the next day. Yet, this week was one of God’s gifts to me and now, with this music and His hand gently lowering His sun into His ocean, He reminded me so lovingly and gently once again, to treasure all the wonderful gifts He has given me. He has given us all this beautiful world, filled with His wonders and love.

Once again my God has shown me that the air is never sweeter, more rarified, more pure and refreshing, the view is never more life affirming when you reach the mountaintop, than when you've been a dweller in the desolate valley of despair. Though I’ve been in that valley, and the deeper pit, and will no doubt be there again…my God will always lead me back to the mountaintop if I just follow.

More Than Merely Sea and Sand

"God is our refuge and strength...
though the earth should change...
though the mountains slip
into the sea." Psalm 46:1-2



You may think that because the "Vineyahd" is an island that there is only so much to see, sea and sand, sand and sea , but au contraire, Noepe is an island of earthly delights. Just driving along any of the main roads brings a feast to the eyes and the whole place is a photographer’s paradise. The drive itself is relaxing and leisurely. The only time you run into traffic is in the towns with all the shoppers in the daytime and the revelers at eventide. Then patience is indeed, a virtue.

The great white Heron in the pond with the swans, barely 100 yards inland from the ocean. Standing on a jetty/dune you could see both, ocean to the left, pond to the right. Beach plums growing in amazing abundance along State Beach and others, blazing with the colors of the summer sun, inviting you to pick and eat. Clusters of sailboats and a catamaran in a bay down the hill from the road. A rainbow profusion of so many different flowers everywhere you look, and not all cultivated, except by the hand of God. He certainly was busy with His paintbrush on this island.

Meander along any of a number of beaches and see balls of seaweed, like tumbleweed from the sea. Gather shells and sea glass and smoothly polished, almost translucent stones, little jewels polished in God's gem tumbler...the sand and waves of the ocean.

We even went to a wine-tasting and tour at the only vineyard on the Vineyard :o), the Chicama Vineyards in West Tisbury, (oh my, isn’t that where Fox Mulder’s father was from?) where they still produce their nectar-of-the-vine the old-fashioned way. I brought home a bottle of the aptly named Summer Island Red. Luscious! Even got to make some puppy-love with the Beagle there. Then there was the absolutely obligatory, "must have some", stop at Chilmark Chocolates…again all made the old-fashioned, by hand, way. Yum! Need I say more?

Another day we motored over to Aquinnah and the Gay Head cliffs. Talk about God’s paintbrush! Layers of color upon color with the most fascinating Wampanoag native American legends behind them.

We wandered through the little souvenir shops there, and although I don’t routinely buy kitschy stuff I spotted a small wooden hanging “thingee” with a crab perched on top, saying “the crab is in”. It just tickled my warped sense of humor, so of course I had to buy it at a whopping $2.75 (It now hangs on my entry door.) Then there is this little, fat, stone cat from the same souvenir shop, a serendipitous find. Sitting there in his little corner of the shelf, grinning at me Cheshire-like, just waiting for me! When I saw the $5.00 price I knew he was just begging to be adopted ;o). The young Wampanoag lady who ran the shop and I had a great chuckle about both, the little “plaque” and my new beckoning “pet”, a meeting of minds in humor.

One night we went to a Wampanoag tribal presentation of “The Legend of Moshup”. It was beautifully staged on an area of Wampanoag land, at sunset under the stars, surrounded by trees and nature. Oh yes, we had to bring our own “seating” and don’t forget the “bug spray”! In full native dress they portrayed for us the Wampanoag oral history of how the giant Moshup formed the island of Noepe (Martha’s Vineyard) and the surrounding isles, including a delightfully imaginative and intriguing explanation of how Gay Head cliffs came to be so colorful.

Soon enough, regrettably, it would be time to head home, but the last night on the island was to be a special experience and begs it’s own narrative.

On the way home to New Jersey, a stop at a lovely picnic area at a tourist information center for our “bring it along” lunch. A clean and delightfully shaded place for a respite from the road and the long drive. Why does the simplest food taste like a gourmet meal when eaten al fresco? Scrumptious-lunchious…LOL.

Then on to the Mystic Aquarium for close-up views of some denizens of the deep I will never see in “real” life. It’s a great place for kids of all ages (especially ones like me who will never grow up), entertaining and educational. The performing sea-lions were adorable and funny. The penguins were delightful in their innocently un-self-conscious antics. Simply an amazing glimpse of some of the living treasures of the sea. Even one I call “Old Blue“, a huge, bright blue lobster I’m told is over 100 years old. I had seen him there many years ago on a previous trip and was astonished that he was still alive.

…and so the journey nears it’s finis…at least for now.

(…and the best will be last.)

On One of God's Little Acres (“Come to Me, all you who labor…and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28)

"You shall be like a watered garden
And like a spring of water
Whose waters do not fail." Isaiah 58:11




I recently had the special opportunity of vacationing for nine days with my dearest friend, my God-given sister, on Martha's Vineyard. It was a long overdue and much anticipated respite from the world. It was also a special gift since I would not have been able to do it on my own right now. Sharing the time with her made it especially pleasurable, but then, sharing joy and fellowship with someone you love makes everything better.

Mahtha's Vinyahd...to the locals, natives, year-round denizens, "the Islanders", as they refer to themselves...not part of the good old USA. The "world" lies over that-away, an approximately 40 minute ferry crossing away, over that stretch of water where you eventually must return, wishfully later rather than sooner.
The Vineyard is a world unto itself. Quaint--sophisticated, old-fashioned--modern, discreetly or blatantly affluent, yet in places it is sadly run-down and shabby ...a place of contrasts.

There are the places of cacophonous revelry. This island is also a favorite of the college crowd and, yes, it gets a bit overwhelming with the crowds and the noise during the peak of the "tourist" season. Strolling down the main drags during the day to shop you see folks of all shapes, sizes, and colors--hear languages you’ll never understand…Babel personified. As for the nightlife, there is definitely a variety of choices, the famous Flying Horses carousel, movies of course, bars, bars, bars, and more bars. An almost impossible choice of eateries from modest to outrageously overpriced--Italian, Portuguese, rib joints, pizza, and of course, an abundance of lusciously fresh and sinfully delicious seafood (my personal favorite). My kingdom for lobster (how can a “bug“ taste so good!). You’d better not be bothered by walking cheek-to-cheek or shoulder to shoulder, ‘cause you can’t avoid it on the sidewalks at night.

Trying to find a parking space is an exercise in perseverance and sometimes ingenuity ;o). We did manage to go to a movie one night, “Ratatouille”, and it was great, imaginative and very entertaining. Wonderfully detailed computer graphics and the story concept was so amusing.
We went to see a group called The Vineyard Sound on another night.
An accapella group of nine college men who sang old favorites and obscure ditties with equal precision and skill. They were amazing, funny, engaging, and well worth the five block walk to the church where they performed.

All of that can be and was great fun, but the beauty is that there is always that quiet, peaceful place to retreat to. To be renewed and refreshed. Of course we went to the beach, how could we not! But then, that sort of comes with the territory, it's part of an island vacation and one of the best parts. But there was so much more to enjoy, so much more that provided renewal and refreshment.

Pockets of creation so peaceful they beg for meditation and the soul-refreshing silence of contemplating what our Father has given us in this island retreat, and indeed, the world He created. From the yard at my Sis's house in Oak Bluffs---the waskally wabbit who came to forage every day, the Monarchs at the milkweed, and the beautiful summer blossoms, to the reverent silence and almost heartbreakingly beautiful vistas of the My Toi Gardens on Chappaquiddick Isle.

Another interesting contrast. A little Eden on an otherwise infamous little island just a two minute ferry ride from the Vineyard. Even a touch of wry humor on "Chappy". On this little isle, known for it's affluence and the ferociously enforced anonymity and privacy of it's wealthy Denizens, is “The Chappy Store“. This little store is the personification of the phrase "ramshackle shantytown shack" if you put your imagination to work. It's sign carries the motto "The Only Store on Chappy...an Island Tradition since 8 a.m.".

For me, being here amidst all the natural beauty on this lovely island was a reminder of the majesty of all of His creation, of how impossible it is not to see Him in all the natural beauty in this world.

(…to be continued)

When I Whine

Food for thought received from a friend:

Today, upon a bus, I saw a girl with golden hair
I looked at her and sighed and wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and used a crutch
But as she passed, she passed a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine
I have 2 legs, the world is mine.. ~~

I stopped to buy some candy
The lad who sold it had such charm
I talked with him a while,
he seemed so very glad
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
"I thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine..
I have 2 eyes, the world is mine.. ~~

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue
He stood and watched the others play
He did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine..
I have 2 ears, the world is mine.. ~~

With feet to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I would know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine..
I've been blessed indeed,
The world is mine.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
author unknown

Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up.