Watchfulness

It is a beautiful day in Holland. We've had a string of them. Since I last wrote Joyce and I have journeyed with Des Moines friends Jim and Kathy to Niagara Falls and Lancaster PA. Jim decided to drive his car so I had a pretty easy time of it merely reading the map and giving directions as best I could. We had a wonderful time. Niagara Falls is truly awesome, a marvelous creation of a majestic God. Our hotel room on the Canadian side overlooked Horseshoe Falls. We also visited the American side which gives another perspective of the falls. We were also surprised by the number of grape yards and wineries though we did not take time to visit any of them though the invitations to do so were plenteous. We also enjoyed our time in the Amish country of Lancaster and surrounding area of smaller towns and attractions. We did enjoy our main reason for going there the drama of "Noah" at Sight and Sound Theater. It was done well. We also did another musical production "Broadway Now and Forever" an original presentation by another theatrical group in Lancaster whose specific name I forget. We toured "Wheatland" which I'm sure you all know as the home of our 15th President James Buchanan. Lancaster also boasts one of the oldest indoor farmer's market which we walked through. There were also lots of antique stores and shopping areas which we browsed. I forgot to mention that we also did the Hershey Chocolate Co. welcome center on our way from Niagara to Lancaster. So we now have a good supply of chocolate which I love but don't need. On our way back to Holland we also drove through the campuses of University of Michigan and Michigan State University. It was a great trip.
Perhaps also since I last wrote we moved my mother into the nursing home in Fulton. She was not real happy to move but for her well-being it is for the best. Now we pray that she will adapt and learn to appreciate her new home and its amenities for her, meals, people contact, activities, healthcare, etc.
Now for a quote from an ancient writing titled "The Philokalia"

"Watchfulness is a spiritual method which, if sedulously practiced over a long period, completely frees us with God's help from impassioned thoughts, impassioned words and evil actions. It leads, in so far as this is possible, to a sure knowledge of the inapprehensible God, and helps us to penetrate the divine and hidden mysteries. It enables us to fulfill every divine commandment in the Old and New Testaments and bestows upon us every blessing of the age to come. It is, in the true sense, purity of heart, a state blessed by Christ when he says, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God"; and one which, because of its spiritual nobility and beauty -- or, rather because of our negligence -- is now extremely rare among monks. Because this is its nature, watchfulness is to be bought only at a great price. But once established in us, it guides us to a true and holy way of life."

Watchfulness has not yet been achieved in my life but continues to be sought and developed with and by Holy Spirit help.

Praying that each of you who receives this is doing well and enjoying vitality of soul.
It is right to "do what God says and say what God does."