Author Archives: Melissa Fischer

Vermont Vacation

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Stephen and I got home yesterday from a glorious, restful week away in Vermont. We stayed in a charming one-room cabin with our three dogs, enjoying fresh air, gorgeous mountain views, and no schedule. The cabin and its deck overlooked beautiful pastures, a valley with a lake, and a backdrop of mountains. We watched the sunset nearly every evening, and most evenings we sat on the deck watching the stars slowly appear, with shooting stars flying across the sky several nights. The Milky Way was clearly visible, as were stars without number, because there were no houses lighting up the night around us.

This was one of the few times Stephen and I have gone on a vacation just for the two of us, and the first time we’ve taken the dogs on a vacation without lots of extended family, so we really enjoyed time together with each other and with our wonderful dogs. We intentionally didn’t plan much, and although we ended up doing a fair amount of hiking, we had slow, low-key mornings every day and plenty of time to sit on the deck enjoying the view and each other’s company. We were each reading good books and I was sketching a lot, so we had lots of quiet time and then good discussion about what we had been reading. So refreshing and a wonderful reminder of how well-suited we are for each other.

Sunset from the cabin deck
Belmont, VT sunset sketch

We hiked most days, some easy hikes that even Rowan could manage, one that Petra and Milo went on, one that only Petra joined us for, and one that we didn’t think would be good for any of the dogs (turned out it would have been fine for Petra). It was great having the dogs along, and I am so happy and thankful that Rowan is doing so well on prednisone that he was able to really enjoy our vacation.

Petra discussing the hike with Stephen (actually asking why in the world we’re sitting still and not hiking at this moment)
Hanging out while I sketch
Milo- looking good for twelve and a half years old!
Rowan enjoying water, as always
All my furry guys around me while I sketch a waterfall
Hiking on a deserted forest road
White Rocks Cliff Overlook
Rowan making his funny puffed lips face — always makes me smile 🙂

One day it was so foggy we couldn’t see more than a short distance from the deck. We could hear the occasional car on the nearby road but see nothing, so we stayed inside most of the day, the cabin cozy with the stove running (a gas stove that looks like a wood stove), and read almost all day long. I always love having one cozy, quiet day like that on a vacation.

Foggy day in Belmont, VT sketches
Fog in Belmont, VT sketches

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Milo in his favorite place by the stove

One day I laid a track through several fabulous pastures and then tracked it with Milo, which is always so much fun for both him and me. He did wonderfully, as usual, and I loved the connection with my amazing Beagle. I made a map of our track in my sketchbook, since I didn’t have Milo’s Tracking Log with me and then watercolored over it.

Milo tracking
Milo’s tracking map

This week reminded me of one of the times Jesus led his disciples away to get some rest:
Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat. So they got in the boat and went off to a remote place by themselves. Mark 6:31-32 The Message

Rest for your Soul

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Sometimes life feels overwhelming and exhausting, and the last thing we want is another obligation, yet it seems like there’s always more that needs to be done. In our Sunday morning discussion of Sabbath rest yesterday, we spent most of the hour delving into Jesus’ invitation to come to him, rest, and learn from him. Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened; let’s come to him this week and receive his refreshing peace.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Monday: Do you tend to view with spending time with God as a duty or a privilege? Meditate on Jesus’ words in this passage and ponder what they say about time with him.

Tuesday: Jesus invites us into his presence. We don’t need to make an appointment or be in church or make ourselves worthy- he invites each of us now, wherever we are. Spend some time with him today and thank him for welcoming you.

Wednesday: We don’t have to come to Jesus all upbeat and happy. He invites us to bring our burdens to him and to come when we’re weary and in need. Bring your troubles to Jesus, and rest. Just rest.

Thursday: Jesus tells us to take his yoke upon us, to walk in step with him, and that we’ll find his yoke easy and light. Walk in his ways him and talk with him throughout the day today.

Friday: Jesus is gentle and humble. Think about what grace this is for us, when he is also Lord of all. Pray for the ability to likewise be gentle and humble with those over whom you have power or influence.

Saturday: It is only in Jesus that we can find true rest for our souls. Come to him, learn from him, and receive the peaceful rest he gives.

Close of Day

All are welcome to join us for our discussions about rest and Sabbath on Sunday mornings from 9-10. More information below…

Come join us!

Perspective in the midst of Injustice- Musings and Prayers

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There is more than enough injustice in the world, and sometimes we can get very stuck when confronted with it, whether in the public arena or in our personal lives. How can we deal with injustice without getting tied up in knots or overwhelmed by it, without giving in to discouragement or exploding in unproductive anger? This week let’s see what Psalm 37 tells us about moving from agitation to peaceful trust.

Do not fret because of those who are evil
    or be envious of those who do wrong;
 for like the grass they will soon wither,
    like green plants they will soon die away.

 Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him and he will do this:
 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
    your vindication like the noonday sun.

 Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him…
Psalm 37:1-2, 5-7

Monday: What is your natural response to injustice and evil? Anxiety? Anger? Agitation? Discuss the situation and your feelings with God and listen for his response.

Tuesday: It’s easy to slip into being resentful or envying others and their achievements. Let’s examine our attitudes today to see if we’re motivated by envy in any way.

Wednesday: God assures us that those who do evil will not last forever. Pray for faith to have this perspective and to be able to trust God in the meantime, even when it seems that evil has the day.

Thursday: Instead of fretting, we can commit our way to God and trust in him. This isn’t always easy, but let’s ponder how powerful and trustworthy he is and commit ourselves to following him.

Friday: If we commit our way to God and trust in him, we can count on him to make the justice of our cause clear before others. Let’s ask him to help us continue to trust and live in a way that honors him.

Saturday: Let’s take time today to be still before God, quieting our whirling minds and churning thoughts, and waiting patiently for him to act in his time.

Salt marsh watercolor

American Robin Fall Flocks

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This morning I looked out the window and saw a multitude of mature male and juvenile Robins scattered over the yard and in the shrubs. There may have been some females mixed in, but they were all moving and flying from one low shrub to another, and I only got good looks at the dark-headed mature males and the spotty-breasted juveniles that stood out. Flocking provides some level of safety, since there are more eyes and ears alert for potential danger, as I witnessed this morning. One bird saw me while I was in the kitchen, and he took off, immediately causing all the others to move across the yard. The females may still be raising their last brood of the summer, and when those young fledge, they and the females will be joining these flocks, too.

American Robin sketches

These birds are most likely ones that nested in our yard or neighboring yards and woods this year and last year or were just hatched this summer, as Robins typically return to the same nesting area year after year. They’re preparing for winter and for their fall migration now, eating worms as they can find them (somewhat scarce due to the dry conditions right now), insects, and berries. We have some magnificent pokeweed plants that are the size of shrubs, and the berries are just now ripening– a bountiful feast for birds.

When food supplies diminish in the fall, most of these birds will be flying to points south, not necessarily the same places as they’ve gone before. Some stay in the north, so though we often look upon our first Robin sighting as a harbinger of spring, we may just be seeing an overwintering bird. Birds that stay north will mostly eat fruit (berries and other fruits they can find), but there isn’t enough for the whole population, so many fly south where food will be more readily available.

Very good and very loved– Musings and Prayers

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I’ve been reading on Sabbath rest as I prepare to teach a Sunday school class on it, and several authors point out that often our extreme busyness is due to our efforts to justify ourselves; to prove to ourselves or others that we are valuable. To combat that I find it helpful to meditate on Scripture verses that speak of my inherent worth as someone created by God and loved just for who I am. Over time, this message is sinking in deeper into my sense of who I am, but it’s always good to review, so this week, that’s what I’m going to focus on here.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them… And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:27, 31

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

God created mankind in his image and said that we were very good, and he now delights in us. This week let’s allow that to sink in and affect how we view both ourselves and others.

Monday: Think about the marvelous truth that you are created in God’s image. What does that say about your value? Do you treat yourself as one bearing the image of God?

Tuesday: Ask God to open your eyes to the beauty of his image in everyone you encounter today. Look for opportunities to affirm them as image-bearers of God.

Wednesday: God said the people he made were very good. Look with admiration at the work he has done in how he’s made you and others. Praise him for his craftsmanship!

Thursday: God rejoices over us. Isn’t that amazing?!! Quiet yourself in his presence today, meditate on the words of this verse, and bask in the wonder of God’s love.

Friday: When you speak with anyone today, try to think of them as someone over whom God is rejoicing with gladness. Pray for the ability to be able to join with God in rejoicing over who he has made them to be.

Saturday: Meditate on these and other verses and let God’s word transform your opinion of yourself and others. Allow yourself to be filled with awe and joy as you see God’s handiwork in and love for people of all sorts.

Baby Paul
Tanzanian Safari Guide

Connection and relationship– Musings and Prayer

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My sweet Rowan most likely has nasal cancer. I say “most likely,” because I’m not going to put him through the stress of a biopsy or other diagnostics, but his symptoms point to a nasal tumor. We’re giving him prednisone to keep him comfortable as long as possible, and I am cherishing all the time I have with this wonderful dog, who has been by my side for thirteen years.

A few months ago, though, I was having a harder time enjoying time with Rowan. He has been declining for a while with cognitive dysfunction (dementia), and as he became at times confused and disconnected, I found myself distancing myself from him emotionally. I think that was an unconscious response on my part to my fear of losing him, as if distancing myself now would somehow protect me from the hurt of losing him.

Then a friend told me that perhaps Rowan, who has always taught me so much, is now teaching me about life and death. He encouraged me to stay connected, fully experiencing both the joy of Rowan’s presence and the sadness of impending loss. I realized that distancing myself to protect my heart wouldn’t work anyway; the loss will come, but I will be better off if it isn’t mingled with regret. And as I am finding now, through moments of joy and moments of tears, there is a unique sweetness in this time with Rowan.

As is often the case, lessons I learn from dogs make me think about other relationships, and as I ponder this connection, disconnection, and reconnection with Rowan, I am thinking also of my connections with other people. This week I’m hoping to cultivate peace and gratitude in my heart and in my relationships of all sorts. This passage is rich with encouragement on how to have peace in our relationships with one another, so let’s meditate on it together this week.

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.                                                                                 Colossians 3:15-17 The Message

 

Monday: We need peace in our own hearts in order to be able to be in tune with one another, but sometimes we choose to go our own way, avoiding the peace and joy of connection for whatever reason. Let’s think today about whether our words and actions lead to greater or lesser connection, along with the peace that connection brings.

Tuesday: Gratitude is essential to having peace. Throughout today, think of what you have for which you’re grateful, and thank God for those things and for the time to enjoy them in the present.

Wednesday: God’s word imparts wisdom and points the way to peace with God and one another. Ask God to give you a growing hunger for his word. Spend time today mulling on a passage of Scripture, allowing it to dwell in you richly. This week’s passage is one I meditate on frequently, allowing it to deeply affect my attitude.

Thursday: When we give each other any kind of guidance, it must be done wisely and sensibly. Pray for wisdom and grace to be able to do this humbly, lovingly, and respectfully.

Friday: Whether or not we sing aloud during the day, we can have an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, based on our knowledge of God and of his amazing works. Praise him today!

Saturday: In all we do or say, we can it in the name of Jesus, faithfully representing him to the people around us. Thank God for the awesome privilege of representing Christ and pray for the ability to do it well.

Rowan and me

Of Yellow Jackets and Skunks…

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I woke early yesterday, looking forward to my weekly Quiet Day, when Stephen goes to work and I have a day of solitude and silence. Always a day I look forward to and relish from start to finish. I try to have everything cleaned up the day before and no unwelcome chores to do on my Quiet Day. (I often do laundry on nice days like yesterday, because I love hanging laundry on the line, but I definitely don’t vacuum on Quiet Days!) I minimize my time online until later in the day, and I avoid talking on the phone or texting. I read, walk, pray, sit with Petra, Milo, or Acadia on my lap, snuggle with Rowan, lie in the grass, sketch, paint, hang laundry and then bring it in all clean and fresh, and so on.

I like to wake up extra early on my Quiet Day, since early mornings seem wonderfully magical when I have nothing scheduled. So yesterday when I woke up I thought of the day ahead and took a deep breath of the fresh, cool 51 degrees flowing through my window. Then I let Petra and Milo out. Rowan often opts to sleep in when I get up early, and thankfully that was his preference yesterday morning.

A moment after the dogs went out into the dim predawn light, Milo bayed loudly (is there any other way a Beagle bays?). Uh oh! I ran outside to be greeted by no-longer-pleasant 51 degree air and two very smelly dogs… two dogs skunked at 5AM! My first thought was how very thankful I was that my very furry Rowan was still in bed. My next thought was that this was a bit of a drag of a way to start my Quiet Day.

Stephen came out and we watched the skunk from the deck. She (of course I didn’t get close enough to see if it was a he or she, but it was so pretty I’m calling it a she) was small– maybe two thirds the size of an adult- and she clearly wasn’t in a hurry to leave. As we watched, she pranced along the fence, tail high and waving, then stopped and spent a long time nosing in the grass in one spot, before she finally wandered off and out of sight.

I rummaged through a cabinet and found a couple of bottles of Skunk Odor Remover and an old sponge. I changed from my nice pajamas into some rags, and thoroughly sponged off the dogs. Poor Milo was starting to shiver in the chilly morning air– funny that the skunk waited till the first chilly morning to spray the dogs. I gave the dogs some marrow bones to occupy them while the enzymatic odor remover worked, and while I mixed up a home remedy of peroxide, baking soda, and dawn dish detergent, then I brought the dogs in and bathed them thoroughly.

A little later I went out to hang laundry and went to look at the spot where the skunk had been nosing around, right by my clothesline. Two large sections of yellow jacket hive had been dug out of the ground and the yellow jackets eaten. I may not have liked my dogs getting sprayed, but I am very thankful that this young skunk so ably dealt with the yellow jackets. No yellow jackets to sting me while hanging laundry, with the bonus of a being able to watch a beautiful nocturnal resident of our land doing the wonderful work she was designed to do. I’ll take it!

Young skunk in the yard

After I got the dogs bathed, my day did actually quiet down, and I had a wonderfully refreshing day. I did have much on my mind, with my heart heavy for my friend who lost her husband the day before, and she has been in my prayers often since then. I sat before God yesterday morning asking him repeatedly to sustain Cindy through this time, to hold her close, to send her close friends to comfort her, to give her his peace that passes understanding. I know that he will, that she will be in his loving care through the very hard times ahead. She will be very much in my prayers in the coming weeks.

As the day went on, I read a book about Sabbath rest (24/6 by Matthew Sleeth– definitely worth reading), walked barefoot in dewy grass, watched hummingbirds, sketched, painted, walked, read psalms, and lay in the sun-warmed grass smelling the rich earth. Overall, a very refreshing day, even though touched with sadness.

 

Hummingbirds watercolor

Hope in Trials– Musings and Prayers

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My heart is aching for a friend whose beloved husband died unexpectedly this morning. I also know several other people who are grieving deeply for loved ones, as well as others who are dealing with trials of various other sorts, so I thought I’d share my musings and prayer suggestions on one of my favorite passages. These words from Isaiah have often sustained me when I’ve felt like everything was too much and I wondered how I’d get through it all.

“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.’” Isaiah 43:1-2

God reassures us that we need not fear, that we belong to him, that he will be with us through painful trials, and that he will keep us from being destroyed. This week let’s seek to apply these words to our struggles and to develop a greater understanding of what it means to belong to God.

Monday: Meditate on the thought that God personally formed you. Ponder the wonder of God lovingly fashioning you in all your uniqueness.

Tuesday: What do you fear most? God tells us that we need not fear anything, because we belong to him and he’ll keep us in his care through all that comes our way. Bring your fears to him and ask him to keep you in safety.

Wednesday: God made each of us a unique individual and he knows us personally. Listen for whatever ways he might be calling your name, and follow him as the special person he made you to be.

Thursday: God tells us we are his. We belong to him, so we need never feel that we are abandoned or alone. Meditate on this and thank God for this assurance.

Friday: Although we will face difficulties, God is with us and keeps us from being overwhelmed or destroyed. Ask him to help you trust him throughout trials.

Saturday: Read over this week’s passage, pondering each phrase and thinking of how it speaks to your heart. Pray for the ability to incorporate it deeply into your outlook on life. Ask God how you can help and encourage others when they’re going through fiery trials of life.

Rail Trail Twilight 011415

Bear Mountain State Park

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Today is Stephen’s birthday, and he wanted to go to Bear Mountain State Park. We’ve never been there, other than to drive through once, so we wanted to see what it’s like. It is beautiful, with the kind of rock outcroppings and exposed granite slopes that I love, along with fabulous views of the Hudson River. We climbed up in the Perkins Memorial Tower at the summit of Bear Mountain, where there are 360 degree views. In the very distance we could see the New York City skyline, rising above mist like a fantasy city.

We found a few quiet, shady places to sit and paint (me) and muse (Stephen), where we wouldn’t bake in the sun. Orange granite sloping below us, fragrance of pines rising around us, vultures soaring through the view… It could have been a perfect place to spend the day, BUT we realized that if we want a peaceful, pristine experience of nature, we need to go north toward the Catskills, rather than south toward the city, at least on a beautiful Saturday. It seemed as though the city had emptied itself into the park, and with the mass of people came the blaring of car horns, radios, and motorcycles; along with people everywhere and scattered trash. Oh well… we made the best of it, seeking out some less populated spots, then headed north to Cold Spring to have lunch.

Despite the crowds, we had a great time together, just hanging out, enjoying each other’s company. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband!

Happy Birthday, Stephen!

The Thinker…

Bear Mountain State Park Queensboro Lake
Queensboro Lake from Bear Mountain
Iona Island from Bear Mountain

Rest– Musings and Prayers

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I’ve been reading and pondering a couple of books about stress reduction and rest recently. Even though I cherish quiet time, I need frequent reminders of how important it is to schedule in time for real rest, since it’s easy to feel that I should be using as much of my time as possible productively, like many of the people around me. Stephen mostly works from home, but once a week he goes to his office, so that I can have a quiet day at home alone. Ideally I spend these days reading, resting, sketching, walking, praying, and so on. Sometimes, though, I find myself catching up on emails and other correspondence, doing several loads of laundry, cleaning, and so on.

Both of the books I’m reading emphasize the importance of evaluating priorities and living intentionally. I’m finding the book on rest, Sabbath, by Wayne Muller, particularly interesting and helpful, as he talks about developing a rhythm in our lives that includes putting a priority on rest and relationship. He discusses the way our society tends to value money over time and how that can impoverish us personally, relationally, and spiritually. This month I am focusing on establishing some helpful daily and weekly patterns or rhythms for myself, and this week I want to focus on the idea of Sabbath rest, especially thinking of it as a gift of rest and relationship, rather than as an onerous restriction.

No working on the Sabbath; keep it holy just as God, your God, commanded you. Work six days, doing everything you have to do, but the seventh day is a Sabbath, a Rest Day—no work: not you, your son, your daughter, your servant, your maid, your ox, your donkey (or any of your animals), and not even the foreigner visiting your town. That way your servants and maids will get the same rest as you. Don’t ever forget that you were slaves in Egypt and God, your God, got you out of there in a powerful show of strength. That’s why God, your God, commands you to observe the day of Sabbath rest.
Deuteronomy 5:12-15 The Message

 

Monday: Set aside some time as holy (which means “set apart”), a time for resting from work and for communion with God.

Tuesday: Thank God that he values us and our presence with him and not just the work we do.

Wednesday: Ask God to help you slow down to rest your mind and body and to nurture your relationship with him.

Thursday: How can you encourage the people in your life to set aside their work at times so they can rest. Ask if there’s some way you can help or affirm them in doing so.

Friday: Think back on what God has freed you from. Meditate on the amazing thought that God has freed you to be in relationship with him!

Saturday: Enjoy your time with God today. Read, pray, laugh, sing, or walk with him, and praise him for his redeeming love.

Sketch of my retreat house I did while having a day of solitude today. (This is the house my sons built for themselves for a homeschool project, which I inherited when they grew up.)