Lighthouse

I don't know about you, but there is always something for me to pray about.  Always.  Which means that there is a restlessness in my spirit most of the time.  I walk around praying, thinking, and yes, I'll admit it--worrying, to some extent.  It leaves me feeling unsettled at times.  So, I pray, and pray, and pray some more.

I wonder sometimes--is this the life of an intercessor?  This hard to explain feeling of what? actually, uneasiness?  I'm not sure.  Is it the calling, or this pure humanness of mine that makes me this way?  I'm really not sure.

What brought these thoughts and questions to light was the sermon that our pastor preached last Sunday.  Something he said triggered a memory--a song.  And since I am a complete and total worshiper at heart, many times God speaks to me through music.  One such song was from long, long ago.  A song by The Imperials.  I can't remember the name, but I sure remember the song.  It was about a ship out on rough seas at night during a storm.

The minute the song about that ship came to mind, God began to speak to me.  You see, that ship was trying to convince the lighthouse to move and adjust its course.  Over and over the ship called out for it to move.  Get out of my way, adjust your course.  Finally, the lighthouse calls out--I AM THE LIGHTHOUSE--adjust your course.  I still get chills when I think of that song.

I get chills because I am always asking God to adjust His course.  Let me have my way.  Because frankly sometimes I don't understand His ways.  I'm just being honest here.  I really do act this way at times.  And I believe that last Sunday God was bringing it to my attention.  He wants me to stop.  He wants me to adjust my sails, trust Him, and let Him do His job.  After all, He is the lighthouse.  And I, well, I'm just a simple little boat.

I began to think about doubt, faith, and trust.  Do I trust Him?  Do I doubt Him?  Do I have faith that He will shine His light where it needs to shine?  Do I really have faith in Him?  And do I have a choice?

Yes, my thoughts this week have been about lighthouses.  What was their purpose?  How did they play a part in navigation?  And most of all, how does this effect my relationship with the God I serve?

Either I believe or I don't.  Either I trust Him or I don't.  Either I adjust my sails, or...what?

It seems like it's always something.  Family, friends, neighbors, illness, death--so many things to pray about, and to trust God for.  It can become so overwhelming for me as a pray-er.  I'll admit that most of the time I take on way too much.  So maybe it's time for me to adjust my course and let Him light the way for me.  Because sometimes it's just too dark for me to see.  I need a lighthouse.

Always Paris

I always find a way.  I must go to Paris when I am in Europe.  Notice that I didn't just say France?  I mean anytime I am in Europe I finagle a way to spend at least a couple of days in Paris before leaving for home.  It is my favorite city in all of Europe.

Honestly, I keep waiting for that to change.  The more that I visit Europe, the more towns and villages, and cities that I explore--well, I am expecting that one day some new love will pop up.  However, in all these years there is still one city that holds a piece of my heart like no other.  And that's Paris.

I have had a lot of friends and family members ask me why.  Why does Paris have such a hold on you?  Just what is it about that city?  And my answer is simple--I don't know.  There are so many beautiful cities in this world of ours.  And yet--this city is the one for me.

We left Lyon and as I said goodbye to her, there was an excitement that was beginning to build deep inside me.  I was on my way to Paris.  We were going to spend just 3 nights, but they would be the best 3 nights ever.  We were going to Paris.  My city.

The view from our hotel window

My husband said that as soon as we hit the outskirts of town my countenance changed.  He literally watched my facial expressions and body language come alive.  I didn't notice it--as I was too busy looking for my special landmarks.  You know, Paris stuff--like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.  Oh yes, I am that tourist, the one that hangs out the car window, pointing and smiling and taking pictures as though it were my first time there.  Yes, I am one of those.  A crazy American.

I just wanted to buy some fruit!

The view from the corner of our hotel...

  

Each time we visit Paris we stay in a different arrondissement.  For this visit, we choose the 7th.  Our hotel was a couple of blocks off Rue Cler and within a short walk to the Eiffel Tower.  Perfect.  This was to be my very first time to Rue Cler.  I had heard the stories, seen the pictures, and daydreamed up a storm, but I had never been myself.  I could hardly wait.  In fact, it was killing me--at least that's what I kept telling my husband.

Let's go shopping!

Believe me when I tell you that when my feet hit the pavement the next morning, I fairly ran to Rue Cler.  And it was not a disappointment.  Talk about something being right up my alley.  I immediately began to hyperventilate.  Blocks upon blocks of French antiques--dishes, lamps, and rugs.  Fruit, vegetables, and flowers.  It was everything I had pictured.  I think we walked up and down those blocks for several hours.  We stopped along the way for coffee and lunch, but seriously, I could not sit still long--I was on Rue Cler.  It's all I think about now--how can I finagle a way back to Paris?  You think I'm kidding?

Flowers galore...

I am a hoarder of antique dishes...I'll never stop.

She had to be my favorite seller...

That evening we strolled (that's what you do in Paris, you stroll) over to the Eiffel Tower and then walked along the river.  It was glorious--there is just no other word to describe the scene before us.  It was that spectacular.  We had dinner at a little bistro near our hotel and then strolled home.

The River Seine...

Of course I went in--don't be ridiculous...

We saved our last day in Paris for what I like to think of as the Mega walk--about 10 miles total.  We walked to the river, across the bridge, over to the Avenue des Champs Elysees, where we bought some macarons and then on down to the Arc.  We walked and then walked some more.  I thought my hips were going to give out.  However, we did have fun.  Pain pills helped.

Do you need to use the restroom?  Here's one...

Iconic metro sign...

There she is--Laduree...

The best place to buy your macarons in Paris

Yes, I ate some--they were fabulous!

I always get so sad when I leave Paris.  I often daydream of returning.  I don't know why it has the hold on me that it does, but I'm glad for it.  I love having something to look forward to, to daydream about, and the hope of returning soon.  You see, for me, it's always Paris.