November First!

Here we are again. The beginning of a new month. And as the custom has been, Raven tries hard to blog every first of the month. So here it is. This blog came close to not being done, especially because of the tragic events of the last few days. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those who grieve the loss of their beloved mom, and our dear sister in the truth.

What do you know about the month of November? How did it get it's name? Here's what I found out.

November!

November means "ninth month". Yet it is the eleventh month in the modern calendar. This anomaly has existed for over 2000 years. In the old Roman calendar (which was only ten months long) November was indeed the ninth month. But this changed when two months were added on to the year, and subsequently, in 153 B.C. the Roman Senate moved New Year's Day to January 1st. Curiously, the names of the numbered months were not changed to account for their new positions.

November began with 30 days, but Numa Pompilius, the second King of Rome, took a day away in about 700 B.C. Julius Caesar added the day back when he reformed the calendar in 46 B.C. July and August had been named for the first two Roman Emperors, Julius and Augustus. The Roman Senate offered to change the name of November to "Tiberius". He wisely refused saying, "What will you do if you have thirteen emperors"?

November comes between autumn and winter. In the North Temperate regions during November, the trees are bare, and the dead leaves on the earth have lost the brilliant color they had in October. Soft snow seldom hides the bareness of the fields, but the grays and browns of the landscapes are sometimes relieved by delightful days of hazy sunshine. The Anglo-Saxons referred to November as "the wind month" and sometimes "the blood month," probably because during this period they killed animals for their winter meat.

This blog will be limited. Soon we will be flying out to California to visit family and I have so much to do before we leave Thursday morning, and I have accomplished so little to that end.

My biggest request to all my blogging friends, (Old Crow, Old Crow's wife Mickey, Sparrow, Swallow?), and others is to please pray for us. Sparrow, I know I can count on you. Thank you my dear friend. You know exactly how I feel.

I will end this blog with some beautiful November poetry. Enjoy!

Leaves

"How silently they tumble down

And come to rest upon the ground

To lay a carpet, rich and rare,

Beneath the trees without a care

Content to sleep, their work well done,

Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly

Until they nearly reach the sky.

Twisting, turning through the air

Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below

To wait, like children, for the snow."

-Elsie N. Brady

Dull November brings the blast,

Then the leaves are whirling fast."

- Sara Coleridge (The Months)

"November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn,

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring."

-Elizabeth Coatsworth

"Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable,the hurrying rustle of crisp
leaves blown
along the street or road by a gusty wind,and the gabble of a flock of
migrating geese.
Both are warnings of chill days ahead, fireside and topcoat weather."
- Hal Borland

Until we return...

This is Raven-as the crow flies!

The End Of October

The Beginning of October started out with high hopes. The beauty of the autumnal leaves, deep azure blue skies, cool invigorating weather lifted our spirits in joyful fall activities. Nothing could stop such paradisaic delights, except when the cruel reality of living in this wicked system raises it's ugly head. Yes, no matter how beautiful the earth looks, no matter how serene and peaceful such fall scenes bring serenity to our souls, it is quickly and deeply marred by the stark reality, that as long as we live in this wicked system there is no paradise. This month of joyful hopes and anticipations ended in the painful, sudden death of a dear sister and friend. We are all deeply saddened at the tragic loss of our loving sister, Chris. She was a good example of faithfulness under difficult trials. Her insightful comments at meetings, and excellent use of illustrations reflected her love and faith in the truth, and her relationship with Jehovah.

Being raised Catholic, once she recognized the truth, she quickly got out of Babylon the Great, helping her four children come to an accurate knowledge of the truth, despite ridicule and opposition from her family. She put Jehovah first in her life, even at the threatened risk of losing her marriage which she tried hard to preserve. Because of the many difficulties and trials in her life she could not see how beautiful a person she really was in the eyes of others and especially Jehovah.

Our lives have been blessed knowing her and her family. Our hearts are deeply broken. We will miss you terribly dear one. We look to the only one that can save all of us, even those sleeping in death, Jehovah, " the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
Jesus said to Martha: "I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life." (John 11:25). "There is going to be a resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous." (Acts 24:15).

These wonderful truths from Jehovah lift us above the painful experience of death, and brightens our hope. May we be zealous in sharing that hope with all those who mourn. "Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4).

In the mean time, may we pray for, stay close to, and do our best to comfort those who are mourning this great loss.

This is Raven-as the crow flies.

A Sad October Morning

This blog takes precedence to the one I was planning on a much happier note, "Joyful Simplicities for October," but because of a tragic turn of events that I wished had never happened, the death of my beloved cat Kenya, October 23, 2010, this blog takes priority.

Just saying her name makes tears well up in my eyes, and a lump in my throat. Those of you who have lost their dear pets know the feelings I am describing.

Kenya, the love of my life, after 16 1/2 years of mutual love, loyalty and affection was dying from kidney failure. How could that be? She was always strong, active, playful, didn't look her age. Naively, I thought she could go on for at least another 5 years or more, and then die peacefuly, at home, in her sleep. Instead, in the last few weeks she quickly took a rapid turn for the worse. The last few days before she died, her unchanging beautiful face began to look weak and drawn. Despite her frail weakness she still would respond to my call, looking up with her big beautiful green almond shaped eyes, she managed to respond with her sweet trying to please cry, even getting up on wobbly weak legs to show her unfailing loyalty in wanting to please me. What should I do? Maybe it's an infection, or a bad tooth that can be easily fixed, I must take her to the Vet. But what if it is something worse? They may suggest to put her to sleep. What should I do? I felt so helpless, I couldn't save her. I had to decide. Should I let her die at home? Or must I make the dreaded decision to have her put to death? Those of you who have been through this, you remember that feeling, don't you? "It is the right thing to do, merciful, otherwise she will die a painful death", the Dr. said. "She will feel no pain. We will give her a sedative that puts her in a peaceful sleep, and then inject her with a drug that will stop her heart". "No hope Dr?" I asked. "No, I am sorry", he said, his eyes welling up with tears. "I know how you feel, I had to put my dog, my best friend to sleep just a few months ago and he was ony 10 years old. I would have done anything to extend his life another 3 years, but I was only thinking of myself not him. I did the right thing for him by relieving his suffering."

So, with a pain so deep in my heart, and stomach we conceded. I hugged Kenya, kissed her, and told her I loved her. She was then sedated. I could not be present for the final blow of stopping her heart. I left the room. A few minutes later the Dr. came out with my Kenya in a box. We took her home, and my dear husband buried her in the back yard, her final resting place.

In our lesson at the Kingdom Hall Sunday during the Watchtower study, one of the paragraphs spoke about a sister who was experiencing deep sadness due to past experiences in her life before she came into the truth. She said what helps her to get the strength to endure, is the genuine friends and spiritual family that now brings her happiness, and also she tries to focus on what Jehovah promises for the future. Replacing cries of sadness, with cries of joy.

Her comments are so true. In my distress Jehovah helped me by sending my dear family, friends and spiritual family to my aid. They felt my pain and gave me loving support. Thank you so much my dear friend Sandy (Sparrow). You truly are a loving, loyal friend, and I love you for that. Tom (Old Crow), and Mickey (Old Crow's wife), thank you too for being a good friend, showing love, understanding, and kindness. I love you for that. Also, Beth. What a sweet loving sister for wanting to come and give me loving moral support. I love you for that. That's what familly and friends are for. Infact, I was pleasantly surprised to receive from many of the brothers and sisters at the kingdom hall, sincere heartfelt sadness for what may seem to some a small loss. Thank you all. Your love and support was a great comfort and help. I love you all for that.

And most of all we love and thank Jehovah, our greatest friend and suppport, because really, as the scripture in Psalms 72:17-19 says "Blessed be Jehovah God, Israel's God who alone is doing wonderful works."

It is so strange coming home to my house now. Kenya would many times greet me when coming into the house. Her joyful, purring cry, as if to say "I'm happy you are home." No longer do I see her sitting on the window sill looking out the picture window in our living room, or sleeping in her favorite chair in the living room or on the bed in the computer room. No more does she come to sit next to us on the piano bench when we would play the piano. She seemed to appreciate music. No other cat we had has ever done that.

Ophilia too feels the loss of her big sister Kenya. After all she and Kenya have been together for at least 11 years. Whenever Kenya would be outside, Ophilia would cry at the side door to tell us, "let Kenya in," and as soon as we did Ophilia would rub up against her with a joyful cry. There were times they would be huddled together on the bed or couch, and at times they would have a spat, like most family members, but never held a grudge.

It was so sad to see Ophilia at the side door Saturday night, sitting, looking at the door crying, as if to say, "where is Kenya, let her in." Sorry Ophilia, Kenya is not coming in anymore.

Kenya's beautiful face and unique personality is etched in my mind, and heart. I won't forget her. I know as we get back into the busy routine of life, my thoughts of her will become less and less - but I willl never forget her. Something will happen that will jolt my memory of her and I will have tears well up, and pain for a moment again. But my love for her will never be for a moment but always.

Thank you for patiently letting me pour out my heart in this blog. It's not meant to depress, but helps me express my love for my Kenya and try to cope with this painful, unavoidable, part of life we all have in common. Everyone handles stress and grief differently. For me, talking and writing about it helps me cope getting the pain out of my heart, and mind. Also it can draw the love and friendship of my family and friends even closer. One dear brother kindly reminded me of the beautiful promise from God found at Isaiah 65:17-19....."the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart." What a wonderful hope Jehovah has provided.

I am hoping to get my original blog planned for October in before this month ends. If not, it will have to wait until November. Until then.....

This is Raven-as the crow flies

October First!

October, a time of beauty, a time when the earth is starting to slowly settle down, inspiring in us a desire to seek it's colorful, comforting, peacful charm. Let October seduce you with its abundant charm. Robert Frost put it so well when he said of October, "Beguile us in the way you know." "Release one leaf at the break of day; At noon release another leaf; one from our trees, one far away." So as this complex spinning world grows more bewildering, drink in deep this "beguiling month" and enjoy its boundless beauty in joyful simplicities of life.

Above all, may we take the time to thank and reflect appreciatively, meditate deeply, on the one who provided this all, our Father and life giver Jehovah God.

As the custom is, Raven's delight is to learn how each month received its name, October will be no different.

October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with a length of 31 days. The eighth month in the old Roman calendar, October retained its name (from the Latin "octo" meaning "eight") after July and August, after Julius and Augustus Caesar respectively, when the calendar was originally created by the Romans.

The first frost usually happens in October in the North Temperate Zone. Leaves change to their brilliant colors, and begin to fall, making the ground a beautiful haven of color. The farmers have to finish harvesting of the crops, but winter isn't here yet. The cold won't stay. In fact, we will still have warm days ahead.

Most birds have left for the south by the first frost, but the sparrows love the weather. They are seed eaters, and eat many weed seeds that would otherwise damage the next field crops.

Farmers bring in the last of the fall crops and either store or ship them to other parts of the world. In some parts, apples and grapes are still on the trees and vines. Many apples are harvested at the end of October.

Football usually dominates the scene in October. Hockey also begins it's season in October. And, the World Series will steal some of the spotlight from other sports.

I will include with this blog some cute October poems, that help us visualize this glorious month.

OCTOBER QUOTE

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came;
The ashes, oaks, and maples,
And those of every name.

"October's the month
When the smallest breeze
Gives us a shower
Of autumn leaves.
Bonfires and pumpkins,
Leaves sailing down -
October is red
And golden and brown."

Oh suns and skies and clouds of June,
And flowers of June together,
Ye cannot rival for one hour October's bright blue weather."

Because it is such a beautiful poem, I will print Robert Frosts poem in it's entirety.

O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
one from our trees, one far away.
Retard the sun with gentle mist;
Enchant the land with amethyst.
Slow, slow!
For the grapes' sake,
if the were all,
Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,
Whose clustered fruit must else be lost--
For the grapes' sake along the all.

I must end this blog for now! I will return with some delightful fall activities. Your comments are welcomed. Until then....

This is Raven-as the crow flies!

Summer Ends- Fall Begins!

Yes, not only is fall in the air, it is here! Today is the first day of fall. The Autumnal
Equinox occurs Wednesday marking the start of the fall season.

The Autumnal Equinox occurs at 11:09 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Sept. 22. This marks the beginning of fall for the northern hemisphere and the beginning of spring for the southern hemisphere.

The Autumnal Equinox marks the point when the earth is neither leaning toward or away from the the sun. On the equinox, the sun is located directly over the equator and generally equates to equal (equinox) day and nighttime lengths.

Equinox's occur twice each year giving us the fall equinox and the spring equinox.

The next change of season occurs on December 21, 2010 at 6:38 p.m. EST. This is when the Winter Solstice occurs marking the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere.

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There is a full moon early Thursday morning (5:18 a.m.) and since it is the closest full moon to the autumnal equinox, it is called the "Harvest Moon".

In case you are wondering, we don't move the clocks back one hour until the first Sunday in November. This year that will be 2:00 a.m. November 7th.

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How does the autumn make you feel?

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"Autumn begins with a subtle change in the light, with skies a deeper blue, and nights that become suddenly clear and chilled. The season comes full with the first frost, the disappearance of migrant birds, and the harvesting of the season's last crops."- Glenn Wolff and Jerry Dennis

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In the poem "The Months" by Sara Coleridge, she writes:

"Warm September brings the fruit

Sportsmen then begin to shoot"

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Yes the fall brings many delights. A time of harvest, when the earth is prime. The harvesting of apples, figs, grapes, pumpkins, nuts and more. A time of beauty nothing can surpass, the vibrant colors of the majestic trees' leaves against a deep blue sky. Sitting with family and friends by a crackling fire on a crisp cool autumn night, sipping some wine, or perhaps hot apple cider, reminiscing of times past and things yet to be.

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Yes all of this and more is the gift of our loving heavenly father that will never end! "Everything he has made pretty in its time. Even time indefinite he has put in their heart, that mankind may never find out the work that the true God has made from the start to the finish. I have come to know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good during one's life, and also that every man should eat and indeed drink and see good for all his hard work. It is the gift of God." (Ecclesiastes 3:11-13) "For all the days the earth continues, seed sowing and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, will never cease.” (Genesis 8:22)

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May we especially be active, and joyful during this fall season, in the great spiritual harvest taking place now. This is the most important work being done today, and we have the privilege of working with the master of the harvest, Jehovah God. This too is the gift of God.

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There is more to come. Until then, have a happy fall.

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This is Raven-as the crow flies!

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Fall Is In The Air

Can you feel it? The way the air was crisp and cool, not hot and humid?Did you see it? Did you notice the color of the leaves on some trees changing? Or perhaps while walking on the street, you stopped to pick up some colorful fallen leaves on the ground.

Then too, you may have gazed with delight at the sight of a large V shaped flock of canadian geese flying overhead, off on it's journey south. Or, another pleasant sight to the eyes is to see a flock of blackbirds flying, sweeping and diving in a synchronized fashion overhead against a gray billowy clouded sky as you are driving along, meditating on the beauty of the earth and it's creator. Then too, you may notice the squirrels working hard now to store their food before winter sets in. These are some of the signs that fall is near.

What about the apples, and grapes ripe for harvesting, these are sure signs that we are nearing fall. Of course, one of the most pleasant sights to confirm we are in the fall season is to see with great joy the abundance of pumpkins all shapes and sizes. A gardening book stated, "If you want to be happy plant a pumpkin, and if you want to be really happy, plant a big one". I couldn't agree more. Everytime I see a pumpkin, any sullen spirits I may have quickly turns into a happy, jubilant cry for joy.

I am sure you may have some other indications that fall is in the air, and so I would be delighted for you to add to this list by your comments. Why not watch and jot down in a journal the varied changes you see taking place during this season. Perhaps save some leaves and press them to retain their beautiful fall color, as a rememberance of the fall. It will quickly come and go. Life is so short when you think of it in terms of seasons. If you are at a certain age lets say 40, or 50, you have seen only 40 or 50 falls. If you live to 80, you will have only seen 80 falls. Life is short when you view it from that perspective. We thank our loving father Jehovah God for his abounding love and his promise of everlasting life to enjoy each season, each day of life for ever and ever. Psalms 133:1-3; 21:4; Titus 1:2.

I began this blog I believe in February of this year, during the winter season; and so I have written about and enjoyed each season. Which season do I enjoy the most? It's hard to say, because each season has its own beauty. This lovely poem I am about to write expresses the delema we may have to choose which season is the happiest in life. What do you think?

"The question, "Which is the happiest season of life?" was asked of an aged man. And he replied:

"When spring comes, and in the soft air the buds are breaking on the trees, and they are covered with blossoms, I think, 'How beautiful is spring'; and when summer comes and covers the trees with its heavy foliage, and singing birds are among the branches, I think, 'How beautiful is summer.' When autumn loads them with golden fruit, and their leaves bear the gorgeous tint of frost, I think, 'How beautiful is autumn.' And when it is severe winter, and there is neither foliage nor fruit, then I look up through the leafless branches as I never could until now, and see the stars shine in God's home."- Source Unknown

"There is no season such delight can bring,As summer, autumn, winter and the spring."- William Browne, Variety, 163

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You see, some men think that they are not well in spring, or summer, or autumn, or winter, it is only because they are not well in them.

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Enjoy each season for what it is, and you will be happy.

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This is Raven-as the crow flies!

September! A New Month Begins

September is one of Raven's favorite months. There are a few reasons why I get excited when the 9th month of our calendar year arrives.

For one thing it is the beginning of a new service year, the time when we increase our activity in the ministry. With renewed zeal and determination we pray for Jehovah's help in fulfilling our assignment; trying hard to make and reach short term goals as well as long term goals, and above all, working together in love and unity with all the brothers and sisters, as that will honor Jehovah, draw others to the truth, and increase our joy. The "joy of Jehovah is our stronghold."-- Nehemiah 8:10.

We have an added reason for joy this month. Another faithful sister has joined the pioneer ranks. Congratulations Janice! May Jehovah bless your self-sacrificing spirit. Looking forward to working with you in the ministry.

In addition to a new pioneer publisher, we are happy, and blessed to have a new baptized brother, Kyle. "It's just the beginning" Kyle. A wide door of activity is now opened to you. What a blessing and asset to the congregation. Congratulations to you, and your parents!

Another reason I enjoy September, it was the month Russell and I were married. It will be 42 years on the 28th.

I remember it as if it was yesterday. The sky was a deep azure blue. Not a cloud in it. A perfect day, not too warm or cold. We were surrounded by so many of our family and friends, sharing in our inextinguishable joy.

To me, he was a perfect wage from Jehovah, a gift for which I will be forever grateful. As expressed in the endearing words of the Shulammite maiden to her shepherd boy, Russell, "my dear one was dazzling and rudy the most conspicuous of ten thousand....His black hair is like the raven....His eyes like doves....His palate is sheer sweetness and everything about him is altogether desirable. This is my dear one, this is my boy companion..." Song of Solomon 5:9-16

Thank you Russ for your love, friendship, spirituality, and support. Happy Anniversary Month!

Being this is the first of September, my delight is to find out how each month got its name.

September is the ninth month of the year, according to the Gregorian calendar, which is used in almost all the world today. It was the seventh month in the old Roman calendar, and its name comes from the Latin septem, meaning seven. September later became the ninth month when the ancient Romans moved the beginning of their year from March 1 to January 1. September has had 29 days, 31 days, and, since the time of the Roman emperor Augustus, 30 days. Unlike the previous 8 months of the year which received their names from pagan God's and Goddesses, the last four months got their names from their original numerical placement in the year.

September is one of the warmest months in the Southern United States. Northern states have warm September days, but the nights get much cooler. It is also harvest time for crops. And, in Switzerland, it's called Harvest Month.

And so dear friends, September is the month when summer slowly comes to an end, soon the fall will settle in. May your September days be fruitful, filled with love, joy and peace.

I will end this blog with a cute "September" poem:

"When the goldenrod is yellow,
And leaves are turning brown -
Reluctantly the summer goes
In a cloud of thistledown.
When squirrels are harvesting
And birds in flight appear

By these autumn signs we know
September days are here."

This is Raven-as the crow flies!