Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
As you can imagine my hands have been quite full since my son's surgery Friday. I missed writing a post yesterday...there just wasn't time. It would be an overwhelming situation if not for God's grace...
...and the support of so many wonderful friends, family, and teammates!
The prayers, calls, emails, FB messages, visits, food...it's just been wonderful. We are grateful to be surrounded by so much love and support as our son goes through this time of healing.
♡
June 29, 2014
June 27, 2014
Praise
Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Psalm 150:2
Surgery is done! It took a little over 3 hours of actual procedure time - much more than they had thought but the doctor is pleased with the results. Now comes healing time.
Praise God for His mercy!
Surgery is done! It took a little over 3 hours of actual procedure time - much more than they had thought but the doctor is pleased with the results. Now comes healing time.
Praise God for His mercy!
June 26, 2014
Distraction Day
Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.
Philippians 4:6-8
Morning will come early. Time for rest...tomorrow's a big day.
Philippians 4:6-8
Tomorrow is surgery day. And I'm amazingly at peace about it. That's how Grace works.
He went with me on a design appointment this morning, then we hit the road towards Charlotte to go to the Bass Pro Shop. It was the perfect way to distract ourselves on the day before. We made a day of it...lunch, a couple of hours looking at everything in the store, some restocking of baits...it was a really good day.
We spent the evening on the lake trying out the new lures until the sun went down. They worked. :)
Morning will come early. Time for rest...tomorrow's a big day.
Sleep
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord , make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8
This evening I had a long, deep sleep nap on the couch.
It was awesome!!
It was a full, busy day. The nap was most needed. And my eyes are closing as I write this....
I'm grateful to sleep in peace. :)
Psalm 4:8
This evening I had a long, deep sleep nap on the couch.
It was awesome!!
It was a full, busy day. The nap was most needed. And my eyes are closing as I write this....
I'm grateful to sleep in peace. :)
June 24, 2014
Calm
And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Matthew 8:24-26
It was a stormy day.
We had appointments with the facial plastic surgeon and the oral surgeon, both of which got changed from their original times. Schedule shuffle stress. Once at the ENT we had to wait over an hour past the changed time because they had an emergency surgery. Not that big of a deal for us, by then I had already given myself the day off, but it added to the anxiety of not knowing.
When we finally got back we were given news we had not expected...he IS going to need reconstructive surgery. Now. This week.
Once we got to the car there were tears. though we both kept it to a minimum. I wanted to curl up in a ball and cry until I was dehydrated. But I had to stay strong for his sake.
We had to go all the way back home to get his x-rays for the oral surgeon appointment...I knew I was forgetting something this morning! To add to the summer fun he was already on deck for getting his wisdom teeth out. That doctor confirmed what we had heard at the ENT, and we were able to put off the wisdom teeth surgery until August, the week before school starts.
By then my head was spinning.
So, tonight, he and I got the boat out on the lake to fish and take our minds off the coming days. The sky had big billowy clouds and a not too hot sun which made the water shine like a mirror. As we worked our way around the edges, my mind still numb from the news, I stared at the reflection of the clouds and trees in the water and I was filled with an incredible peace. I heard an inner voice reminding me that what seemed upside down, towering in the murky darkness of the pond was only a reflection...that what was real was standing strong on the shore. And in the reflection of the clouds I was reminded that heaven isn't just "up there"...it's down here with us too.
Just then one of my favorite bugs landed on my fishing rod and in its beautiful iridescent wings I was reminded once again that the dragon is only a fly.
Peace be still. Sometimes He calms the storm...other times He calms His child.
M.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpi1gYlPqeM
Matthew 8:24-26
It was a stormy day.
We had appointments with the facial plastic surgeon and the oral surgeon, both of which got changed from their original times. Schedule shuffle stress. Once at the ENT we had to wait over an hour past the changed time because they had an emergency surgery. Not that big of a deal for us, by then I had already given myself the day off, but it added to the anxiety of not knowing.
When we finally got back we were given news we had not expected...he IS going to need reconstructive surgery. Now. This week.
Once we got to the car there were tears. though we both kept it to a minimum. I wanted to curl up in a ball and cry until I was dehydrated. But I had to stay strong for his sake.
We had to go all the way back home to get his x-rays for the oral surgeon appointment...I knew I was forgetting something this morning! To add to the summer fun he was already on deck for getting his wisdom teeth out. That doctor confirmed what we had heard at the ENT, and we were able to put off the wisdom teeth surgery until August, the week before school starts.
By then my head was spinning.
So, tonight, he and I got the boat out on the lake to fish and take our minds off the coming days. The sky had big billowy clouds and a not too hot sun which made the water shine like a mirror. As we worked our way around the edges, my mind still numb from the news, I stared at the reflection of the clouds and trees in the water and I was filled with an incredible peace. I heard an inner voice reminding me that what seemed upside down, towering in the murky darkness of the pond was only a reflection...that what was real was standing strong on the shore. And in the reflection of the clouds I was reminded that heaven isn't just "up there"...it's down here with us too.
Just then one of my favorite bugs landed on my fishing rod and in its beautiful iridescent wings I was reminded once again that the dragon is only a fly.
Peace be still. Sometimes He calms the storm...other times He calms His child.
M.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpi1gYlPqeM
June 23, 2014
Summer Camp
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
It's summer camp week for the youngest, and he has been so excited about going! He and his best bud are there together for a week of fun in the sun, adventures, and worship.
He went last year for the first time. It was a blast...until a horrible stomach virus swept through the camp. We had to pick him up that Thursday night, and by Friday noon the camp had to close. It was just one of those things. But he was so disappointed...he had such a great time and he was about to be ping pong champion of the week. :)
I dropped him off this morning. This time promises to be better, and he is ready to challenge his almost-title again. It will be a blast for him! I'm excited for him and happy he will be learning as he plays.
I pray it will be a week of memories and knowledge that will last a lifetime.
It's summer camp week for the youngest, and he has been so excited about going! He and his best bud are there together for a week of fun in the sun, adventures, and worship.
He went last year for the first time. It was a blast...until a horrible stomach virus swept through the camp. We had to pick him up that Thursday night, and by Friday noon the camp had to close. It was just one of those things. But he was so disappointed...he had such a great time and he was about to be ping pong champion of the week. :)
I dropped him off this morning. This time promises to be better, and he is ready to challenge his almost-title again. It will be a blast for him! I'm excited for him and happy he will be learning as he plays.
I pray it will be a week of memories and knowledge that will last a lifetime.
June 22, 2014
Moving On
and (Jesus) ordered them, “Don't take anything with you on your journey except a stick — no bread, no beggar's bag, no money in your pockets. Wear sandals, but don't carry an extra shirt.” He also said, “Wherever you are welcomed, stay in the same house until you leave that place. Mark 6:8-10
It's that time of year when the Methodist church has its annual conference, and a time when many pastors have been packing to move. I didn't grow up in the Methodist church, so this is one tradition that I haven't really gotten used to.
Our pastor is one of those being moved. He and his wife knew there would be one more move in their ministry before retirement, but they weren't really expecting it to be this year. So it's hard. Hard for them, hard for a congregation that has been led for 7 years by them. And they are also our neighbors, three doors up.
Every time there is a pastoral move I think about this scripture. Jesus sent the disciples out into the world to minister and share the Good News. They were to travel lightly, staying where they were received until it was time to move on.
Next Sunday will be their last Sunday with us. So today, what was good was not the fact that they are leaving, but the fact that they were here.
God speed and blessings to them and all those who are moving on.
It's that time of year when the Methodist church has its annual conference, and a time when many pastors have been packing to move. I didn't grow up in the Methodist church, so this is one tradition that I haven't really gotten used to.
Our pastor is one of those being moved. He and his wife knew there would be one more move in their ministry before retirement, but they weren't really expecting it to be this year. So it's hard. Hard for them, hard for a congregation that has been led for 7 years by them. And they are also our neighbors, three doors up.
Every time there is a pastoral move I think about this scripture. Jesus sent the disciples out into the world to minister and share the Good News. They were to travel lightly, staying where they were received until it was time to move on.
Next Sunday will be their last Sunday with us. So today, what was good was not the fact that they are leaving, but the fact that they were here.
God speed and blessings to them and all those who are moving on.
June 21, 2014
Celebration
Show respect to the aged; honor the presence of an elder Leviticus 19:32a
Today we celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday. All of my husband's siblings but one (who lives far away) were able to attend. We all met up at a restaurant for dinner and then went back to their house for cake and gifts. And stories of course. You don't live in a house with four children without gathering tales of their adventures!
That she has made it to 80 might just be a miracle.
It was a nice celebration and she loved her quilt! I managed to get the last stitch in 45 minutes before dinner. (That too was a miracle!)
Today we celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday. All of my husband's siblings but one (who lives far away) were able to attend. We all met up at a restaurant for dinner and then went back to their house for cake and gifts. And stories of course. You don't live in a house with four children without gathering tales of their adventures!
That she has made it to 80 might just be a miracle.
It was a nice celebration and she loved her quilt! I managed to get the last stitch in 45 minutes before dinner. (That too was a miracle!)
June 20, 2014
Timing
Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
I've been working on a special birthday present this week, and discovered late today I needed extra material to complete it. And of course I have to have it finished tomorrow! It is a scrappy quilt, and I was trying to use what I had on hand but was about a yard short for the backing. Its a very soft, old-fashioned color scheme, not my usual bold and bright. So, I headed to the quilt shop near my house, 30 minutes before closing time, and once there went straight to the sale rack to see what I could find.
A two second glance found the PERFECT fabric! Not just a "make do" but perfect. On sale at almost half price!!
I scooped it up and headed for the cutting counter to get what I needed. While the lady was measuring it out to cut and we were gushing about how perfect it was, one of her coworkers walked up and said, "isn't that one of the ones we just put back there today?"
Lord, thank you!! I needed that hug from You today. Your timing is perfect. :)
Ecclesiastes 3:1
I've been working on a special birthday present this week, and discovered late today I needed extra material to complete it. And of course I have to have it finished tomorrow! It is a scrappy quilt, and I was trying to use what I had on hand but was about a yard short for the backing. Its a very soft, old-fashioned color scheme, not my usual bold and bright. So, I headed to the quilt shop near my house, 30 minutes before closing time, and once there went straight to the sale rack to see what I could find.
A two second glance found the PERFECT fabric! Not just a "make do" but perfect. On sale at almost half price!!
I scooped it up and headed for the cutting counter to get what I needed. While the lady was measuring it out to cut and we were gushing about how perfect it was, one of her coworkers walked up and said, "isn't that one of the ones we just put back there today?"
Lord, thank you!! I needed that hug from You today. Your timing is perfect. :)
June 19, 2014
Wait
Trust in the Lord . Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the Lord . Psalms 27:14
It will be a few more days before we know if my son will need surgery or not. The doctor wants to reevaluate once more swelling has gone down. I saw the CT scans today and there is more than one break. Still, it could have been much worse. I'm so thankful that it wasn't.
And now we wait.
And I will repeat this scripture whenever fear tries to trip me up. I know God is bigger than this bump in the road.
It will be a few more days before we know if my son will need surgery or not. The doctor wants to reevaluate once more swelling has gone down. I saw the CT scans today and there is more than one break. Still, it could have been much worse. I'm so thankful that it wasn't.
And now we wait.
And I will repeat this scripture whenever fear tries to trip me up. I know God is bigger than this bump in the road.
June 18, 2014
Child's Play
Children are a gift from the Lord ; they are a real blessing. Psalms 127:3
Today I started a new design project. It is a children's theater whose business is thriving and they have the opportunity to expand into adjacent spaces. So off I went to measure the building to draw up plans for them to get a building permit.
Part of what I had to document is their existing space...and it is such a fun place!! There was one large class of children, I'm guessing ages 5-8, who were learning songs for a musical and they were so sweet I had to stop and just soak it in. Across the hall acting lessons were in progress and I was running improv lines through my head, writing myself into the scene as I tiptoed across and behind the set to measure the room. Then there was the room full of little costumes...dress up dream land!
I can easily see why they are successful!
What a gift it was to be surrounded by the joyous exuberance of all those children. The songs are still running through my mind and making me smile.
Today I started a new design project. It is a children's theater whose business is thriving and they have the opportunity to expand into adjacent spaces. So off I went to measure the building to draw up plans for them to get a building permit.
Part of what I had to document is their existing space...and it is such a fun place!! There was one large class of children, I'm guessing ages 5-8, who were learning songs for a musical and they were so sweet I had to stop and just soak it in. Across the hall acting lessons were in progress and I was running improv lines through my head, writing myself into the scene as I tiptoed across and behind the set to measure the room. Then there was the room full of little costumes...dress up dream land!
I can easily see why they are successful!
What a gift it was to be surrounded by the joyous exuberance of all those children. The songs are still running through my mind and making me smile.
June 17, 2014
June 16, 2014
Trust
The Lord will help them when they are sick and will restore them to health.
Psalms 41:3
After the half night in the out-of-town ER last night, we made it home today. Follow up appointments have been made, prescriptions filled and picked up, insurance company called. Now we can rest and my son can start the process of healing. There won't be any baseball for a few weeks. A definite diversion of summer plans.
But it could have been worse than it is. Way worse.
We will trust in God's plan for this. He is healer...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XkljgA5SQc8
Psalms 41:3
After the half night in the out-of-town ER last night, we made it home today. Follow up appointments have been made, prescriptions filled and picked up, insurance company called. Now we can rest and my son can start the process of healing. There won't be any baseball for a few weeks. A definite diversion of summer plans.
But it could have been worse than it is. Way worse.
We will trust in God's plan for this. He is healer...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XkljgA5SQc8
Strength
I have confidence in your strength; you are my refuge, O God. Psalms 59:9
It was Father's Day today. We has an out of town baseball tournament this weekend. We were able to spend the night at my husband's brother's house. All the guys got to go fishing this morning before heading out for games 3 and 4, an hour away.
It should have been a perfect day.
Instead, my son took a fast ball to the face when he was at bat, and we had to drive an hour to the hospital, where we spent another 4 hours being evaluated.
Some days you have to look harder for what was good.
I'm thankful Uncle Bob was with us at the field. He used to be a sports trainer for NC State, so he was able to evaluate my son immediately. I'm thankful that we didn't have any travel issues other than distance to get to the hospital. I'm thankful the ER wasn't over run and was able to get us back quickly.
And I'm thankful for a God who gives me strength...
It was Father's Day today. We has an out of town baseball tournament this weekend. We were able to spend the night at my husband's brother's house. All the guys got to go fishing this morning before heading out for games 3 and 4, an hour away.
It should have been a perfect day.
Instead, my son took a fast ball to the face when he was at bat, and we had to drive an hour to the hospital, where we spent another 4 hours being evaluated.
Some days you have to look harder for what was good.
I'm thankful Uncle Bob was with us at the field. He used to be a sports trainer for NC State, so he was able to evaluate my son immediately. I'm thankful that we didn't have any travel issues other than distance to get to the hospital. I'm thankful the ER wasn't over run and was able to get us back quickly.
And I'm thankful for a God who gives me strength...
June 14, 2014
Birds
Look at the birds: they do not sow seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren't you worth much more than birds?
Matthew 6:26
Matthew 6 is one of my very favorites, and this passage always comes to mind when I hear this...I stumbled on this version via a Facebook post:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzh1tJBY5Ks
Such an amazing young voice! And what beautiful words...
I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free...His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Indeed.
Matthew 6:26
Matthew 6 is one of my very favorites, and this passage always comes to mind when I hear this...I stumbled on this version via a Facebook post:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzh1tJBY5Ks
Such an amazing young voice! And what beautiful words...
I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free...His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Indeed.
June 13, 2014
Spa Day
The regular beauty treatment for the women lasted a year — Esther 2:12a
Well, mine only lasted 2 hours, but it was still awesome! Today I ended work early enough to go get a mani-pedi. That's not a big deal to a lot of women, they do that all the time. But I seem to only manage that little luxury, oh, every 2-3 years...or more. I'm hard on my hands. Between artwork, sewing, gardening, housework, measuring buildings...you get the idea. Let's face it, I'm not a high maintenance gal. And I've never been good at justifying the cost of something I'm likely to mess up within the first 2 hours of having it done.
But, today seemed like a good day to splurge a little. And it was nice! I saw two good friends from church there and sat beside someone I hadn't seen in ages, a furniture rep from my early days in design. There was that brief moment of 'I know I know you but from where' and it was fun to finally make the connection.
It was nice to be pampered, and so far I haven't chipped a thing! I'm ready for the weekend, all prettied up. :)
Well, mine only lasted 2 hours, but it was still awesome! Today I ended work early enough to go get a mani-pedi. That's not a big deal to a lot of women, they do that all the time. But I seem to only manage that little luxury, oh, every 2-3 years...or more. I'm hard on my hands. Between artwork, sewing, gardening, housework, measuring buildings...you get the idea. Let's face it, I'm not a high maintenance gal. And I've never been good at justifying the cost of something I'm likely to mess up within the first 2 hours of having it done.
But, today seemed like a good day to splurge a little. And it was nice! I saw two good friends from church there and sat beside someone I hadn't seen in ages, a furniture rep from my early days in design. There was that brief moment of 'I know I know you but from where' and it was fun to finally make the connection.
It was nice to be pampered, and so far I haven't chipped a thing! I'm ready for the weekend, all prettied up. :)
June 12, 2014
Becoming Wise
Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight. Proverbs 4:7
Today my youngest celebrated 8th grade graduation, a year end tradition that signifies moving on to high school.
High school! My "baby" will be starting high school in the fall! How did that get here so fast???
It's a mixed bag... seeing him becoming such an awesome young man fills my heart with happiness yet it's tinged with a little heart sting knowing that before I blink the nest will be emptying. Time is both a healer and a thief, and it seems to rush no matter how much we want it to slow down.
Still, the day was a joy! He was recognized for making Honor Roll all year. We had a special lunch after the ceremony with friends. And tomorrow summer break begins!
He is growing up...becoming wiser every day. He is a blessing to me.
That I know. ♡
Today my youngest celebrated 8th grade graduation, a year end tradition that signifies moving on to high school.
High school! My "baby" will be starting high school in the fall! How did that get here so fast???
It's a mixed bag... seeing him becoming such an awesome young man fills my heart with happiness yet it's tinged with a little heart sting knowing that before I blink the nest will be emptying. Time is both a healer and a thief, and it seems to rush no matter how much we want it to slow down.
Still, the day was a joy! He was recognized for making Honor Roll all year. We had a special lunch after the ceremony with friends. And tomorrow summer break begins!
He is growing up...becoming wiser every day. He is a blessing to me.
That I know. ♡
June 11, 2014
Mercy
The Lord is merciful and good; our God is compassionate. Psalms 116:5
This is so beautiful...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z03ttN7CF0I
And especially so seeing him live, in an arena of several thousand singing along in worship together. Wow.....That is a memory that will always fill me up.
That wasn't today, it was several many weeks back. But it crossed my mind today and made me smile.
Mercy...as endless as the sea...
This is so beautiful...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z03ttN7CF0I
And especially so seeing him live, in an arena of several thousand singing along in worship together. Wow.....That is a memory that will always fill me up.
That wasn't today, it was several many weeks back. But it crossed my mind today and made me smile.
Mercy...as endless as the sea...
June 10, 2014
Happy
Smiling faces make you happy, and good news makes you feel better. Proverbs 15:30
Isn't that the truth?
As we get closer to the end of another school year, I'm seeing lots of smiling teenage faces. As I went about today I saw lots more smiling faces...the friend I met for coffee this morning, the lady at our local Chinese takeout restaurant (she is awesome!), the customer I met with, my husband as he came in the door after work, myself in the mirror.
Smiling faces are the best!!!
Its great to see one...and its great to be one! And here's the best part:
It's contagious.
:)
Isn't that the truth?
As we get closer to the end of another school year, I'm seeing lots of smiling teenage faces. As I went about today I saw lots more smiling faces...the friend I met for coffee this morning, the lady at our local Chinese takeout restaurant (she is awesome!), the customer I met with, my husband as he came in the door after work, myself in the mirror.
Smiling faces are the best!!!
Its great to see one...and its great to be one! And here's the best part:
It's contagious.
:)
June 09, 2014
Lunch Date
I asked him for this child, and he gave me what I asked for. 1 Samuel 1:27
And today I got to have a lunch date with one of them. :)
It's exam week again, and as things are winding down the students are allowed to leave early if they don't have an exam or review class. So, I scooped up my eldest and off we went to a Mexican restaurant nearby the school. We had a great time!
I love my kids...they're what's good about every day. ♡
And today I got to have a lunch date with one of them. :)
It's exam week again, and as things are winding down the students are allowed to leave early if they don't have an exam or review class. So, I scooped up my eldest and off we went to a Mexican restaurant nearby the school. We had a great time!
I love my kids...they're what's good about every day. ♡
June 08, 2014
Unexpected Rain
He sends rain on the land and he waters the fields. Job 5:10
Even baseball fields.
The last game of this weekend's tournament was played in the rain...for a while at least. It started out without rain, but cloudy. By the time we hit the second inning it was a steady downpour.
I didn't mind. I got to snuggle up to my sweetie under the big golf umbrella!
We still got wet! Water was dripping through the umbrella and running down the bleacher seats. It got kind of funny after a while.
They didn't call the game until the pitcher's mound started getting slick, a couple of innings later. Everyone on the field was drenched! And a few were quite muddy. Someone will have some fun laundry to do. :) Boys...they just don't know when to come out of the rain!
But you know what? I think every once in a while everyone should play in the rain, and not just baseball. Remember splashing in puddles when you were a child? Fun!! Some things you never outgrow.
Unexpected rain only "messes up your day" if you let it...
Even baseball fields.
The last game of this weekend's tournament was played in the rain...for a while at least. It started out without rain, but cloudy. By the time we hit the second inning it was a steady downpour.
I didn't mind. I got to snuggle up to my sweetie under the big golf umbrella!
We still got wet! Water was dripping through the umbrella and running down the bleacher seats. It got kind of funny after a while.
They didn't call the game until the pitcher's mound started getting slick, a couple of innings later. Everyone on the field was drenched! And a few were quite muddy. Someone will have some fun laundry to do. :) Boys...they just don't know when to come out of the rain!
But you know what? I think every once in a while everyone should play in the rain, and not just baseball. Remember splashing in puddles when you were a child? Fun!! Some things you never outgrow.
Unexpected rain only "messes up your day" if you let it...
June 07, 2014
Home
Lord , you make the path smooth for good people; the road they travel is level.
Isaiah 26:7
And after three weeks away on business, the way home was smooth for my husband. He took the red-eye home last night from Phoenix and made it just in time this morning to be scooped up from the airport and whisked away to game one of our eldest's travel baseball season opening tournament. A long journey for sure.
The two games played today were wins!
I'm just glad to have him home agajn. :)
Isaiah 26:7
And after three weeks away on business, the way home was smooth for my husband. He took the red-eye home last night from Phoenix and made it just in time this morning to be scooped up from the airport and whisked away to game one of our eldest's travel baseball season opening tournament. A long journey for sure.
The two games played today were wins!
I'm just glad to have him home agajn. :)
June 06, 2014
Wings
because you have always been my help. In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
Psalms 63:7
Psalms 63:7
As I was heading out for a meeting today I drove past the pond next door, and there were three geese couples standing on the bank. With them, all totalled, we're ten babies! Ten! I've never seen that many together at that pond. They were so cute!! It was as if they had gathered for a play date.
I pulled up and stopped beside them. Usually they would hiss and carry on - they can be very defensive and protective. But they just looked up at me, almost looking proud, as if to say "aren't they something?"
They were...they were beautiful. :)
June 05, 2014
Anniversary
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
Today was an extra special day - our 21st wedding anniversary!
I am blessed beyond my greatest imaginings. ♡
Today was an extra special day - our 21st wedding anniversary!
I am blessed beyond my greatest imaginings. ♡
June 04, 2014
Grace
May mercy, peace, and love be yours in full measure. Jude 1:2
It was a day full of that. It's what comes when you learn to be content regardless, when happiness becomes a conscious choice, and when thankfulness is in everything, even the parts that aren't necessarily easy.
God's grace...it truly is amazing.
June 03, 2014
Fullness
Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another.
John 1:16
It was a full, busy day. First thing, before the sun was up, I fixed a special breakfast for my youngest - it's exam week and I just love doing that little bit of extra to get the day started right. So far this week the eldest hasn't wanted anything out of the ordinary for breakfast, but tomorrow is his Algebra II exam...we'll see. :)
Next was a coffee shop get together with four of my girlfriends to celebrate the birthday of one of them. It was nice to hang out with them and the coffee was really good. And yes, I had some chocolate to go with it...yum! I could have stayed there all morning.
But, it was off to a meeting for an hour, then back to my desk to continue drawing up floor plans of the building I've been measuring. Turned out I needed to recheck a couple of spots, so off I went again. And a good thing it was...while I was there the building manager asked me for a proposal to do additional work!
This evening was spent hanging out with the boys...a nice dinner, some time in the garden (first banana pepper picked!), and some time spent knitting on my sweater project.
Another ordinary day...and one full of one blessing after another.
God is good!
John 1:16
It was a full, busy day. First thing, before the sun was up, I fixed a special breakfast for my youngest - it's exam week and I just love doing that little bit of extra to get the day started right. So far this week the eldest hasn't wanted anything out of the ordinary for breakfast, but tomorrow is his Algebra II exam...we'll see. :)
Next was a coffee shop get together with four of my girlfriends to celebrate the birthday of one of them. It was nice to hang out with them and the coffee was really good. And yes, I had some chocolate to go with it...yum! I could have stayed there all morning.
But, it was off to a meeting for an hour, then back to my desk to continue drawing up floor plans of the building I've been measuring. Turned out I needed to recheck a couple of spots, so off I went again. And a good thing it was...while I was there the building manager asked me for a proposal to do additional work!
This evening was spent hanging out with the boys...a nice dinner, some time in the garden (first banana pepper picked!), and some time spent knitting on my sweater project.
Another ordinary day...and one full of one blessing after another.
God is good!
June 02, 2014
Garden
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.
Genesis 8:22
Today the first greens were picked. Not a lot, as the season is still young and the plants are still growing. But I wanted to make a green smoothie for breakfast so I walked out to the garden to see what I could find. It was so pretty this morning...the grass was wet with dew, birds were chirping, and the sun was just climbing over the trees.
I picked some kale, leaf lettuce, and pinched the leaves off of some celery. Just a handful all together but just enough to blend in with peaches and blueberries. I had a yummy breakfast!
Having a cottage garden is so rewarding. There is nothing better than just picked, fresh from the garden produce! I can't wait until everything really starts coming in.
Seeds sown with an expectation of harvest...nature's reminder of God's faithful provision.
Genesis 8:22
Today the first greens were picked. Not a lot, as the season is still young and the plants are still growing. But I wanted to make a green smoothie for breakfast so I walked out to the garden to see what I could find. It was so pretty this morning...the grass was wet with dew, birds were chirping, and the sun was just climbing over the trees.
I picked some kale, leaf lettuce, and pinched the leaves off of some celery. Just a handful all together but just enough to blend in with peaches and blueberries. I had a yummy breakfast!
Having a cottage garden is so rewarding. There is nothing better than just picked, fresh from the garden produce! I can't wait until everything really starts coming in.
Seeds sown with an expectation of harvest...nature's reminder of God's faithful provision.
June 01, 2014
Feasting with Friends
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. Psalm 128:2
Today was the day for a great feast with friends! Eight families plus some friends and co-workers gathered for a potluck picnic at one of our town's parks. The weather could not have been better...partly cloudy Carolina blue sky and warm temperatures made for a perfect afternoon. There were several rounds of volleyball and basketball and horseshoes played, kids and adults. We had a great meal, including a broccoli salad competition (between two of the guys - it was quite entertaining!) and a birthday cake!
The cool thing about this gathering is that we've been doing it for many years! Dubbed "Grub Club", we've shared many good times and meals together, and watched our children grow from toddlers to teenagers. In the early days we got together once a month, rotating hosts. As all the kids have gotten older and into lots of activities our gatherings have become less frequent, but just as meaningful.
It is a true blessing to be surrounded by such good friends, to share a history with them, and to watch the kids form lifelong friendships as well. They say friends are the family you choose, and that it certainly true of this group.
I'm already looking forward to the next gathering of good food shared among good friends!
Today was the day for a great feast with friends! Eight families plus some friends and co-workers gathered for a potluck picnic at one of our town's parks. The weather could not have been better...partly cloudy Carolina blue sky and warm temperatures made for a perfect afternoon. There were several rounds of volleyball and basketball and horseshoes played, kids and adults. We had a great meal, including a broccoli salad competition (between two of the guys - it was quite entertaining!) and a birthday cake!
The cool thing about this gathering is that we've been doing it for many years! Dubbed "Grub Club", we've shared many good times and meals together, and watched our children grow from toddlers to teenagers. In the early days we got together once a month, rotating hosts. As all the kids have gotten older and into lots of activities our gatherings have become less frequent, but just as meaningful.
It is a true blessing to be surrounded by such good friends, to share a history with them, and to watch the kids form lifelong friendships as well. They say friends are the family you choose, and that it certainly true of this group.
I'm already looking forward to the next gathering of good food shared among good friends!
Fragrant
But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. Matthew 6:29
Where I live there is one thing that says Southern and that is the Magnolia tree. We have a huge one in our side yard, actually it is several clustered together, and its peak is about, oh I don't know, 50 feet in the air. Maybe more. It is majestic. And it is blooming.
Today I sent my youngest out the door with a pair of scissors on a quest to find a single blossom to bring in. He found the perfect one and it now graces the center of my kitchen table. Its scent is heavenly!
While I was at it I decided to bring in some Nandina blossoms, just enough to fill a small vase in the foyer. They are so pretty!
It's the little, simple things...... :)
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