family

I love having my family near me. I think we underestimate the value of a close family. I did not grow up around my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. My girls have been blessed to have not only grandparents around, but great-grandparents, great aunts and uncles, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. We don't have a big family, but what we do have, we know.

I've offered (threatened) to build a compound for our family. I like the idea of an acreage that has houses on every corner for someone and a pool, fire-pit, gathering area in the middle. Course, my family looks at me like I'm crazy, but I'm not giving up on the idea. I'm not I tell you. At least not in my head... :-)

Anyway, that's my niece and nephew up above. They call me Nana. I like it and I've known them since before they were born and I've loved them.

Isn't it great to know God has known us even longer than that and has loved us. Does love us. Just as we are, warts and all. This is one of my favorite passages of scripture. I hope it speaks to you.

peace.

Psalm 139

O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,"
even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain! Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

I'm a sucker for babies

My own or other peoples, I just love babies. They are innocent, endearing, joyous, and just too much fun!

I'm really looking forward to this movie coming out. Buying Kleenex now.



peace.

Ready for an Adventure

I'm feeling the need for speed. Whether by car, air or sea, I want a vacation. I want long moments away, with no work to do, no pressing matters, just time.

Time to read, relax, rest, renew. Time to reconnect with myself, my husband.

I just did something I've never done before...I scheduled every day of vacation I have. I put it on the calendar at work, filled out the papers, it's done. (of course, if something comes up I can change it)

It feels good. I know there are pockets of time in my life now that are strictly for rest and relaxation. I'm liking it...a lot!

Do you plan rest time? I think I'm going to do it more. I need it, I like it, and I'm going to just do it.

Join me!

peace.

I'm feeling especially chipper today!

Just noticed that many of things I'm emailing, tweeting, texting, etc...have !! in them. I hope I never run out of !! You just need them some days. :-) !

The sun is out, I'm seeing daffodils and other signs of spring. Life is good. My pollyanna is happy and my thoughts are running along the grateful path.

The office has been unusually quiet and I've learned that I enjoy the quiet when I'm busy...not so much when I have little to do. Have I become a human-doing instead of a human-being?

I don't think so, but it's a good reminder to me to take the time to take time. (deep, I know)

I hope your day is blessed. I hope you have moments to breathe deep, enjoy and be thankful. I hope that even in the moments of reading this, you have relaxed and smiled. If I could give you all a gift, it would be joy. True, deep, ever-present joy.

peace.

ps- I chose that picture just because it makes me laugh. You never know what you'll see in a restaurant!

Need a smile?

This makes me smile. It's our akita, Suki and she's a happy dog. She loves everyone and the more pets, pats, and snuggles the better.

I read this today and it made me smile, thought I'd share.

Matthew 10:30 "God even knows how many hairs are on your head."

Face it, God is crazy about you! THAT should make you smile. :-)

peace.

unplugged

I think I need some quiet in my life. I'm an extrovert, so quiet isn't something that comes naturally. But recently I've found myself seeking solace.

I've also discovered it is really hard to listen to small voices when the noise around you is loud. I don't mean turned up really loud, I mean coming at you from lots of sources loud.

I enjoy Facebook, Twitter, email, staying in contact...but they increase the noise. I love to read, but sometimes, more noise. I've heard of retreats where you cannot talk. Not sure I'd survive, but I'd like to try. Might look a lot like Maria and the nuns!

Anyway, sometime soon I'm going to disappear for a couple of days.

But I'll come back, cause I'll have to tell you all about it!

peace.

I've been neglecting someone

Do you ever find yourself in that position? Taking care of everyone but yourself? Sure you do, especially if you are a parent, a spouse, a child, an aunt or uncle, grandparent...does that cover all of us? Yes, yes it does.

Life can sometimes be overwhelming. It doesn't matter who you are, what you do, where you live, how you live...Life can seem like that huge wave that sweeps over you, knocking you over, tossing you against the sand, upending you.

But there is always hope. A lighthouse that shines brightly on the coast of life. It leads us to the safe harbor where calm waters await.

I don't often read The Message version of the Bible, but I like this. Let it wash over you today.

23rd Psalm

1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.

5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.

6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.

peace.