Weddings

I always cry at weddings. They make me happy, they remind me of the blessings in my life.



My older daughter sent me this picture the other day. I will be a complete puddle when the day comes.

peace.

love creative things

These are amazing! Click Here to see more.

Maybe this is the answer to the bad hair day!!

peace.

Pondering

a moment in Mombasa, Kenya

I read this today and it has been rolling around my spirit most of the day.

"We are always in the presence of God...There is never a non-sacred moment."

Always and never are words I reserve mostly for God. Man is so fleeting and fickle I can't believe always and never would really ever apply to us.

I love the thought of always being in God's presence. But some of my moments are far from what I would consider sacred.

Maybe it's my definition, maybe it's my sin nature, maybe it is truly a testimony to God's ultimate grace and mercy. Maybe, it's all of the above.

So, how does the presence of God feel to you, you're in it right now ya know.

peace.

confessions of a mini van mom

I admit it, I had one. A bright red Ford Windstar. Loved the space, loved the ride, hated the image. I'm an SUV kind of gal, but when I had kids at home who didn't drive, it sure was convenient. I had no idea I could've been this cool.



peace.

Time, she is a flying

I am looking at my calendar and just needed to breathe.

Time passes so quickly these days. I remember when days would seem so long and I have to admit, I rarely have that experience any more.

I'm trying to make sure I put the big rocks in first. Have you heard this one?



It's a great reminder of how to bring order to our lives. Granted the little rocks are always present and pretty demanding, but if the big rocks are in place, their demands aren't nearly as loud.

What are your big rocks? Mine have changed slightly over the years. Adjusting as life has changed. I'm reassessing my rocks right now. And it's good.

Ecclesiates 3:10 "God has planted eternity in the hearts of men."
Isaiah 41:13 "I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, "Don't be afraid, I will help you."

So I'll do a little waiting, a little listening and God will help me identify my big rocks.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand...

peace.

One of my favorites

I love Shel Silverstein. Every bit as much as Dr. Suess. Here is one of my favorites and something I really needed to hear today.

God's Wheel by Shel Silverstein

GOD says to me with a kind
of smile, "Hey how would you like
to be God awhile And steer the world?"
"Okay," says I, "I'll give it a try.

Where do I set?
How much do I get?
What time is lunch?
When can I quit?"

"Gimme back that wheel," says GOD.
"I don't think you're quite ready YET."

peace.

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.

Okie Blog Awards

So the Winners have been announced and although I am not among them, I do want to say thanks to everyone who supported me during this process.

Being nominated was a big deal to me! I found myself in some amazing company, surrounded by blogs of surpassing quality and style. If you haven't had a chance to check out all the nominees, I would highly recommend doing so.

This ugly duckling was very honored to hang with the swans. Thanks for the opportunity!

peace.

pdjsphotos little duckie

Milestones

Baobob Tree - African milestone

I like to mark the milestones in life. It reminds me of the ground I've traveled, gives me perspective. Shows me all the goodness along the way and how it encircles the pain, cushioning the impact on my long term journey. This week I have celebrated my husband's 49th birthday, the 27th anniversary of our first date, my nephew's 17th birthday, and the 28th birthday of a new friend in our lives. Lots of milestones.

We all know stuff happens. We fall down, we get bumped and bruised and beat up. But as I look at the milestones laid in the path of my life, I also see the joy, the celebration and the reward that some of the most painful times in my life have been surrounded by, under-girded with.

I know I'm a Pollyanna and I like it. I like seeing my cup not only half-full, but over-flowing most days. I am so blessed. Not necessarily by the world's standards, although I have more than I ever dreamed possible. But I am blessed to know that today doesn't determine forever, and if it does somehow, God is still in control. He didn't wake up suddenly, slap his forehead and cry out "Great! I missed that one. Better luck next time." He is not surprised by anything. There are no jump scenes for Him.

Aren't you glad? Doesn't that fill your cup just a little bit more?

I hope so.

I'm celebrating Friday today. I'm glad the weekend is near. I hear rest calling my name and I'm really hoping to answer. :-)

peace.

This house of mine

I'm learning patience. I'm not very good at it, but I'm better than I used to be. My house has been a great teacher. There are lots of projects to be done. We knew that when we bought the house. But the projects we planned for are not the projects we've gotten to do.

I'll suffice it to say, the inspector must have been on the seller's payroll. :-)

Isn't life a lot like our house? It seems to be heading one way, with one set of rules, one set of plans and then the plans change. I had one expectation moving into this house, my expectation was the house was sound but needed updating. It was not. So we've spent time and money repairing and replacing, we've had to put updating on the back burner.

Even so, we've lived here 4 years. We've celebrated, mourned, partied, cried, laughed, enjoyed, and so on. The plans we had for the house have not stopped our living in the house.

It's been a lot like life. Life ebbs and flows, it moves and slows, it is sometimes sweet and sometimes difficult. But it doesn't just stop, until it's over.

So I'm enjoying our life and our 1974 house. I smile when I look in our wet-bar, at the smoky glass and brown counters. I think of the cocktail parties it must have seen.

Enjoy today, you are not promised tomorrow. And if all else fails, swing by for a cocktail, I'll be the one in the leisure suit.

peace.

all this talk of love...

I love Valentine's Day. Not for the commercial aspect, I avoid that religiously, but I love that there is a day set apart to celebrate love.

As a christian, I believe my greatest responsibility is to show God's love. I recently read a short story, confirming in my mind, love is our greatest witness and gift.

From Max Lucado's He Still Moves:

A Morsel of Kindness

Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need, but does not help. Then God's love is not living in that person.
I John 3:17

Leo Tolstoy, the great Russian writer, tells of the time he was walking down the street and passed a beggar. Tolstoy reached into his pocket to give the beggar some money, but his pocket was empty. Tolstoy turned to the man and said, "I'm sorry, my brother, but I have nothing to give."

The beggar brightened and said, "You have given me more than I asked for--you have called me brother."

To the loved, a word of affection is a morsel, but to the love-starved, a word of affection can be a feast.

Happy Valentine's Day! Let no one's path you cross today be love-starved.

Belly up to the bar, I'm spreading the love!!

peace.




(photo from Flickr by *omnia*)

Final Ballot

So the nominations are in and believe it or not, I'm on the ballot! I'm actually really excited about this. My blog has been a place of pouring out my heart, my thoughts, my weirdness, etc. I never really thought other people would be that interested (or entertained, hmmm) anyway, I hope that my words have somehow blessed you.

Here's the link. Go check out all the amazing bloggers in OK. This list is only a representation of the talent in our state and I am humbled to be on the list. A little verklempt even...

My thought for today is this - Life is the art of drawing without an eraser. As I have blogged for all these years, I sometimes look back and see how life has progressed. Although the picture may not always turn out the way I want it to, overall the artwork that is my life is pretty dang beautiful. I'm glad that for the most part, God holds the brush. He's got a good eye for beauty.

peace.

Challenges

We all face them. They come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they come when we're ready and prepared, more often than not, they come when we are vulnerable or weak. But they come.

I've recently faced a few. But I'm learning with challenges come opportunities.

I have the opportunity to trust God more, to lean on His peace that passes all understanding. I have the opportunity to pray and listen...or maybe listen and pray. I have the opportunity to allow the faith God has given me to get some exercise and maybe even bless someone else in the process. I have the opportunity to BE a follower of Christ, which means I must be going somewhere. I have the opportunity to stand on the solid rock, hide in the cleft of His love, rest in green pastures, be still and know He is God...and I am not.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 says "For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

I have the opportunity to believe that what God says He will do, He will do.

peace.

Winds of Change

I sometimes feel like the woman in Chocolat, she would sense the wind blowing, the change coming and she would move on. If you've seen the movie, her reasons were tied to things mine are not, but change happens anyway.

Recently, I've been feeling the winds of change blowing. I don't know why or in what way, but they are blowing none the less. I think sometimes I sense change long before it happens because God loves me and wants me to know something is coming, wants me to know I need to be praying and listening. I love that about Him, He's gentle with me.

My life has been full of changes. Some wonderful and some very painful. Some I saw coming from a long way off and some smacked me as they blew over me and knocked me down. I think my one solace in all of this is that I know without a shadow of a doubt that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 says it plainly. He never changes. I can always count on Him.

So I'm enjoying the breeze. I'm praying and listening. I'm waiting on God. And I just might go watch Chocolat.

peace.