Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Don't You Quit

From the God at the Movies series @ CLCtoday.org and Jerry Mcquay, this familiar poem was the cheer squad/coach/mom in your face chant I needed to hear: 
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow–
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out–
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit–
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Wherever I Am, I'll Praise Him

I found myself in a precarious situation yesterday evening; an unexpected and unwelcome place. The song that made it's way through my head and out my mouth was an old chorus we sang in church. Simple, but as someone said, "Sometimes only an old song will tie it together."

Wherever I am, I'll praise Him. Whenever I can, I'll praise Him for His love surrounds me like the sea. I'll praise the name of Jesus. Lift up the name of Jesus for the name of Jesus lifted me.


Despite our circumstances or where we might end up for a moment, day or a season; our hearts are still secure in the palm of His hand.  Focus on that truth will carry us through our Paul and Silas moments with a song of peace resounding in our soul.

Monday, July 11, 2011

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Summer is in full bloom and I'm enjoying my little garden spot. Zinnias, geraniums, lavender, poppies, peppers, sweet peas, sweet potatoes, and a variety of heirloom tomatoes. I'm beginning to see some fruit of my labor and God's handiwork. He really deserves more credit than I, but it does take a partnership nonetheless. 
Fun zinnias and colorful seed geraniums

This heirloom boasts 16 little pieces of scrumptious tomatoes.
Can hardly wait until they are ripe from the summer sun

Grape tomatoes - just the right size for snacking

Mini multicolored sweet bells in the making

Friday, July 08, 2011

Mama said...

Despite her Having Fun shirt in one of the most FUN places (Dollywood, 2006),
Grace was not happy about having her picture taken.
Mama said there'll be days like this...some days are just harder than others. You just get back up, dust yourself off & keep on going. Yes, mama said there'll be days like this.

Rough day.  It began before I got out of bed with this horrible dream where it was all my fault.  Then off to work.  My job is great in so many ways, but some days, I work hard for the money. This was one of those days. Drama practice (for real) was great, but then we got tangled up at the library.  With some tears & then hugs, we headed to the pool because water play helps crabby apple pants marshmallow sweetie pies find their smiles again. We unexpectedly intersected by friends who were delighted to see us & pleaded to take Gracie cakes to play. Even better!! Nothing makes you feel better than three giggly girlfriends begging you to come play. That makes a mama feel better, too. So, they played & mom had some time to catch up on some needful things for an hour or so. 

It got even better. Mom had some chat time with the sweet mother of the squealy girls. =) I needed that. I really needed that fresh perspective & voice of faith that reminded me that God is a very present help in time of need. Breathing easier...no more crabbies. 

We got home just in time to read a few verses from Gracie's new bible. Here's what she found: But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run & not grow weary.  They will walk & not faint. Isaiah 40:31

That's encouraging!

This is what I read: But as for you, Israel (Carmen & Gracie), my servant, Jacob (Carmen & Gracie) my chosen one descended from Abraham my friend; I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, "You are my servant."  For I have chose you & will not throw you away.  Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you & help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Now that's REALLY encouraging! 

Mama said there'll be days like this. So glad our Father in heaven has a remedy for days like this. So glad. 

Thursday, July 07, 2011

They Grow So Fast

We had a beach day yesterday at the request of the Gracie girl. Something about the warm sand & splash of the waves soothe my soul.  I do believe Grace is her mother's daughter. =) They grow so fast. This forever sweet video reminds me they grow so fast.

Sunday, July 03, 2011

When I Grow Up...

Grace under the influence of Barney Fife, Andy Griffith Show:

When I grow up I want to be a barrel racer; but when I REALLY grow up, I want to be a cop. Then I can arrest people when I need to and when I want to.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

These Boots...

Getting ready for drama camp this morning, Gracie came out in her cowgirl boots. "Honey, it's going to be close to 100 degrees today. You sure you want to wear those boots?", I asked. She replied in classic Grace fashion, "It's never too hot to wear boots." So it begins: fashion over comfort.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

I'm posting this here because I want to remember it:
There are only 24 hours in a day, and I have decided not to fill that time being frustrated by other people and negative situations that are out of my control (again, assuming nothing really bad is occurring). I barely have the energy to do all of the things I want to do, and giving people the benefit of the doubt helps me to stay in control of my emotions and time.


from Uncluttered.com

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Birthday Month Continued: Strawberry Fields Forever

Luscious strawberry goodness! You just can't beat this. Yum!
June packs so many birthdays. Feels like we celebrate the entire month. This week, we took the party to the strawberry patch to celebrate Em's birthday. What a great idea for a party. I'm all about exposing kids to new experiences & this certainly provided that opportunity for most of Em's party girls. The strawberries were so plenteous; plants heavy laden with fruit. Picking was easy. AND talk about tasty! This fruit is good & will be yummy in some strawberry jam. Just have to make time in all the party going to make it. Oh, yes. We are headed to B's 3rd birthday party today! What a month!! Happy Birthday, girls! 

My Strawberry Shortcake. Now that's what I call sweet. =)

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Friday, June 17, 2011

Girls Rule - Boys Drool

After a fun filled afternoon & evening at friends, Gracie fell asleep in the car on the way home.  Groggily, & with some help, she made her way into the house. She crawled into bed & said, "Maybe it's true that boys rule/girls droll, 'cause I was falling asleep in the car & I think there was a little bit of drool coming out of my mouth." =)