Sunday, July 31, 2011

Every Blooming Thing

That blog post sounds familiar. Hope I didn't use it before. =) Just wanted to post some recent pictures from my little garden spot. I'm loving it. Not digging the cutie chipmunk tearing up and tunneling in my geraniums, but I'm loving the colors of summer blooming in my yard. 



Friday, July 22, 2011

I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude. Brene Brown

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Wanderlust

Force yourself to wander off the beaten path and see what you find.  Dare to be delighted in a place you've never known before.  Quote of my own, inspired by folks at The Happiness Project

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Popsicle Relief

Whew, it's hot outside. With the heat index, we are well over 100 moisture laden degrees. I see at least four Popsicle sleeves/tubes. It's a Popsicle free-for-all kind of day.  Scooby Doo is playing in the background while Grace works on some crafty thing with both fans circulating a bit of relief. Pardon me, a pink Popsicle is calling my name. =) Happy sunny summer day!

Thank FULL

I happened upon these quotes over at Families That Stick .  I want to forever remember them, so I'm writing them down here.  I'm sure this blog--this record of my thoughts, will be here forever. =) Where I forever want to find it, is in my heart and the heart of my Gracie girl. Beeee thankFULL! I'm not sure if thankfulness is taught or caught, so I need to tackle it both ways...to practice and to preach.

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
Gilbert Keith Chesterton


When I started counting my blessings, 
my whole life turned around.
Willie Nelson

I See No Stain On You, My Child

I woke up this morning singing a powerful line from a favorite song, My Beloved, by Kari Jobe. "I see no stain on you, my child." When He washes us, we are clean.  Simply put. I am clean. If only I could get it out of my head and into my heart. He has covered me, my mistakes and even my misgivings. I am clean. And then there's the singing over me. Isn't it a wonder, this love of our God? He sings over us with delight; with songs of peace. Peace. As I live and breath, I inhale His peace. I rest in Him. I rest in you, Lord. I am your beloved and you are mine.


You're my beloved, you're my bride
To sing over you is my delight
Come away with me my love

Under my mercy come and wait
Till we are standing face to face
I see no stain on you my child

You're beautiful to me
So beautiful to me

I sing over you my song of peace
Cast all your care down at my feet
Come and find your rest in me

I'll breathe my life inside of you
I'll bear you up on eagle's wings
And hide you in the shadow of my strength

I'll take you to my quiet waters
I'll restore your soul
Come rest in me and be made whole

You're my beloved, you're my bride
To sing over you is my delight
Come away with me my love


Kari Jobe - My Beloved

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.