~Frenzy~ def: a fit or spell of wild excitement

For My Boy~

2012-02-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

How is it in this crazy, holy world does a girl-woman bear a boy-child?

This post at Incourage has rocked my mom heart. It's the most powerful mom post I’ve read lately. Anything about parenting growing, young adult children gets to my soul. Being a mom to young adults, such a strange dichotomy. Parenting your children that are now mini adults…they need you, but they don’t. They want you in their life, but they want their space. They want wings and they want dinner and laundry still done for them (who doesn’t? J )

~Timothy, such a sweet brother~

A gave a letter to my daughters a few months ago and always wanted to put a similar one into words for my boy..my boy that made me a mommy at 22 yrs old! So here are some words I'm borrowing but never the less come from the heart! (borrowed from InCourage)

The Bible’s true, son. Every infallible, sword-sharp,
breathing word of it.
Love it because it’s your Life.
And the only life living is the scandalous one: scandalous love,
offensive mercy, foolish faith. Always have one friend that feels on the fringe, that you have to pray to love, that makes the neighbors scratch their heads.
Stubbornly pray for your enemies till you see enemies are
illusions and everyone is a friend and somehow grace.
Believe in every woman’s God-sized dreams.
And rub her feet at the end of the day.
Be the kind of person who apologizes first because that’s the only way happiness can last.
And never forget that happiness is when His Word and your walk are in harmony. Never stop keeping company with Christ– and all the sinners, tax-collectors and cast-offs. Be an evangelist and use your words with your hands because your part of a Body and never stop loving God with all your heart, mind and soul, and loving others as yourself. Make that your creed.
It’s true, son: Be different and know everything you do matters. It’s what the Christ followers know: One man with God can change a culture. God didn’t put people in your path mostly for your convenience; He put you there for theirs. Loving the poor will make you rich, I promise.
Only when you offer yourself as bread, broken and given,
to a hungry world, will you ever be satisfied.
The only life worth living is the one lost.
And no matter how loud and crazy and broken the world is, child?
Let joy live loud in your soul.
And believe that you are His beloved – it’s only when you trust
He loves you that you really begin to live. Really, count a thousand blessings more, never stop. Why wouldn’t you want joy?
Sing to no one and everyone on the front porch in the rain
and laugh so much they question your sanity.
Because really, none of us knows how long we have.

None of this is forever grace. That’s why it’s amazing grace.

This is what you always need to know:
You have nothing to prove to anyone – if you’re in Him,
you are already approved.
Be okay with not being liked: life’s about altars not applause.
And be okay with not being seen or heard. It’ll let you hear and see better.

"This parenting gig’s an experiment in radical grace and the work of every parent is to fully give to the child. And it’s the work of every child to fully forgive the parents. This is how it turns, the torch passing from one to the next."

Remember that we made meals and beds and mistakes and memories – and look hard for the good ones. AHOLYEXPERIENCE

“A mother never realizes that her children are no longer children.”- James Agee

2012-02-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

HAPPY FEBRUARY!!

I LOVE THIS MONTH FOR A FEW REASONS:

*it means the long month of january is over

*it's my hot husband's birthday

*my awesome dad's birthday

*my best friend's birthday

*it's heart day, which means fun crafts

*it's leap year

*it's sadie hawkins (duh ; )

*it mean spring break is next month

*winter is almost over

here

speaking of crafts, i want to make one of these

a friend made me a christmas one and i "need" a heart one now :)

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this quote~

Because it's Cheaper Than Therapy~

2012-01-24T22:41:00.000-08:00

Signed up for my first

two half-marathons for 2012~

looking at two more for the summer in Cali~

Hoping to do two in the fall,

yes, my goal is 6 this year :)

DCB

2012-01-23T23:05:00.000-08:00

Have you heard David Crowder Band's new and last CD? :( :( I love this band and I am beyond sad they are breaking up! I've heard him several times in concert but my most favorite memory is hearing him a few years ago in a ballroom in Portland with my bff, Robin. It was standing room only and we made our way to the front and hung out with his wife by the sound. Mrs. DCB was doing sound that night. I've always loved his down to earth, crazy gotee face, his voice and the amazing worship songs! The DCB never made a bad cd! I have them all, by the way :)

This is one of my favorite songs that speaks to my soul right now~Give life to these dead bones and shine on us, Great God!

OH GREAT GOD, GIVE US REST~

We're all worn thin from all of this
At the end of our hope, with nothing left
Oh great God, give us rest

Oh great God, do your best
Have You seen this place, it's all a mess
And I've done my part too well I guess
Oh great God, do your best

Could You take a song and make it Thine?
From a crooked heart twisted up like mine
Would You open up Heaven's glory light?
Shine on in and give these dead bones life

Oh, shine on in and give these dead bones life

Let it shine, let it shine
On and on, on and on, come to life
Let it shine, let it shine
On and on, on and on, come alive
Let it shine, let in shine
On and on, on and on, come alive

You shine, oh shine
You shine, oh shine
You shine, oh shine

You shine, oh You shine

Walking the Tightrope~

2012-01-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

A few words from JESUS CALLING~

I want you to be all MINE. I am weaning you from other dependencies. (ouch) Your security rests in ME alone-not in other people, not in circumstances. Depending only on ME may feel like walking oan a tightrope but there is a safety net underneath: the everlasting arms. So don't be afraid of falling. Instead, look ahead to Me. I am always before you, beckoning you on- one step at a time.

Neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, can separate you from MY loving Presence.
Romans 8:39

Today, remember that feeling of walking a tightrope, hanging on, is really HIM weaning you from other things, distractions and He is WOOING you to HIM! Fall into His presence!
HOPE, HOPE, HOPE! you are not walking on that tightrope above a dark, bottomless pit!

Neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, can separate you from MY loving Presence.
Romans 8:39

Today I Will~

2012-01-21T11:36:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Clark

I saw this on a cute blog this morning

and I'M STEALING IT~

I needed to read this, scream it, claim it

and move on with my day!

You know those days your

mind doesn't stop

and you need someone to say this

to you?

That's my day (week)

Also, I got this awesome

text from my hubby today...

filled with scripture,

encouragement

and sweet words

and he ended it with

GO BE GREAT TODAY!!!!!!

Speaking of my husband..

it's been 20 days since we've seen

eachother, I miss him sooooo much!

he'll be home in 4 days!! whoo hoo!

Now, GO BE GREAT and LET IT GO~

January Days

2012-01-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

Oregon

Snow Days,

Girl's Night Out

Snow Days,

Hanging out with teenagers,

Crafts,

Now floods...

the NW is drowing and we

need a break from the rain.....

Bring back the snow.

My week in pictures......

Girl's Night Out
at school!
The Girls were loved on,
prayed over and
every high schooler was
given three hand written notes from a teacher!
Awesome Night!

Some Promises we shared

with the high school girls~

Haley enjoying the snow~ Cute girl!

What Would You Do?

2012-01-13T03:32:00.000-08:00

WHAT WOULD YOU

DO IF YOU WEREN'T

AFRAID?

piniterst

run a full marathon

do a triathlon

sell all possessions (which isn't much)

do mission work in another country

become a vegetarian

adopt a child

get more tats

take dance lessons

write

sing

do an overnight backpacking trip

Dream bigger~

JUMP OUT OF AN AIRPLANE

what would you do?

HOPE for a New Tomorrow/OneWord356

2012-01-03T06:06:00.000-08:00

OneWord365

Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 31:24

HOPE:to believe, desire, or trust

I'm holding onto to HOPE for the this new year!

HOPE for a new tomorrow

HOPE for a new season

HOPE that HE has a plan and a purpose

HOPE that His plan is bigger and better

HOPE for His plan A will cancel out my plan B..ha!

HOPE that joy comes in the morning

My friend Meg gave me these

cool glasses that I can

write on with chalk.

I LOVE them!

For dinner last weekend, we each

wrote our OneWord on our glass

and then talked about why we chose that

word. I loved hearing what

each of my kids chose.

Later that evening we spent

time praying over each of them!

So FUN~

Dear Daughters of Mine~

2012-01-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Little Daughters of Mine,

I did not write this but I love everything it says and want to pass it on! It’s some great advice on life, being a Godly girl and being the best you can be! I love you two princesses so very much and pray you find JOY, PEACE and a full abundant life in who Jesus created you to be! You girls rock my world!~

So here are the things I desperately want you to know…..

Everyone is NOT doing it: I don’t know what “it” is at this particular moment, but “it” is always something. And you are not the only person who isn’t doing “it”. And you are better off not doing “it”. And most of the other girls who are doing “it” probably wish they had the guts to say no to doing it too.
I am not your friend: I am your mom first, then your friend. Someday I hope we get to the point in our relationship where we are best friends. But right now is not that time, I AM MOM!
Don’t EVER pretend you are dumber than you are: Somewhere along the way being a “stupid” girl became cool. Being dumb is never cool! You are super smart girls. Rock your smart girl self. Oh and while we are at it, science and math are not for boys. If you want to be a mathelete, your mama will be in the front row cheering you on.
Modesty is classy: Thank goodness for Princess Kate bringing classy back. Dressing covered up and with class needs to be trendy again. Showing boys all your stuff in clothes that reveal far too much is not going to attract the kind of boys you want to attract. It might attract the boys you think you want to attract but it will also attract looks from men who are your grandfather’s age. Cover yourself up appropriately.
Marry someone like your daddy: While we are on the subject of boys, marry someone who cherishes and respects you. Marry someone who brings out your very best. And watch how that boy treats his mother and his waiter. They both say volumes about what kind of person he is.
There is no such thing as casual sex: I know the world would love you to believe that sex is harmless and silly and can be enjoyed without strings attached. It might even try to make you believe that when you love someone and it “feels right” you should go for it. There is a reason God designed sex for marriage. I know many people who have a lot of regret about their sexual past. I don’t know any who regret that they waited. (see also #1)
Girls can be mean: Teenage friendships can be brutal. Girls can be horribly mean. Don’t be a mean girl. When you are way out of high school you might not remember all the girls who were mean to you (although unfortunately you might), but you will most likely remember the girl who rose above it all and treated people with kindness. Be that girl.
You can ALWAYS use your mom and dad as an excuse: I can’t tell you how many bad situations I got myself out of growing up by using my parents as an excuse of why I couldn’t do something I didn’t feel comfortable doing. Tell them we won’t allow you to do xyz. I have NO problem being thrown under the bus so that you don’t end up in a bad situation.
You are beautiful: Because I know the One that made you and I know you are made in Christ’s image. Work on looking like Him on the inside and you will be gorgeous on the outside. Guaranteed.
I can’t fix it: I wish I could keep you sheltered from the hard stuff. I wish I could take away your pain. But I really don’t. The hard stuff is what will grow you and shape you and make you into an amazing adult. I will listen and hold you hand and wipe your tears. I will hopefully guide you back to the One who knows you best. I will mess up, a lot! (as you already know after living with me this long), but He never will. He Never Will.

I love you so mucho!

Mom

*This post was written by Jill and linked to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda and The Saturday Evening Post at Elizabeth Esther

Christmas Break Fun~

2012-01-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

This has been such a full month of fun things that I don't want to miss posting it..since this is my current method of scrapbooking right now :) The month started with our 21 year anniversary and although he was working in Cali, I did get some beautiful flowers and he got a basket of fruit..ha! He has no interest in flowers, candy or anything like that and he seriously loves fruit, so it was the best I could do :) When he came home for Christmas break, we were able to sneak away to the beach for a few days. PRICELESS~ We hurried home from that trip to celebrate our 20 YEAR OLD son's birthday..say what? How can that be!? We just got married..ha! It was perfect because my brother and sis n law had just gotten into town so we had a big family dinner together. Somewhere in between all of that I ran a half-marathon and Molly went to her last Christmas formal. It was a fun night of "CandyLand" theme party! Once my bro and sis arrived the week was filled with baking, eating, shopping, movies, playing games, celebrating my mom's bday by painting pottery together ending with Christmas Eve service in a barn, communion and a sleepover at mom and dad's! SUPER FUN! Dad read the Christmas story, we prayed together and dug into the presents! I am so beyond blessed by my family and sad to see the season end! I love it..all of it!

Christmas 2011

What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories. ~George Eliot

ABIDE, Pressing in! OneWord 2011

2011-12-30T22:35:00.000-08:00

Last December when I read Grit and Glory's idea about

OneWord 2011, I was on board!

"No list. No specifics. No goals. Just one word."

The word that I decided to focus on this past year was

ABIDE~

ABIDE: to remain stable and fixed in a state.

Here are just a few highlights from my year and thoughts on ABIDING!

Within 2 weeks of making this my ONEWORD, abiding in Him became my lifeline!! We were suddenly done with ministry at a church where we had invested 11 years of our life..and my husband was without a job. After 20 years of ministry, it was over~

ABIDE would start meaning more to me than I knew on that New Year's Day when God whispered that word to me my ONEword 2011~And I am surprised that I began a grieving/growing/ healing process over the next 12 months. I was taken aback by the fact that this is like a strange death.....and so it began...abide 2011!

ABIDE~ I would flucuate between relief and deep sadness that this season was over. I had longed to be released from this particular situation and here I was grieving over it. **Somewhere along the way I take up running and find I can push my body to do things that I didn't know I could do..run a mile..I find this to be therapuetic, almost life saving to my soul. Some days I do believe it kept me from despair, maybe depression. It was an outlet! As the year ends, I have completed two half marathons, two 5k's and 10k. I had never run more than a mile as of Jan. 2011.**

ABIDE: After months of looking for a job and nothing opening up, we need to leave our home and move in with parents. Thankful for family and for a place to call home, I (we) had never felt so broken, scared, raw and sometimes, hopeless.

ABIDE: In August my husband gets a job out of state and we make the decision for the kids and I to stay so our daughter can finish her senior year. I become a single mom, trying to figure out this new normal, this new identity. I see my kids rise to the occassion & their maturity astounds me. They are my buddies & my joy & we have taken on this newness with some fun, sweet times in our little apartment. We are quite a team, tight and inseparable! BUT we miss dad greatly!

ABIDE: A really cool surprise..my daughter and I have the incredible opportunity to take our first missions trip together to the Dominican Republic. Something I would've NEVER had considered doing without my husband. Doors opened, funds provided and it was more than amazing. A piece of my heart was touched in ways that I had never experienced. Thankful my daughter was apart of that, PRICELESS.

(Life is strange and I still can't believe we are living in this situation.)

While I ABIDE, He is always doing a new work in me, taking me to place I never thought I could go, stripping me of things I would've never thought HE would take, all the while, whispering in me ear..ABIDE! The ABIDING has drawn me on my knees as I no longer just seek HIS hand but I SEEK HIS FACE..HIS FACE ONLY!! He is beautiful beyond description!

I don't think it was mistake that my devotions today, December 30, brought me full circle... The same verse He gave me 12 months ago...wow~(from Jesus Calling)

"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear
grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me. John 15:4

Throughout the year I took a few moments to write

about what this word meant to me

and how I was doing in the area of ABIDING.

Abide; pressing in
Abide Still

My half-way thoughts

Sweetly Broken, Sweetly Held~

2011-12-29T00:41:00.000-08:00

Whether you are into New Year's

resolutions or not,

I think it's pretty normal

to examine the last year,

look at your accomplishments,

think about it with

a joyful heart or a huge sigh of relief

that it is over~(or both :)

I'm working ever so slowly on

my 2011 post....and hope to have it done
soon. Alot happened in '11
although the year brought some strange relief and

huge burden lifted, it did not go by without

some scary, long days of the unknown.
Someone asked me what worship song would sum
up where I am right now..I would say this sums up the year!

Sweetly Broken

would sum up 2011 for
my heart,

my soul,

my marriage,

our family~

At the cross You beckon me

You draw me gently to my knees, and I am

Lost for words, so lost in love,

I'm sweetly broken, wholly surrendered

"In the Last Days," God says,
"I will pour out my Spirit
on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy,
also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions,
your old men dream dreams.
When the time comes,
I'll pour out my Spirit
On those who serve me.....
Before the Day of the Lord arrives,
the Day tremendous and marvelous;
And whoever calls out for help
to me, God, will be saved."

Acts 2:17-21

Sweetly Broken

(Jeremy Riddle)

To the cross I look, to the cross I cling

Of its suffering I do drink

Of its work I do sing

For on it my Savior both bruised and crushed

Showed that God is love

And God is just

At the cross You beckon me

You draw me gently to my knees, and I am

Lost for words, so lost in love,

I'm sweetly broken, wholly surrendered

What a priceless gift, undeserved life

Have I been given

Through Christ crucified

You've called me out of death

You've called me into life

And I was under Your wrath

Now through the cross I'm reconciled

In awe of the cross I must confess

How wondrous Your redeeming love and

How great is Your faithfulness

here

2011-12-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

feelingfrosty

It's here!

Presents are wrapped, grocery shopping done,

heading to bake some more with my fam

then off to Christmas Eve service in a barn :)

With the ones I LOVE THE MOST!

That's what's it's all about!

Thank-you Father for sending Your Son~

MERRY CHRISTMAS~

Love the last line..AND IT TURNED OUT EXACTLY AS IT HAD BEEN TOLD~

Praise Your Name!

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told! Luke 2:16-20 Msg

I came across this picture taken

on Christmas Eve, 8 years ago!

SISTERS~

Christmas 2003

Christmas 2011

2011-12-22T02:06:00.000-08:00

wehearit

it's been quiet here in this little corner,

much has happened in the last few weeks,

anniversaries, birthdays,

Christmas parties are behind us,

Candyland banquet done!

husband is home,

christmas is 3 days away and presents

are still being purchased,

it just took me some time this year

to get going this week

bro and sis are here

and these are the days we

talk about all year long,

the long lazy days of being together during

the holidays. late nights, late starts

to the mornings, movies, games

food and being together

it's taken me a little more effort

this year to stay focused on the meaning

of it all~

The power of God will be displayed

this season,

we are forgiven of a debt we could not pay

we will glorify His name

thankful that we are saved

because of a baby, Holy child,

sent to us

His law is love and

His gospel is peace~

All oppression shall cease

Hymns of JOY

with all our hearts we

PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME

the weary world rejoices

we fall on our knees

O HOLY NIGHT!

tumbler

Cracks

2011-12-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

“Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.” -ralph waldo emerson.

little reminders of love

Don't be surprised when that courage
slips in the cracks, you feel like a child, dropped into
a unfamiliar territory, reminding yourself how to walk
...breath deep, long and wait for it to fill your soul!
Come on, soldier, you can do this!!
Strength of a soldier!
tb

Oh, to be Normal~

2011-11-29T20:22:00.000-08:00

This is my family

take 2,123

We just can't take normal pictures,

it would kill them to just smile

be normal

and snap a pic!

So MERRY CHRISTMAS

from our family to yours!

2011-11-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

I had the most AMAZING birthday weekend

with my friends, my kids, my parents and then

ending the weekend with Darren returning home

from California.

I keep thinking birthdays will get

boring and dreadful as I get older,

but I still love them! love em!

I love them because I am so blessed

with MANYYY lovely, beautiful,

loving people in my life

that make it great!

Just a few pics from the weekend of partying~

On my way to celebrate getting OLD~

Breakfast #1
Split hueves rancheros and poached eggs~yum

breakfast on day 2, made by my kiddos~

The girls behind the planning of this extravaganza!

Soul sista, kimmie~

Cake pops and lattes with the family~

here

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you be a blessed, cozy time with family and friends!
Count your blessings today~
We are so blessed!

GROW~

2011-11-18T16:42:00.000-08:00

FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY

1.. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking
2.. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Leave a comment for the person who linked up before you

– encouraging them in their writing!

OK, are you ready?

Give me your best five minutes on:

GROW

I love a good challenge,

not a competitive kind of challenge,

But I do love to be pushed and I usually

rise to the occasion.

"Stretch me Lord, push me out of my comfort zone,

teach me new things, GROW me, Father.."

you know those "throw out" quick prayers

we pray. We really do want more of Him,

but don't let it be painful, Jesus!

Growing pains hurt! PAINS!

Growing is not comfortable...

but I feel a little more confident, stronger,

more of a fighter, if you will, I feel

as if the GROWth is teaching me

so much more about myself,

HIS beauty!

KEEP GROWING ME, LORD!

I'm holding on~

Hello Christmas~

2011-11-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

I saw this over at Girlfriends With a Purpose and just had to share! This song makes me happy and want to dance and sing with children, make cookies, decorate, wear a santa hat, go caroling and drink hot chocolate! I love Hillsong and this song is AMAZING! Listen, sing with me and get out the tinsel! ha!

HELLO CHRISTMAS SEASON~

Pictures Speak

2011-11-09T23:38:00.000-08:00

A few more pictures from our trip to the Dominican Republic~

A month ago today we were spending our first full day there~

I think about it everyday, the people, the places

we visited, the land, Student's International,

All of it.

There is no way to put into words

So I hold onto these pictures.

These are borrowed from friends we met there.

Missing it~

Precious

Dinner

Our endless supply of POP.
Orange Fanta became my drink of choice~

The truck, our daily transportation

One of our students talking to a PT patient.

Only 5 people on the bridge at a time.
Yeah, the Dominicans didn't follow this rule,
scared the bajeezus out of me!

It's Not the Same

2011-11-08T23:22:00.000-08:00

Sundays are by far my longest, gloomiest (is that a word?) days..

Nothing screams louder to me

that our life is strange & different

than on Sundays.

I'm realizing that it's so much

more than just not having Darren around...although that is huge!

I still feel lost, disoriented, in a lonely, head spinning kind of way on Sundays.

Since we are not "in ministry" our weekends are different,

Not strange, just different from what I have ever, ever known!

But..God's GRACE and LOVING KINDESS is

all over my life...all over my family! ALL OVER!

Psalm 100

On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.

Know this: God is God, and God, God.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.

Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.

For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.

------------------------------------

When I was in CA this last weekend, we almost didn't

make it to church. We were up late watching a movie the night before,

we were enjoying our lazy, last morning together,

but at the last minute (literally 15 min before we had to leave)

we decided to go! I'm so glad we went!

I miss going to church with Darren...my soul needed it..we needed it!

After an awesome salvation message, sweet communion together,

they ended the service with this song..one of my faves!!!

I couldn't keep back the tears! This song, every word

describes my heart!

You are Peace when my fear is crippling,

You are true even in my wandering,

You are JOY,

You're the reason that I sing!

I'm running to You!

Vintage Faith

Santa Cruz
11/4/11

The riches of His love will ALWAYS, ALWAYS be enough!
Running to His arms!

2011-11-07T06:31:00.000-08:00

A few Randoms:

*I had an awesome weekend with Darren in Cali,

sweet time, lazy days, long conversations,

good food, walks on the beach and a 5 mile run!

Priceless...so hard to say good-bye, even though I will see him in 16 days!

Santa Cruz
11/4/11

He took me to the best Sushi bar ever! (and he doesn't even like sushi)

*3 day school week, end of quarter, inservice and Veteran's Day

I love my job, but days off are always nice too :)

1/4 of the year done!

* Are you doing 30 Days of Thanks this month?

It's so fun to see so many people participating on Facebook!

What a way to cultivate a heart of thanks!

I'm doing this with my 8th grade Bible class at school!

Love it!

HomeWord

*I'm going through an awesome series on Jeremiah.

It's found at OnePlace by Beth Moore.

I've never done a study just on that book...love getting up early and

starting my day with it!

*I'm digging through Rob Bell's book, Love Wins.

I know there are so many opinions out there about this book,

but a friend gave it to me and I think it's time

I read it and stop forming an opinion based on what I have heard! ha!

Sounds terrible, but I did!

Still not sure what I think, not quite done with it.

----------------------------------------------------------

If we thirst for Shalom and we long for the PEACE that

trasencds all understanding God deosn't just give,

they're poured out on us..

lavished,

heaped,

POURED,

until we are ovewhelmed!

It's like a feast where the food

and wine don't run out!!!

Rob Bell~

2011-11-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These people have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. They are the beautiful angels living among us.”

-Elizabeth Kubler Ross

Little Reminders of Love

weheartit

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

HOMECOMING QUEEN

photo by Skip Reichmuth

Homecoming was the night before we left for the Dominican Republic. The days before were crazy packing, getting ready and spending time with Darren who was home from Cali. This was such a blur that I didn't want to let it pass without posting this beautiful girl!

Being Intentional-The Face of Jesus~

2011-10-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

“We can only champion

the cause of the poor from a place

of fascination with Jesus.

Lest we try to replace

ourselves as the Savior”

(International House of Prayer fb page)

On Tuesday night, during our devotion, team time,

I encouraged the students to be INTENTIONAL,

to look for the face of Jesus this week!

Don't miss the face of Jesus~

One the evenings during our trip, we were invited into host’s homes. Each site that we worked at (Education, Sports, Social Work, just to name a few) had someone in the community that was willing to open their home and make a true Dominican dinner for Americans. Many families are not able to just make a good home cooked meal for 7-10 people, but are more than willing. Students International offers to give them some money to cook and open their home to us. One of my favorite things about the Dominican culture is their “layed back” easy-going way of life. Yes, they do take “siestas” Not only are they generally easy going, they are hospitable! I already shared about visiting with Isabella while she gave me a pedicure for 190 pesos ($5) Amazing gift of hospitality that girl had for me :)

Back to the host home night…..(stay with me…ha) We went to the home of one of the girls that plays volleyball through the sports site, Keysi. Her mother graciously opened her home to 7 of us. We had our gifts for them in our hand, piled into the back of the truck and one by one groups were dropped off at different hosts homes. The medical site went to the missionary doctors home, the physical therapy site went to the secretary, Rosie's home (a Dominican) ..our groups was last and furthest away. We continued driving up hills, through city streets, around scooter after scooter, while Dominicans line the streets yelling at the white people in the back of the truck, some cheering, some yelling gross things at our pretty white girls….

We finally arrive at a neighborhood lined with rows and rows of small homes, (some huts) We began walking down the dirt alley. I was sticking close to Jess, (sports site leader) while counting heads, ignoring remarks of the neighbors. Jess walks this road often! She has loved this girl and her family…so much, that she led them right into the arms of Jesus. Keysi got baptized this past summer and although her mom hasn't accepted Jesus yet, she came to watch! How beautiful is that?? Because of the work Jess is doing, because of her love and passion for teenage girls, Keysi has found Jesus and is being discipled, mentored and loved by Jess!

From Jess' fb page
Jess is in the back right,
Keysi in the pink
Jess took them out for getting
good grades!
What an angel!!

Back to dinner...stick with me, so much to share :)

Keysi's home

We walked into the home, a small livingroom & kitchen with two small rooms to the side. I wasnt' sure we would all fit around the table..(we didn't) Keysi and her mom stood while we ate. We squeezed around the table, prayed and began to dig in. They meal was delicious!

After dinner, they wanted to show us their pig….I never did see the pig but heard it :)

This is the pig's home~

~Keysi's story is long and heavy, at the young age of 15, but I believe she has found hope! I see it, the joy, hope and I see Jesus!

We hug, kiss, take a few pictures and say goodbye. We walked back up that dirt road to our truck, hot and pouring rain, mud sticking to my toes, and I can’t help but be undone deep in my soul. This is life, this is their life and I believe it’s beautiful Holy Ground that I have never experienced before....I believe I saw a beautiful work being done in that 3 room home in the hills of Jarabacoa!

Don’t miss the face of Jesus! Don’t miss the face of Jesus!

Dinner: Chicken, Fried plantain, rice with corn
I'm sure all these dishes have names...I just don't know what they are..ha

Keysi is on the far right and her mom, in the yellow!
Sweet family!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

Jarabacoa, Republic of the Dominican
10/15/11

Loving the Dominicans

2011-10-25T22:40:00.000-07:00

The hot, dusting room was big enough for two tables and a small desk in the corner. The young girls began showing up one by one, 30 minutes early to just hang out. No moms dropping them off, just scooters, bikes and those walking up the dirt rood. The girls, no more than 18, in short shorts and little tank tops, beautiful skin and huge smiles, each kissed me on the cheek, a custom in this country.

* I noticed a young girl sitting alone playing with a bookmark, not making eye contact with anyone. Her darker skin told me she was Haitian. I went and sat with her, trying to make conversation in broken Spanish. She was a sweet 11 year-old, coming to Bible Study, insecure like many her age, quiet and reserved. I noticed that the other girls did not speak to her. Confused by that, I later I found out that Haitians are not accepted in that community (and much of the country)

We began by going around the table introducing ourselves. After they shared their name, they would say “tengo novio or no tengo novio” They would tell me if they had a boyfriend or not. A priority and a sign of identity for them. This led to a discussion about what makes a good “novia” (with a translator of course J It was soon after that, a girl stood up, shoved the Bible under her arm and began imitating Americanos….(the ones that have come to do “mission work” to serve, to love….I was one of those Americanos she was referring.) She went on…People tell me God’s Word says this, God’s Word says that, God’s Word says don’t do this, don’t do that” She threw the Bible on the table. “Where? Where do I find all this stuff they tell me, I wanna know, all I know is that I’m missing it!”
Wow!

The girls dancing after Bible Study

Beautiful Daisy, the Bible study leader, social worker and Mother Teresa to the community, smiled and said, “That’s why I’m here, to teach you! Let’s get started”
I love my day at the Social Work site in El Callejon! Loved it! My heart was heavy with what I saw but I LOVED the Dominican girls!

I didn’t go on this trip to be a super hero, I didn’t go on this trip to save the country, I didn’t even go on this trip to build a church. Yes, I went to serve, went to love, went to do what I could, where I could.... I also went on this trip to be rocked, to go deeper, to allow God to shake up my little comfort zone. It was all those things but more than falling in love with the Dominican people, I fell in love with every missionary working there. Their heart, their compassion, their self-sacrifice is what rocked me to the core! They were there by choice, to live without a dryer, hot water, dependable electricity, with mosquitos and other creatures and all the comforts of America…they were there to teach them GOD’S UNFAILING LOVE and to show them God’s Word DAILY..DAILY…DAILY!
To read more about El Callejon check out my friend Kim's blog!

Our afternoon craft with the women in the community

Thirteen~

2011-10-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

My baby girl turned 13 last weekend!!
Her best friend's grandparents own this corn maze
and had this pumpkin waiting for her! Sweet!

Just a few of her awesome friends
She had invited a few guys but they
had football, I love that one guy, Noah,
still came...he said it was his dream
come true! haha!

After the haunted corn maze....that took 1 hour to go through!

Lunch with her bro and sis~

It was a fun weekend of celebration!

I love celebrating this girl,

she celebrates life everyday!

She is crazy, funny,

passionate, compassionate,

insightful, caring, self-confident,

loving, thoughtful, spontaneous,

and a lover of life..PERIOD!

I wrote this a few years ago...it's a little

story of her rough start in life and how

she came out FIGHTING!

She blesses me and the Lord has

used her to change and heal so much of me!

Sweet Angels

2011-10-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we can spend 30 minutes with someone

and you know that you will always have

them in your heart!

That in a short time, they have wedged a space in your memory

that will never be forgotten.

This darling face, contagious giggle (usually at my spanish)

and huge heart will ALWAYS be a memory from the Dominican Republic!

~ISABELLE~

She and her husband live on the base.

I met her during dinner one night

and she ask me to come to her home

to give me a pedicure. Such a sweet, joyful

23 year-old mom. I ended up

spending longer than I had planned that afternoon.

She spoke little English and my Spanish is "un poquito"

Most of the time we understood eachother..other times we

just laughed at eachother, having no idea what the other just said! ha!

Her daughter Isabella

Her son, Samuel, shared all of his art work with us!

She was such a JOY~

I went back the next day with Molly and her

friend Christa.

This is Isabelle and her sister Julie.

This sweet angel had the gift of hospitality

in her home~ not alot to offer, just her smile and her nail art!

A SWEET blessing~

The First 24 Hours

2011-10-18T06:11:00.000-07:00

"Thoughts from a First Time Mission Tripper"

The first 24 hours home:

They say the re-entry can leave you feeling a little raw.

Whether you are on out of the country 8 months or 8 days.

I'm raw!

My eyes saw things I didn't think existed,

My heart went places I didn't know it could go,

and my soul is left to process it here in my comfy US livingroom.

You can't spend time in another country and not be changed.

You can't look into the eyes that I did and not be changed.

You can't spend days with sweet faces, loud laughs,

spirited children living in places they were living

and not be changed.

You can't read Buenes Noches, Luna

to a giggly, pig tailed little girl in the hills of Mota Gorda

and not be changed!!

The person that flew into Santiago on

Oct. 8 was not the same person that left Oct 16

Not at all!

How am I changed?

What did God teach me?

What did I learn?

Can't put it into words yet...I just know

that what weighed heavy on my mind

10 days ago, no longer have a place in my mind at all!

I long for nothing but HIM!

The orphans shout for a loving father

And the whores reach out for a faithful lover

We’re all singing now

God, will you come by here?

The widows need life to raise the dead and

All the beggars plead for their daily bread

Oh, we’re all singing please

God, will you come by here?

Come, we have nothing else God

And having You we want for nothing

COME BY HERE~

Shaun Groves

Come,

I love fall-really I do~

2011-10-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

Trying to get my head ready for fall.

I do not want to give up the flip flops,

tank tops and shorts!

Yes, I love the sweaters, jeans, boots,

pumpkin everything and beautiful leaves...

I just like summer better :)

Posted this-like I said-preparing my head!

The NW has BEAU-tiful falls!

(I just like to be warm)

Homecoming Week at school~

Pajama Day

A few happy items:

*Darren is home this weekend (yahoo)

after 24 days apart, happy to see his face!

*Molly is on Homecoming Court tonight :)

Molly and I are leaving for a missions trip

with 18 other students from school tomorrow..yikes..excited!

Headed to the Dominican Republic

Can't wait to write about our

8 days we get to spend there!

Pray for us!~thx

Last weekend the kids and I made these

Pumpkin Muffins..2 ingredients..YES..only 2!

AMAZING and easy! We topped them

with cream cheese frosting!

Haley had to add fall colored sprinkles :)

Pumpkin Muffins

2 ingredients~

Delish~

On Friends

2011-09-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Five minute Friday~

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him

that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."

Ecclesiastes 4:6

it started with kindergarten

playground dates,

to Sunday School girls,

to youth group sisters,

to junior high (dateless) dances,

to high school, to Friday night slumber parties,

to college dorm girls,

to girl's bible study,

to bridesmaids,

to mommies, to women's bible studies,

to coffee dates and girl's night out....

(and more)

With each season of my life,

I can see God orchestrating

sweet blessings of girlfriends in my life

Remember these?

I've shared countless BFF necklaces..

with many sistas~

Five Minute Friday: Growing

2011-09-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

I am so happy about today's 5 Minute Friday! GROWING! Today we are celebrating my dear daughter's 17th birthday! Impossible, we just had her 5th birthday tea party, complete with pearls, white gloves and little sandwiches! FIVE MINUTES.....

GROWING............

My dear little sunshine,

from the moment i held you,

you have been a complete JOY

to our family!

your smile, your tender, tender heart,

your love, compassion and gentle spirit

always leave me speechless..and thankful.

you are just like your daddy in that area..patient,

kind..not much rattles you, miss molly!

I don't think i've ever seen you angry,

mad or mean! you shine Jesus,

and leave me wanting to be more like HIM!

you are a great sister, always pulled by the big

brother that wants to hang out and

the little sister that wants to play!

Thank you for being a constant

calm in this family!

You are my sunshine

and I thank God for you everyday!

mom and molly~

Senior picture~

2011-09-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

I'm so behind on this here little blog! Lot's of back to school stuff happening! Senior pictures, sports, school stuff, parent meetings, weddings, and more school stuff and life in general happens! Lots of thoughts I am dying to write about..life with my husband working out of state, God's grace, (and endless topic :) Bible study, running and another half marathon! Hopefully, I will make the time to sit down and write..soon! Until then, here's an update in pictures :)

Sassy Haley~

Miss Molly~

Senior Picture moments~

A Summer Run in September~
Fall in Oregon, right there!

Senior class hanging out in the river~

End of summer pictures!

Ten Years~

2011-09-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

We all have a memory of where we were

when we heard about the twin towers.

The devastation that took place that

dark day will be forever etched in our mind.

I have been watching memorials

all day and still can't believe that it has been 10 years!

I was homeschooling my 2nd grader (now senior)

at the diningroom table while my 2 year played at our feet.

I remember being worried and heavy hearted about

something ridiculous and then my friend Kim called

to ask me if I had the tv on...from then on we were glued

to the tv for weeks. We never finished school that day!

"If my people, who are called by my name,

will humble themselves and pray and seek my face

and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven,

and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

2 Chron. 7:14

Heal our land, Lord..turn our eyes to YOU!

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

A New Season~

2011-09-03T00:45:00.000-07:00

Friday night thoughts:

Darkness falls,
a restless heart
calmed only by Your words,
Your promises,
Your sweet love
pouring on us as we breath
in another day, praying we
lived better than yesterday
Rid me of blindness that can
cause me to look to ways not from
You!
You, Father, are ALL I want,
Expand my territory, strengthen tired bones,
fill empty hearts with joy from YOU!
I love You,
(do I live like you know that?)
tracy~

I've got You when all I've got is gone

Oh Lord, I've got You, I've got You

Jesus, I've got You!

Shaun Groves

LOVE, LOVE these words!

Our family verse for the year!
The five of us read this together before sayin
good-bye to Darren in Cali!
Beautiful Promise!!

Word(less) Wednesday

2011-08-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

Road Trip
Mojave Desert
8/22/11

Santa Cruz, CA
8/24/11

AND JUST FOR FUN......

First day of school outfit

Living Beyond Yourself~

2011-08-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

Fall Bible Study~

LIVING BEYOND YOURSELF

Beth Moore

I have been missing being in a Bible study this summer.

I love having a workbook, journal, bible

and digging in with some friends. Life just

seems to get too busy, which is no excuse!

Busyness..our biggest enemy sometimes.

So, needless to say I was super excited when Lindsey,

from SuburbanTurmoil, decided to do an online

study with anyone interested!

If you have done a Beth Moore study, you know that

she is down to earth, deep, wise leader.

I have done several of her studies and have loved every one!

If you have not done a Beth Moore study, don't be overwhelmed

by the "worksheets" it's just a guide to help us

navigate through the word!
Living Beyone Yourself is a study on the fruits

of the spirit! In depth!!

If you are looking for a study to do in your own home,

check this out and join us!

Follow Lindsey's link and sign up.

It's $23.00 for videos and the worksheets,

which can be accessed through the lifeway site.

It's starting today..but you can join anytime and catch up!

Hello, Class of 2012~

2011-08-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

Source: windmillsnat.tumblr.com via Becky on Pinterest

Tomorrow I will be back in the office, ready for a new school year!

Wow, 2011-2012 school year! This will be my second year out of the classroom

and it still feels strange to not be setting up my room and getting ready for my 4th graders!

I'm ecstatic to be working with the class of 2012 this year, most of all because I taught this class

when they were in first grade 11 years ago! Amazing...time stinkin flies, ya'll!

AND, the best reason, my Miss Molly is a senior!

I feel refreshed after spending some sweet time in California. Helping Darren get set up and into the groove of his new job was priceless. I know we have quite a year ahead of us being
apart for 9 months, but

I also am ready to embrace it!

Source: flickr.com via Becky on Pinterest

My verse for the week!

But you'll welcome us with open arms
when we run for cover to you.
Let the party last all night!
Stand guard over our celebration.
You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers,
for decking us out in delight.

Psalm 5:11

Delight us, Lord! For that is why You are famous,

You are so good at welcoming us and giving us a party..

YOUR love is AMAZING!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Big Bear Lake, CA 8/21/11

Week Recap~

2011-08-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Last week, Haley and I loaded up the car and headed 10 hours south to spend some time with Darren. Since school has not started for us, we thought we would squeeze in as much time with him as we could. Tim and Molly joined us a few days later. I love the area, the people at D's job, the school, the beach, the weather and I just love Cali period! He is in a little trailer right now, which is perfect for him, but our family of 5 feels like we are camping! God's provisions are endless and I could write several more posts to sum all that He has done for us regarding this job, the move, etc. I know we have quite a transition ahead of us, living away from Darren for awhile, but we feel that it is important for Molly to finish her senior year in OR. We are looking at an adventure! ha! It will be exciting to watch God, once again provide in all the ways HE does so well! : )

We have been hanging out at the beach, trying new churches, checking out the huge outlet mall AND finding a new dentist to pull Haley's infected tooth! (never a dull moment with the Bart family)

ROAD TRIP! My obnoxious excitement on my way to see D.

My twins! ha!


SISTERS~

When God says do it,
He’s already

planned the resources
we need to accomplish the task.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

Summer of Sisters

Summer Ending

2011-08-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Darren left last week for his new job!
It was not too heart wrenching to say good-bye because,
by God's perfect timing, my BFF from Ohio was flying
in that morning...the timing was PERFECT and
planned weeks before Darren even got the job~
We have been friends since we were 10yrs old and
we have never had a "vacation" together.
We spent a few days in Portland doing fun things,
like massages, eating, tattoos..you know, stuff like that.. ; )

Dinner at

Henry's Tavern

City view from

The Departure Lounge

I'm headed on my first long road trip by myself, with my youngest!
I'm excited! We are headed to Cali to see Darren and have
a vacay! The older kids will join us next week~

here

I just bought "JESUS CALLING" on itunes!
Great songs inspired by the devotional book by Sarah Young!
My favorite song has been REST by Matthew West!
I feel as if my heart is finally resting..in the arms of the one you holds
my hand! Check it out- Cool song!
**Could not post from youtube, but go check it out*

Matthew West
REST

REST~
I am calling, are you listening
I'm waiting for you, you keep running,
always chasing, stop striving,
Just rest for awhile,
rest in my love,
in my arms,
Won't you rest here in the
hands that are holding
your heart!
All who are weary and find rest in the light of my grace,
while I put all your pieces back into place,
JUST COME UNTO ME ALL WHO ARE WEARY!

Wait, Hope, Expect

2011-08-03T00:40:00.000-07:00

Red Letter Words

I was talking with a friend the other day and she

was reminding me that when we want to be

in the presence of God, a sure way to be there

is to have a heart of gratitude...to sit and bask in all the

God has done for us, to go back to the last time/

place where He just blew our socks off..

That last for me (us)..is NOW!

He continues to rock my world and right now

HE has shown great favor to my little family!

Darren left early this morning for our new venture..well,

his new venture for now. He starts his new job in Cali Friday!

He spent the day at the new school, loves it, 5 min. from the beach

AND has a place to live..ANOTHER PRAISE~

LORD, I NEED YOU

Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay

Chris Tomlin

8-2-11

~taken the night before he left~

Still~

2011-07-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

~STILL~

calm, hushed, peaceful, placid, restful, serene, quiet, stilly, tranquil

incourage.me

1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word on the prompt, “Still.”

2. Link back here and invite others to join in.

3. Get a little crazy with encouragement in the comments of the five minuter who linked up before you.

JOIN! InCourage.me

STILL

50 some houses and 70 some jobs..that's what our summer has entailed,

job searches, house hunting.

It's also been filled with bike rides, hikes, trips to Portland, lots of runs,

a day on the lake tubing, days of waiting, trying to be STILL

So true to the ways of God, it never quite turns out like you would think.

Always wilder and crazier than we could've imagined.

I see the limits to everything human,

but the horizons can't contain your commands!”

Ps. 119:93

Husband got a job, I'm sitting in our new home.

He is leaving to work out of state, Cali, to be exact.

We have always wanted to move back there,

it just came a year earlier than WE would've planned

BE STILL

I'm with the kids in an apartment.

Not what I would've imagined.

BE STILL

Excited about the new possibilities for Darren,

(looking forward to some income)

Excited for the new school year,

letting Molly finish her senior year at the same school she

started kindergarten. Blessings~BE STILL

“What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion; it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that's what you ordered—you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn't delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came. But I'll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words. Save me! I'm all yours. I look high and low for your words of wisdom.....I'm only concerned with your plans for me. I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can't contain your commands!”

Psalm 119:93

Fun Things Wednesday

2011-07-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

Here

HAPPY HUMP DAY!

Today I'm just doing a fun post about FUN WEDNESDAY!

Join us!


My favorite energy drink,

I love Advocare and truly believe it got

me through my training to run my first half marathon in April!!

Do you have a favorite "pick me up" drink (besides coffee ; )

Have you been SPARKED?

here

I love spending time here and I love

even more..getting gift cards of LOVE in the mail

from one of my favorite soul sisters KELLI ; )

Sweet surprises like that just bless my socks off..ha!

Here is my favorite Bible treasure I came across this week!

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14

This sums up our entire calling as a Christ follower! I have had many conversations lately about the return of Christ, when it will be, are we in the end times, when will we see Him face to face?? Here we go, my friends!! When we tell the whole world..all nations..THEN THE END WILL COME!! Let's get busy!

This is the second Radical book by David Platt.

I wrote about the first one here.

Unleashing the people of God for the people of God!

Also a great read if you are looking for a book that encourages you to take the leap!

The last two things are just for fun and two things that I LOVE but will probably not do-or wear!

My friend Beth, has a cute little nose ring and I want one so bad! It's so little and darling!

I'm just not able to wear it to work...or I would have one tomorrow ; )

(with a tat on my foot..ha)

I can't wait to get some of this for my girls! They have been dying to try it!

Crackle nail polish! Again, looks fun but I prob won't wear black polish!

Happy Hump Day!

What fun things make you happy?

Weekend

2011-07-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

Oregon Coast 7.9.11

"There is something beautiful about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what He is doing. (They hang there, the stars, like notes on a page of music, free-form verse, silent mysteries swirling in the blue like jazz.) And as I lay there, it occurred to me that God is up there somewhere. Of course, I had always known He was, but this time I felt it, I realized it, the way a person realizes they are hungry or thirsty. The knowledge of God seeped out of my brain and into my heart. I imagined Him looking down on this earth, half angry because His beloved mankind had cheated on Him, had committed adultery, and yet hopelessly in love with her, drunk with love for her."
— Donald Miller

A Quick and Easy

2011-07-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

This is my all time favorite side dish/appetizer

EVER!!

I make it for every party, holiday or just because!

It's great with pita chips, bread, veggies or whatever!

Stop by Kelly's blog for more YUMMY ideas~

Artichoke-Spinach Side Dish

3 pkgs. frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
1 large can artichokes (in water)
8 oz. cream cheese
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
6 tbsp. milk
Cracked pepper (to taste)
1/3 c. Parmesan or Romano cheese (grated)

In a 13x9 inch pan, lay spinach on bottom evenly. Quarter artichokes, lay on top of spinach. Combine next 4 ingredients (cream cheese, mayonnaise, milk and pepper). Pour over spinach and artichokes. Sprinkle grated cheese on top. Bake 375 degrees, 40 minutes. Serves 6.

pic and another recipe

Summer 11

2011-07-07T10:49:00.000-07:00


10K on the the 4th of July

On July 4th, I ran a 10K with my dear friend Robin.

The weather was perfect, the route was great, minus the

1.5 miles of hills that started the race!

So proud of Robin for completing her first run. Signing her up for more.

She just doesn't know it! ; )

Yesterday was one of the most beautiful days I have seen in Oregon! I like HOT and it was perfect! Biking is one of our favorite things to do and we love the city! We road all over different bike paths and city streets, stopping for an iced coffee at Starbucks! I could barely stay focused on the ride because I wanted to stop and take pictures of every interesting person we passed! ha! It was a perfect day, ending with dinner downtown! Loved it! These are some pictures I was able to take on my phone. Not too great but the scenery was amazing!

Perfect day in the city!

Portland, Oregon

Portland Spirit

Mt. Hood in the distance

What's for Breakfast?

2011-07-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

I LOVE A GOOD BREAKFAST AND RARELY
DO I EVER TAKE THE TIME TO MAKE ONE!

THE KIDS HAVE CEREAL, BAGELS OR ENGLISH
MUFFINS WITH FRUIT ON MOST DAYS.

BUT IN THE SUMMER, THEY GET A LITTLE LUCKY AND
SOMETIMES GET HOT BREAKFAST.
MY SON MADE THE BEST OMELET LAST

WEEK, FILLED WITH VEGGIES, SALSA,
SOUR CREAM..IT WAS HUGE. GRANDPA WAS THE LUCKY

RECIPIENT OF THAT LARGE BABY..HAHA! WE ALL TOOK A BITE THOUGH ; )

BREAKFAST BURRITOS ARE BY FAR MY MOST FAVORITE BREAKFAST!

YOU CAN BE CREATIVE !

BREAKFAST BURRITO

1 lb. bulk pork sausage

1/4 c. diced onion

1/4 c. diced green or sweet red peppers

1 1/2 c. frozen southern style hash brown potatoes

4 eggs, beaten

12 flour tortillas (8" size)

1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Picante sauce

Brown sausage in a large skillet. Add the onion and pepper; cook until tender. Drain all grease. Add potatoes; cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until tender. Add eggs; stir. Cook until eggs are set. Prepare tortillas by browning in hot oil in large skillet for 5 seconds on each side or heating in microwave for 45 to 60 seconds, placing filling down center. Sprinkle with cheese. Fold bottoms of tortilla up and sides toward each other. Serve with picante sauce and sour cream on side.

HERE'S ANOTHER FAVORITE! I HAVE ONLY MADE THIS ONCE.

MY FAMILY DOES NOT LOVE OATMEAL THAT MUCH SO THIS IS ONLY FOR ME..WHICH IS WHY I DON'T MAKE IT OFTEN.

DOESN'T IT SOUND DELISH??

FOUND IT ON A WEBSITE CALLED "CHUBBY BELLY" HAHA!

1/2 cup Quaker Instant Oatmeal Original
1 packet of stevia
1 Tbsp. Nature’s Hollow Sugar Free Apricot Preserves
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. chopped pecans
1. Prepare the oats with water according to package instructions. Put the cooked oatmeal in a bowl; sweeten with stevia to taste and mix in the apricot preserves. Sprinkle with cinnamon and pecans.

HOP ON OVER TO KELLY'S FOR MORE GREAT BREAKFAST IDEAS!

WHO LOVES BREAKFAST FOR DINNER? YUM!!

Half-Way-2011

2011-06-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

~ABIDE~

Right now, today, this week, heck, this month,

I feel too weary to even write out what is going on in our life.

It's not a fun season.

I will put words to it all soon enough,

but for now, I will continue to meditate on the word

ABIDE~

to remain stable and fixed in a state!

When I chose this word in January for the OneWord2011..I would've never have imagined what the first half of 2011 would hold for our family of 5! Wow!

I have enjoyed reading Melissa's blog and was wrecked by some of her thoughts on OneWord2011. Her description of what God is teaching her these first six months of 2011 line up so much with where my heart has been. Here are a few thoughts from her OneWord post that I loved!

Melissa's words:

Things that I felt were necessary in my life became the things that God was asking me to let go of

Sacrifice without abiding is a weary trudge…

.... let go of my expectations, assumptions and control so that I can rest more fully in the presence of God and the knowledge that it has nothing to do with me.

While I ABIDE, He is always doing a new work in me, taking me to place I never thought I could go, stripping me of things I would've never thought HE would take, all the while, whispering in me ear..ABIDE! So, I take these words, I take God's promises, I keep my eyes on the prize and know there will be brighter days ahead! The ABIDING has drawn me on my knees as I no longer just seek HIS hand but I SEEK HIS FACE..HIS FACE ONLY!! He is beautiful beyond description!

Family Days~

2011-06-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

my kiddos~

This picture turned out a little "wonky" from my phone, but I just love these smiles! This was taken a few weeks ago when we took a road trip to Portland. We had planned on going for an all day bike trip on some awesome bike paths in the PDX area but it began to pour rain! So we walked the city in the rain, looking for thrift stores, used book stores and cute coffee shops!

Awesome day with the fam! ; )

Radical~ Because We Are Called to Love Our Enemies~

2011-06-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

Looking for a good, rock your world, shake up your faith, change your views, renew your mind, draw you in, dig deeper, cry for more, surrender it all, ask for more, work toward change type of book this summer?

RADICAL is for you!

I started this book weeks ago and I'm still reading it!

I have to take it in small doses, ponder it, chew on it, put it down

and think about it! Do some of us really

have the wrong view of church?

Wrong goal, motivation, method? YES!! Including me!

I am only on Chapter 4 but I highly

recommend it!

"If we were left to ourselves with the task of taking the gospel to the world, we would immediately begin planning innovative strategies and plotting elaborate schemes. We would organize conventions, develop programs, and create foundations… But Jesus is so different from us. With the task of taking the gospel to the world, he wandered through the streets and byways…All He wanted was a few men who would think as He did, love as He did, see as He did, teach as He did and serve as He did. All He needed was to revolutionize the hearts of a few, and they would impact the world."
— David Platt (Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream)

Flashback~

2011-06-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

Journal Flashback~

Written in my journal June 15, 2010

How Great Thou Art,

Your hand provides and Your love sustains!

my soul sings for You!

My heart cries for You!

Genesis 11 & 12 (The Tower of Babel and The Call of Abram)

*Faith means acting on our beliefs.

God give me the strength to ACT!

*We have only the Lord's WORD as our guide

A life of faith is not a life of mounting

up with wings but a life of walking and not fainting!

There is healing & salvation,

comfort and joy,

tender mercies,

IN YOUR NAME!

Lord, all that I have is yours!

------------------------------------------

I love going back and reading through my journals.

I'm not sure what my heart was feeling when

I wrote this hodge podge of thoughts and prayers,

but today, I write it again....IN YOUR NAME, JESUS, IN YOUR NAME!

Monkey Muffins

2011-05-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

My blog time is so limited right now but I still wanted to hop on and join the "Show Us Your Life" from Kelly's blog! Today is DESSERT! My favorite! Not my favorite to bake but to eat! Haley is our little baker around here and seems to always be trying new dessert recipes. This is from the famous Pioneer Woman so you know it's GOOOOD!! (AND EASY) The first time I made these was when Tim brought his friends home from college for spring break! It was a HIT and I made 2 more batches! :) Oh and I use canned biscuits for a back-up, Grands to be exact!

From Pioneer Woman

Monkey Muffins

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Ingredients
Leftover Bread Dough (or Refrigerated Biscuit Dough, Cut Into Thirds)

■Butter
■Sugar
■Ground Cinnamon
■Sweetened, Condensed Milk
Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Add 1/2 teaspoon butter to muffin tins. Sprinkle in sugar and cinnamon.
Roll dough into walnut sized balls (or cut refrigerated biscuit dough into thirds). Place three into each muffin tin.
Top with 1/2 teaspoon butter. Sprinkle on more sugar and cinnamon.
Allow dough to rise, if applicable, or just go ahead and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Remove from oven and immediately drizzle plenty of sweetened condensed milk over the top of each one. Be generous! Allow rolls to sit for a little while to absorb sweet, sticky milk.
Scoop out with a spoon and serve to hungry humans.

Hop on over to Kelly's blog for more "delicious goodness" ideas :)

Chicken and Cauli~

2011-05-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

On the menu this week~

I have to be a little creative since we are working around boxes.

I left a few things out in the kitchen so we wouldn't be living on fast food for 2 weeks

but it does take some creativity.

I came across this recipe that looks fairly easy

and delish! I hope the kids go for the cauliflower~

Maybe I will throw in a baked potato for back-up. :)

RECIPE

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 head cauliflower (about 1 pound), cut into large florets

1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped

1 tablespoon capers

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.

Season chicken with coarse salt and ground pepper.

Add chicken skin side down, cook until browned, 5 to 7 minutes.

Turn right side up and cook until browned, about 3 minutes.

Add cauliflower, season with salt and pepper and turn to coat.

Transfer to oven and cook until chicken is cooked, about 15 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Return cauliflower to oven and continue to cook until just tender, about 5 minutes more. Remove from oven and stir in capers, parsley and vinegar.

Serve chicken with cauliflower.

Some Highlights~

2011-05-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Some highlights from the week..

*Tim is home from college for 3 months

*Molly was voted Senior Class President

*Haley had her last spring volleyball game

and Molly got to coach :)

* I am 2 weeks away from having the biggest part

of my job done..GRADUATION! whew!

*AND the best news of all..we found a home to rent for awhile!

A story that has God written all over it!

He is so faithful!

Just last week I wrote about this verse He led me to...

I am trusting that the Lord is "searching out places for us to camp and He will show us the way"

This little home is owned my a christian family

that is been waiting for someone to come along and

rent their home they have to leave for a job out of state!

They said the Lord told them awhile ago that

He has a specific family for this home..

It has alot of cute features and I'm so thankful

that we have a place to LIVE!!~

My favorite..(besides all of the fruit trees)

A HOT TUB~ Already ordered my bathing suit for the summer!

here

**still waiting for that job for Darren to come along**

Busy Days for the Fam~

2011-05-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Darren ran his first full marathon!

So proud of him! Like I said before, we just started running in

November and he has really worked hard

to get to this point by May!

I knew he would do great!

His 42 year old body took about

4 days to recover..crazy I know!

I feel like I'm still trying to recover

from the half marathon, LAST MONTH!

It was a fun day! I love the excitement

at marathons-cheering for strangers,

knowing that everyone worked hard to get there!

Hope we do more soon!

Darren just left to go pick up our boy from his

first year of college!! yay!

It was such an awesome year for him!

So proud of him too and so thankful

that God has provided this opportunity

to be a part of an incredible college and group of friends!

August 2010

Getting ready to say good-bye to Tim

and driving 1300 miles home!

~Beautiful Molly~

Jr/Sr Banquet~

Masquerade Ball

Best banquet ever~

(since I'm ONE of the jr class advisors, haha)

My baby went to Outdoor School

last week with the 6th grade!

It really does get harder to send your kids

off on trips! Once again, how did we get here

so fast!? She is usually my little buddy,

standing beside me as we wave good bye

to her brother and sister for trips like this!

She had a great time, of course! :)

Just a quick update on this family!

So much going on and it doesn't slow down anytime soon!

That's ok, it's the fun kind of busy! (minus moving, not fun)

Setting up Camp~

2011-05-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

"Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” In spite of this, you did not trust in the LORD your God, who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go."
Deut. 1:29-33

Our family is looking for a home and needs one sooooon! We might set up camp along the river and call our tent our home for a bit! Not really..but if we lived in warm weather, I would consider it : )
We have great family and friends in our life and we will always have a place to rest our weary head.
I am trusting that the Lord is "searching out places for us to camp and He will show us the way"

tent

God delights in using ordinary Christians who come to the end of themselves and choose to trust in his extraordinary provision. He stands ready to allocate his power to all who are radically dependent on him and radically devoted to making much of him.

—David Platt, Radical

at the end of myself

I trust you

show us Your power

Depending on You

Ready to make much of YOU, Lord!

Spring and Limeade!

2011-05-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

May is here and I am ready for some sun

and some LIMEADE!

The only Limeade that I have ever

really loved is from Sonic.

Cranberry Limeade!

The closest Sonic is about 30 minutes

away. So I don't get it much!

I saw this recipe on Best Bites

and it looked simple, easy and delish!

BEST BITES

Strawberries

1/3 Cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract

simmer for 5 min. and put in blender.

(great strawberry sauce for ice cream, cheesecake etc)

Sprite

ice

tall glass

3-4 tablespoons of strawberry sauce

EQUALS

STRAWBERRY LIMEADE!!

here

Have tall class with a cute cupcake!

~HAPPY SPRING~

Breathing~

2011-04-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

I read this inspiring, thought provoking post this week over at INCOURAGE! It was a post that I could so relate to in this season of life. JUST BREATHE! That is where I am living...a "just breathe" mode. This post may not make much sense if you haven't read the article. Be sure to stop by INCOURAGE and read...soon!

THE MIND! I think we all battle the "dungeon of the mind" I also think what I battle with the most is feeling disconnected from who I am.... how did I get here, who am I and how did I get here so fast. I don't even recognize me sometimes. (like she described in JUST BREATHE) Alot of it is normal life changes, getting older and things so different from what I used to call normal- a child in college (I don't really "mother" tim) I'm not an elementary teacher after 16 years of teaching, I'm not a pastor's wife, after 20 years of ministry, I have no church family and in a few weeks, we won't even have a home!! Who am I?

BUT it in an odd way, some things feel right..Tim is supposed to grow up, I was done teaching and I love my new job, we knew we were done at our previous church and we WILL have a home.
I want to end with..I do have that deep ABIDING peace, I do have deep ABIDING joy, don't lose too much sleep at night and look forward to a new day! We are literally resting in the palm of His hand right now! JUST BREATHING!!

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Isaiah 30:18-19

ABIDE still

2011-04-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 1:22-23 (more thoughts on this passage next time, but read it again..so much "meat")

Even in times of frustration and waiting, I try to remind myself that God is still thinking about me. I KNOW that He is working everything out for our good. His delays don't necessarily mean denials. So, on those days when your spirit is encouraged, His presence is evident, your day seems brighter, rejoice, it’s a sign that He’s near, He's working, He's a calm in the storm and good things are about to happen. Remember my word for 2011? ABIDE!!

ABIDE in HIM..that's what I am doing!

here

......and still be calm in your heart!

PEACE

Did you leave me a sweet comment recently on my Dove's Eyes post? Tell me who you are because I want to tell you how much I love you :)

Like Yesterday

2011-04-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken in 1999

in Victorville, CA

It was a few weeks before Easter and

I had taken the kids to the mall for Sunday lunch.

For some reason Darren couldn't join us and it was

just me with the 3 kiddos.

I remember Timothy not really wanting

to be in the picture and saying something like,

"This should be a picture for the girls" ha!

He still gave me a sweet smile and played along

with his crazy mom making an 8 year old get his

picture taken with the Easter bunny!

I put this picture on facebook a few days ago

and debated weather I should tag him or not,

but I did..He made it his profile picture!

ha! I love that!

Sweet Memories!

*Off to a Saturday evening Easter service to celebrate
the risen Savior!
Then sunrise service with my family!
Missing my boy this Easter but he is
having an awesome weekend with my bro and sis
in LA! Thankful they are so close to him! BLESSING!

Never Grow Old to Us~

2011-04-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

GOOD FRIDAY~

Amazing Love how can it be, that You my King would die for me!

Oh that the cross and the resurrection would never grow old to us! I never want to be calloused to what this weekend means. I want to live it daily! We shall be like Him, raised from the dead, in a blink of an eye! That is the foundation of our life! JESUS, the One who was and the One who is to come! HE IS RISEN! I listened to a great message today by Beth Moore on LIFE Today! Listen to it if you have a chance..it will make you EXCITED for the Easter weekend and ready to celebrate our Risen Savior!

Oh, that the cross should NEVER grow old to us!

LIFE TODAY

Beth Moore Message

On the menu this weekend...

I came across this delicious, (http://www.bestbites.com/) easy recipe
that I will be making this weekend.

Well, Haley will probably be making it. So glad to have a girl that likes being

in the kitchen more than me :)

CHOCOLATE DRIZZLED STRAWBERRIES

Look how easy this looks!

What's on your menu?

Wordless Wednesday~A Walk in the Park

2011-04-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

A Walk in the Park

Was Not Expecting It!

2011-04-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

On our recent road trip to Cali, I looked over at my ever so excited husband, who was in a "driving tunnel" not being very much of a conversationalist at that moment and a little boring, I decided to break out my camera phone, which I do quite often because every moment needs to be captured. ha! I leaned over to try and take one of those cute couple pics and right as I take the pic, Darren LICKS my face..yes, I said licks! Any other moment, I would've been entirely disgusted and mad that he "ruined" the photo opp. But there is something about this one that I love! He caught me so off guard! AND his cute face..why does it look like I am married to a 12 year old right there?~

Somewhere between Oregon & Cali

Check out my sweet, little friend, Sarah's, blog! Sarah stayed with us for awhile last fall and it was always a party! My girls loved having her around and loved going through her make-up and clothes (usually with permission, ha :) because she always looks adorable. They were always having Sarah do their make-up and Molly even had the awesome opportunity to be a make-up model for her, which you can find HERE! I know you will love her blog! Check it our NOW! She has so many fun beauty tips, cool pics and just great ideas for looking amazing! Plus, she is cute and you will like her! :) AND THEN FOLLOW HER!

Thirteen point One at Forty-One!

2011-04-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

The half-marathon that I started training for in

late November, on dark, rainy nights

with my patient husband is now over!

I am ready for half-marathon number two!

(not anytime soon..ha)

The race could not have gone better!

I was worried about leg cramps, stomach cramps,

shoe issues, sock issues, rain, etc.

These are all things that I had to deal with, work through

the last 4 months. But thankfully, Sunday, was

a perfect, perfect day!

I realized quickly that I would not be running

along side anyone. Darren obviously would outrun

me the first mile, so we said our goodbyes at the

starting line. It was ok to be alone because I

could set my own pace, listen to my playlist and focus

finishing. A few things I would like to note about my first

half-marathon:

Mile one came fast
Mile two took forever
At one point I was sure mile 5 was coming up, but was happy to see 8! Did I fall asleep!!? lol!
A man a ways ahead of me took off his shoe and shook it over his head, I thought he was shaking a bird over his head...that was mile 9. I was losing it!
There was a lady a little bit in front of me that I decided to set my pace with..I knew if I could keep up with her I was doing OK..so I kept my eye on her white hat..by mile 11 that hat was lavender in my delirious eyes!
I don't like running with Darren's fanny pack thingy...even though I kept my chapstick, tissue, phone and ipod in it! I only used the ipod.
I was happy I wore new socks and peanut butter toast was the perfect breakfast!
Anyone can run, ANYONE CAN RUN! (if I can do it, anyone can)
I was happy to not have to put those porta-potties to use!
I AM SIGNING UP FOR ANOTHER ONE IN JUNE..and JULY and AUGUST! : )

So excited to cheer Darren on in his first MARATHON in a few weeks! Wow, I can't imagine!

My end of the race gifts from my parents and bro and sis!

It's All in Your Perspective~ (and a half-marathon)

2011-04-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

When you look at the world in a narrow way,

how narrow it seems! When you look at it in a mean way,

how mean it is! When you look at it selfishly,

how selfish it is! But when you look at it in a broad,

generous, friendly spirit, what wonderful

people you find in it.

-Horace Rutledg-

How true I have found this the statement to be.

It's all in our perspective!

We focus on the negative, everything around us is

NEGATIVE...

narrow, mean and selfish!

I find the days I am able to start like this, coffee

and the WORD...the world all of

a sudden is generous, friendly and filled with wonderful people!

I think it's called..."Renewing our mind and being like Christ" :)

I want it..need it..desire it..crave it and only survive and thrive with..

MORE OF JESUS~

Darren and I had a great, long, lazy morning doing this!!

On a different note...tomorrow we will be running our

first half-marathon. 13.1 miles!

I think I'm ready, except for the fact that I

just had the most delicious artichoke, chicken pizza,

I AM READY!!

I have my number, my marathon shirt and the rest

of my outfit laying out on my bed..even my new ultra light, micro thin running sock!

That's how excited I am! ha!

Darren holding our route map! whoohoo!

WISH ME LUCK~

peace out~

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

~More Beach Pics~

Lazy Days

Hanging with my girl!

Wordless Wednesday

Discoveries~

2011-04-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

"We should come home from adventures,

and perils, and discoveries EVERY DAY

with new experience and character."

— Henry David Thoreau

haley

I love this little idea that I came across the other day.

Cute, vintage tea cups and saucers for a jewelry holder.

Creative idea! Now going to be looking for some of these at thrift stores!

Sweet Savannah

image

Looking for a black dress for graduation....

Would love this...but with these shoes!

RED

School colors..all the more reason to get them, right? :)

ENDURE~

2011-04-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

When I see you, I see mercy You call me worthy,

you see beauty, you see purpose, you see value,

you see who I am! (misty edwards)

"I have PROMISED to meet all your needs according to My glorious riches, Your deepest, most constant need is for MY PEACE! I have planted PEACE in the garden of your heart where I live; but there are weeds growing there too; pride, worry, selfishness, unbelief. I am the Gardener, and I am working to rid your heart of these weeds.....sit quietly with Me, trust Me...PEACE will flourish! TRUST Me even in the troublesome situations, THANK Me even in the trials, the PEACE they can produce far outweighs the trials you endure!"

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Thank Me for troublesome situations, the Peace they can produce far outweighs the trials you endure!

Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 4:17

"And I will meet all your needs

according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus"

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving

for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

Holding fast to these words, saying them all day,

writing them on my forhead, on note cards on my mirror

even singing them, ; )

here

Change and Some Coffee

2011-04-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

The woman on the bench. How do you respond to the people on the bench, the ones sleeping in the park, sitting on the sidewalk, some holding signs, some with carts, some holding cups, most with stories they wouldn't write for themselves...??

"I feel so bad for ignoring her" My daughter slammed down her lunch and jumped in the car, a little disturbed by the woman on the bench. The lady's face was dry and cracked by the sun and she looked older than her real age, I'm sure of it. She had 3-4 layers of sweaters and jackets on during this warm spring day. "Is that all she owns? Is she hot in all of those clothes?" more questions from my girl.

She was asking for change and needed some coffee. I stopped to talk to her and asked if I could get her a sandwich, she wasn't interested, just wanted change and some coffee...change and coffee, change and coffee.....and warmth, love, a family, friends, shelter, joy, peace....so much more than change and coffee. We grabbed her a coffee and gave her some change. "Will she sit there and ask everyone all day? Wonder what she does with her days.." questions I can't answer but quick life lessons and small, ever so small acts of kindness...The woman on the bench.

SunShine, Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

My Crazy Sunshine Drops~

Inviting~

2011-03-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

look closely...that's my dad! *cute*

03/24/11

rise

receding

stretching

reaching

inviting

antiquing

vintage

peaceful

quaint

memories

~BEACH...OCEAN BEACH~

*tb