Come on let's go for a walk!

Have you ever seen such a magnificent blue? The plumes on his head, he looks like he's dressed for the ball. His coat tails are like no other I've seen. Could such beauty come from an explosion?

Ever since I was a little girl my Daddy would say, "come on let's go for a walk!" I guess that's why I love to walk today. Not just to walk, but to explore. This is God's country.  My kids are following in my footsteps as I did with my Dad.

It's amazing to me how everything has it's place and a purpose. My little mind can't wrap around such things. Then again it's not suppose to. We are here to stand in awe and in praise of the one who created all things. All creatures great and small.

Then the Lord God took dust from the ground and formed a man from it. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nose, and the man became a living person. Genesis 2:7

 Nothing else makes sense, nothing else comes together. Beauty does not crawl out of the water in the form of a fish and then transform into something as magnificent as the peacock.

I really would encourage you to go for a walk, take your kids and camera. All God created things are AMAZING! Your faith will grow, and if your not sure what you believe, it should surely make you ask questions and explore more.

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. Ralph Waldo Emmerson

For a good start on your creation verses evolution study Go to http://www.wayofthemaster.com/
And there is a really good book for science class ---Evolution The Grand Experiment By Dr. Carl Werner. There is also a dvd set called Incredible Creatures that defy Evolution

We had a good walk.

Louder than the buzzing of a thousand bees.

Blossoms are in abundance this year. We have been here over 15 years now, and this the first year I've seen this row of trees come in full bloom.

Along with the blooms comes the buzzing of a thousands bees. They were loud enough that their buzz brought us outside. We broke away from the books to take a look. My boys are watching the bees and I am watching my boys. The little one is his shadow. My gentle giant, that's what I call him. He has passed me in height now.

I miss him already. He hasn't gone any where, but someday he will. This little man of mine with his big blue eyes and his soft blond curls, that use to sit in my lap and snuggle with me. Sometimes it seemed like we would stay in the rocking chair all day. He has always been gentle, quiet and sweet. His sister would disagree with me.

 He loves his Mama. I don't believe he has ever raised his voice to me but, I have to him........that hurts to think about.The bees were loud, but my voice has been louder than the buzzing of a thousand bees. I hope that when he leaves home some day that he won't remember me raising my voice too much. That is something I am still working on, And with God I am doing better. I just hope I was not too late. They always say better late than never........But I know that's not always true.

 They also say you are much harder on your first child. I wonder if he even realizes how much I love him, or how much he has taught me over the years. My Sweet Gentle Giant if I could go back in time and erase all of the mistakes I've made while learning how to be a good mommy, I truly would.

I cherish you!

What will your ending be?

Every life has a beginning. We don't get to choose our beginning but, we get to choose our ending.

Their eyes meet for the first time. This is her beginning. This truck driver Daddy of mine drove 1200 hundred miles to make his appointment. And our home is a rest area, a much needed stop along the way. Not only for him but for me, for us.

I've gazed into this mans eyes all my life. I've seen the way they twinkled when he was proud of me, I've seen the pain that I all too often put there. I've seen the laughter, but most of all when I look into his eyes I see a Father's love.

He had a close call. It took us by surprise. What we thought was going to be routine became urgent and serious. This man has helped shape me into who I am today.  He held me in his arms the same way he is holding her. That same sweet gaze. With that same gentle voice, calming and reassuring. Such a strong presence in my life. It's scary to think what the future brings. It's inevitable. We all have an ending. What matters most is what we choose to do before the end.



I'm so blessed that his time has been lengthened. Prolonged to see his 5th grandchild, to hold her and gaze into her eyes. I'm so thankful that I still get to gaze into those eyes.

But most of all I'm so blessed to know that when his ending comes in this life that his life begins again in the heavenly arms of our Father. He chose his ending years ago. He chose to accept God's Son. To live with Him eternally.

I can't imagine having to say Good bye. Never being able to gaze into those eyes ever again. Life is so unpredictable. Tell someone you love, about Jesus. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain in the end.

What will your ending be, a happy ending, or a sad ending?

It Was A "Good" Friday

It was "Good" Friday and we had started our day with video music clips of The Passion of Christ. As my children and I sat and watched Him be put up on that cross, the tears began to flow. No matter how many times I see it or hear it I can not help but be overwhelmed with such a wide range of emotions.

My youngest son asked, "Mama he did this for me?" Yes for you and me.

 He accepted Christ a year ago, but never really knew the full extent of what Jesus had went through. Watching the short clips really set the mood for our egg coloring this year.

All of the other years they knew what it was about, but knowing it and truly feeling it are two different things. I believe the more you walk with Christ the more you feel what He feels. My children felt His love a little bit stronger on "Good" Friday.

 I did not instruct any of them on what to do with their eggs. Each one of them working so quietly. Doing their own thing. Not paying any attention to eachother.

And then one by one they would show me their egg creations. This year they are feeling it.....they are feeling how much He loves us. They are feeling how much it cost. They are feeling those wide range of emotions. So sad that it had to take place, but so thankful that it did.

Each egg had it's own interpretation of the Cross and our Saviors resurrection. The one above is the stone being rolled away. Instead of just coloring them they put feeling and meaning into their creations.

My oldest daughter asked, " Why do they call it "Good" Friday?" And my answer was...... because He went through with it. Can you imagine if He had called ten thousand angels to take Him from that cross, and she replied "that would be a "Bad" Friday".

And the emotion that we will all feel on Easter Sunday is Great JOY!  For He is ALIVE!!!!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that who ever believes in Him shall not perish, but have etenal life. John 3:16

The Missing Red Sock

I knew something was not quite right with my littlest man this morning. His face started out long and sad. His feelings were hurt but he would not say why. This boy of mine who keeps things inside for awhile until they come bursting forth. Just as if the hurt was so intense he couldn't hold it in, no matter how hard he tried.

And what brought this on? How did I find out what was bothering him? It was all because of the missing red sock. He came to me, tears streaming down his face....when I asked what was wrong, He said I lost my sock. We both knew it was more than the missing red sock.

So we searched together for the missing red sock and I searched his face for a smile. The sock was found, but his smile was still lost.

I had become too busy, too preoccupied. some one had taken his spot. This little boy of mine thought he was being replaced, and by a girl none the less. Tears flowing like a river as he is finally spilling his heart after 4 weeks of keeping it in. bottling it up. He thought he could handle it, I thought he was handling it. So I stopped paying attention. I stopped looking his way.

And now it's late at night and my tears are flowing like a river. My little baby boy, I told him he would always be my baby. Before she had even arrived, I made sure he knew he was not going to be replaced. I promised myself that I would pay attention, that I would not let him feel the way he his feeling. And some how it happened............ it had happened anyway.

Then God worked in ways that only He can, and gave us the time we needed.......The house was empty and baby sister was sleeping. Just him and I hugging on the couch and I take his little cheeks in my hands and begin to try and explain to him about a mother's love. How this Mama plays no favorites, that my love for him is so strong. But to be honest, It was the holding on to him and not wanting to let go hug that spoke so much louder than my words ever could. He started to melt, his little hand touching mine in forgiveness...

Forgiven Much

I think back to where and when these feet of mine must of taken their first step. And I look to where they are standing now. What a journey!  There are times I wish they would of taken a different road. I often wonder if I would be standing here if they did. So much Grace and Mercy has been poured into my life.

These feet of mine have carried me through a wonderful childhood. Memories abound. This old barn beam may not look like much to you. To me it's a moment in time. A time when two little girls were running and laughing. Going in and out of Grandpa's barn that use to stand so proud. It's nothing but a memory now. A great wind blew her down. I have what is left. An old piece of wood and the memories that cling to it.

These almost 40 year old hands would help me climb up into the loft and day dream with my dear sister.....about made up stories and  songs that only her and I can still sing to this day. These hands of mine have held dollies and toy cars. They often were intertwined with big sister's hand. Their journey went on too. Sometimes it has been the wrong path. They needed a map, a guide.

They now wipe tears and noses. Cook meals and make blankets, they do laundry and hug children. They are often found caressing the cheek of my  husband. They have done much, not always right, but not always wrong. They are forgiven, along with the rest of my body and soul. They have been found and guided.

You see my feet and hands have learned much on their journey,and they have been forgiven much, So that they can teach these little hands how to love and pray on their journey.

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven- For she loved much. Luke7:47
Jesus said to the woman your faith has saved you; go in peace. Luke 7:50

I'm still learning on my journey, but now my Journey is with Christ. He leads the way.

The Ripple Affect, Make Some Waves!

Did you ever just touch the water with your finger tip? It makes an ever slight miniature wave. You barely have to get your finger wet to make the water move. I had my son put the tip of his finger in one side of the pool just to see what would happen.With just the tip of his finger a single ripple moved out towards the center of the pool. I had my doubts that it would ever make it to the other side, but it did. Then with enthusiasm we prolonged this little experiment to see what would happen if he put his whole finger in, and instantly not just one ripple but three moved to the other side of the pool. Before we ended our science experiment, we had to try his whole hand. When he put his whole hand in the water, the whole bottom of the pool became blurry with all of the movement of the water and there were too many ripples to count.

What if we dipped into church that way, so to speak. If we just put even the tips of our fingers in to help. The ripple affect would start. Now imagine putting your whole hand in, what if you were brave enough to take that leap of faith into unknown water. {outside of church} Knowing there may be jelly fish that could sting you, sharks that could devour you, and whales that could swallow you whole! I know, right now your thinking I'm being a little bit dramatic. Just put your sea caps on and get your sea legs ready and just go with me here.

Jonah jumped in. Not because he wanted to.  God told Jonah to go to Ninveh. Instead of listening to God Jonah ran, he didn't want to get his feet wet. All because of fear and unbelief that God's plan would work. so what does he do, he boards a ship. Not too bright for someone who was afraid to take that leap of faith. We all know what happens in the end. Jonah gets thrown over board and a big huge whale swallows him whole.

Now I've never been inside a whale before, but I can imagine the shear terror that Jonah was in. Once over the pure shock, what do you do inside a whale for three days? Besides the obvious, like thinking of a way out. Jonah was not only thinking of a way out, I bet he was thinking what a fool he was for not listening to God. He should of known God would have taken care of him. He should of put his trust in him. Easier said than done you say? At times I would agree with you, but sooner or later we all have to make the decision to take off the floaties or swimmies which ever you prefer and swim for Christ! Set sail with Captain Christ!

Why are we as believers in Christ so afraid to make waves? Why don't we rock the boat? Every one else does and it's not for Jesus. People are not afraid to make waves for issues such as gay rights, legalizing abortion, not supporting our troops. the list goes on. Why are we not passionate about our Jesus? Why are we not making waves? All it takes is a finger tip to start a ripple. What if we all jumped in at once? Imagine the waves! Forget waves, I'm talking Tsunami!!! Oh beloved all the great, wonderful things that God could accomplish through His little swimmers. Think of the waves washing over all of the lost, how they would wash them clean.

Did you ever notice how important water is to planet earth and all who inhabit her? Of course you have. Most of us have been in a situation where your not the least bit thirsty until someone tells you you can't have water. Suddenly you become so dry that your mouth feels like the Sahara Dessert. Nothing else will do not soda, not juice, not milk. Just WATER!!!

Do you think it's just a coincidence that we need water to live and that God uses baptism by water as a symbolism of new life. Jesus took a leap of faith! So we could rise up out of the water into new life and cause a ripple affect. So that you and I could be washed by His blood. Jesus caused some serious waves. Don't let those waves slowly fade away. Get your swimming trunks on take that leap of faith and go make some waves!

Cotton Candy Clouds

At different times of the day, if you were here with me you would see me run outside with my camera just to catch a glimpse of what the Great Artist has painted for me. I love to take pictures of the sky.

Every day is a different tapestry loaded with beautiful colors and shapes. There is no other artist that can out do His creations.That can out paint His paintings. Every Picture is an original that someone along the way will soon try and copy or explain it's exsitance. Some even try to explain these creations away. Telling us there was no painter, no artist, no creator.

I believe it takes so much more faith to think that all of this did not have a creator.

Every day He paints me a picture. Some days have brilliant colors and other days just have various shades of grey. No matter what color my day is I am truly thankful that He has chosen to paint me another day.

On this paticular day He chose to paint me Cotton Candy Clouds.  Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Psalm 111:2

Flowers and Friends

I hear the wind outside talking to the trees, it seems to be blowing in Spring. The signs are every where. Flowers are opening and peering out from their sleepy slumber. The land scape is dotted with the colors that only the Creator can paint.

As a child I remember watching the tulips grow. And I swear if you stood there long enough you could actually see them bloom. Flowers are like the friends you pick, beautiful and unique in every way. Just as the Creator has dotted the landscape, so too has He dotted your life with the many colors of friends.

Each one has a different quality, They fill your heart with Joy, Laughter, Understanding, Forgiveness, And Love!

But that's only if you take care of them.......Remember them.......Take time for them.......And Cherish them.

I have been reminded this week that I have been neglecting my flowers....I mean my friends. Well both. Truth be told my patio looks like a grave yard for what was once beautiful flowers. I lost them, My flowers I mean.

My friends are still around, you see they have been waiting for me. That one phone call that says I care. A letter sent through the mail to give them a smile. Just like these flowers my Friends are Beautiful and I want them to know they are not forgotten.

I can always buy more flowers, but I would never beable to replace my friends. To all of you, my Beautiful Friends........I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

This Time Around

Precious moments wrapped up in love, I'm  wishing I could make this time around stand still.

This time around I want to remember every first like it was just yesterday. I want the memories to stand clear and vivid in my mind. Never having to second guess a moment. My heart is overwhelmed with Love again. How much Love can one heart hold? It is truly amazing that my heart could hold even more Love this time around.

This time around I want to cherish every smile, every tiny breath, and every squeeze from her tiny little hand.

You see, I know all too well, I've learned from experience these precious little gifts grow up way too quickly. and when your young and new at this time of raising kids you tend to over look the little things and never once do you think that this time could speed out of control and slip away. If your like me you lose your patience too quickly, and think about the lack of sleep too much. Instead of the tiny miracle that God has given you. This time around I'm not going to be consumed with me, but filled with Love, and patience.

So this time around I'm gonna slow down, stress less, and laugh more. I'm not going to worry about what needs to be done and enjoy watching her and them grow. I Love being a mom!