A Curve In The Road

This year is two days from the end and as I’m thinking back over the good and the not-so-good. I am truly grateful for each and every moment.  God given moments. 

Moments that showed His hand in our lives. 

Times that stretched me to my limits, yet made me stronger.

Days of joy and thanksgiving when I felt God near.

And days of oppression when I felt the enemy picking at my insecurities and using my mind against me. 

Moments of pure motherly bliss and moments when momma had all she could do not to strangle a few somebodies. 

Times of uncertainty, anxiety and fear that made me run to God and times of self-sufficiency when I turned away. 

Days of feeling my heart and mind tugged at by God, drawing me near, molding me, shaping me.

This year full of moments gifted to me by God shows me I have much to improve upon, much to be thankful for, much to love, much to think on and much to give.

Looking forward, there is a curve in the road.  A new year lays before my feet.  The decision is mine to make.  Will I make my own way, a straight and more visible path, or will I take the Hand that is offered to me.  Will I reach out?  Will I hold on with all that is within me and let him lead the way.  Or will I turn my back and harden my heart. 

The choice is mine to make.

This curve in the road is tight, I can’t see the exact way ahead, and although it is filled with His light, it is a blinding light that obscures my view of the path. God has plans for me.  He has cleared the way.  He has chosen my path.  I only need to follow.  To trust. To place my hand in his out-stretched one and say,

“Lord, I am yours. Lead on!”

 

Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:5

 

To God: Love Your Princess

 

To God,

This is for you. I love you so much. This is for you. Will you please come down and get this today.

Love,

Your Princess

A simple stamped page, wrapped in festive wrap and foil ribbon, given from a heart full of love and longing.  A childlike faith.

We’ve had many conversations about this gift my daughter desires to give to God.  She is giving it with all her heart and wondering when God will come to get His gift.

So, we’ve talked about how God can see the beautiful picture she drew and how on Christmas we will unwrap her gift and hang it in the window to help us remember that God wants us to give him all of our hearts and love. 

She continues to ask when God and Jesus will come to get her gift and I am simply telling her, for now, that they will see her gift and love her gift, but they probably won’t come and take it from our window.  Instead they will leave it for all of us as a reminder that God loves the faith and love of a child.

God longs for each child and adult to give their WHOLE heart for the Lord.  Not just a section or piece.  Not just the bit that is safe or good.  He wants all of us.  He desires to have us lift our hands, eyes and hearts up to Him in submission and say it is yours Lord, ALL of it.  You are my God and I am giving myself to you.  Mold me, shape me, use me. 

How about you? Are you willing to give the Lord the gift he so deeply longs for.  Will you give Him your heart, each and every part.  The good, the hurting, the ugly, the willing, the controlling, the simple, the complex, He wants it all.  The amazing thing is our God loves us even with the deep, dark secrets we hold.  He desires us to surrender it all to Him. He will take the hurts, the anger, the sin and remove it from our lives and replace it with His love, healing and peace.

This Christmas season will you place your heart in His open waiting hands.  Will you let Him transform your life?  The blessings are waiting for you if you just give the gift of your heart. 

Abounding, flowing, soul healing love is waiting.  Give your gift and receive.

Unto Us

 

 

 

  

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Eighteen

 

Some said we would never make it.  Others said it was a mistake.  Many said we were too young.

There was so much they couldn’t see and didn’t know.

How could they know that you were the one God sent to save me from the path of destruction I was running down.  Or how could they know that the night almost 22-years ago when we stood talking outside after a date was the night I knew I was going to marry you.  They could not possibly know how tightly our hearts had become entwined after four years of dating.  Maybe it was hard for them to understand that a 20-year-old and 19-year-old could truly be soul mates.

They didn’t know, couldn’t know the depth of our love, but we did.

On this our 18th anniversary I want  you, the love of my life to know, that you still are my soul mate.  Twenty-two years of being together hasn’t loosened the attachment of our hearts.  It has only strengthened our bond, welding it tightly, one heart to another.  Strengthening us in love and understanding.  Cementing in our minds that we belong together for life.

Hand in hand and heart to heart I look forward to another year with you.  Living this life God has given us.  A life full of love, laughter, stubborness, discussions, understanding, making up, cuddles, kisses, friendship and family.  You hold my heart in your hands and I thank you for your sincere love. I thank you for picking me up when I am down. For making me laugh when I want to cry.  You are my strength and my security.  There is nothing better in this world than to feel your arms wrapped around me, enclosing me in safety and love.

I love you with all that is within me.  You are my ray of light on a dark day.  A gift from our Heavenly Father above.  The discouragers from long ago didn’t harm us, they only fueled our desire to make it work.  Our foundation was strong.  A love that was willing to fight, to strive, to grow into a lifetime of beauty.  This relationship will endure because we both love the Lord and because we knew from the very first spark we would never give up. Together we will continue this journey, building, shaping, molding our lives into a shining testimony of love.

So, to you my sweet man, on this week of our anniversary, I give you everything that is within me.  You hold my heart.  May it shower you with love, respect, and comfort you when you feel weary.

I LOVE YOU!

 

 (All photos except the 1st courtesy of Megan)

 

***I’m over AT THE WELL today. My latest article is about the gift of a husband.  Head on over there and then come back here and share the letter you write for your husband. I am putting up a Mister Linky.  I would love to see lots of participants in this.  Let’s lift up our husbands and show them how much they mean to us.

 

The Christmas Season In My Home

 

I’m not a huge seasonal decorator, but I do love to add a few accents here and there for the Christmas season.  All of our decorations are concentrated in two rooms.  I’ve found over the years the less I put up the less I have to take down at the end of the season.  In short…a less stressed out Momma at the end of the season.

However, I do love the colors and cheeriness that Christmas decorations bring to my house.  So, lately my goal is to just add touches here and there to the items that I have normally sitting out.

On my Hoosier cabinet I have a wooden bowl full of glass balls and a few tin stars. A simple addition of color and shine, brightens up that area.

My tree is kid decorated with a few of my favorites thrown in for accents!  You all know I enjoy crocheting so the windows in my living room and sitting room feature snowflakes and stars, re-useable and easy to hang.

 

Our sitting room is the room where the tree is and also the room we use the most.  The majority of my decorating is in this room. A few ornaments to the items already in this room give it a touch of Christmas/winter cheer.

 

And finally, my favorite decorations of all are these four living, breathing gifts that liven each and every day with their smiles and joy.

Thankfully I get to keep these with me all year long, not just for a short season. They definitely light up my life each and every day!  So, I keep the Christmas decorations subtle and let the sweetness of these four faces bring immeasurable joy to the season.

 

This post is linked up to At The Well and The Nester.

Weekends

I always look forward to the weekend with a bit of hidden giddyness in my heart. I'm not exactly sure why I treasure them so much, it's not like I'm sitting around all day with a box of chocolates and a good read.

In all actuality it looks more like this.

After a week of schooling, the weekend is my time to get caught up on everything that didn’t get done through the week.

Once the cleaning is done, I feel so relaxed and a sense of accomplishment rests on my heart.  There’s nothing like a clean, organized home to do my little self good!

When my to-do list is checked off then I feel free for a wee bit of creativity.

Crocheting is a weekend must.

And if our candle supply is dwindling, like it is at present, then we partake in a candle making fest.

And of course there is always a little more time for photography, reading, snuggling, baking, and family time.

I’d say the main reason why my weekends are so precious is that I am at HOME, relaxing with the ones I love.

It’s a definite way to put some happiness in my heart.

And now that you know I’m giddy on the weekends, you’ve been forewarned!

 

*One more little thing if you have some time on your hands (smirking face here) could ya, would ya, mind heading over and checking out this post at The Paper Mama.  The picture of my daughter in her tutu is in a contest….the one with the most votes wins.  However, I am calling all of you, my friends, to be honest.  Look at all four of them.  If mine is not your favorite, then by all means vote for the one that is.

Have a GREAT weekend!

After Much Wrangling…

I’m finally connected!!!

Three trips into town and two calls to my internet provider later, I finally can get on-line.  But, ya know it was sort of nice not having the internet hogging my time.  I’m a weak soul, when it comes to blog land.  It’s something I’m constantly working on.  Blogging can be a really good thing for me and a really bad thing, too.  It has helped me put my thoughts, feelings and words into writing.  It has helped me to dig deeper and go farther.  It has pushed me to improve not only my writing, but myself. However, if I’m not careful it eats up my day.  The time I should be focusing on my children gets squandered away if I’m not careful.

Having this time off showed me a few things.  I really need to find the balance.

 

On another note…

 

When I did get back on-line I was surprised to find that I has won this.

With this…

 

Let me tell you, I was excited! If I hadn’t been sitting at the library, I probably would have whooped and hollered!  But, since it is an established quiet place, I held my peace!  I just had to share. This is the first photo contest I have ever won. It gave my little ol’ heart a boost of confidence and I just had to share this with all of you.

 

Well, I think I have jibber-jabbered enough for the moment, I’ll be SLOWLY making my way around to each of you my friends.

Pacing, pacing, pacing myself! :)

M.I.A.

I couldn't take it any longer and I'm sitting at the library using their internet.

My computer bit the dust.

My internet provider seems to be having difficulties.

I've been put on a temporary enforced, not by my own wishes, blogging fast.

The timer on this library computer is counting down so I will not be visiting you all today.  Plus I have to gather my chicks whom I've left at their grandma's. 

Tick-Tock.

Just thought I would give you an update...I haven't fallen into any catastrophe...just waiting, waiting, waiting, for all this to get cleared up.

Hope to be back on-line soon!

Time

Time it molds and shapes. 

Moves us from stage to stage.

Stretches us to grow, change, live.

 

Time it teaches.

Showing us life and love.

Changing our words for beginning babbles to deeper conversations.

 

Time it shifts things.

Growing our small, soft bodies that fit so perfectly in mother’s arms

Into tall, thin, lanky.

 

  

 

Now with time my head fits under you chin when we hug.

Now with time instead of bending my head to snuggle your neck,

I lift my head to warm my cold nose!

Now with time your hands and feet are bigger than mine.

Now with time there aren’t times of play, but times of discussion.

Now with time you are growing more independent.

Now with time you are another year older.

Now with time your voice is deeper.

Now with time you are developing a growing sense of who you are.

Now with time you are and always will be my sweet, precious son!

 

 

  

(Photos courtesy of Megan)

 

Happy 14th Birthday, from your momma who loves you deeper than the ocean!

Right Now

 

It’s snowing.

 

My daughter is peacefully coloring surround with a bi-jillion crayons.

 

Our new “kitten” is chasing a silver glass ball ornament.  (For anyone wondering, our last kitty passed away during her spay several weeks ago.  Devastation ensued.  And a replacement was sought after). 

We present to you Sneakers! A.K.A.  Mr. Lovey Dovey

I’m feeling uninspired with my writing lately.

 

We’re having turkey sandwiches for dinner tonight.  Thanks Tim.

 

Life regular and normal.  A good thing.

 

I’ve been doing a bit of crocheting the past couple of days.  Getting my house all cheery and seasonal.

 

 

I’m wondering if my toes and nose will freeze when my oldest and I do the neighbors, goat, chicken and duck chores tonight.

 

I’m thinking another Pumpkin Cake Roll is in order.  Like NOW!

 

An order from CBD just arrived with a Daniel Boone DVD that my middle son saved and saved for. WOW! It’s SO quiet!

 

My living room floor is buried in little girl creations.

 

I should really be doing some laundry.

 

But…

 

I need to finish school with my boys.  They’re not going to like the interruption.

 

But…

 

This would be a good day for a Pumpkin Spice Latte.

 

But…

 

 

I’m draggin’ my feet.

Too Bad!

I’ve already had 2 cups of coffee…oh, well…what’s a third.

 

 

And because I have no other place to put this, but thought it was quite deep…

 

“Hey, Mom!”

“Don’t you think Super Man has to buy lots of suits since he is always taking them off and leaving them somewhere”, my son asked.

“Yeah!”, I said with a little bit of wonder and confusion, mentally wondering where he is headed with this.

“You know he never goes back for them.  What a waste. I don’t think he’s really much of a super hero!”.

And he walked away leaving me to ponder this deep 11-year-old thought.

 

Think about it!

Ode to Tim the Tom

 

Tim, it was in your favor that you displayed an unusual growth on your chest.

When all your pen mates went to the butcher you were set free.

You were left to roam the yard.

We figured you would wander away with the flocks of wild turkeys that pass by our house.

Yet you stayed.

You became one of the family.

When anyone was outside you followed along like a faithful dog.

You hobbled close by with your crooked toed foot, giving you a unique gait.

A source of smiles, giggles and entertainment you were.

Sad was the day when your growth went away.

Grandpa, the veterinarian, said it was probably just caused from a peck or irritation on the chest bone.

Your fate was sealed.

We put it off as long as we could.

No one really wanted to see you go.

Yet, it was another mouth to feed and a cold hard winter seemed unfair to one unaccustomed to the wild.

So it is with sad regret, but with a knowing heart of right, you will grace our table.

I think it best not to tell your children pals who is set before them on their plates.

But, I do thank you for your service in nourishing my children.

You will be remember with fond memories in years to come.

Except for the poop you left in our garage, in a metal coffee can(don’t ask!), and on our deck.

That we can certainly do without!

 

 

All children in this story were quite okay with the eating of this turkey.  No trauma or drama ensued! In fact one certain boy is quite content that he won’t have to chip ice out of the turkey’s water dish any more!

Counting

 

Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord, O my soul.

I will praise the Lord all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Psalm 146:1-2

 

 

We’ve been counting our blessings these past few weeks.  Counting, recording and displaying.

Simple handmade leaves and pen are at the ready for anyone who thinks of a blessing.

 

When a leaf becomes full on both sides it joins the rest. Strung across across our sliding glass door on a length of jute.

 

 

Our thankfulness garland is filling up.  Reminding us of the Lord’s unending blessings.  We truly are blessed.  And through this display, made by our hands and hearts, I am hoping my children grasp deeply the Savior’s love for us.

 

Want to make your own?  It is SO simple.  Gather some fall colored construction paper.  Spray it with water, just till damp.  Crumple the paper into a ball and scrunch it good.  Undo the paper and lay flat till dry.  Trace leaves on the paper and cut out.  That’s it, you now have paper leaves with a neat texture to record your blessings on!

For another article on recording blessings visit me At the Well.

Almost Heaven~ Book Review

Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry focuses on the life of Billy Allman. A man born and raised in the hills of West Virginia.  Billy’s life is met with many trials and sprinkling of what seem to be only small triumphs, but God has a plan. Even though his life may seem insignificant to those around him, God feels otherwise and sends the angel Malachi to watch over and protect him.

This was a great book.  I read it in three evenings, staying up way to late, because I couldn’t put it down.  Chris Fabry has a gift for painting with words.  There were many times throughout the book when I was just deeply impressed by his ability to describe and inform in a truly amazing way.

I believe every life has hidden songs that hang by twin threads of music and memory.  I believe in the songs that have never been played for another soul.  I believe they run between the rocks and along the creekbeds of our lives These are songs that cannot be heard by anything but the soul.  They sometimes run dry or spill over the banks until we find ourselves wading through them. (page 3)

Another intriguing facet of this book was that not only did you get Billy Allman’s perspective, but also the perspective of his protecting angel Malachi.  Through out the book the chapters will alternate between what Billy is thinking, doing and feeling and then you get to see Billy through the perspective of his protecting angel. 

Although I found this book a bit predictable in parts and bit over the top in some of the trials and drama towards the end. I still recommend it as a very good read.  One you probably won’t be able to put down. 

 

**This book was provided by Tyndale Publishers. In no way was I compensated for my opinion on this book.

Calling

All you mommas out there, God is calling you!  Calling you to show your children Jesus.  Leading you to mold and shape them.  Calling you to be a light in this dark world.  Leading you to discipline and teach.  Calling you to love.  Leading you to be worthy of your calling.

Are you willing?

Just Dance…

When I was a little girl a “twirly” dress was sure to add brightness to my day.  One simple twirl determined it all.  If my skirt rose up high and full, then a smile and many more twirls would follow.  I would spin gazing down at the material as it rose up full of air.  I loved the light, feminine feeling that the billowing folds of material gave me.  I loved the action of dancing, leaping, jumping, with my childlike grace.

Usually my sister would spin with me and we would throw our arms out wide twirling and weaving together. Finally falling to the floor in a heap of giggles and pure spinning delight.  Only to begin again when the room turned back to its normal level.

When my boys were little I continued the tradition…minus the lighter than air skirts!  I would put on a favorite CD, crank up the volume and we would dance and dance and dance, until we collapsed on the floor taking in big gulps of air.  Again and again we would play this dance game.  It never grew old, until they grew older. 

 

 

Now I have another dancer.  This one who requests a dress almost every day! 

 

A twirler.   A spinner.   A twister.  A turner.

She’s reminded me…

For a while, I had forgotten the joy of dancing.  I had forgotten that I can’t spin and twirl without a smile tugging at my lips.  I had forgotten how good it feels to move my feet, get short of breath and break out in a sweat.  I had forgotten how much lighter my soul feels after I have belted out some of my favorite Christian music songs as I move my feet to the rhythm.  I had forgotten the smile and tears that can combine with the joyfulness of my deepest being as I worship my God who created me to sing and dance and worship.

 

Feeling down today?  Put on your best twirly skirt, some praise and worship music and move your feet.  I guarantee you will feel a smile tugging at the corners of your mouth, a lightness in your heart and a oneness with your Creator as you praise Him with your biggest and bestest twirl!