seeing the unseen...

2010-05-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

You can find me blogging here, now.

2010-03-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

flashlight in wardrobe time
rechargeable flashlights
mint.com
slowing down
patience with teaching boy to put on his own clothes
peekaboo with shirt, again & again

lengthening days
extra long weekend with daddy
practicing memory verse with little voices
sister song after lights out
health
too many thanks to keep up with
page boy haircut
big sister corncob dressmaking
quill pen copywork
sunshine, blinding & warm
salad-eaters
giving thanks when down
writing a thank you note
buttercups, buttercups, buttercups
a walk around the land in setting sun

2010-02-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

finding summer treasures in winter pockets
early morning snow
color pencils (prismacolor)
scissor glue play
spirit soar to music truths
being loved
being loving

seeing myself through child's eyes
cleaning up a pile of stuff
hand-me-down furniture
(generous in-laws!)
storage boxes
consolidating a mess
husband-provided lunch
finding my "happy self"

a big purple crayon
loud beautiful music
dinner guests
respectful children
homemade soup and bread
Olympic hockey game
inspiring stories

2010-02-25T12:09:00.000-08:00

talking husband into resting in the sunbeam with me
oatmeal pancakes with vanilla & ginger
happy hearts creating
an old sticky glue stick
mother-in-law love

overlooking dirty dishes & unmade bed for a quiet moment
deep sleep
snow flurries
Russian ballet beauty
aiding an outsider and getting a new friend

being in the shadow of the Almighty
long tea time talk
burden release dance
heavy snow fall
lunch with tufted titmouse
quilt covers, snow cover

2010-02-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

#990 - #1006
morning snow cover
the blue of morn
quiet beginnings
the challenges of lent
that each temptation is also an invitation

my middle child- wild, gentle spirit
watching untouched snow fall
thick covering during lonely time, medicinal

familiar shapes changing
fresh sheets, made bed
first curls in hair
the "I feel beautiful" look on Sunday morn

finding bird tracks in snow
making myself go outside when it is COLD
glory dance with Keith Green
sweeping to music, all together
folded clothed, in drawers

2010-02-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

# 949 - #989
learning what a chickadee looks like
red cardinal on snow
tufted titmouse (so cute!)
tiny sparrow
watching the bird feeder deplete
earplugs to focus
finding a desk with a flaw (better price)
roller coaster book
favorite illustrators
witnessing patience
spirit dance sisters
small town pharmacy
local donut dive bakery
small bare feet in the A.M.
pot of coffee
friends to visit
thinking of someone else
(instead of my desires)
circle of friendship
banner play
hungry chickadee, again
lessons from birds
the end of the day calm
togetherness
fast sled ride squeals
husband strength
putting a picture in a frame
seeing in 2D how the kids have grown
a burden-release cry
speaking kindly to the person
on the phone I am angry with
1st hairy woodpecker! so pretty!
morning light on bird friends

2010-02-18T05:16:00.000-08:00

creating visual reminders of my priorities
seeing how the years fly by
heart flowing with thankfulness-
so precious to me!
(and how I forget in moments of selfishness).
Lord, help me to focus on Your ways...
give me the patience I am so empty of at times-
restore my eyes...

#931 - #948
Spirit-filled as I am lonely (He is sufficient)
patience as followed by eldest daughter
GRACE to love & live life together
Quiet time "rules"
(3 stories if no interruptions)
earplugs to help focus
JOY instead of rush/snap/nag
smile of a child pretending to be asleep
rough-housing
kneading dough
child's dough shapings

fondness makes the heart grow fonder-
missing his scars, crooked pinkie, his smell...
2 snow days in a row!
teaching the appeal process in love
(for help in obedience)
easy stir fry
table tulips in winter
hopeful thaw
(snow days over and back to normalcy)

2010-02-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

#910 - # 930
flowers in the winter
Beatrix Potter accent
stone walls, picket fences, community
written letter stories to children
cabbage and ground turkey
being kind

sharing creativity
very careful squiggles
sabbath rest
writing a poem
playing with words like toys
sufficient grace when alone & stressed
mother encouragement

the gingerbread house test passed
worship of community
Spirit-dwelling filled to overflowing
serving when it is not convenient
heart dance shared
father song, Beautiful Lord
the church, Love outpouring
forgiveness when its not

2010-02-13T17:19:00.000-08:00

#895 - #909
soap love notes on mirror
having a husband to miss when away
pile of dishes done in love by eldest
preschool schedules
starting Little House books with a 4-yr-old

nuts, fruit & water
story time
a box of tissues in the winter
cereal and milk

swinging during a thaw
fresh air
rebounding instead of snacking
prayers of friends
beautiful differences seen- Olympics line up
not wanting to be finished with these gratitudes

2010-02-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

#882 - #894
window view behind curtain...serene
missing old friends
quiet time in the AM, fire, husband, coffee
handmade quilt, still good with stuffing falling out
"can you read to me?"
sharing Jesus time with a 4-year-old

joined in quiet time together
learning to not push away my children for time alone
walking in the Light with others, learning together
prayers of strength
Strength and Peace given

2010-02-11T04:27:00.000-08:00

#852 - #881
dancing dress
child-picked beautiful music
deep breath
sitting still
a piece of fruit in hand
family & fire
new spaces
quiet, full house
Spirit-spoken words
giving up burdens in corporate worship
next day pastries
open prayer

big hugs
quiet love, yelling in my ear
roasted chestnuts
family goals
gingerbread house
country road
a brisk walk
story on tape
warm coat
cozy bed
sister time
boy toes
magnet play while I cook
a day of fasting
cuddle & read by fire
walking a neighbor's goat home w/3 kids
cold walk...hot chocolate
eldest girl dancing in doorway, her & God

2010-02-10T18:04:00.000-08:00

#840 - #851
a visit by a special auntie & uncle on birthday 8
2 in a row snow day
reading, fire, fire, reading, cocoa, fire...
child confidence in kitchen
all three bathed
witnessing an adoption process
feeding the birds in winter

corduroy boy
boy and daddy sledding
finishing Railway Children together
natural traditions around table
quiet house, quiet heart

2010-02-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

#815 - #839
homemade birthday cake
child-decorations
Swedish meatballs with a Swedish aunt
heirloom candle holders- reminders of a loved one
reflections of the year-s wisdom learned

comfortable conversations
opening my home to surprise guests
seeing my children being loved
traditions
number candles

doll friends at family party

library visits

sweet librarians

long grocery visit, no upsets

book on tape

escape to the Word when too busy

a new women's bible study

insightful remarks from an 8-yr-old

emptying myself of all of me

(so I can be ME)

being able to be hospitable when the house is MESSY

being freed from intoxication to material

dusting of snow

wisdom given

fresh fruit in lemon sauce

2010-02-05T04:10:00.000-08:00

#795 - #814
being spoken to through scripture
the opportunity to be hospitable
god guidance
easy meals well-liked
baked goods ready in freezer
comfortable guests
being sleepy
sleep
coffee and daddy toast
sewing machine
new fabric
notions
a patient daughter
birthdays- celebration of YOU
portable heater that follows me
surprise guests while you have guests!
God knows what I need
canceled trips (daddy home!)
excitement of a child...contagious
that god doesn't give too much...EVER.

2010-02-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

#780 - #794
sunset warmth
1st successful family movie out
birthday celebrations
warmth of heater
roasted pumpkin

family sledding
the freshness cold air
snow swinging
gleeful squeals of laughter
snow slide

hot chocolate/carob to drink & soup for dinner
happy eaters
thankful hearts
God-strength in the everyday-ness of child training
being prayed over

2010-01-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

#748 - #779
peaceful habits
piles of books
doll children...loved
sound of fire roar
soft blow snow
having to love in frustrating situations
prayer mat
drying hair by fireplace

a handmade quilt
high-pitched voice of toddler
child rambling thank yous
a brother's prayer...timely
bonus footage
creatively cleaning out the refrigerator
a sister's advice

warm sunbeam
crackle of fire
old pictures
old recipes...hand-written
snow day
homemade biscuits & ham
playdoh & beads
cranberry scones
laying a fire
food becoming people, trucks, boats

2010-01-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

#720 - #747
sisters reading bible together in the morning, top bunk
beginning a hobby
new yarn with blending, happy colors
cleaning up a pile
dishes being done
snow play on a cold, cold day
movie night...popcorn
homemade bread, grandma soup, salad
sweet sounds form the crib in the AM
hearing scripture quoted form memory
Christ-sister prayers
breakfast fire
daddy toast
symbols
happy helping
asking forgiveness
receiving forgiveness
giving up anger...again
a great story
a sweet story
vacation
being comfortably full
being financially able to help hurting people
fasting
pictures on Christmas cards
child smile, bible, a lap
heat
covers

2010-01-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

# 707 - #719
kitchen breakfast, small table
Congo stranger in grocery, welfare check in hand
a grocery budget
relying on the Lord for needs
giving up wants
being content with less, even happy
child smile, waking me
a fresh orange
sunny morning
sunbeam on my feet
snow coming, shelter
birthday excitement
little ones pretending people with orange peels

2010-01-22T04:51:00.000-08:00

2010-01-22T04:50:00.000-08:00

remembering last winter...

2010-01-22T04:19:00.000-08:00

For many years I was bothered by the thought that I was a failure at prayer. Then one day I realized I would always be a failure at prayer and I’ve gotten along much better ever since.” from The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg

“I have quitted all forms of devotion and all set prayers except those to which my position as a friar obliges me. Now my only business is to remain in the holy presence of God . . . or better, in an habitual, silent and hidden conversation with God, a thing of joy and inward rapture not to be expressed before others.” -Brother Lawrence

“With me, my time of action is no longer different than my time of prayer. Amid the clatter and confusion of my kitchen, when numerous people are calling orders, I possess God, and with as great tranquility as though I were on my knees at the blessed sacrament . . . In his service I turn the cake that is in the pan before me. When that service is done, I kneel in submission before Him, for it is through his grace that I have this work to do. Then I rise happier than a King. For me it is enough that I but pick up a straw from the ground for love of him.” -Brother Lawrence

“We should so rule our actions that they be little acts of tribute to God.” -Brother Lawrence

#707 - #740
MLK weekend
true friends
watching their children grow
happy home to share
steve & freda generosity
husband camera
caroline brownie cups & more
jeremy dinner & pancakes
girl time in car -tracy
girl car, boy car
rock climbing
greek pizza, french broad brew
sharing children, like our own
game night
deep laughter - outburst
tracy & ted
strong convictions, shared
being loved in spite of strong convictions
luke entertainment with kids
little boy luke stories
sickness waiting for end of trip
cat stuck in house being tidy
washer & dryer
having help with sick child
one child not sick
lazy, get well days
sour stomach passing
being able to eat
making to the toilet in time
making it through the night
Fridays
slow Saturdays with daddy
looking forward to Sunday
fellowship

2010-01-15T05:57:00.000-08:00

#699 - #706
roaming cows to contend with
neighborhood interruptions...a time to grow
MLK weekend
warm guests in our home
sharing faith, laughter, pasts
sister diligence, shared
sister dance, bright scarves, freedom...
learning to open to God in news ways...letting go

2010-01-14T05:50:00.000-08:00

#692 -#698
sweet sleep
encouraging sisters of Christ
a really good homemade meal by seasoned hands
homemade brownies
passing on items to someone else
learning to survive only with grace
learning to love in interruptions

2010-01-12T04:46:00.000-08:00

#684 - #691
snow day...daddy home
fire
chili
warm clothes
shelter
natural curiosity
metal buckets...snow meals
sledding

2010-01-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

#669 - #683
apples and nut butter
snuggling
free downloaded audio bible
fellowship meal
communion
smiles of sweet-hearted children
a first sledding
day after pastries...free
swaying to music
holding my child close during worship
nuzzling noses
disguising leftovers
having completed the budget
husband having a good job
singing at children's' bedtime

2010-01-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

#658 - #668
date night
electric toothbrush blunder...laughter
competent teenagers
hippotherapy
furlow
ants on a log dinner...twice
a home for hats, gloves, shoes...
chili left out of frig...mom food hotline
snow flurries
sharing poetry
sharing life

2010-01-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

#647 - #658

finding a sweet dance teacher
experiencing patience with someone difficult
husband doing dishes
Juice PLUS
getting back in touch with family
a school friend finding me
mom tears from prayer request answered for me
a new day to start fresh and do better (maybe) and rest in Him
old pictures of loved ones, deep joy
time passing, not many regrets (due to healing Grace in this area)
cat on a heating pad
bitter wind, home to escape to
cow walk, goat walk
tiny voice of Caleb (Emma June had one, too)
Zicam help with runny nose
looking forward to Sunday
being forgiven, truly
husband love & care
learning to live with someone much different than me
being stretched
cousin love
prayer answered, so quickly this time!

2009-12-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

#627 - #646
Christmas caroling
am uplifting, clean, good movie...found & shared
fire on a remote
14 heads of lettuce
salad, salad, salad
house full of people..& Love
learning truth
fellowship of believers

stockings full..of BOOKS
Phillipians 2 when with many people
scripture recalled in a crucial moment
being together
working together
helping
voices in harmony
candles lit, memories shared
being encouraged by a sister
traveling
being home

2009-12-30T11:03:00.000-08:00

#500 - #626
the Christmas branch
snooze tincture
waking up snuggle
reusing a tea bag
preparations from the day before
puzzle/toy rotation
Boxcar books
a crisp apple
being responsible with diet
missionary stories
a time to sit and read
good stories & rest
shared memories
hot tea in a cup

favorite ornaments
split peas with cranberries and candles
first performances
Big smile
model train
beauty trinkets
nuts, apple, nut butter, nuts, nuts, egg, nuts
breathing deep
husband support/encouragement
2 chair prayer
that God knows what I need more than I do...
vacation near
being prepared
the gift of self-control (for a day)
deep sleep
child sleep

creeping daylight
flyswatters
a coat
warm socks
work to help keep warm
hard-boiled egg
order
approved disorder
deep breathing
cinnamon, butter
smiling friend
clean water
green apple a day

missing mushrooms
spices
book on tape
cancellations
going with the flow
chasing cows out of the yard
roomtime
teacup given by friend
black coffee
sense of smell
aromatique
warm sun beam
snow flurry
sleep
cold night
completed task
warm fire
cold draft-warm husband
umbrellas offered
friendly brother
child warm in lap
trip to compost...starry night
fire circle
cozy stories
pretend around fire
Handel's Messiah...LOUD
family day
Christmas books
vegetable soup
broth
Zicam
quiet book time
learning new things with kids
Christmas Tea
happy spoon...memories of a beloved grandmother
nativity collection, unwrapped
winter books
good libraries
You are Almighty
rocking chair comfort
nothing to hurry for
toddler hug
child helpfulness
solving disagreements
a warm bed
hot fire on back
fresh juice
late night
hot bath
enjoying the preparations
learning how to build a fire
music box
friends and dinner
childhood friend
library books
Amazon one-click
giving a smile
giving a hug
one bite
celery & nut butter
casual hospitality
sincere hello
friendship hug
toddler hug
breakfast fire
daddy toast
symbols
lamb of God
happy helping
asking forgiveness
receiving forgiveness
giving up anger...again
a great story
vacation from norm
being full
cleaning-out fast
Christmas cards...pictures
child smile, bible, & a lap
heat
covers

2009-12-30T10:47:00.000-08:00

#477 - #499

shed refrigerator
conflict...resolved
quiet Christmas music
making soup from memory
differences accepted...for peace
getting used to country life...critters
helpful mom
snow, early December
joy of obedience
fasting benefits
self-control
Truth seen in lies
butternut squash
hard-working husband
sleep
earplugs
hot decaf coffee
giving up caffeine
2 churches we like
sharing creations
openness
family prayer

2009-12-30T10:36:00.000-08:00

#431- #476
cake in glass dome
bag of books found
birthday cake, crumbly homemade but...yum!
line of crimson scarlet
starry sky
friends and bonfire
warm liquids/cold hands
record albums
music to encourage
reading time...no rush, sweet squeezes, exploration and sharing time

good wishes
two sisters, bunk beds and noses in bibles
sweet people, different views
confrontation in Strength & Love
family full home
self-control with 15 desserts
getting back into good habits
cuddle time with husband
tissues
hot drinks

celebrations
a thankful list with family
homemade soup
forgiveness..again
stocked refrigerator...bounty
hugs & kisses, kisses, hugs, hugs, kisses, hugs
good sleep after being REAL tired

past voices, remembered
candles that cover smells
Organic Fair Trade coffee, hot after fast
the rhythm of a good book
soft pink behind treetops rise
morning giggles instead of cries
side of road-thrifted furniture
praise & petition
church body friendliness
fly swatter in winter
breathing out of both nostrils
too much food to store
quiet music...dancing children
giving a meal
helpful granddaughter
gas in car

2009-12-30T05:40:00.000-08:00

#418-#430
missing my in-laws during the holidays
time with husband around the house
a Christmas with everyone trying to be loving and unselfish
sweet children, growing fast...their smiles first thing
the Lord's strength when consistency is needed
surprise packages
forgiveness for delinquency
a fresh start (forgetting the delinquency)
making goals
a full tummy
a cleaned out body after fasting
a cleaned out heart after praying
a God who listens

2009-12-09T04:27:00.000-08:00

417. homemade soup, salad...soup...soup, salad...soup...

416. missionary stories...

415. finding a flower as winter creeps in...

#381 - #414
blown kisses
forgiveness
a new start...again
quiet moments of calm
an old friend
a deep breath of fresh air
an old friend
feeling Love for someone who's hard to love
prayer chairs
older women sharing wisdom
sharing Life
sick child bravery
focus
prioritizing
apologies
3 days until a date
happy, productive playing
window bird feeder
eucalyptus in bath
rambling toddler thank-you list
clean floors
helpful stranger on phone
bright sunshine
father/son lawnmower ride
leftovers
sunshine
husband hold
child hand hold
making an anniversary card
quiet play of scissors and hand
hard work
sweet rest
13 years of marriage

the quiet graced sing-song of marriage...
taste of wholeness-
the one day promise;
sweetness during imperfection.

2009-12-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

#378- #380
remembering through photos

2009-12-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

2009-12-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

2009-12-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

377. walking land together

#378 - #418
sister love during worship
smiles and caresses
scarf dance, daddy sanctioned
cloth napkins
not minding the scratches on the door
cat good morning
wild turkeys in yard
pig magic marker
vulture wings like hawk bird
soup & cheese bread
glory-seeking beside road
glory seeking beside creek...together
the last ride on a lawn mower- 2 yrs old
saxophone...slow, sweet diddly...relax...
rainbow plaid sunset sky
old doors put to use...perfect!
making new friends

my love, my love!
I almost missed you this morning!
Radiant rose, blue, rose, blue, golden,
blue, rose, blue, golden...then...
sky FIRE!

quiet sweet talk of crib AM
homemade bread and butter
hearing "I want to sit in your lap"
getting up early
prayers for woken child to hush
learning to go potty in morning
10 minute stretches
chores managed, for one day
a good timer
lots of cinnamon on homemade applesauce
encouraging between siblings
praise encouraged
power outage
sunny windows
being read the bible in bed
eldest reading to younger so I can do dishes
timed quiet
family of believers loving
holding each other accountable
sharing Life
yellow ochre week
crimson week
bare week

2009-11-30T11:42:00.000-08:00

#352 - #376
packed lunches for nature hike
wax paper bags
crockpot
golden sun days
daddy time
phone prayers
fair trade chocolate
happy chore time
closet cleaned out (I forgot!)
sprained ankle- forced rest
water, water, more water
dehydration tiredness gone
glory music
a schedule
the sound of toddler feet
holding hands
crunch of leaves in Autumn
using leftover wood creatively
Sunday drive, twisty, windy
ladybug clothespin
multitude mantle
mental health days
community faces becoming familiar
looking forward to something
togetherness

2009-11-30T04:44:00.000-08:00

#340 - #351
golden glory sunrise
pink cloud reflection
silhouetted leaves still hanging on...
ruby, golden ribbons in rows- Glory exposed, laid out shoes! Listen...
Husband prayer before work
buffet cleaned off
money jars- give, save, spend
sunny, sunny days
A happy story
hearts happy after prayer
our best having been done
recovering after one sharp word- god's grace

2009-11-19T04:27:00.000-08:00

#334 - #339
husband winter prep, stacked and waiting...
(garden memories in back)

middle of the night prayers in drifting sleep...
not giving up on Life...
the gentle nudging of the Spirit to aid a friend...
listening...
obeying...

2009-11-18T06:31:00.000-08:00

333. Memories of Grandma & Grandpa's...

332. family love founded on His Love...

331. Seeing someone love my children as I do...

330. children waking happy after a sickness...
329. rainy mornings, contrast of wet and bright...
328. loving when it hurts...

2009-11-17T04:34:00.000-08:00

327. ice storm...fallen tree...tree house site

using what we have...old outhouse tin roof & siding

completed tree house with happy new owners
(doors from cabinet left in barn)

#296 - #326

sunny days...a happy story...hearts happy after prayer...our best having been done...recovering after a sharp word...new experiences of beauty...contentment with little things...sister love, understanding and free...youngest "reading" to his "friends"...pizza delicious...nearness of friends in Hope: smiles, hugs, helps, worship, Glory, prayer, a meal shared...daddy home....child learning helpfulness...magic erasers...making do with what we have- peace...jammie breakfast...
waffles eaten as they're done...
time wasted on computer, information not found, tea spilt (again),donut cold, remake tea, clean up mess (with soap b/c honey), child had bad dream (prayer not working), but...I still have an hour left!
button box birthday...heavy eyes...small street, homemade costumes...back in time experiences...family-run restaurant...beautiful drive...Jewish dance...child love...smiles (strangers)...God-timing...pair partnership of marriage (shared decisions, joys)...creating beauty out of scrap for child-play

2009-11-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

295. my sunrise...glory-day promise in the sky

294. collections

293. finding a flower in late Autumn

Rambling gratitudes from my journal...

#275 - # 292
tea waiting...apple oatmeal waiting (the night's produce)
quiet one on one learning... a lesson in patience, learned
(hard to be thankful in the midst!)
moving slowly
the unwritten tummy hurting rule (don't speak of it unless you've pottied first!)
the draw of a book nearly completed..lessons that last...
consistency (sooo hard!) (Lord, don't give up on me!)
creative intuition: opinions of a 7-yr-old...solid
scraps of fabric
patience, given...what grace!
clear jesus song of a toddler...the reading of a toddler to animal
wasp in hair...no sting
sweet sleep, no thumb
checking on sleeping children
joyous dance...pointed toes...gliding...holding hands

2009-11-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

274. as I sit eating...I gasp at view

273. tree caught with her skirts down in the frost

272. Fall glory grasses

271. dark of the branches coming in contrast as she slips off crimson

2009-11-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

#270 tomato color wheel

#260 - #269
a Sunday walk, hands full of glory, sought
a moldy wooden book rack...the ugly made beautiful
a cat's company on a walk to the barn in pitch
country road, stopping, cutting glory for mantle
quiet
prayer, small ballet circle, before the session, graced
dishes done in love
warm water on a chilled face
emails from missionaries
stories of God's faithfulness, shared

#259 heirloom tomatoes

#258 youngest girl, fearless hand

# 257 homemade roller skates

2009-11-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

#256 homemade costumes...child imagination soaring...

#255 noble characters to portray...

#254 face painting...

2009-11-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

#253 self-decorated birthday cupcakes

#252 outdoor explorations...

(notice the burrs)

2009-11-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

#251 a nature collection

2009-11-04T04:17:00.000-08:00

# 249 Mandy dolls...
#250 a husband that will actually take pictures of Mandy dolls...

2009-11-04T03:40:00.000-08:00

#216 - #248

Too many gratitudes to keep up with from journal to blog
They pour like water...
speaking blessings
subtle sunrise, morning star (I am a God of Peace)
gossip killed by timely friend-prayer
Gossip definition: "...passing on information or listening to information when you are neither a part of the problem or the solution" -Warren
sin despised more than the shame of confession
turning aside to see God's Glory
humbling myself to see...
receiving God's glory and guidance
others, transparent...we all have weaknesses...
a glory list
rolling laughter in the grass

like a distant lover
am I...
there, but not present
sunrise unseen, presence unnoticed
only fog of the morn...
Forgive?(!)
I am here now..too late?
My Love!

Keith Green heart songs
Life to the full -jn 10

There's a cloud in my 'good morning'
slowly moving, slowly changing and taking shape.
Come, ray!
Come tiny speck of Light!
Burst through the heaviness of frustration and SHINE!

2009-11-04T03:32:00.000-08:00

Fire! in the sky...how can such richness creep on the horizon while I sort my scattered letters (I did not rise early for this)...

God in fury, raging on the unjust, evil...
It changes and softens...I watch...captive to the soul-cooling...
Quenched by quiet,
it rings in my ears.

2009-10-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

#190 - #215

afternoon warmth
phone conversation
a garden...picked
last day of sun?
self-bathers, 4 & 7
bath-play of youngest
the smell of their hair
He Delights to show Mercy...
He Hurls my iniquities into the depths of the sea...Micah 7:18-20
Being still...the Peace
good advice

mammogram
red violet robes, bringing unity
a quiet drive in the rain
a day off
sweet sisterhood of women
seeing an intergenerational family
the beauty-flow of an unknown language
first experiences
full room shared with like purpose

Mash, press (hard), uncomfortable...
but no pain.
Kindness in hand and voice...
Experience brings on mourning...
Grandmother that had no opportunity...
lost memories, shared bloodline unfamiliar,
only stories of those left behind.

Olive press, extracting not oil, but sin...a humbling...
Repentance.
And the drip, drip rushing of transformative Grace.

a relationship, pure and loving
goals...set
a thankful heart...a silver lining

tall towers

2009-10-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

#172 - # 189

love stories like the original
God, a jealous Husband 2 cor 11:2
Oh, to be loved like that! Am I really?
Truly in awe of a glorious sight
the freedom to delight myself in the Lord
"No one gets to heaven without someone praying diligently and continually for them." George MacDonald
being kind when it hurts and immediately being rewarded
being pleasantly surprised
a room...Spirit filled
a heart...touched
a ladies retreat
Cumberland Falls...October

2009-10-27T03:57:00.000-07:00

2009-10-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

171. squirrel caught in squirrel-proof bird feeder

2009-10-22T04:37:00.000-07:00

170. another sunrise...

...the beginnings never end...

2009-10-22T04:34:00.000-07:00

169. encouragement at just the right moment
168. maternal greetings
167. hearts mended
166. children that go back to bed
165. cozy robes

2009-10-22T04:30:00.000-07:00

164. Autumn God Beauty...

163. iris cast-offs

162. contrast

161. quadseedberries

2009-10-22T04:17:00.000-07:00

160. "two become one flesh" garlic

159. lunch in the toaster while I enjoy the kids

158. homemade bread, butter, cinnamon & honey

157. Fog

2009-10-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

156. "To Do" lists...

consolidated...

2009-10-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

2009-10-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

155. God, intricate, delicate, Glory in the small, daily and mundane..even mine.

2009-10-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

154. even beauty withers...but Truth Beauty does not

2009-10-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

153. no teapot..no problem!

152. separated chard

151. a toddler's first ride

2009-10-20T04:52:00.000-07:00

150. homemade crowns

149. pipe cleaner jewelry at tea time

148. room time enjoyed (he's "reading" books)

147. art center ready...self expression

2009-10-20T04:45:00.000-07:00

146. homemade broth

145. homemade soup with abc's

144. a good book

2009-10-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

143. Oh, to be this free...taken just a few weeks ago. Actually, this butterfly is probably dead, now. Makes my worries seem trite...at least I'm ALIVE...

...or am I? Me, with tea spilt all over the table and floor as my quiet time begins...really, Lord? I got out of bed, and this?
May I be sure and live Alive in my trials, thankfully seeing the revealed in the clutter, the honey-wet favorite books...the burdens on my back yet to be given up.

"So, I'm all for just going ahead and having a good time—the best possible. The only earthly good men and women can look forward to is to eat and drink well and have a good time—compensation for the struggle for survival these few years God gives us on earth."

Eccl. 8:15 The Message

2009-10-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

142. a tiny cup of tea...cubby hands
141. enduring thunderstorms in rocker, two-yr-old embrace...usually too active for such things
140. past friendship, maintained and dependable
139. old childhood friend...found
138. musical potties
137. couch time...communication
136. a deep night's sleep
135. the end of a week of work
134. Truth
133. a timely thank-you note
132. cooking day...the rewards
131. rows of cumulus clouds...air garden
130. melting clouds
129. health
128. shared bike...love
127. sister snack...quiet secret
126. helps
125. a finished chore
124. bright shine
123. citrus soothe
122. pulling out Fall clothes...given
121. happy grocery trip
120. cozy cat
119. heat
118. white serving bowls
117. pressed bamboo
116. new friends...the making
115. commitment
114. renewed strength
113. cat, snake dance, fearless girl
112. smiling eyes in worship
111. favorite socks...two pairs
110. common ties
109. bean tortillas...Friday night mode
108. footed jammies...Autumn creeps in
107. a drive spotted with crimson, yellow ochre
106. looking for a short cut...not finding one...persevering anyway...
105. prayer
104. eyes...met
103. order
102. being alright with our of order
101. morning quiet peace
100. sleep tea

2009-10-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

199. small boy...big smile
198. one on one time
197. tiny rocking chairs
196. layers on a cold day
195. time to share

2009-10-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

194. a break from the norm
193. acceptance
192. loving in-laws
191. art...expressed...shared
190. a warm coat
189. hot water bottles
188. grace keeping my mouth shut
187. protection
186. generosity..received
185. doing someones dishes
184. heavy eyes
183. the sleep of forgiveness accepted
182. baby peace...night

2009-10-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

181. sweetness shared!

180. boxes with clear tops

(thecontainerstore.com or Bed Bath and Beyond)

179. self portrait

178. soothing a wounded sister

2009-10-08T04:46:00.000-07:00

177. seeing the first colors of fall..

she comes to me dressed for royalty.
quiet in her play, imagined radiance.
dressed in ruby robes she comes to me...
waiting for the recognition..."Look!"

176. enjoying it Now...

There it is!
my sunrise secret...
hello, friend! from the Almighty.
catch it! so georgeous but
no camera can hold it down.
it shifts...glows...ever changing...
be still.

2009-10-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

175. imitating daddy

2009-10-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

174. weekly email prayer group

173. movie night

172. a hot shower

171. oldest child...kind helpfulness

170. love...shown in so many different ways by others

169. a child's first painting experience

168. talking about a piece of art with a child..how can they be so wise?

167. apples, washed, cut and roasting in oven

2009-10-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

166. swiss chard..continuous growth all season...

165. rain's washing...

the day's creation gone...slate clean for tomorrow's guidance, like my blunderings, erased in forgiveness, repentance received

164. the enclosure of a rainy day

2009-10-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

163. a time-invested, handmade gift

2009-10-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

162. burrs...a lesson in patience

161. funny...they stick to each other, but not to my hands...
may insult, injury, lies be the same...

(P.S. burrs come off in the wash...lies, believed can be overcome!)

2009-10-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

160. a time to be alone

159. a time for community

158. variety of God's family

157. witnessing encouragement

156. shared authenticity

155. a judging heart...changed

154. Hope

153. being welcomed

152. a smile

151. a neighborly neighbor

150. new beginnings

149. a chance to show love

148. refuge

2009-10-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

147. last year's ice storm wreckage left for inspiration

2009-10-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

146. family project: tree house

145. learning to drill...

view from tree house, together-happiness

2009-10-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

144. 2-yr-old "serious" conversations

143. happiness in a three-year-old...squeeze-hugs and carefully planted kiss on cheek

142. food aplenty

141. a comfortable, clean bed

140. money in the bank

139. a roof...no leaks

138. clean water...daily

137. Life of Pi, audio book

136. community

135. bike ride

2009-10-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

134. morning glories

133. door vases

2009-09-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

132. "The point of life is learning to love- God and people. Life minus love equals zero." -Warren

131.
marriage
husband-arm draped as I lie awake in the security-comfort, sure-love as we "all-together" go forward in the unsure. quiet entanglement. Christ-husband, church-bride and life is Joyful awaiting the Circle to Complete...

130. poems lost in the night, no pen or camera...2:00 A.M. genius, then gone with the morn.

129.
Falling
There it is, a lump, sore.
Tingly numbness in arm...my heart goes numb with thoughts... a passing grandmother...
Don't do it, google-
see the others' claims of surety, Saul!
Trust in Him. Be wise and wait.
Wait...
where?
In His hand,
wrapped in his Fullness, security knowing all is well.
We wait, feet in streams of Living Water.

128. shared familiar music, family communal

127. grace to hide my heavy heart with honest praise

126. welcome arms

125. doctor-sister

124. good results

123. being Light...surging, lustrous, sparkling, radiant, aglow..resplendent. I am a window, His Glory shines through...

122. husband-plumber, toilet fixed in togetherness

121. a glory day...for hiking, a walk or run...being together in His warm

2009-09-28T04:51:00.000-07:00

120. favorite cup with chip

I am a broken vessel...but I can still fulfill his purposes, even more so, as I am more willing, understanding my brokenness. here, I sit, holding mom's tea with memories abroad and of many cups past. cups poured to strengthen, soothe, revive. this was given me during a most horrible time by a stranger (first semester teaching) and yet today brings great comfort. funny how God turns life around, upside down, backward, so we can see His Glory, me with my broken glasses...
(at least chip is not where my mouth goes...)

119. acapella voices, Spirit, breathing, soaring

118. children, secure

117. close friends

116. favorite restaurant
cashew ginger shrimp with carrot broccoli squash and brown rice

115. a hand-held walk

114. time to talk, share

113. kindness of a stranger

112. helping a stranger

111. witnessing friends' adopting

110. unanswered prayer.. God wanting us near...to stay...

109. prayer, God, reaching His arms to us...having relationship...holding His children in His arms

108. helpless in the Arms of God

107. Ann, helping open again these creative veins

106. "self forgetful and spirit full"

105. "humble people don't have a low opinion of themselves...they have no opinion of themselves because they rarely think of themselves"

2009-09-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

104. dinner al fresco

103. the crackle of a campfire

102. daddy reading Narnia

2009-09-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

101. picked flowers, received

100. "clues" from a nature hunt with daddy

2009-09-24T04:54:00.000-07:00

99. ready for a tumble

98. the beloved Lamby (and his cousin, for washing-days)

97. a forbidden bloom, innocently love-plucked, and me with the god-given grace to overlook it, ready to accept and treasure

2009-09-24T04:46:00.000-07:00

96. visiting the library...the days that follow

95. the library shelf, full

94. father-son chores with a two-year-old

2009-09-24T04:15:00.000-07:00

93. freedom in earthly matters
92. hard lessons, asphalt
91. a child's first starry night, head craned to the Glory
90. blogs started
89. bitter heart...repentance...child forgiveness
88. persistent spiderwabs, creeping overnight. What webs does my heart hold? Rid them, Lord! Do your daily work!
87. journal, falling apart (evidence of use!)
86. graces flying faster than my pen. it comes, it goes, but it changes my heart, taking the ungrateful 85. out, the self-absorbed, the bitter...
84. letting go of catching every one! (they are coming in my sleep, now)
83. recorded memories, revisited, sweeter than the actual (with auto stop button)
82. Saturdays, wide open...freedom to be creative, industrious, and together
81. Friday Family Nights
80. "Life minus love equals zero." R. Warren

2009-09-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

79. teeny tiny wildflowers
(the Maker of canyons , mountains, and powerful waterfalls still has an interest in such things...)

78. bare feet in cool grass

77. Frozen cookie dough balls, ready at a moment's notice

2009-09-22T11:30:00.001-07:00

76. When do we pick them, they ask? I only read, and ask seasoned farmers. We wait...

2009-09-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

75. childrens' first garden watermelon, enjoyed.
Oh, the Love that must have flowed from the Maker of shine and rain as he fashioned the sweet. Just for us...to enjoy.

74. ode to a green pepper...

and back were it came from, to help put forth the next year's bounty...

2009-09-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

73. dry stone walls...labor of a skilled hand

Piece-by-piece these rocks were set, matching imperfections so that the wall would be strong as well as beautiful. I've seen fallen sections fixed by us land-owners, showing us how difficult it is to repeat. How skillfully, our Maker chooses and sets us with the right people, situations, blessings to help work on that burden we are trying to carry ourselves, judgements we still hold onto, pain too deep to remember, setting us that much closer to the perfection (which we cannot attain here but awaits us one day) and giving us the freedom to live in His Joy while we wait. For me, it is painful sometimes, bumping into others, but oh, the glory in the end-time...

72. indoor plumbing (this was the outhouse for the girls when our home was a school, 100 years ago)

can you imagine sharing this with a friend? Oh, the luxuries we take for granted!

2009-09-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

70. outdoor hat, waiting for my explorations

71. summer's fading

2009-09-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

67. morning rituals

68. love tokens

(do I really look like that?)

69. a child's style, coming out

(see tiny playdoh people, #3)

2009-09-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

66. head kisses

2009-09-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

64. today's "hello"

65. Little Women...a great book

2009-09-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

61. goodness that tastes good (herbal fruit kefir smoothie, bulkherbstore.com)

62. homeschool math

63. sister gift

2009-09-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

60. a girl's nesting

2009-09-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

57. garden playtime

58. girls, 7 & 3, first dishwasher loading, done well (I had no idea they could do this!)

59. husking saved for future playmates