Monthly Archives: May 2012

Proper Perspective

Shadow patterns on drifting sand dunes before ...

Aaahhhhh….perspective.

Sometimes it is so very difficult to grasp.

The day to day things seem so big. The urgent overtaking the ordinary.

My vision, clearly focuses on the details.

Get this done, get that taken care of……

I forget the big picture. It is so easy.

I find it difficult to relax. Often, I feel guilty when I slow down…as if I will miss something.

And yes, I can and will miss things if I don’t slow down.

Slowing down really is the essence of things, isn’t it?

Time sifts through my hands like sand, and I wonder where it goes?

The only way to “capture” time, is to enjoy it.

See things. Really, truly, see things.

******************************************8

A favorite praise chorus of mine, is….
Open the eyes of my heart Lord
open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You
I want to see You

To see you high and lifted up
shining it the light of Your glory
Lord, pour out your power and love
as we sing Holy, Holy, Holy…

 

 

Related articles

Some Gave All

Some Gave All–—- sung by, Billy Ray Cyrus

This is a solemn day to remember that many gave…but, some truly did give all.

Born in 1968, I was too young to remember Vietnam. I had just graduated from college when  Desert Storm/the Gulf war was in full swing. I wrote to a soldier. We were sort of pen pals. He was a 22 year old young man from Iowa, named Pete. I had my whole class sending him cards. Then in 2001 the whole world seemed to change after 9/11.

I think those who have served, would agree with me that war is never pretty. That they were scared out of their wits at times. That they knew what it was to be dirty, and hot, and lonely. They would also say they understand  sacrifice, bravery, courage, and hard work.

These men and women stood (and continue to stand) in the gap….knowing that freedom is never free.

I am thankful for the many brave men and women that have served, and continue to serve in our United States military.

Thank you.

*************************************************************************

Today I am thankful for:

* those who would lay their life on the line, to keep me safe

* freedom

* the red, white and blue flapping in the breeze

* America the Beautiful

*family

* cooking out on the grill

* Memorial Day

* remembering

* A God who is with me (us) always…

Related articles

Faded Jeans And An Old Tee Shirt

He wore faded jeans and an old tee shirt.

He was wet from the spray of the water hose…

and he was doing the yucky job of cleaning out the chicken coop.

As much as I enjoy my chickens, they are dirty birds.

They eat, drink and poop….and a lot of it!

I am really the one that wanted chickens. I knew I’d have a lot of work cut out for me.

My husband chose to help me the other night. He didn’t have to, and I wouldn’t have blamed him if he had said, “you take care of them”.

Now, I’ve seen my husband at different times, in a tux, different suits with dress shirts and ties, freshly shaven, and hair neatly combed….

But, as he stood there this night, I told him, “I think that I love you more now, than I did even a few minutes ago!”  He smirked at me in a good-natured way.

This cleaning was a selfless act on his part.

It was a loving act.

I was grateful for his help.

My husband is a good guy, and I sure do appreciate him.

Even if he did need a shower …..

Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you

Related articles

Driving Down County Road 12

Today, I was on my way to the house of one of my home instructed students. The sun was shining and the air was warm. I had the windows down in the van. It was one of those glorious days.

No traffic, and the only time I had to stop was for a deer. She was standing perfectly still, the only thing giving her away was the slight twitch of her ear. We locked eyes, she and I. She was just as interested in me, as I was in her. Then the moment was gone. She turned and sprang into the air. The only sight left was that of her white tail as she ran off. A similar experience happened the other night with a fox. Beautiful. Just beautiful.

I meandered on down the road and slowed down to watch a heard of Holsteins gathered around a feeding trough. Their black and white swaying back and forth, trying to get to lunch. I smiled at the sight of them.

The fields dotted with farms for as far as the eye could see. I noticed the carefully plowed rows, and the farmers in their tractors, baling hay. The big, round hay bales looked like rural art…and I appreciated the view.

As I rounded a bend in the road, the sun hit the silver topped silo, and nearly blinded me with the brilliance. Silos…utilitarian towers of rural America.

All is art, and beauty…when one trains the eyes to really see. Even the simple can become profound.

Have you ever had days when you were so happy, that the feeling just bubbled up inside? Threatening to spill out all over the place? It’s that moment when you realize….really, realize…..that you are blessed.

Enjoying my Saturday, in my little piece of rural America……..

I wish the best for you, my friends. May you realize your blessings today.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.  Malachi 3:10 NIV

************************************

Related articles

Opportunity

Colors 10 minutes before sunrise. Rocher Percé...


The Gypsy Mama

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.

Today we are writing on: opportunity.

********************************************************************

I love watching the sun as it breaks across the horizon, in all its blazing glory.

A new day. A fresh slate. New opportunities.

Always wondering what this new day will hold.

On some days the surprise opportunity comes in the form of a necessary conversation.

On other days the opportunity comes with a few moments of “extra” time.

And sometimes the opportunity is disguised as a trial. Not really looking for it…but, there it is.

Waiting for what I will do with it.

My times are in your hands… Psalm 31:15 NIV

 

Related articles

God’s Fingerprints

Every person’s fingerprint is unique. Not even identical twins have the same fingerprints, as a matter of fact, no two fingerprints have ever been found to be identical….

A tented arch fingerprint pattern.

Unique. Original just to you. Identifiable.

I look at the frog (or toad?) that is on my front porch. He has a pretty gray on gray pattern.

I stare at the cotton puff clouds, swirling against the azure blue of the sky.

Did you know, that if you look closely, dogs noses have little pores or bumps all over them?

My rooster’s tail(s) are getting the most beautiful emerald green feathers.

I breathe without thinking about it.

My heart never misses a beat…for all the days of my life.

The sunrise splashes pinks and purples across the early morning sky. The colors, breathtaking.

********************************************************

My husband and I have had this conversation many times. If scientists can find a piece of pottery that has been buried for centuries, and know that it was created by a human, and not just by a weird mistake, why can’t we look at all that is around us…..and know? Understand that all the creations point directly to a Creator. That all these miracles did not happen by accident. They are not here because of a big bang. The creations are far too intricate, to be nonchalant.

Know that God‘s fingerprints are on everything.

He alone is the Master Creator. His creativity and intellect know no bounds.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV

**************************

Thankful today for:

* singing birds in brilliant colors

* ice cubes in my drink on a hot day

* a slow morning

* sweet smelling candles

* walking the dog in my pajamas

* freshly mowed yard

* watering and waiting for flowers to grow

* another day

* God who creates in technicolor glory

Related articles

A Country Girl

A country girl at heart….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoying the wide open spaces and quiet places…..

Saturdays are meant for slowing down and letting time pass, laying in a hammock with a glass of iced tea.

******************************************************

Today is my son’s 17th birthday. Seventeen years ago today, he came into my life, and changed my life forever. Happy Birthday, Kendrick!

Related articles

Perspective

The Gypsy Mama

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments.

Give me your best 5 minutes on: Perspective

******************************************

Perspective comes from change and withchange.

Sunrise 3

The birth of a child. The death of a spouse. The loss of a job. On and on…..different things for each of us.

Looking at life in a different way. Realizing that I am not the center of the universe.

Knowing that the “big” things, really aren’t all that big….and the small things are more significant than I ever could have imagined.

Enjoying the good. Knowing it is a gift. Enduring the bad…knowing that it will not last forever.

Smiling more. Laughing more. Hoping more. Loving more.

Learning to just breathe.

Allowing God’s sovereignty to reign in my life.

Taking it all, one day at time.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10  NIV

 

Related articles

Happy Birthday To Me

日本語: 黒ゴマソフトクリーム。秋田県角館市にて。 English: Black sesam...

Today is my birthday.  I was born in 1968.

1968. What?!  How can that be? That was such a long time ago…..

In honor of my special day, I thought I’d write a list. (Doesn’t everyone do that, on their special day?)

Forty-four things I’ve learned about life and myself:

1. Days can seem long, but life is short.

2. Time doesn’t stop…it doesn’t even slow down.

3. Relationships are what is important. We are each made for relationship.

4. God is sovereign. He is in control. Always. Nothing surprises Him.

5. I don’t need to have all the answers.

6. Messy won’t kill you…it might aggravate, irritate and you might need to fumigate…but, it won’t kill you.

7. I’m glad I’ve journaled over the years.

8. It’s fun having friendships that have lasted the years.

9. I don’t need negative people in my life. Hurt people, hurt other people. I don’t need that.

10. Every person can reach their full potential.

11. Some of the happiest people I know, don’t know that they have “special needs“…they just enjoy life…and that makes me enjoy life.

12. Children are a gift from God Himself.

13. Being a mother is the closest I will ever come to understanding unconditional love.

14. Birthdays are fun. I like them. I feel special….and I get to eat ice cream.

15. I love ice cream. I refuse to feel guilty about it. Ice cream is good.

16. Dogs are the best pets ever. Loyal, furry friends.

17. I have learned to like cats. Even if I clean up puke nearly every other day. Darn them, for looking all fluffy and cute!

18. Chickens make me happy. Even if they try to peck at me.

19. Sheep freak me out. They look like aliens.  I try not to hurt their feelings…they can’t help it that they look like aliens.

20. Llamas are my favorite “new” animal. I’d like some one day. Just to watch.It lowers my blood pressure to watch them graze.

21. The city life is great for convenience, but I truly love the peacefulness of living in the country. Open spaces and quiet places…..

22. I haven’t been to a high school reunion yet. I wish I could. I think it would be interesting.

23. People watching is an art form, especially during trips to Walmart.

24. Sleep is important, and cannot be overrated. The body needs it and it helps me to not be cranky and want to gag and tie up my family members.

25. I enjoy watching ID TV. I wonder about myself sometimes…..that I should enjoy shows where people are serial killers, identity thieves, housewives that have snapped, or jilted lovers gone wrong…terribly wrong.  When our dogs dragged home some bones last year, I knew they could not be part of a deer carcass….they were probably the remnants of some poor soul that had been dumped on our road. This was completely fabricated on my part, but see how my mind works?  I’m weird, I know.

26. I like to walk. Walking is therapeutic.

27. The scales at the doctor’s office are always wrong, and we all know it.

28. I am a bad gift wrapper, but I don’t care. It’s a gift that someone is getting…should they really care if it is duct taped together?

29. I love to read….but, never feel like I have enough time to sit down and read. When I have enough time to sit down and read, by eyesight will probably have gone by then. How unfair.

30. I could eat Mexican food every day. Hot stuff is good for you. Seriously. Of course, not if flames are shooting out your ears…….

31. Never stop learning. It makes you interesting and entertaining.

32. Remember the good things.

33. Know that bad times will pass. They always do. It won’t be that way forever.

34. A truly strong person is one who can be gentle.

35. Laugh. Laugh a lot. Laugh at yourself.

36. Try to stay organized. It helps life to run a little more smoothly. Do the best you can.

37. I’m not in control of life….even though I’d like to think I am.

38. Tell people that you love, that you love them. Say it over and over again. You need to say it. They need to hear it.

39. Slow down. What is the rush, really? What are you rushing to?  Or from?  There are 24 hrs. in the day for each of us.

40. With age comes wisdom.

41. Beauty is fleeting, but a winning smile and sparkling personality go a long way to making anyone look good, no matter the age.

42. Music speaks to the soul.

43. Flip flops and worn T-shirts are the best summer gear.

44. God is good. All the time.

Related articles

Virtual Trip

M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I

Isn’t it fun to spell?

Bags packed? Ready to go see the state with me? Okay, then…let’s hit the road!

I’m thinking that the gulf coast sounds really great right about now. Too early for hurricanes…and before all the summer people head down to the beaches.

Aaahhhh….. can’t you feel the sand on your feet? The breeze blowing. Peaceful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe after a few days at the beach we can go to Clarksdale and listen to some blues. I hear it’s pretty good stuff.  We could wind up our vacation in Vicksburg, for those of us that love history, or at a tour of historic homes in Natchez.

The deep south.

I’m lovin’ it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********************************************

Next state on our trip will be…....Missouri.

Related articles