My husband travels for work and can be gone quite often and sometimes quite long. And each time he comes home I am given the priviledge to be reminded of how tall he is, or how much I love his smile and how much I miss his boisterous laugh when he is away. This homecoming I was reminded of his hands. As we sat together catching up on the long week he was away his hand held mine. They are a bit rough, but strong and can encompass the whole of my hand. I have always liked the way his hands look. They look strong! And I thought to myself how much those hands have done in the 20 years we have been together. One moment those hands held our brand new baby girl, tenderly yet confidently as the tears rolled down his cheek. And in a blink of an eye, another baby girl, holding her gently so big sister could get a good look. And yet those same hands have grasped an M-16 as he dodges mortar shells. Those hands have held closed a wound received by a young man in a car accident. Those hands have built many things, yet torn other things to shreds. And then in another moment those hands are brushing the hair from my face as he looks at me saying hello after a long time apart. And those hands come together in prayer.
God truly did create man in His own image. God's hands do all this...hold a newborn baby, He builds, He brushes the hair from our faces to gaze at us and His hands can tear apart anything. Yet His hands encompass the whole world , and His hands carry us when we need Him. And His hands molded my husband into what he is today physically, spiritually...His hands work through my husband's hands, my hands, and my childrens' hands. Amazing!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Truly Blessed!!
I went with a heavy heart. I had complained that it wasn't going to happen...I felt I needed it to happen. I felt I needed it. Then, there was the invite. Our monthly Mom's Night Out was back on thanks to the graciousness and willingness of two of our moms. But it was also by the grace of God that it happened. He knew I needed it. I have carried this heavy heart...and He knew where I could go to lighten my load. There were only six moms including myself. It was intimate enough to be able to share that I needed prayer...that my daughter needed prayer. And God showed me that I am doing something right in this world purely through forgiveness. Through our fellowship we shared victories and concerns. We shared laughter and we shared tears. And most importantly, we shared prayer!! I feel so full of His love right now I am shaking!! God is awesome!!
I now know that I can forgive the deeply wounding words thrust without care into my daughter's heart. I know through His love I can forgive this person whom my daughter so respects, for the words he spoke so harshly! And I pray that my daughter's heart will be healed as she learns to forgive as well. Please Lord, do not let these careless words build a wall around my loving child!!!
I now know that I can forgive the deeply wounding words thrust without care into my daughter's heart. I know through His love I can forgive this person whom my daughter so respects, for the words he spoke so harshly! And I pray that my daughter's heart will be healed as she learns to forgive as well. Please Lord, do not let these careless words build a wall around my loving child!!!
Jump In!!!
I woke up this morning with my mind already at work. Perhaps it is the sound of the rain outside my window that my brain woke up to...but this is what is on my mind.
The greatest adventures can begin with a small leap of faith from the path of not knowing what you desire to the path of finding out.
Life would be very easy if you stayed with the flow...just go day to day doing what you do or doing what is expected and not straying from that path. But a small leap of faith...your faith in Jesus...can lead to the greatest adventures. Trust Him! If He continues to lay a path before you...but you do not take it out of fear, or you do not take it because you are not sure that is what you want, the timing isn't right for you or someone in your life is waving from the sideline yelling "don't go there"...you will be missing out on one of those adventures. Go ahead...play it safe, go with the flow...live moment to moment as many like to quip. You will be missing out on life itself and will soon be leading the life that someone else has laid before you...not the life He wants for you. Life is an adventure...jump in!!!
The greatest adventures can begin with a small leap of faith from the path of not knowing what you desire to the path of finding out.
Life would be very easy if you stayed with the flow...just go day to day doing what you do or doing what is expected and not straying from that path. But a small leap of faith...your faith in Jesus...can lead to the greatest adventures. Trust Him! If He continues to lay a path before you...but you do not take it out of fear, or you do not take it because you are not sure that is what you want, the timing isn't right for you or someone in your life is waving from the sideline yelling "don't go there"...you will be missing out on one of those adventures. Go ahead...play it safe, go with the flow...live moment to moment as many like to quip. You will be missing out on life itself and will soon be leading the life that someone else has laid before you...not the life He wants for you. Life is an adventure...jump in!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A New Year!
I am finding myself feeling somewhat reflective if not "down" today. It's a new year and is suppose to be a new beginning. Reflecting over the past year...it was awesome!! But somehow...and this is what I need to fix...things that happened this holiday season...conflicts that arose...are making it difficult for me to reflect with a smile...and just really wonder about the future.
The conflicts were/are totally unnecessary...manifested by someone getting their "panties in a wad" or "their knickers in a bunch" and feeling it quite neccessary to put their 2 cents worth in...where it was not needed...nor to the glory of God. It does not help that I absolutely hate conflict and try to avoid such as much as possible. I admit to being a coward in this area..and want everyone to be happy...even at my own expense. But, there are times in which setting the record straight is unavoidable. If people would be straightforward and communicate...this would not be the case. Instead, some choose to whip with a snide comment in order to manipulate. Not only do they manipulate someone directly...but they manipulate others indirectly. A snide comment puts you on guard...therefore trickling down to others. Pretty soon...the indirectly manipulated are wondering what offense they have committed to cause a change in behavior by the directly manipulated. Basically...s*** rolls downhill....and right now I am trying to figure out how not to get hit..I am at the bottom...looking up...thinking...WHAT THE HECK???
The conflicts were/are totally unnecessary...manifested by someone getting their "panties in a wad" or "their knickers in a bunch" and feeling it quite neccessary to put their 2 cents worth in...where it was not needed...nor to the glory of God. It does not help that I absolutely hate conflict and try to avoid such as much as possible. I admit to being a coward in this area..and want everyone to be happy...even at my own expense. But, there are times in which setting the record straight is unavoidable. If people would be straightforward and communicate...this would not be the case. Instead, some choose to whip with a snide comment in order to manipulate. Not only do they manipulate someone directly...but they manipulate others indirectly. A snide comment puts you on guard...therefore trickling down to others. Pretty soon...the indirectly manipulated are wondering what offense they have committed to cause a change in behavior by the directly manipulated. Basically...s*** rolls downhill....and right now I am trying to figure out how not to get hit..I am at the bottom...looking up...thinking...WHAT THE HECK???
Monday, December 15, 2008
Missing a Montana Winter
This morning we woke to a slight dusting of snow...like powdered sugar on brownies. Just up the road 30 minutes, friends received about 16 inches. "The picnic table has a nice cap on it."
I grew up in Montana and left when I married a military man. We have lived in warmer climates since then...Mississippi, New Mexico, Japan, Texas, Arkansas and now California. California is actually the coldest climate we have lived since the major went active duty. But I miss the cold of Montana...not the "freeze your lungs with one breath cold". My last winter in Montana we had a week of 60+ degrees BELOW zero...without windchill. No...I prefer the cold that makes the snow beneath your feet crunch with each step. The cold that bites at your nose and cheeks just enough to make them rosey.
When I was old enough to drive, I would head up to the mountains on a sunny winter day. I would drive as far as I could, camera awaiting on the seat next to me to get the perfect picture.
One day I did get that picture. The sun was sparkling through the trees laden with fresh snow. The creek below was frozen except for the slightest trickle of water determined to get through. The snow on the banks of the creek left undisturbed except for the bits of snow tossed from the tree's branches leaving dimples of shadow. This is the picture I always think of when I am missing a Montana winter.
As a child, winter was always comforting. It brought ice-skating everyday. On the weekends my brothers and I would ice skate all day...we lived just across the street from a park where the field of snow would be hosed down with a firehose to make an ice rink. And after a long day out in the cold we would come home to hot cocoa and freshly made donuts as well as a pot of chili on the stove. At night I would lay in bed, all snuggled in under heaps of blankets and listen for the train whistle. On those cold, clear nights the whistle could be heard like it was across the road...not 5 miles away. On these nights the moon would cast light and dark on the blanket of snow in our backyard. I would sit at the window of my bedroom just watching the sparkles of light, and the shadows of the trees until I fell fast asleep ...with all things quiet and still.
I grew up in Montana and left when I married a military man. We have lived in warmer climates since then...Mississippi, New Mexico, Japan, Texas, Arkansas and now California. California is actually the coldest climate we have lived since the major went active duty. But I miss the cold of Montana...not the "freeze your lungs with one breath cold". My last winter in Montana we had a week of 60+ degrees BELOW zero...without windchill. No...I prefer the cold that makes the snow beneath your feet crunch with each step. The cold that bites at your nose and cheeks just enough to make them rosey.
When I was old enough to drive, I would head up to the mountains on a sunny winter day. I would drive as far as I could, camera awaiting on the seat next to me to get the perfect picture.
One day I did get that picture. The sun was sparkling through the trees laden with fresh snow. The creek below was frozen except for the slightest trickle of water determined to get through. The snow on the banks of the creek left undisturbed except for the bits of snow tossed from the tree's branches leaving dimples of shadow. This is the picture I always think of when I am missing a Montana winter.
As a child, winter was always comforting. It brought ice-skating everyday. On the weekends my brothers and I would ice skate all day...we lived just across the street from a park where the field of snow would be hosed down with a firehose to make an ice rink. And after a long day out in the cold we would come home to hot cocoa and freshly made donuts as well as a pot of chili on the stove. At night I would lay in bed, all snuggled in under heaps of blankets and listen for the train whistle. On those cold, clear nights the whistle could be heard like it was across the road...not 5 miles away. On these nights the moon would cast light and dark on the blanket of snow in our backyard. I would sit at the window of my bedroom just watching the sparkles of light, and the shadows of the trees until I fell fast asleep ...with all things quiet and still.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
VP
I remember when Geraldine Ferraro was running for Vice President. I was a junior in high school and would be 18 two months prior to the election. No one seemed too excited that she was the first woman to run for the office...except for feminists...which were few and far between at the time. I did know that as a new voter I would not be voting for her just because she was a woman. I wouldn't be voting for her because I didn't agree with her politics.
I didn't grow up in a political home. We didn't talk politics nor did my parents wear their political beliefs on their sleeves. I never knew who they were voting for until after the fact.
My daughters live in a different kind of home. My eldest wishes she could vote this election and is angered by those who say they won't be bothered. This comes from her father. He is the politically minded one in our household.
This brings me to Sarah Palin. She sits as the Governor of Alaska...and is now the VP candidate with John McCain. I don't like John McCain...I respect his sacrifice for our country...but his politics do leave something to be desired. But I will be voting for him because he has Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Sarah Palin stands up for what she believes. Most of all she stands up for those who cannot do it for themselves....the unborn. She not only talks the talk...but walks it as well. The mother of a Down's Syndrome baby...she was given the option to end the life of this special child..and she did not. She has a 17 year-old daughter who is pregnant. Obviously she has instilled her morals and values into her children as her daughter is now engaged to the father of her unborn baby.
I watched Palin's nomination acceptance speech. She has spirit in her...she wants to see change...she doesn't seem like other candidates who are running just for their own glory. She seems to be running to make a difference. We need more like her in Washington D.C.
I didn't grow up in a political home. We didn't talk politics nor did my parents wear their political beliefs on their sleeves. I never knew who they were voting for until after the fact.
My daughters live in a different kind of home. My eldest wishes she could vote this election and is angered by those who say they won't be bothered. This comes from her father. He is the politically minded one in our household.
This brings me to Sarah Palin. She sits as the Governor of Alaska...and is now the VP candidate with John McCain. I don't like John McCain...I respect his sacrifice for our country...but his politics do leave something to be desired. But I will be voting for him because he has Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Sarah Palin stands up for what she believes. Most of all she stands up for those who cannot do it for themselves....the unborn. She not only talks the talk...but walks it as well. The mother of a Down's Syndrome baby...she was given the option to end the life of this special child..and she did not. She has a 17 year-old daughter who is pregnant. Obviously she has instilled her morals and values into her children as her daughter is now engaged to the father of her unborn baby.
I watched Palin's nomination acceptance speech. She has spirit in her...she wants to see change...she doesn't seem like other candidates who are running just for their own glory. She seems to be running to make a difference. We need more like her in Washington D.C.
Monday, August 25, 2008
If life ever feels boring....
Get a teenage daughter..better yet...get TWO.
I enjoyed my daughters when they were little and thought the sun rose and set with me and their father. When they truly believed we knew everything. Now they know better but that doesn't matter. There are days when we clash but there are more days that we don't. And I find myself laughing much more when they are around me.
I don't have typical teenage girls. My oldest has a mind of her own...not just in the differences from her dad and I...but from her friends. She's not one to be swayed. Though some she knows have let the world change them overnight in the way they dress or act or treat others...Kate has not. She doesn't go for the latest fashion...she remains modest. She is who she is despite some trying to change her. She is beautiful on the inside with a deep love for Jesus. She is also beautiful on the outside...blonde hair and hazel green eyes ...and she makes people laugh. She has an infectious giggle...and makes anyone near her...want to know her. And she is a regular spitfire!! This is my perception.
My youngest who is new to being a teenager is just as amazing. Just as strong-willed as her big sister she carries her heart on her sleeve. She hates to see anyone upset or sad and will try her hardest to cheer them up. Sarah loves Jesus and that love shows through her. Caring and loving with a beautiful smile that lights up the room. She is also a beautiful blond with hazel eyes...and an ornery streak!! She is witty and funny and so fun to have around.
With these two around me how can life be boring? They make me laugh with their silliness. It breaks my heart when their hearts are broken. I soar when they soar and cry when they cry. So life is never boring...it is actually full of happiness because of these two young ladies God loaned to me. They are both true blessings.
I enjoyed my daughters when they were little and thought the sun rose and set with me and their father. When they truly believed we knew everything. Now they know better but that doesn't matter. There are days when we clash but there are more days that we don't. And I find myself laughing much more when they are around me.
I don't have typical teenage girls. My oldest has a mind of her own...not just in the differences from her dad and I...but from her friends. She's not one to be swayed. Though some she knows have let the world change them overnight in the way they dress or act or treat others...Kate has not. She doesn't go for the latest fashion...she remains modest. She is who she is despite some trying to change her. She is beautiful on the inside with a deep love for Jesus. She is also beautiful on the outside...blonde hair and hazel green eyes ...and she makes people laugh. She has an infectious giggle...and makes anyone near her...want to know her. And she is a regular spitfire!! This is my perception.
My youngest who is new to being a teenager is just as amazing. Just as strong-willed as her big sister she carries her heart on her sleeve. She hates to see anyone upset or sad and will try her hardest to cheer them up. Sarah loves Jesus and that love shows through her. Caring and loving with a beautiful smile that lights up the room. She is also a beautiful blond with hazel eyes...and an ornery streak!! She is witty and funny and so fun to have around.
With these two around me how can life be boring? They make me laugh with their silliness. It breaks my heart when their hearts are broken. I soar when they soar and cry when they cry. So life is never boring...it is actually full of happiness because of these two young ladies God loaned to me. They are both true blessings.
Monday, August 18, 2008
What a wonderful week we had!! Saturday we returned from our Homeschool groups campout at Fallen Leaf Lake. The weather was awesome and the company wonderful!
Observances:
I am not the only non-morning person.
Bears enjoy slightly cooled apples straight from the cooler.
A yellow lab can change color.
Teenagers can sink a kayak.
Trees like to jump out in front of me on my bike.
You cannot make all the people happy at one time.
You can make some people happy some of the time.
Getting a group picture is like herding cats.
Pancakes come in different shapes...depending on the cook.
We have entirely too much camping stuff!!
Monday, August 11, 2008
First Posting
So I begin a new blog when summer is coming to an end. And what a summer it has been. We spent a week in Gig Harbor, Washington in June. Also spent a week in Bozeman, Montana with a jaunt through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National parks. Each time I see the Grand Tetons it just takes my breath away! Between trips we have spent much time on our boat zipping about Lake Wildwood with numerous teenagers in tow on the "innertube". Yes, a few small injuries one of which instigated facial hair. One of our young friends who is more like a son to us took a gash to the chin. He couldn't shave so is now sporting a beard and mustache. Looks quite nice on him. I predict he will be a hit with the young ladies as he heads off to college in 10 days.
The Major has been away much of the time this summer for work in the Air Force. However, we do get to spend a whole week with him as we head up to Fallen Leaf for a group campout. He is in his element on these trips and we are looking forward to the fellowship with our friends.
One more week of fun then it is back to work/school.
The Major has been away much of the time this summer for work in the Air Force. However, we do get to spend a whole week with him as we head up to Fallen Leaf for a group campout. He is in his element on these trips and we are looking forward to the fellowship with our friends.
One more week of fun then it is back to work/school.
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