Stop, Look & Listen

It seems like days since I've been meaning to just relax and have some cozy down-time at home.  But there is always something more that can be done and before you know it the day is gone.  Today (even thought it's afternoon), I'm putting a stop to it all.  Yes, I'm ignoring the basket of whites needing to be sorted and the clothes on my bed to be hung up.  Of course, there is more laundry that can go in the wash and floors to be mopped too.  A new batch of homemade liquid soap is trying to call my name.  The list goes on.

But I'm stopping, right here, right now.  I'm ignoring it.  I'm enjoying the cozy home God has blessed me with and listening to the peace of doing nothing. But you must understand that I count curling up in my chair with a good book, some Christmas music and knitting as nothing.  And oh, will it be good.

I hope you are finding time, especially during this holiday season, to slow things down, take in the real peace of Christ, and learn a little bit more about being all there, where ever you are.

Milestone

You've obviously figured out by now that I am the eternally sporadic blogger.  This season of life has us whirling like busy little bees on those first warm spring days.  The kids are growing older which brings more mom-taxi rides, the garden is beckoning, learning and planning in hopes of adding to our small farm, bible studies, church going, and getting small businesses running.  I prefer to spend my computer time checking in my favorite blogs vs. writing on my own.  And I'm so thankful for all of you that are much more faithful to your blogging than I am!  You often provide me a bit of respite about the whirlwind.

I recently hit the milestone of 40!  Being the youngest amongst my sisters and even my husband, I'm always playing "catch-up" and finally reached their decade, though only for a few years.  My hubby even pulled off a surprise party with my family!  So now I pray for wisdom and knowledge to catch up to these 40 years.  :)

Impersonating Life

Sometimes, life can feel a bit like this dishpan does...overloaded, stressed, weighed down. 

I recently learned that a dear blog friend lost her 12 year old son this past Friday in a skiing accident.  I was so shocked when I read her post and tears came immediately following.

But as you read and follow this family's story, you will see a strength underlying all the turmoil.  Though the pile is high, seemingly overloaded, stressed and weighed down, that little dish drainer bears it all, time and time again.  It's easy to look at that looming mountain of fragile dishes and overlook the bearer of it all.  My friend, Terri, knows this kind of strength offered to us fragile humans and she will undoubtedly rest in it and draw from it.  Jesus is His name. 

Join me in praying for this family, read their story, and share it with others that it may touch the lives of many. 

Airport Entertainment

  

The airport still holds great allure for my kids. So they were thrilled at the chance to go pick Dad up at the airport on his return from a business trip.  He was due in on a late flight so we started the adventure with a trip to the Cheesecake Factory! 

We arrived at the airport about an hour before the flight was due which gave us plenty of time for people watching.  Due to the late hour, it was a bit quiet, but still fun.  We still miss going to the gate to watch our party walk off the plane, but waiting outside the all-gate exit is better than nothing.  Where else can you see such a variety of people from all over the world in such a short period of time?! 

So come on out and visit us and we'll be happy to pick you up at the airport.  No doubt, you are worth the $6 in parking.  :)

Dummies Get it Done

It's probably obvious, but there is so much I don't know about the blogging world.  Taking matters into my own hands, I armed myself with "Google Blogger for Dummies".  Now all I need is more time to dig in deeper.  My hope is to learn more to make this blog more "my own" without having to get outside (paid) help.  I have some ideas in my mind of how I want it to look, but don't know how to get there.

The little I've dug into the book has been very helpful.  So check back often and see what kind of changes you can spot!  Some may just be behind the scenes and help me to manage the blog better, but hopefully, you'll see a difference!

What things have you taken into your hands and just dug in and learned to do it yourself?

The comfort of being known



 In April, it will be 4 years since we moved to this house. Today, as I was washing dishes, I was reminded of an act of sweetness that truly warmed my heart.

Organic, cotton dishcloths, three in a set of beautiful, warm, rich earthy colors (my fave!). What/'s that you say?  Dishcloths?!  Yes, dishcloths, organic dishcloths, in my favorite shades. I had to ponder why I was so moved by these, but it didn't take long for revelation to come.

It wasn't really the items that tickled me, but being known. Known in a way that knew I would appreciate each of the traits of this thoughtful gift. Organic, oh yes. Earthy, I'm a wanna be half-hippie (I'm not hip enough to go all the way). Practical because I love to attempt to live simply by doing things like washing dishes by hand while the dishwasher sits empty. It means that someone notices what makes me tick and even what might get my gander.

We all want it, but why? What drives us to want to be known? Dare I  say, it's what we were created for?  Yes!  You were created to be known intimately by our Creator.  He knows you whether you know Him or not for He shows no partiality.  And He made you to be in communion, fellowship with one another.  To bear one another's burdens.  To be known is to be loved. 

What is a special way that has been demonstrated to you that you were known, loved?

My Book Store is Open!

With the dawning of a new year comes the excitement of sprucing things up around here (the blog, that is) and tackling some projects I've been pondering.  With that, may I have a drumroll please?.......

On the right side-bar you will find the link MY BOOK STORE.  Click on it to be directed to my favorite picks for you to browse and/or purchase along with similar suggestions.  (Be sure to browse the different categories from the side-bar within the shop.)  It was so much fun filling the store up with such goodies while letting you know me a little better by the selections.  Let me know how you like the shop and I hope you find something that quickens your desire to know and grow. 

Happy reading!

Library Fun!

The kids and I love to hang out at the library, though for vastly different reasons.  Though we differ in our reasons, I take full advantage of their desire to go.  I love to read and I love books!  Our little library is a cozy little place that stays very active with patrons.

A usual visit includes dropping off the items we're done with and checking the shelf for new holds that have come in.  The kids find their way to the computers as I head to my favorite spot (which is usually open!), plop down my stuff and browse the magazines.  As delightful as the magazines are to me, all those shelves full of books in all their shiny and brilliant colorful glory hold an even greater allure. 

Familiar with my favorite aisles, off I go to see what catches my eye, plucking lucky contestants from their lonely seat reminiscent of those set free on the Price is Right.  Yes, I judge a book by it's cover, but not in a judgmental sort of way, but in a knowing what I like sort of way.  I'm careful not to be too religious in my routine, making sure to branch out to new adventures, maybe in the next aisle or even two. 

Finally, full arms find their way to that spot in the corner surrounded by windows, with the tree giving some privacy from the chair on the other side.  On a good day, the foot rest is also available.  In no time, I'll be lost in pages, maybe to an organic farm in New England,  a world of crafting, even before the throne of God.  I'm lost in the amazement of all that is at your fingertips, the world layed out before you....and the best part, it's FREE! (well, sort of).

The picture above shares some treasures from a recent excursion.  Not every trip is as successful, but the quest is just as fun.

What's your favorite thing about your local library?