Never lose the wonder...

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Being drawn outdoors, this morning, from looking out the kitchen window, I knew I wanted to capture the beauty that was quietly "landing"... and, I almost landed myself.  On my backside.  I didn't.  Thank goodness.  But, it was close.  Icy back decks and bedroom slippers don't mix, too well.    BUT.

In other ways... adventure isn't really that unless there is that step to the unknown and with it, there is a "falling" that takes place.  It's the only way to really "take it all in" what just happened. 

Think about it.  Babies just don't wake up one day and start walking.  There is a desire that is taking place, in their little hearts and minds, to learn to walk.  They're watching.  They're waiting... and as things progress...as they are growing... the desire and the will to try is growing and getting stronger.   They start by assuming position.  Their little knees are wobbly and shaking.  They teeter, they tip...they plop.  GUESS WHAT!??!!   They get back up again.  ** And, they have cheerleaders (a circle of Encouragers) along the way.  Very important!!

Adventure awaits.  Falling down is a repeated part of the process.   The question is - are we ready and able to get back up again.

***
I'm not sure why all of this, this morning.  It is just that "adventure" and "conditions" and "outcomes" are always par for the course.  The process by which we all are in - whether we like it or not.

Here are instructions for life: 
1. Pay attention
2. Be astonished
3. Tell about it
~as shared, by Mary Oliver

I do think of a verse in Scripture... Galatians 6:9... that reads.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
 harvest if we do not give up.
***
Here is to the rest of your week and that you will never lose the wonder of the season!!

Beware of your Influence

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This apple looks pretty impressive, doesn't it? Granted... the photo of this (currently) nice looking apple is apple number two... and thankfully it WAS okay on the inside.   Imagine my surprise when cutting open, my original apple, one morning, while preparing my kiddo's school lunches.  It was rotten!!  Rotten to the core. 

I was so glad I grabbed a photo...of it, just for this topic today.

 Beware of your influence!! 

An interesting title I'm sure... and one that can be taken both ways.  Who are we influenced by and who are we influencing?  Its tempting to look good on the outside and perhaps it can be done for awhile... but, we all know what is on the inside is what eventually comes out.   It wasn't going to take long for this said "good" apple to present its true ugliness of heart.  I honestly thought it was going to be an AMAZING, crunchy, good and sweet treat for my kiddos.  Again, I'm glad the second one was!!  I will also admit here...I wasn't so trusting of the second apple.  I was "SURE" that it, too, would show up to be a bad apple... isn't that what happens?  It only takes one to ruin the whole basket?     I don't know about you... but this gave me pause.

How am I as a Woman of Influence?

(that is a big deal!)

And, WHO are my Influencers?     
(which is an even greater BIG deal!!)

There are so many analogies and things that could be read between the lines in this post, today, but I'll leave that up to you.  I only trust I am making you think.  Be aware...
Influence is a real thing.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  ~ Matthew 5:16, ESV

****
Joining up with Five Minute Friday - writing community (from last Friday!) - when the prompt word was: influence.

Strong (and Courageous) - word for 2019

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Here we are, a few days in 2019 and I have yet to share my word of the year with you!!

Funny.  I haven't always taken hold of a word so surely as I have been the past year and now for this one.  If you have been reading here - you may remember my word last year was GROW or Growth!

This year... along the same lines is that I want to keep growing... but the word that comes to mind is 

STRONG!

However.  In order to grow STRONG - one needs courage.

COURAGE is another word that keeps coming to my heart and mind.

I'll take them both!!  

Be Strong and Courageous.

I cling to the verses from Joshua chapter 1 starting loosely in verse 3 and continuing through verse 9.

Not wanting to take Scripture out of context, in the least.  I do, however, see these verses as a message of encouragement to myself as a leader of team.  A business builder.  A woman of influence.  As a wife.  A mother. A friend.

(I encourage you to open your Bible and read these verses for yourself. Perhaps you will reap the encouragement for you - as well.)

I feel such hope.  Such encouragement.  Such confidence - from our Lord... that HE will be with just as he has promised.    They say that things that cause fear to rise up in you are really what is your calling.

I believe that.
There are things that I get white-knuckled about, have fear for and the knees begin a-knocking.  While I want to be and do - all these things... there is something that still holds me back.

I want to have faith for this.

A faith that is unwavering.   My heart cries...

Lord!  Let me faith be marked by these three things.

1. A quiet spirit (no questions asked!)

2. A gentle spirit (no details needed)

3. A sweet submissiveness (no struggling against the unknowns)

** found these "marks" in a book somewhere a long time ago and have had them written in the sideline margins of my Bible ever since.  So, I can't give credit, here.  My apologies.

I believe, Lord.  Forgive my unbelief.  Help me... Slow down and take the time to grow - STRONG!!

Wrangling the courage to go through it and emerge.  Trusting the process.

***

Look out 2019!!

fmf | rush

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Fools rush in...

This was my very first thought to the prompt word for today.  Not sure why.  I'm not really familiar with a song, though I'm sure there is.  Or, perhaps a movie title, though I'm sure there is that, too!!   I'll tell you where my thoughts went...

First.  I asked my kids around the breakfast table - as we sat for devotions - what they thought of when they heard the word rush.   They had some great ideas.  One suggested eating too fast or a rushing stream of water.   Another thought of football or an army surge.  One said... "instead of going towards other things we need to go to Jesus, instead".  (I like how my 7yr old thinks) :)  I thought about it this way.   Having lack of control. 

 How about in the way we tend to speak before thinking and we rush in and through the conversation to give an answer... foolishly.  Oh, I'm so guilty.

I opened up to Proverbs 15... because verse one had come to mind... and instead we read the whole chapter.  Actually, we all took turns reading, my three kids and I...several verses at a time.     And while the word never was mentioned... the gist of it was there.  

A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stirs up anger.  ~ Proverbs 15:1

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but from the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 

~ Proverbs 15:2

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. ~ Proverbs 15:4

A mocker resents correction, he will not consult the wise.  ~ Proverbs 15:12

Plans fail for lack of counsel,

but with many advisers they succeed.  ~ Proverbs 15:22

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply -- and how good is a timely word! ~ Proverbs 15:23

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. ~Proverbs 15:28

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.  He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.  He who ignores discipline despises himself. but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. ~ Proverbs 15:30-32

***

Do you see how I felt "reminded" by the Lord... this morning?  It starts at home.  Here in our home, our thoughts become our words.  Our words will often rush out of our mouths.... with little to no thought.  Then our words unknowingly become our actions.  

I'm grateful for the opportunity to slow down, with my children, and give heed... to God's Word for my soul; our souls.   Running or RUSHing to Jesus instead of other things... being able to think through what I'm about to speak or say... instead of just going off.

Instead of rushing to make hopeful plans - to seek counsel first.

Listening and adhering to correction will allow me to feel at home.

No more rushing  around and out the door.  

***

Joining the Five Minute Friday community... today to share my thoughts on the prompt word.  

Today's Prompt is: rush

fmf :: stuck

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Stuck.   Not a favorite word of mine - nor one I use very often.  But, I do admit to feeling this way at times.  As thought about how I might use this word... as part of this five minute prompt - so many thoughts came rushing to mind.  I will simply set the timer aside and just write from the heart, today!

If you have been reading along, here at Treasured Up and Pondered, you've seen my straggly posts...here and there.  At least, as of late, these "few and far between posts" have been along the lines of growing and growth, etc.  I truly appreciate your sense of commitment to reading and following along.  Oh, it blesses me - even though I have not been as fluent or as fluid as I'd like to be, for you.

However, in the past, I have written "extensively", and often, on the topic of encouragement and blessing others -using our words of affirmation, hand-written notes or letters; coffee dates and connection one on one.  Simply because it is a subject so dear to me. It is truly something my heart CRAVES. 
My latest mantra - I've said to myself and am "committed" to doing - is to phone a friend at ten.  It's been working.  Whether I follow through, daily, or not.  I have succeeded in, at least, thinking of someone - at that time of day - and, at best, prayed for them. 
Sometimes a phone call gets made.  Sometimes it is a hand written note.

Simple. Simple. Simple. 

Yet.  How does this all tie in to the word stuck?

I am learning something.

And, Scripture is clear.  In order to have friends - you have to show yourself friendly.  I totally paraphrased that...but it is found in Proverbs chapter 18, I believe.  This doesn't come easy for everyone.  And, I am one of those persons.  I have to work on blessing others... it is a true struggle.

However, I believe some really awesome things about people - but they haven't heard it from me - yet.  Its time to change that.

There is a saying that says.  If you've been blessed, be a blessing!!

Well.  I want that to evident, in my life.

I'm going to take the rock that was once stuck in the mud and toss it into the lake.

You watch.  There will be a ripple effect that happens.  You'll see.

 I have yet another experiment brewing in my heart.  I don't know if I want to share out loud, yet, or not.  But, you watch.  If it comes your way... pass it on!!  Okay?  deal!!

Here is where the inspiration comes from.

Proverbs 3:27-28

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
    when it is in your power to act.  Do not say to your neighbor,
    “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
    when you already have it with you.

***

Determine to withhold nothing!!

Praise * Encouragement * Thanks * a Greeting*

Kindness * Good Deeds * Note of appreciation

I believe when we choose to honor others above ourselves.  It produces a spirit of humility.  A spirit of loveliness.  A spirit of generosity.  A spirit of genuine - heart felt - connection.  

I want this!!  Don't you??

~Tagging along on with Five Minute Friday, today.  The prompt word, obviously, is: stuck!  FMF is a great blogging community - to plug into.  I suggest checking it out.

 

Are you feeling stuck, today?  - Pick yourself up and get out there!!

 

This was only a dream...

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I don't know that I have ever done this before in all my time of blogging.   But... I've decided to give it a whirl and that is to share a dream that I had the other night.  I'm not even going to say the usual; "Thank GOD, it was just a dream", because it really did unnerve me and made me wonder what you might think or do if this ever became a reality for you..?

Okay.  here goes.

For whatever reason - we were in a totally different house.  And, my family was all asleep - upstairs.

It was pretty late.  I think I was tidying up the kitchen.  I don't know if our porch light was on or not. But I sensed someone outside, at the front door.

It was a dog.   Never saw it before.  I shooed it off and turned out the light to the kitchen but then I noticed a truck just circling the driveway.   I turned the light back on and watched... it would stop.   Then I would turn it back off.  It would go... around the circle drive again.  (We don't have a circle drive... this was a dream... remember?)

The whole time, I'm thinking I should go wake my hubby up...?

But...What if this stranger really needed help?

You know. 

What if this was an angel... a true visit from "Jesus" himself?  I would feel horrible if it was and I haven't "helped" a stranger who needed something.  Then the other thoughts would come...
No - this is dangerous.  Don't "flirt" with the light - on and off.   This is definitely weird.  

*

*
*
*

Like I said... a dream.  I woke up - I really have no idea how the story ended.   Except that I woke up feeling bothered.

HOW DO YOU KNOW?

Do you ever feel compelled to go out of your way to "help someone in need" and especially in those strange situations... even if and where it really could be something gone wrong?  I know God is not the author of confusion...so maybe this dream was a figurative test to see my reaction?  Testing my faith and Obedience...?  I really don't know.  What would I do...if this happened in reality?

I remember a time - couple of years ago - our family was on vacation.  My kids still talk about this... where we were approached with a "sob story" - a plea for help from an individual.   It was hard to know.  Hard to discern, if they were telling the truth.  But, acting out of obedience my husband felt compelled to oblige the request.   It truly left an impression on our kiddos as they witnessed the whole thing AND it allowed for deeper conversation... about this very thing.

I remember another time, however - where I truly "walked on by"... and {their} eyes still vividly come to mind!!  Here is where I have to trust that the Lord knows my heart...
I still pray for that couple.

***
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ~ Hebrews 13:2, ESV

fmf :: routine

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This past week began like any other and excitement was building for all that it entailed.  The first day of Spring... nature's way of celebrating routine...was Wednesday!

School days in session... an expected thing!!

Evening events.  The calendar says - "things are happening"!  Things planned for a really looonnnng time!!!!

Then bam!

The weather changes and who knew - we'd all be out of sync with our routine!!  Here we were anticipating Nor'easter #4... and boy, did we get some snow!  Changing everything.

Two days - out of school.

No plans of travel.

No keeping up with "our" schedule - as planned.

I was reading to the kiddos' one morning, this week - over breakfast.  Words from the book of Proverbs about how a man will plan his days but its the Lord who orders his steps.

(In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9 NIV 

Or like the ESV says: The heart of man plans his way but the Lord establishes his steps.)

It just shows that what think IS and SHOULD BE - are really our own rote routines.  But God, our Heavenly Father, truly is Sovereign and HE KNOWS his ways are higher than our ways.

We just need to sit back and (enjoy!) trust the process!

 Looks like Spring is on it's way after all!!   

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater. 

 ~ Isaiah 55 :10

***

Joining up with Five Minute Friday - writing in five minutes 

our take on the prompt word... routine!

How NOT to Be!!

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Earlier this week, as my kiddos were sitting round the breakfast table - I began to hear an rumbling echo of something I had heard the day before while at an eye doctor appointment, with my husband.  My kids words were not happy words, to each other.

  And, I mean it.  They were eerily similar to what I had heard the day prior.   

 ***

As been our new school year, daily habit - we've been pouring over scripture, while the kiddos eat their breakfast.  I try to find one or two verses that we can talk about and find some sort of application...time permitting.

Upon hearing their "ugly" words to each other, over cereal and milk... the verses from Ephesians came to mind.   Ephesians 4:32 - And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

But, as I opened my Bible, to began reading, my eyes fell on verse 29 and immediately - the prior morning scenario became a story.   I read the verses, aloud...and started in.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen....

The Doctor Office was a busy place; the waiting room, quite crowded.  Because, my nose was in a magazine I hadn't really noticed who all was coming and going...but, all of a sudden I hear from across the room - this startling angst, of someone muttering LOUDLY under their breath...

"Whaaa.... just shut up and sit down."

I look up and see an elderly couple across the room from me.  If I could only truly paint the picture.

Here sat this weathered, old man...with a cane across his knee.  I'm assuming it was his wife sitting beside him but as body language would clearly put it... she was sitting as far away from him as possible, with her back turned towards him and her head in her hand.   I thought for a moment they were talking to each other and I went back to my reading.  But several minutes in... I hear it again...

"Come on...! What the h***.  Shut up!... and...sheez!...(shaking head)."  

This time, coming from the woman.  And then, I realized who they were talking about.

Over at the desk, stood another elderly woman of a different ethnicity... her strong dialect giving it away... and she too, was on the louder side; growing impatient... only because perhaps she couldn't understand. ?? I'm not sure.  However, I was impressed as the office staff were patiently working with her and so on... and she eventually, did find a seat...which quieted down the "disturbed" couple.

Obviously, though.  This on-going dialogue, at the counter, was too much for them, since, they repeated their annoyances several times...

I sat there, stunned.... "listening"... saddened by what was going on.  Trying to look past and through the thick skin, to see what might possibly be going on inside.  I wondered if anyone ever made these two smile...?  Did they ever know JOY?  Did they ever have a good day??

As, I shared this story with my kids... I relayed.  Sure.  I don't know what made this elderly couple "react" like that to a situation that wasn't theirs to contend with.  I don't know fully what was going on inside in their hearts and minds.  What their story is or was.  I can imagine, though, based on what I heard and saw that... they don't normally live "happy lives".  With each other or with others.  You know the phrase, "Hurting people, hurt people"?

Here they were, an elderly couple with who knows how much life ahead of them... (none of us, knows or has guarantee for another day.) ... but to be this far in life and to have allowed "bitterness" to take such deep root and have it take over spilling out into life at a moments notice.

Because, then I said, "Kids... what happens if you knock this glass over??  Whatever is in it will spill out, right?  When life comes our way and our "glass" gets knocked around... what's on the inside will come out, right?"

I reread the verses.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  ~ Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV

What an opportunity to see this a lesson to be learned. A lesson, on HOW NOT to BE!!

 ***

I don't share all of this to point out the "flaws" of this elderly couple.  Rather,  I see it as a lesson for myself.  For my family.  To be mindful of what things are taking root in our lives.  I'm just as guilty - in my responses.  I'm just as prone to have my "glass get knocked"... and whatever is inside gets spilled out.  I'm guilty!!   I, too, have my days of muttering, and angst, and impatience and down right ugliness.   That's probably why my kiddos' find it easy to display all of that with each other...

they see MOM.  And, DAD! No one has it all together!

We NEED Jesus, every single day.  I NEED HIM every hour.  

 I'm so grateful for these verses in Ephesians to remind me of how God wants me to live out my days.

As a wife, a mom, a friend, a sister, a neighbor...

I will probably, forever, have the picture of this couple etched in my memory... as a way of reminder in how NOT to be!!

Dusty Paths

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This morning I was writing out a note of encouragement to a friend of mine.  Her daughter and mine are pretty near the same age and Aubrey wanted to bless her friend with a note - to Get Well!

Broken bones are no fun!

I got to thinking about how often this friend and her family - in their own quiet way - are the best and I mean THE BEST homemade card makers and they're always filled with lots of love and encouragement.  I mean, ALWAYS!

I don't know how many times we've received a thick packet in the mail... from this dear family.  "Just because" or truly because we were walking through something...hard to go through.

They have their own moments and hard times and I (honestly!) don't know that I have been as faithful.

While thoughts came to mind as I wrote this note this morning... "dusty paths" came to the forefront.  Wanting to acknowledge their time of  "difficulty".   A daughter; arm recently "casted", as well as  a job that is over the top stressful... well, I can only imagine.... I know it's been really rough right now, for the husband.

Things. Many more things could be mentioned - that they as a family are going through.

And, while we know God walks these paths before us, beside us and behind...

These paths, they feel dusty!

That's what I wrote.  Acknowledging their "dusty paths"... ways that don't seem clear.  Or, paths that are not filled with ease.  Certainly, not flower strewn pathways.. but in them... there is good!

I miss our old home and farmstead... its part of my own "dusty path".

And again. We walk these paths one foot in front of the other... knowing, God is holding our hand.   Confident he has a plan that far exceeds our own.   I'm encouraged in Scripture... these words of reminder.

 This is what the Lord says:

“Stand at the crossroads and look;

    ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

    and you will find rest for your souls.  ~
Jeremiah 6:16

The Gift of Listening...

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To fully give someone a listening ear is the best thing someone can do for another.  It's not easy to stop and always give someone the full, apt attention they need, or that they're asking for. 

As a mom... this following quote-for-thought has given me pause.

Do you listen to understand?  Or, do you listen to reply?

I can remember my youngest - Jayne - a couple of years ago.  Imagine, the baby, seeking to "be heard" amongst everyone else's chatter and clamoring...

She'd be sitting on my lap and would try to be telling me something... then, because I wasn't listening, she would take her chubby little hands and grab my face - turning my whole head towards her own... so that I would really have to LISTEN to her!!  

(smile)

I can remember on more than one occasion my own "demand" for a listening ear.  I had a dear friend who would willingly take hours into the night, sometimes, just to listen...to me ramble and pine and dream...

It was a season, for sure.  One that didn't last forever.  And yet, I'm sure that I took way more of her time than necessary.

But, she had a gift.  The gift of listening...

Her friendship was dear.  And, still is.

It's something I'll never forget.  A blessing I'll cherish long into forever!

I do want to be this "gift" to someone else.

Willing and ready to set life aside; to truly listen to someone - with where they're at.  With kind understanding.  Listening with questions that draws them out even more...

Obviously, for this mom, this starts at home!! 

In all of that, though, the above mentioned quote - reminds me of how and where I need or want to grow.  I realize I reply to readily... and am not patiently listening.

I'm so quick to be thinking of a reply - my reply - while someone else is talking - that I really miss what they are saying.  It's humbling to have to go back (within seconds of the conversation) and say, "I'm sorry - what did you just say?"   I've done this on more than one occasion...

I have so much room to grow...

**

So - this Christmas Season... with this Gift of Listening... 

To master this...what do you say we slow down and really turn our gaze to the one who truly LISTENS!  I know I need His help.

Listen to what the psalmist David says in Psalm 5:1-3...

Give ear to my words, O Lord, 

consider my sighing.

Listen to my cry for help.

my King and my God,

for to you I pray.

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you 

and wait in expectation.

The Psalms are full of examples of prayer and petition... to the Lord.  Here's another, of David's words, found in 

Psalm 27: 7-9

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; 

be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"

Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger;

you have been my helper.

Do not reject me or forsake me, 

O God my Saviour.

Oh friends...in JESUS, we have the greatest example; the Gift of Listening!!!

Doesn't that give you such peace?

**On a side note...

Have you ever stood outside on a snowy night and truly took in the quiet of the moment.  Snow softly falling.  If you hold your breath, pause.. and truly listen.  I promise, you can almost hear those snowflakes falling...one right after another.

That too is such a gift.  Try it sometime, you'll see... it stills you and all is right with the world!!

Click HERE to follow along with the other posts in the series..

Changes Marked with Gratitude

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You know how they come up!!  Sometimes too fast, sometimes slow.

Changes.

Here we are facing some "new" ones, all - in our face - again.

Oh, they've been expected.  It's just that when it's happening - you don't always feel as ready as you'd like to think or hope.

Why do I talk about this so much?

Because, it's where we're at.  The challenge of change.

{I'm so glad my kiddo's got a chance to see the Supermoon of 2016 - this morning!}

However.  Here is what I'm learning - through these changes.

If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you!!


It's amazing... 

When you choose gratitude in the moments that are hard... then, the changes that come aren't so severe in the making.

Here is what's going on.  My Mother-in-law has found a place to relocate to.. so she is moving from her little apartment, beside us. She is a ball of mixed emotion, and rightly so.  Missing us and yet longing to feel truly settled "one last time" (she swears she's not moving again!).  

The thing is.  We'll be moving, too.  Though we don't know when or where.  We think we'll ride it out until we absolutely have to move... but, the days are ticking down for this.
We've got word - about this land (property), that it will be developed...

and, that too is change.  The kind I don't like.  The process will still take time.  So, a lot of unknowns... for sure!

Back to gratitude.  We're just grateful for God's timing.  That we can trust HIM.  Because, he never changes.   We're grateful we can count on his blessing.  His goodness.  And, he knows...
He knows our need before we even ask.

This is what He says.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord,
"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.
Plans to give you a hope and a future."
~ Jeremiah 29:11

**
In the meantime, Life goes on.  It must.
But, my challenge is to keep my days focused on HIM.  Being ever thankful... grateful for his blessing that never ends!!

Thank you for your continued love and prayers!!

a life-changing statement

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Be who you want them to be.

Oh this statement captures me.

It encapsulates so much.  And, demands attention.

It's life-changing...in some aspects.

I KNOW I need this daily reminder.  As an in-my-face classic sort of way.  

Let me tell you... it has stopped me in my tracks more than a couple of times.

This goes beyond Mothering - for sure!

More than toward my children
it's a call for and toward society.

It's also for my team.

My friendships.

My neighbors.

And beyond.

Inspire. Encourage. Influence.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.  The words of Jesus, from Luke 6:13

Have a fabulous week!!

Enjoy this first day of Summer!!!

Changes. Ready or Not... here they come!

. .. . .... .. . .... .. . ... . ... . ... .. . . .. .. . . . . ..

Ready or not... Changes are on the rise.

If you follow me on Facebook, at all, you've seen a lot of photos lately.  :)

You know our kids have celebrated their last day of the school year, this past Monday.

With that... I've done quite a bit of sewing for each of the teachers and bus driver... making Pocket Pouch and Tea Wallet gifts!!

I celebrated my 43rd birthday - with my family - as we enjoyed a family vacation to Niagara Falls, via bus, with my daughter's Frontier Girl Troop....

In the past... 43 was an age I was not willing to embrace.  Surprisingly... I think I've overcome that one.  When you feel really good (healthwise) - it's amazing how your thoughts and feelings feel pretty good, too!

You may have figured out that I am aunt all over again.  My brother and his wife had their first baby.

 A little girl!  By photos, she is so sweet, yet I'm anxious to meet her in person. :)

We have "new" neighbors (for not sure how long)... and "old", original neighbors who are moving on, to other housing arrangements.  In time, it will be our turn.  We keep hearing random rumors about the demise of this property - that has been our home for seven/eight wonderful years.  It makes for something rather bittersweet.

It's been strange seeing more wildlife critters in and out of the fence - rather than the cows!!

Definitely, taller grasses and TONS more wildflowers...

Yet, life goes on. 

There is still laundry to be done and "gardening" to tend too.

I'm so, so thankful for the gorgeous weather that has been part of this week, so far.  WOW!!!

***

Psalm 116:7

Be at rest once more, O my soul, 

For the LORD has been good to you.

A beautiful handwritten scripture on the inside of one of many birthday cards.  

Perfect timing in it's reminder.

I truly am so blessed!