a Winter poem - by my ten year old...

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:: Winter White ::

Gently falling 

Winter White -

all are dancing 

in the night.

Waking up to

piles high, 

the snow has drifted 

to the sky .

From the window 

I did say, "Oh, the 

snow -- stay home,and play."

Rolling, Tumbling 

Winter White 

snowmen family 

in our sight.

Gently whisper 

"nighty- night"

Dreams of snowflakes

through the night.

~ Aubrey S. (10 yrs)

**

I'm proud of my little one.  She was home "sick" the first day back to school in the new year and we got talking about things she is looking forward to in the upcoming school days.  She mentioned that she will be venturing into poetry.  So we sat down and started writing.  I helped to tweak or challenged her to use a "deeper word" here and there... but this is HERS!!!  I love poetry.  Always have...

 The snowflake mug mats were a gift from a dear friend... whom, I don't want to forget.  Ever!!

fmf :: Still

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"Where meek souls will receive him still - the dear Christ enters in."

"How silently, how silently..."

These words calm me... as I sing.  Yet, outside of it all the noise and the hustle and bustle are strong.  Loud.  And, overtaking.  My heart pounds.

However, the cry and wanting prayer of my heart is louder in that I would find, in the silence, a desire and a will to prepare HIM room.

Emptying me of me.   My agenda.  My plan.  My aspirations.

That humility would wash over me, Lord I pray!

Help me receive...  

"the wondrous gift is given".

 Come, Christ-child!  Enter in.  There is STILL room!

***

Joining up with this community from Five Minute Friday.  Our thoughts in five minutes.  Today's prompt was: Still

Who am I? I am...

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Who am I...as if a flower standing tall and proud? No.  More than that.
It is not where we are, but who we are that makes our happiness. ~ unknown
I am God's creation.
Humble and sure.  Blooming where planted.
When the world looks at me... will they see Jesus?

***
When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not.

~ Georgia O'Keeffe

I'm linking this post with Finding the Grace Within -Tuesday @ Ten... because the prompt Who am I?  I am... is so fitting to go with these beauts who willingly succumbed to at spur-of-the-moment photo shoot.

In God's story. You...

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***
In God's story, you are the focus of a celebration.  Not what you've done.
You ... 
In your story you are going to continue searching for a reason God should love you.  In your story you are going to continue finding reasons he shouldn't.  So here's my suggestion:
give up your version of your story and embrace his.  ~ Andy Stanley, The Grace of God

:: Photos taken while strolling around the farm on Sunday afternoon..

{Fall, with a capital F} my favorite time of year.

The "W" in Winter! (and some updates)

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I know you have been waiting for this one.  Actually, so have I. But I almost waited too long.
Especially, with after today's temps of being in and around the 60's..(wonderfully weird) I thought about how I'd better hurry up and get this one out there... as our Winter Season is soon over - isn't it?

I love Winter, but not as much as Fall. Spring is my next best favorite (yay!). The obvious, need I say?, is that I don't enjoy Summer much at all.  At least, the way that most folks might.

There are so many things about this winter season that are special for me.  This specialness... It's everywhere present-particularly when it snows.  In fact, just yesterday morning we got more than a few flurries... it hung around for most of the morning.  Very peaceful and very pretty.
By mid day  - it was DONE, GONE!

*White* 

This white-ish photo is of my son trying to catch a snowflake or two on his tongue, while we were out waiting for the bus... and I thought he was going to fall over in laughter over it.  Lots of fun!!

I always marvel at the snow-covered coating of trees and shrubs and bushes...  I love how it brings a definition.  It closes in and the world feels "slowed" and hushed.  It's as though there lies a blanket... and everything is "at rest".

{via} 

God's Word says, Let it...Fall on the Earth!

 *Warmth*

When I think of winter - I think warm and cozy! Even though the outdoors do declare otherwise.  There is something about this photo that just speaks of warmth.  Doesn't it?

 At least it is bringing on the "warm welcome" as you walk the walkway up into the home.  Lovely.

{via}

Have you ever tried to do this?  Make Ice globes?  I have used mason jars, before, with Epsom salt and candles outside along the snowy walk way - but never something like this.  I'm really liking it..

I'm trying to envision what might be inside this home - to aid in the warmth to be found there.




{via}
Warm hearts.  Warm friendly faces.  Woolen or Fleece Blankets.  Comforting Soup.  The smell of fresh baked bread.  A Cozy Fireplace.  Hot Chocolate or a steamy cup of coffee. Warm fuzzy socks or  comfy slippers. 
***
I like to think in threes... and the third "W" is for wonder.

The *Wonder* of it all.

In the barrenness and cold heart of winter there is a wonder.

{photo credit}

I love what this photo is saying.  The truth in it couldn't be more WONDERful.

***
For some update...

I was really trying to get this post out yesterday..but it never happened.  Today, we spent the day out in Lancaster Co. area - grocery shopping.  It was the most beautiful of days.  So Spring like.  It was hard to come back home and think that winter is technically still here.

Today, I saw some lovely lines of laundry - blowing sweetly in the breezes.  Some patches of yellow crocus' coming through...
The kids wanted to give-up their coats/jackets for just their long sleeves.  Lots of people were out riding their bikes and people were taking walks or should I say, dogs take their people out walking... ;)
It really was a beautiful day.

My husband, Scott , is planning to take this coming week off of work - due to some vacation time allotted.  Use it or lose it.  It's actually perfect - because coming up on Tuesday is my scheduled Vein Ablation surgery. (pray for me if you think of it) and so - I'm not sure how much time I will be "posting" on line this week.
I just wanted to give you a head's up.  Scott will be hanging out with me on Tuesday - at the hospital, etc.

But.  Also - he (Scott) is working on a 10-day Boot Camp course of study (he finishes up on Wednesday) and so this has been a bit of stressful week.  So if you think of our family this week - whisper a little prayer.  Will you?

Enjoy your day in the Lord's House, tomorrow.  
Come before HIS presence with his singing..

at rest

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"Never let yesterday use up today."  

~ Unknown

***

What could this quote say about you?  Are you one to run around with anxious thoughts and notions piled up inside your heart and mind and that then becomes your cup that runs over into the next day and the next?

Friend.  I hope you'll find that Joy of the Lord is your strength.  Today.  Tomorrow. And the day after that.

I trust this weekend finds you ~ at rest!

The funny thing is, is that I wish this for you, my friend... but I'm wondering about my own.  I think it could very well be another couple of good - but busy - days.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. ~ Psalm 94:19
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  ~ Psalm 91:1

~~

Just a bit of bloggy what-not.

I may or may not be hosting the Mugs & Muffins segment this upcoming Monday. (I usually host it the second Monday of each month). I'm praying that it all comes together.  But since I was away most of this week, I haven't had a lot of time to pull it all together.

That's okay.  Besides - my daughter's 4th birthday is this coming Monday and I should probably dedicate my day to her anyway. :)

So stay tuned.  We'll see what happens. Irregardless, I hope to have you come back and visit again on Monday.

God Bless!

beside still waters

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Drop thy still dew of quietness till all our strivings cease; take from our souls the strain and stress and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of Thy peace. 

~ John Greenleaf Whittier

He leadeth me beside the still waters...

Thinking more of Psalm 23 this morning (particular in verse 2) ...I'm still reflecting on that portion of Scripture - as of last week.  Lingering there is quite okay, I think.

The words...beside still waters...catch my attention.

I slowed to think of the refreshment it brings to be near and close by a steady source of peace and quiet.

You know what?

Obviously the times of quiet stillness, of reflecting in and the drinking in of the Living Water of God's Word is more then enough.  Something we should do more of it - out of necessity. At least I know I want to - but don't often do it enough...like I want.

I have to really push myself to the edge of finding that quiet place...intentionally.

Sometimes this refreshment comes via other means.  By way of our friendships with other women, and the talking together that comes with those times.

Refreshing, isn't it?

I had that privilege again yesterday with a dear friend of mine. 

 Ironically enough while our guys were standing in a rushing river of water attempting to go fishing. ;)

**

Choose wisely.

What is your source of "still water"?

How do you make time in your schedule for quiet meditation, quiet reflection, and quiet friendship... just to encourage your heart?

How do you slow down, tune out the clamor and listen... in the quiet?

If you don't know...

Ask God to lead you to a place beside still waters.

Lavender Loveliness

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The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth,

One is nearer God's Heart in a garden

Then anywhere else on earth.

Dorothy Frances Gurney

***

Have a wonderful weekend, celebrating this ~ this Loveliness!

a HUGE breath of fresh air

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Beautiful Good Morning to You! 

Geesh.  It's almost late afternoon and well it is still quite beautiful, to say the least.

As you've read last, I was planning to attend a weekend ladies retreat, this past weekend.  I did.  And wow!  What a breath of fresh air!  Seriously.  I really, really needed a retreat/getaway and I'm so grateful I was able to go.

The weather was beautiful (just a tad chilly on occasion).  The location was not too far from home - though it felt like we were "way out there" - somewhere.  And...back at home.  It was, by the sounds of it... just as I had prayed.  Scott seemed to be completely at peace and the kids, he said, "did phenomenal".  All three of them.  I'm so glad.  I knew it would go well.  But a wife & mother can still wonder...

I was doing my best to soak up every detail.  Not just about our specific ladies retreat meeting in and of itself.  But in the actual facility.  I found great delight in sneaking a photo every now and again. And I should have taken way more.  I wanted to, but time nor opportunity would allow.  Of all the simple touches there, there were so many that "warmed" my heart.

 I said I found great delight and yet, I (honestly) felt really silly - if and when I got caught taking a photo. 

WHY?

Who knows.  I'm a blogger.  I should be expected to do that.  Oh well.  It is what it is.

Here is what I collected.  Moments here and there.  Granted, some of these photo and they're quality are not the best, due to the low lighting and what have you, but whateveh. 

I am glad to have them.

Great Inspiration...and this was only a small taste of it.  I appreciated all the attention to detail.
The vignettes and decor all around.

All of  the happenings of this weekend... makes up more of the counting of the One Thousand Gifts!  Actually,  I think it will take me there... but I'll still keep counting. ;)

965. the gift of fresh air - both physically and spiritually

966. good teaching, personal testimonies and worship time

967. fellowship of women -- we love to get together, don't we?

968. song lyrics that ministered to my soul and continue to do so.  I find myself humming them constantly... since I've been home.

969. "I live in the good of this..."

970. "your grace colors all I see..."

971.  when our mess turns into our message  (referring again, to those personal testimonies)

972.  having a sense of humor

973. head, neck and shoulder massage (w/pain med to help) - the care of another - to alleviate a HUGE tension headache

974. chocolate chip cookies

975. white porch rockers -all in a row  (it's a small wonder that two of them didn't find themselves a ride home on my roof rack)

976. sound of wind chimes - playing across the way

977. rolling hills and rustling trees

978. the sound of brown and white bleating sheep, while grazing out in the lush green grass - so sweet.

979. chalkboard paint - a fabulous thing

980. an illustration used :: the Hoover Dam - Christ absorbed it ALL!  God's wrath... taken upon himself, for us.  We stand FREE.

981. potted pansies

982. floating petals from flowering trees

983. those budding buddy friendships :: for deepening those friend-friend relationships

984. laughter!  (I had had a dream before this conference...that I was rolling in laughter.  I don't know who in the dream I was with or where. - but this weekend brought that to pass.  Not that I was rolling in it... but it was there. Praise God!)

985. picking back up where we left off - sharing stories, our memories and our hearts

986. winning a book giveaway - for having the youngest baby closest to the conference. Entitled: "Give them Grace" by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson.  (Shh! I think I was predestined to win this book.)

987. painted toenails - walking in sunshine, yeah, yeah!

988. knowing.  Knowing I was not the only one who feels like they wear the same clothes all of the time.  That they also went out the night before to shop for "new" PJ's... an absolute must for a woman's retreat.

989. at least one Bags by Bevy order placed - surprise for me!

990. for Cheryl...who came late (later in the evening) to the conference and recognized the car who's parking lights were on.  Yikes!  I didn't know that they were on...not familiar with the In's and Outs of my hubby's car.  We had jumper cables... she knew how to do it... and thankfully we didn't need to go that route.  By morning it had recouped it's juices enough...

991. missing those gals who couldn't be with us... whether for previous obligations or what have you.  I really, really missed seeing their faces.  Gail. Rachelle. Ginny. Staci. Gwen. ~ just to name a few...

992. knowing this.  Before I was ever a sister, friend, wife, mother...I was a daughter.  A daughter of the King!

993.  reminded of this.  When sometimes in the waiting...the Lord...he gives us a window - so we can watch him work.  And for some of us, it could mean waiting a long time...

994. reminded of this.  Don't go to the phone.  Go to the throne!

995. this song, from the Valley of Vision CD

996. just being able to go...

997. coming home to...

998.  HUGE hugs and smiles...

999. my hubby and kids

(you're gonna die...)

1000. coming home to my porcelain kitchen sink scrubbed WHITE clean.  My hubby must have more elbow grease then I do and  my one broken kitchen drawer was fully repaired... along with several other Mr. Fix-it odd-type jobs taken care of.  I'll have you know...

Scott's a carpenter in more ways then one. And good right to be proud of that fact. (and that is our own family joke. We'll  just leave it at that.)

***
I so have enjoyed this journey of naming the gifts.  Not of what I want, but of things I already have.  As I've already alluded to... I will most likely continue to count, maybe not here, but in my heart and personal journal(s).   It's been a wonderful, wonderful journey.  I challenge you to consider the same.

All is grace.  And it is God's Grace that colors all that I see.  I breathe. I live in the good of this.  This gift. Amen.

Blossom

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Blossom by blossom the spring begins.

 ~ Algernon Swinburne (1837-1909)

I got to thinking.  Just as blossom by blossom happens in order for spring to begin...so it is within our hearts, day to day.  As we (slowly) make probable changes in a specific area, moment by moment, big things will happen. Something will become of it. Seasons (in time) take on a whole new meaning.  Change is good.

Do you feel it, happening?

What is that one area for you?

:: friendship ::

:: encouragement ::

:: time management ::

:: parenting ::

:: cooking ::

:: cleaning ::

:: organization ::

:: Bible reading & prayer ::

:: extending hospitality ::

That one area that you plan to take moment by moment...will one day blossom into a beautiful spring. Wait and see!

***

:: Photo taken of a card (photo) that one of my sister's sent me, last spring.  I could look at this card & photo forever.  So pretty.

25th of December | Photo Project

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A Merry, Merry Christmas to all.

(I will catch back up when I get back in town.)

****

More DPP here.

22nd of December | Photo Project

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The race against time.

I tried to post this earlier today - but found out I didn't have a phone/Internet connection, for most of the day.  As you can see, I'm now literally mere seconds away from posting this before the clock strikes 12:00 midnight.  I wanted to get it posted on the "right" day...

But speaking of time.  You see, this clock has no hands. (They got broken off.) I love it anyway and always pull this clock out - this time of year.  For reasons I won't get into tonight... I've been "forced" to really (personally) think it through, about this issue of TIME. 
Not just the fact that the Christmas is right around the corner and I'm trying to get e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g done before we head out of town to spend Christmas with family - elsewhere, this year - tomorrow evening. 

But, because life is short. 

We have no idea, for ourselves or for our dear loved ones, how much time remains on the clock of life.

The question is, are we ready?  Have we prepared our hearts and our homes for that moment of truth, when reality hits home and time may be no more?  What we do have, however limited...is... truly...one awesome gift.  Is it not?

Just think about it. 

I don't mean to sound morbid here.  I really, really don't.  But the clock is ticking, hands or no hands... no doubt about it.

One day - time will stand still, for all of us... and then, ready or not, it will go on and on and on and on.....forever!

More DPP here.

14th of December | Photo Project

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Not very Christmasy here, with this photo... but I sure do love seeing all of our recent frosty mornings.

More DPP here.