Grains of Sand

This post has taken over two years to hit the printable page.  It is one that is near and dear to my heart and I could never find the right words, introduction or passion to convey my zeal for this subject.  Until today. What happened?  Well, this question came up for discussion in our small group.  'What is your concern for the poor and those who are treated unjustly?'  We discussed who we thought the poor were.  We discussed our attitudes, our actions and our inaction.  As the discussion was going on around me I was surprised at the rate my heart was pumping and by the emotion that overcame me.  I couldn't speak for a time and felt nervous to say anything in case I couldn't articulate my thoughts.  You see, I have been poor.  Not homeless poor, but very close. My husband lost his job and was unemployed for almost a year and that year was a bad year.  During that year we used up all our savings an...

As dad was looking back while reversing out of a parking spot with his sunglasses on, from the backseat Megan said, "Dad, you look cool!"

FOR TODAY February 27, 2012 Outside my window... shades of brown and gray.  The grass is brown, the sky is gray, the wind is blowing and there is not one bird in sight on this cold 28 degree morning. I am thinking... about my dad.  I am thankful... for documentary films that provoke me to action. In the kitchen... mini masterpieces drying on the countertops.  The kids painted yesterday. I am wearing... shades of purple.  Purple tank top, purple fleece pullover and purple plaid pajama pants.  I am creating... lesson plans for the next few weeks. I am going...  over the pros and cons of a big decision I must make. I am wondering... if my husband was chilly playing basketball this morning.  I see his warm-up pants were left on the kitchen table. I am reading... Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas.  It is very interesting and I'm hoping I can make time to finish reading it before I have to return it to the...

I am seeing... frozen puppy prints on concrete. I am hearing... the sweet humming of my 4, almost 5 year old daughter. I am smelling... the pungent odor of wet earth. I tasted... a delicious cup of medium roasted coffee with cream. I am feeling... excited and anxious as I begin my day. To join in the fun or read other diary's head over to Peggy at diary of 5 .  Thanks for visiting. ~ Kim

This is what the dining room table looked like when I woke up this morning.  Such a mess!  The dining room is right next to the living room where I usually sit for quiet time in the morning.  As I sat in the living room and gazed upon the jumble, I was truly wondering how I'd be able to enjoy my quiet time with such noise next to me.  I was about to get up to tidy the table when I really looked at the mess... Handwriting practice that wasn't even on the lesson plan. Megan's picture.  I love the lip sticker. Mason's crayons.  He'll draw with them occasionally but mostly enjoys taking them out and putting them back in the box. An original Lego jungle treasure hunt complete with traps.  I thought it most appropriate sitting on top of schoolwork.  Lego's are always interrupting a good lesson. before... after! (Artwork by Megan age 4) After looking at each project individually it wasn't a mess anym...

"Good exercise for the heart is to bend down and help another person up." ~ Dennis Fisher I think we are a very busy society.  We tend to rush through our day and focus only on ourselves and our goals.  My hope is that we will slow down and notice those around us who are in need. Wherever you are today, take a moment to "bend down and help another person up".  Even if it's a simple smile to brighten someone's day.

FOR TODAY February 20, 2012 Outside my window... beautiful clear blue sky with the sun peeking over the horizon. I am thinking... of all the wonderful blessings in my life from the birds outside to family and friends inside. I am thankful... for today.  Every day is a gift to embrace.  Even Monday's!  :D In the kitchen... cut flowers from my honey that are valiantly trying to shine even though they are a week old. I am wearing... shades of gray.  Quite the contrast to the sunny day. I am creating... organized spaces throughout the house.  Little by little I'm de-cluttering the spaces that have gotten away from me over the years. I am going... to need a dental implant soon.  I still have a baby tooth that is starting to give up residence in my mouth and will need to fill the empty space with an implant. I am wondering... how my sister and brother-in-law are doing.  They are both unexpectedly unemployed and I know f...

Today we celebrate those we love.  This year I used pinterest as inspiration for these: "We dig you!"  For my handsome honey....    Happy Valentine's Day!

We were able to take advantage of a recent snowfall and get in some snowshoeing a few weeks ago.  I don't think it has snowed very much since and our weather has been unseasonably warm.  Very abnormal for this time of year.  Anyway, thought I should post these before spring arrives and winter becomes a distant memory. As you can tell, Megan is very excited to be heading out with the family on snowshoes!  Actually this picture was taken after her brother hit her with a snowball, while she was complaining about wearing the snowshoes. She is indulging me with a 'smile' for the camera. Ah, now she's ready.  Minus snowshoes.  Two of my five boys.  The oldest and the youngest.  :) A group shot.  I love how Mason is peeking around dad's shoulder.  He did pretty good.  Kept losing his mittens and dad kept poking him in the head with sticks when we went off trail.  In spite of that, he seemed to enjoy the ri...

For today February 1, 2012 Outside my window...  a gray sky and melting snow. I am thinking...  that I don't like changing medical professionals but, my appointment went well yesterday. I am thankful...  for my friend Jessica who always brings a smile to my face. In the kitchen...  all is quiet.  Kids will be awake soon and making their own breakfast.  Lunch will most likely be pb&j and dinner is a mystery right now. I am wearing... can you guess?  I'll give you a hint: it's my favorite blogging outfit.  Yep, my jammies! I am creating...  a more organized house?  I question that because that is more of a dream than a creation at this point. I am going...  to say good morning to a 9 year old today.  Ethan's birthday was the 30th and we went to another birthday party for a young man whose birthday is also on the 30th of January.  And, his name is Ethan too!   I am wonder...