Grains of Sand

  I say to Mason, "Mason, did you put your cereal bowl away?"  To which he responds, "Aww!  That's so lame!" I must have a three year old going on thirteen.  :)

Even though we completed training almost two years ago, we finally have the bling to prove it.  Milo passed his CGC test and received this certificate from the American Kennel Club. The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program started in 1989.  It is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. Passing the test is the first step in training Milo to become a therapy dog.  This fall I plan to pursue further training so he can be a certified therapy dog.  I'm looking forward to serving our community in this way.

 Poem to a Sunflower I see you there in glory shining bright, Following the sun and its path of light. Standing tall above all others in the field, You grow, conquer, and do not yield .   The little birds take great delight In playing round you, from day to night. With your petals of yellow and leaves of green How very easily you are seen.   But there is more to you than first sight, More than beauty and grander to delight. Every beautiful aspect that appears, Gives praise to the Father dear.   He made you a part of creation, And you praise him in glorious celebration! The beauty that within you is expressed, Gives testimony to his greatness.   Sunflower, how I long to be like you! Glorifying God in all I do. Following the Son and His path of light, To worship Him ...

I found a little widget that shows my goal for support to Burkina Faso.  If you haven't noticed, it's on the side bar.  Pretty excited that I'm so close to goal.  I have fabulous friends and family that are not only praying for me, but supporting me financially.  Thank you!!  Looking forward to sharing the trip with each and every one of you.

  fin·ish verb \ ˈ fi-nish\   : to reach the end of (something) : to stop doing (something) because it is completed : to be done with building or creating (something) : to cause something to end or stop : to reach the end of something   There are some days that I wonder why I'm running this race.  I look in the mirror and see the concern on my face.  I wake up in the morning and just want to go back to sleep.   Parenting is hard work.  No one told me this.  Well, my mom did, but she was referring to parenting me and I thought she was joking. :)   There are times when I wonder if I will ever see the fruit of my labor.  Will the words sink in?  Will the actions speak?  Will the love cover all my mistakes?   Then I remember two things:    He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” ~Psalm 46:10   Let per...

FOR TODAY July 21, 2014 Outside my window... beautiful sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. I am thinking... about my friends and how good it is to visit with them. I am thankful... for opportunities to learn and grow. In the kitchen... a collection of flowers in a vase. I am wearing... gray tank top and plaid shorts. I am creating... "butterfly bodies" out of clothespins that will eventually be used for a cute snack presentation. I am going... room by room and purging all the stuff I don't need or want anymore.   I am wondering... what items to pack in a backpack for a child in Africa? I am reading... just started Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel, Bret Witter I am hoping... my doctor visit goes well today. I am looking forward to... talking to my mom. I am learning... that my weaknesses aren't necessarily a bad thing.  They can be used for greater purpose. Around the house... a few dust bunnies are romping aroun...

FOR TODAY July 7, 2014 Outside my window... beautiful blue sky, summer flowers and birds flying here and there. I am thinking... of my weaknesses. I am thankful... for all the wonderful fresh produce that is available to me through various farmers in the area. In the kitchen... clean countertops, clean dishes and clean table! I am wearing... new earrings made from old silverware. I am creating... a list of potential snacks to bring for the women of Dorcas House . I am going... to run a few errands and enjoy the company of  good friends later today. I am wondering... what pictures to include in my photo book that I'll be using as a source of communication with people in Burkina Faso. I just finished reading...  Allegiant by Veronica Roth I am hoping... to put some new things into the kids morning routine. I am looking forward to... treating myself to something special. I am learning... to be deliberate, intentional, strategic and disc...