Grains of Sand

Now that the weekend is behind us and all the suitcases, overnight bags, campfire clothing and sleeping bags are clean and put away, it's time to tell the story of The Boys First Camping Experience. Once upon a time there were two young boys and a their father.  They embarked on a camping adventure that lasted for three days and two nights.  It all started with a simple question, "Do you boys want to go camping with me?" asked the father.  "No!" cried the two young boys.  Since father is much older and wiser, he decided a camping trip was in order anyway. After seeing the tent they would be sleeping in set up in the backyard, the two young boys started to change their minds about camping, and soon the father was hearing questions such as, "When are we going?" and "Is it time to go yet?" The day of departure had arrived and the two young boys awoke early and hurriedly ate breakfast, brushed their teeth and dressed.  Then they packed their...

I love a good word, so I have dictionary.com on my homepage.  Today's word of the day is ameliorate  which means to make better; to improve. I'm going to try to use ameliorate in a sentence or two today and see if I can't ameliorate my vocabulary!

I was baking cookies today and as I was dropping rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto the cookie sheet, I was thinking how messy this is since I use my finger to aid in the process. Then I remembered the medium scoop I had purchased from Pampered Chef. I purchased this gizmo to reduce the amount of mess and time it takes me to put the dough on the cookie sheet. After I located it, I put it into action and cleanly and efficiently finished the task. Then it occurred to me that when life gets messy, I reach for the only tool that can equip me to handle stress and endure hardship. I reach for my bible, the word of God. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ( Ephesians 6:17, BibleGateway.com )

For today September 28, 2009 Outside my window.... a cool, gray, blustery morning. I am thinking..... of my sister and the weekend I spent with all the girls. I am thankful for..... the freedom to gather in the company of other sisters and brothers in Christ. I am wearing..... stiped pajama bottoms, white Alaska t-shirt and a fleece pullover. I am hearing..... the occasional outbursts of noise from the boys, the chattering of my daughter and the low timbre of my husbands voice as he discusses pumpkin carving with M. I am creating..... hmm, not many creative thoughts or projects today. I am going..... to get a head start cleaning the house for a showing on Wednesday. I am continuing to read..... The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian and starting the Power of a Positive Woman by Karol Ladd. (pretty powerful stuff, :D) I am hoping..... to learn a lot as I continue through my study on the book of Daniel. On my mind..... a lovely note from Jess, regarding my sphere of in...

I received this heart-shaped leaf with scripture from a good friend who has been praying for our family. I decided to post it, in hopes that it will also encourage you in the course of your journey through the wilderness. This is the scripture that is written on it: Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ( Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV )

Ok, take a deep breath, exhale, and say hello to autumn. Wow! Time flies, doesn't it? I'm going to commemorate autumn by joining Fall into Reading, hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days . Simply put, make a list of books you want to read and read them. Here is my list: Non-Fiction: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Because I always enjoy C.S. Lewis and haven't read Mere Christianity --this book brings together Lewis's legendary broadcast talks of the war years, talks in which he set out simply to 'explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times'. (Borders.com) Fearless by Max Lucado This book has been recommended by a friend and I always enjoy Max Lucado. This resource from beloved pastor Lucado describes how to break away from fear--with God's help--and how to empty a heart of fear and fill it with faith instead. (Borders.com) Girl Meets God by Lauren F. Winner The child of a Jewish father and a lapsed Southern Baptist...

The boys are getting ready to go on their first camping trip. This weekend they are heading to a state park for the father/child camping trip organized by our church. Yesterday we borrowed a tent from a friend and set it up in the backyard. When the subject of going camping was brought up the first time, both emphatically did not want to go. Now, after setting up the tent, the response is, "When are we going?" and "I want to go now!" I love to see them excited for something, especially a weekend away with dad. Stay tuned next week for part 2 of the camping experience. I'm guessing there will be stories to share that are fit to be told around the next campfire.