Grains of Sand

I have good intentions. I want to follow the example of Jesus and awake early to pray. And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. ~Mark 1:35 (ESV) Sometimes, creatures get in the way of these intentions.  On this particular morning I went to sit in my usual spot to read my bible and spend time with God.  However, I was distracted by these guys. Creatures big and small had invaded the dining room table.  Some even using my bible to rest upon. This mom's heart was warmed by all the scenes I could see, set-up by 8 and 12 year-old hands.  I also began to see many of the excuses I make for not sitting alone with God in the morning to read His word and pray. I have a busy day with the kids.  No time to pray. I have meetings and coffee dates scheduled today.   I need to get the laundry/dishes done before I go. There are all these distrac...

day nine // aqua This ring stirs memories of warm sand, hot sun, swimming with stingrays, snorkeling and time spent with family and friends. See all the amazing photos taken by talented people from all over the world. Head over to Fat Mum Slim for the May 2019 photo a day challenge . Maybe you want to join in the fun yourself!

Photo A Day Challenge // Day 6 // Green See all the amazing photos taken by talented people from all over the world. Head over to Fat Mum Slim for the May 2019 photo a day challenge . Maybe you want to join in the fun yourself!

It all started with indecision.  Megan and I were shopping when she saw a display of stuffed animals.  Two in particular caught her eye, an owl and a narwhal.  She carried those two around hemming and hawing, weighing the advantages of purchasing one over the other.  As we finished up our shopping, she reluctantly put the narwhal back on the shelf while explaining the reason she would adopt the owl. As any smart mom would do (this was new to me), I went back to the store later in the week to secretly purchase the narwhal as a birthday gift for Megan.  Then as luck would have it, a friend who owns a party store (has to be one of the best jobs ever) posted a photo of a narwhal balloon that she had added to her inventory.  Voila!  A narwhal themed birthday took root. As a lazy mom might do (this is NOT new to me), I wondered what I could add by way of plates or napkins that might enhance the narwhal theme.  Nothing which required too much work...

We celebrated Easter a little differently this year.  We enjoyed an Easter tea party complete with tea and scones and a lump or two of sugar. Grandma even hosted a watercolor workshop for the grandkids.  Final products are displayed on the hutch in the background of the photo above. All the children enjoy coloring eggs at grandma's and she lovingly boils about two dozen so everyone can participate. After the obligatory egg hunt, we deviled the eggs and added them to our tea party. Mandarin oranges. Cucumber dill bites. Cinnamon scones. Your choice of decaf (!) tea in cute teacups donated by aunt Lissa. We also made resurrection crescents and remembered the sacrifice Jesus made for each and every one of us. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ~Phil 2:8 (ESV) After three days, he conquered death so we could live eternally with Him in heaven. ...

Day twenty seven // a green food   See all the amazing photos taken by talented people from all over the world. Head over to Fat Mum Slim for the April 2019 photo a day challenge . Maybe you want to join in the fun yourself!

I was listening to all the birds chattering in the yard. Some were singing, some were chirping and some were saying, "Cheerio!" Then, silence. I looked out the window to find a hawk sitting in the tree. As I wondered what the hawk's next move was going to be, which innocent little bird he was going to try and rouse from it's hiding place, the thought crossed my mind, "Don't be a hawk." I was thinking about things I do that would cause those around me to grow silent and hide. Am I cranky? Are my moods unpredictable? Are my words harsh?  Do I condemn, criticize or constantly correct? No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.  And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice.  And be kind and compassionate ...