My Christmas Card

I remember getting this photo in my beloved Colorado.  It epitomizes my whole heart for evangelism with my photography.  When I am drawn to a divine appointment like this it makes my heart pound, my eyes shed tears of gratitude, and my knees bow.    Christmas, Emmanuel, God with Us!

Merry Christmas!

Sweet Season

This morning I got busy making candies to fill bags for neighbors, friends, and my husband's work gifts.  These are EASY,  FAST, and YUMMY!

Peanut Brittle
microwave version:
Mix in glass bowl: 1 c. sugar, 1/2 c. corn syrup, 1/8 tsp. salt, 1 1/2 c, raw peanuts
cook 3 minutes, stir with fork.  Cook 2 minutes more.
Stir in tsp. butter, tsp. vanilla, and cook 1 minute more.
Remove, add tsp baking soda, stir, spread onto greased pan.
(I put my batch out in the cold garage, and it was ready to bust apart in 10 minutes.

Peanut Clusters
Melt pkg. of chocolate bark.  Stir in jar of roasted peanuts.  Fill small muffin tins with mixture and let set.

Vanilla dipped chocolate fudge
Fudge made with your own recipe, rolled into balls, and dipped in melted vanilla bark.

Chocolate dipped peanut butter fudge
1/4 lb. Velveeta, 1 c. peanut butter, 1 stick butter, 1 lb. powdered sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla...
Melt first three in microwave 3 minutes.  Stir until smooth, add sugar and vanilla.  Press into ungreased pan, chill, cut and serve.

fyi, I made the chocolate fudge also with Velveeta.  Don't freak until you try it.  You will freak when you taste it because it is freaking good.  Tons of recipes for it on the internet.

Cranberry Crunch
Melt package vanilla almond bark in microwave.  Stir in 2 cups craisins and 1/2 box of Perky Rice or Perky flax cereal. You could probably use Grape Nuts if you are not wheat sensitive.  Make sure all is coated and put by spoonfuls onto cookie sheet or in small muffin tins to firm up.

All of these recipes are Gluten Free.


Enjoy!
Merry Christmas!
Connie

"Come, follow me"

I was able to get a couple of prints of one of my favorite photographs from Michigan matted and framed for the photo booth at Heritage Trace Clubhouse tomorrow night.  I will also have the same photo available in a greeting card.

I would like to share with you why this photograph was so strong even before I saw it developed.  The composition was not something I had to plan, but jumped out at me screaming the commitment and faith it takes to be a disciple of Christ.  The red vines on the grand tree by the water caught my eye at first.  Then I realized that the sweeping branch of the tree was framing a sailboat.  The scene spoke to me of the themes of evangelism and faith:  evangelism to be salt and light for the world, and faith that strengthens our Christian walk.   Jesus calls us on a path to and with Him through our storms, keeping our eyes on the only true prize.

~~~~~

At the calling of the first disciples Jesus saw Peter and Andrew, two brothers who were fisherman,  casting a net into a lake.  He said, "Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men."Matt. 4:19


Jesus continued to add to his disciples and traveled through Galilee teaching, preaching, and healing.  He took a time apart with his chosen disciples to teach them the Beatitudes.  There would be spiritual joy, but  suffering for those who would be fishers of men for Christ.  Blessed they would be in the kingdom of heaven, though their worldly circumstances would certainly not be pathways full of wealth and ease.

However, the good news for all of us in discipleship is that we are to..."Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..." Matt. 5:12
because THERE, after all, is where our true treasure resides.  It cannot be earned, but is freely given; a truly invaluable future hope.

Hey Photo Peeps!


Wanted to let you know that I will have a booth of photos and cards this Thursday night at the Holiday Festival at Heritage Clubhouse: 9536 Courtright Drive, off Heritage Trace Prkwy, Keller, TX.  So if you are local followers of my blog and photography, PLEASE come see us.  I will have 8 notecards with scriptures, and several sizes of matted and framed prints that you have not seen yet.  


There will be games, crafts, food and music.  Dec. 1st, 4-8, so the Christmas decorations will abound.
I would love to see you and tell you about the stories of the photographs!


Here are a few pix you have not seen that will be there in cards or frames:

Desert Light

We recently attended a wedding in Arizona.  Our friends' daughter was married outside on the grounds of a golf course with Superstition Mountain in the background.  The weather cooperated and the event was lovely.  The light was incredible for some of the photographs I took there.

~~~

I have had occasion to visit the area around Phoenix a few other times in the last years.  My uncle lived at Mesa before he passed a few years ago.  He took my mother and me out to Superstition Mountain to show us some of his favorite places.

Then another trip to Arizona to a wedding afforded visiting the area and traveling north to the Grand Canyon with my husband.  It was an amazing journey.

The desert blooms in its own special way.  It seems like parched land, but there is always something present that proves life.  It is a good thing to remember.  Rejoice Always, even when circumstances are telling you that death wins.  It is the great lie of the enemy.  We have, through Christ, eternal life.  We have the choice to be grateful, no matter what.  We have the ability to love because He first loved us.  There IS light in the desert, and abundant LIFE.  Praise Him!

Be Imitators of God

As we traveled the almost empty roads of Northern Michigan country we were treated with many reflections of fall foliage in lakes. Anytime I see reflections I pray that I might be looking more like Him each day. My feet walk off the path and my defiance gets me lost, until my prodigal stubborn heart again is willing to turn back from the path not of His choosing. Sometimes I don't realize I have gotten off the path until I hear some unloving thought or word come out of me.

I must say these days that it is not always love and humility being shown by Christians in the spotlight. Many times words are, embarrassingly, judgmental and arrogant. I think of the hymn verse of 'they will know we are Christians by our love.' That doesn't get conveyed when we beat folks up that don't agree with our belief.

If we boast in anything, let it be the Lord, Himself. His will, not ours, is the standard. Nobody has ever walked perfectly but One. It doesn't mean that we should quit trying to do everything unto Him; gathering grace and wisdom when we fail.

Trying to force our beliefs and choices on someone else will probably get the opposite reaction that we desire as His disciples. Sort of the reaction of 'a man convinced against His will is of the same opinion, still'. Love, humility, service; pathways of the fruits of the Spirit: those are the things of God put in us to be His Light in this world of self-will and misery.

God knows that becoming imitators of Himself takes a relationship of abandoning ourselves to Him and becoming willing to listen and follow. Nothing in the world is more worth the effort than to hear some day, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

I encourage you to go out and be imitators of God today. Smile, be joyful, and full of random acts of kindness. Walk humbly, and boast in the Lord. Let His peace rule your heart and His light shine from it.

A Time for Every Purpose

To everything there is a season...
and a time for every purpose under heaven.

Oh, how many times I have sung those words of Ecclesiastes and 'Turn, Turn, Turn' through the years!

Sometimes we hold onto old ideas or outgrown careers because it is just easier than doing the work to cross the river of fear and do something that has been calling us to a new season. Personally and professionally I want to do everything I do unto God; and it is time to stretch myself again in how He has been letting me minister through my hands as a career to more opportunities for evangelism through my photography.

I think it is awesome how God has put in each one of us a way to carry the message of His love and grace, hope and courage, to do the things we cannot do in and of ourselves. For me, it is exciting and magical to tell you how and where I took my photographs. It is easy to share God through those stories. Many photographs I shot at the time were very strong, but others did not develop into the point I was supposed to get until I revisited them later.

~~

This particular photograph was taken at a rest stop in Michigan. It is the first one I took. When we were landing in Detroit it appeared that all the trees were still green. I thought we had come too soon to see the colors. But not far up the road towards the Upper Peninsula God gave me a gift of seeing the foretaste of the colors to come as we continued north. These brilliant leaves had fallen down to impress upon my spirit the promise of fall foliage to come.

Doing everything unto God has the by product of true satisfaction and appreciation of what He has put in us to do. The relationship that we can have with God through Christ is a truly amazing process. He did not form us and send us out on a rudderless boat. He journeys with us and gives us wisdom if we but ask. We do not have the promise of an easy life; but we do have the promise that He will never leave us. That is the only thing standing when all else fails; knowing He goes into every day as my guide, my shepherd.

Wrappings

Since our last trip (which took us to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) I have been busy with stepping out into the world of marketing my photographs. I will keep you updated. It is exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. But I know it is the path which I am to take in sharing the world of beauty God has let me see through my camera.

I was impressed more than anything by the issue of light in the scenes of Michigan. We saw so much coastline and several lighthouses. We witnessed a few at sunrise and sunset reflecting gorgeous tones of light at the bookends of the day. There were numerous rivers and lakes as well that mirrored the colors of fall foliage at their banks. I will try to get an image posted every day for awhile.

~~~~

I began thinking about the nature of wrappings. We wrap ourselves in fancy homes, coats, 600 count sheets, comfy favorite slippers and blankies; add your own wraps to the list. They are all but dirty rags when compared to how God can paint a mountain with fall foliage or add sound to layers of waterfalls. One of my favorite scriptures kept visiting me as I saw beautiful scenes such as this one at Lower Taquamenon Falls:

He wraps himself in Light...
Psalm 104:2

Changes

I love shooting butterflies, especially when they are on brilliantly colored flowers. Their lives are so short, as are the lives of the flowers they light upon. They are so incredibly stunning and graceful as they meander through the gardens.

The orange color of the center stage in this photo is such contrast to the lavender that surrounds the main attraction. I would not paint a room in my house 'orange' or wear that color on my body, but I am so appreciate it when a sky is spread with orange/coral tones or a butterfly wears it so well.

The butterfly reminded me that my high school colors were orange and black, until we consolidated with the little town down the road and the colors became black and white. Their colors were green and white, so it seemed a good compromise would be black and white; one color taken from each town. Thank goodness they did not choose green and orange together! Although a green and orange garden is gorgeous, a cheerleader outfit is not.

I think of all the changes that I have been through since those high school days. I will be 60 next year, married 40 of those years to my one and only husband. We have married daughters and four grandchildren. I can feel the season of changes as we go towards retirement and I have been getting nudges to chase yet a few more dreams.

Our bodies deteriorate, and we are but vapors; not really having many more days in the scheme of things than the butterflies or flowers that fade so quickly. In the life to come we will put on immortality. There is such fleeting beauty here, yet it draws us to it as we are drawn also to God. Beautiful beyond description!

~~~~

We shall all be changed.
1 Corinthians 15:52

~~~~

Conversations with H & G

I had an extraordinary time with a Great Blue Heron yesterday morning. As I approached a pond at the end of a trail I thought I saw a Great Blue Heron. I could sense him looking at me, and began to pray peace between us. Except for the big turtle and some dragonflies, we seemed to be totally alone with God. The heron stayed at the pond and followed me with his eyes as I rounded the corner and came closer. He showed no aggression or fear. I began to speak to him and he actually approached me during his slow walk back and forth in the pond. It was a heart link between God, the Heron, and me. I was delighted to have been given such a precious time covered in love by the Father!

~~~~~

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:17

Buzz and Flutter

My schedule cleared today because of clients being sick, so I took off with my camera to the Botanic Gardens in Ft. Worth. The bees and butterflies were everywhere, and I even saw a blue heron and some hummers. These are my favorites of the buzz and flutter bunch this morning.

Encourage Yourselves

Just talked to my husband, who is on the road sick with the same nasty summer cold that I have. It again went over 100 degrees today in Texas; to be exact, 107! Tomorrow will be a record 71 days this summer over 100 degrees. Lest I feel sorry for myself that loneliness has no solution without spreading the germs, and I am tired of the homemade chicken soup I made myself and mountains of Kleenex everywhere, I see a solution to get out of the house without exposing anyone else. It is time to encourage myself in the Lord.

I looked up the phrase I had remembered about encouraging ourselves to see in what context it was said. It was certainly more than a 'cold' and a bit of stir crazy loneliness that was revealed in 1 Samuel. David and his men had returned to Ziklag after the Amalekite raid. It was destroyed by fire and their families had been taken captive. The men wept until they could no more. David could hear talk of his impending stoning, but HE ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD. My little cold, in comparison to this scenario, is really nothing.

I found myself out in the car at sunset letting the Lord minister to me. I went out with a spirit of seeking and finding. I found fields of the last two flower shows of the summer: False Purple Thistle and the star-shaped flower bushes that crowd the pastures at the end of the Texas summer. I know that when I see them the fall weather is not far away, PRAISE GOD! I caught beautiful rays highlighting a water tower, and a calf nursing before nightfall. All in all, it was good to get out of the house by myself and spend some time getting grateful and praising the Lord. So be encouraged, if not by someone else, by yourself! Know that the Lord is good all the time.

A Strong Tower

I wrote this song ten years ago,
and thought it fitting to share again today.
May our country find new strength,
unity, courage, mercy and grace; truly
sow the fruits of the Spirit
as we move forward from
this milestone in our history.

A STRONG TOWER
By Connie Wisman 9/01

THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER,
AND FOREVER IT WILL STAND.
IT IS THE LORD’S PURPOSE THAT PREVAILS
AND NOT THE PLANS OF MAN.

MY EYES SAW MANMADE TOWERS FALL.
MY HEART FELT UNTOLD NUMBERS CALL-
UPON THE NAME OF JESUS.

MY EARS HEARD HERO STORIES
OF PEOPLE WALKING OUT THEIR FAITH;
LAST MINUTE CALLS TO LOVED ONES
BEFORE THEY SAW THE PEARLY GATES.

I SAW SERVANT FEET OF STRANGERS
WITH YOUR MERCY IN THEIR EYES.
I SMELLED THE PRAYERFUL INCENSE
AS IT LIFTED TO THE SKIES.

I PRAY THE UNBELIEVERS
WILL NO LONGER WANT TO BE APART-
THAT THE COLD AND LUKEWARM CHRISTIAN
WILL LET THE FIRE COME TO HIS HEART.

THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER
AND FOREVER WILL IT STAND.
IT IS THE LORD’S PURPOSE THAT PREVAILS,
AND NOT THE PLANS OF MAN

MY EYES SAW MANMADE TOWERS FALL-
MY HEART FELT UNTOLD NUMBERS CALL
UPON THE NAME OF JESUS.
CALLING-
JESUS, I LOVE YOU………..JESUS, I NEED YOU…….
JESUS, I’M COMING………..JESUS………I SEE YOU

As Time Passes

It is now a year ago today that my friend Jim Durkin passed. The year leading up to his death was a walk that was not easy for anyone involved. A small group of people came together to get it covered.

I realized it was the day when we were watching Good Morning America this morning. They were discussing the coming ceremonies in two days, and I realized that it was the 9th of September. There were reports of new threats targeting American soil as we near the 10th anniversary of the Towers coming down in New York City.

That morning ten years ago Jim and I were on the phone all morning in disbelief as we watched the second plane hit the second tower in real time on television. Jim used to work for American Airlines and had his own perspective to add to the horror of what was happening live before our eyes as the stories of the airplanes began to unfold.

~~~~

Jim passed on September 9th of last year. I guess if you live long enough and are willing, you will be at someone's bedside caring for them through to the end. There are piles and rooms and mailboxes full of stuff to handle even after the person dies. It took about a year, though the 'estate' was miniscule, to clean up and put to rest all the stuff.

I have come across more pictures of times we spent together in France. This portrait we displayed at his memorial was a sketch of him done by a street artist. When Danielle made a trip with me to Paris we both had ours sketched in front of Notre Dame. I can still hear his animated travelogues of historical points during our long walks through the city and French countryside. He loved to share stories with visitors. Indeed, my life was so enriched by him. He was more my brother than my own siblings.


As his health deteriorated he could still manage to get out to have meals at our home or restaurants. I recall one night when he came to dinner with his visiting New York cousin that he announced he wanted to eat early (not in character with his typical late arrivals), went over afterwards and laid on the couch, and soon after asked his cousin to take him back to the nursing home. Come to find out later, he left because he thought he was going to die on our couch and did not want the grandkids to have to remember that. In a way, if you knew Jim, that was tender and hilarious at the same time. He did always like to be the center of attention, and did not like it so much when a grand child of ours would steal center stage. But at this particular juncture he did not want to have the focus be on him if it meant dying in our living room with the family around.

As time passes our memories are bittersweet, and the stories shared are precious; even of the ones that were horrendous as we walked through them. A small group of people bonded and were able to get to know one another. There were 'spokes' of people that never touched except when we came together because of Jim's illness and death.

We do not know the number of our days. Surely the folks trapped in the towers did not expect such a day when they went to work. It is enough to stay in the day, and one will come be your last. As our pastor reminds us, 1 out of 1 of us dies. How will we run our individual races?

I hope that Christ will continue to be more and more at home in my heart. (Eph 3:17). I want to be mature and act maturely so that my character reflects Christ. I fall short, but I keep at it. We must encourage each other to love God and one another.

Rejoice Always!

We were so hopeful this morning when we sat down to coffee and thought we heard thunder! Husband went off to work, and in a few minutes the unmistakable sound of rain was hitting our skylight in the kitchen. Ah! There is nothing like the touch and smell of rain, even though it be only a little in a time of drought. Maybe we really appreciate it because it has been so long for such a simple, but life-giving entity.

I quickly got into the car with my camera to go down to visit the creek at the edge of our development. I saw a hawk across the dry creek. There were a few patches of stream left to reflect grasses and rocks that had become more exposed by the lack of water. As I returned home I saw the rainbow in the western sky and the strange pattern of wet/dry streaks on the concrete.

I was at the creek a few weeks ago looking at the effect of the drought and searching for life signs. I always find them if I but look. It is the same for God: you will find Him if you seek Him. Even in a drought, rejoice always, for He is with us; He cares for us! Sometimes it is in the drought that we realize our need for Him and truly reach for the life-giving love and care for which a thirsty heart yearns.

~~~

A sense of God's wholeness,
everything coming together for good,
will come and settle you down.
It's wonderful what happens
when Christ displaces worry
at the center of your life.

Phillippians 4:7 The Message

You Fill Up My Senses

I could hear John Denver singing in my dream last night. I was shown, while hearing the song of 'You Fill Up My Senses' how that applies to God giving us ministries. Let me go stroll through the manifestation of touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing in my own life. This is not meant to be a list of MY accomplishments, but a spurring on and encouragement to each of you that HE HAS GIVEN YOU GIFTS AS WELL FOR THE BODY. Believe me, I am in awe of those that can organize events, things, and people; administer, oversee finances, run committees, deeply understand and navigate technical waters/computers. lol I have been around long enough to know they are not my gifts, but they might be yours!

God has let me express His love to others by TOUCH through my massage therapy, and by giving hugs or touches to convey not only my love for others, but His love for them as well. We can only love because HE first loved us. He has let me minister through SMELL and TASTE by sharing meals prepared for others. He has graced me with the ability cook and to set a beautiful table to serve as a preview of the BANQUET that awaits us in heaven. He has put in me the passion to be a warrior for women that have been abused.

He has let me minister through sound (HEARING) by giving me songs and being a compassionate listener. He has let me minister through SIGHT by use of colors; making banners, preparing a restful and peaceful flow of colors in my massage room and home as a whole. He has put me in places to photograph breathtaking and unbelievable things in order to bring others to the awesome presence of God.

I think that all the senses work together in strengthening the of flow for the glory of God. For instance, it makes a difference how songs are put in order for worship. There is a building in each song, and a connection between songs that makes the worship service more effective. It follows for me that it makes a difference what color your massage room or sleeping area is painted. It makes a difference how building of flavors, smells, colors, and textures of food build upon each other to construct a meal for guests. The impact on our senses that draws us to worship God is one of the way He fills us to do his work.

The impact of a tremendous divine appointment to see a spectacular scene to pass on to you is but to draw you to Christ, Himself, WHO WAS PRESENT AT ITS VERY CREATION! He is present and expressed through our senses, if we allow ourselves to get out of the way and let the LOVE flow out from us that was poured into us. He flows at our tables, on our walls, through our words and touch, through our works and hearts.

God has ministered to me so much especially through photography and song by giving me opportunities to witness things and receive songs to sing that help MY unbelief. Those are not things to keep to myself. They are for the Body. So many times people have responded to me about a photo, "How can you see THAT and not believe in God?

~~~~

Believe me when I say that the senses and how we receive and pass things on through our ministries comes down to the heart. At the end of the day I do not covet your praises about my photos, massage, decorating, cooking, skills with color, singing, hospitality, or whatever. I am a right-brained, creative introvert. These are things God has given me with which to minister. He gives us gifts differing. We all have strengths, gifts in which to flow. My heart's desire is that you would feel peace and inspiration through these offerings that would lead you to the GIVER OF ALL GIFTS. He fills us up to be poured out for the Body.

Per my blog, I am glad that you like my photographs. Don't get me wrong; I am human and it makes me feel good that you enjoy the photographs. But I hope when a photo brings you to your knees or ministers to you in some way that you would see the awesome Creator! Not saying, "Oh, Connie", but "Oh, GOD!"

Like looking through these TENT ROCKS in New Mexico to the light and great ROCK calling us in a direction; it is life giving to know that God gives us visions and dreams to point our way to how He would work in us His purposes.

~~~

And we know that in all things
God works for the good
of those who love him,
who have been called
according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

With the Greatest of Ease

We were able to go with the entire family to the Barnum and Bailey circus on Wednesday night. It was wonderful to see the animal acts, clowns, stunts, and amazing feats of all kinds. But for me, the most thrilling to see were the balancing and trapeze acts that took the skill of one built upon another to accomplish. These represented years of practice, many falls, and a building of trust with the partners. The skills were not perfect at first or hundredth attempts.

I remember as a young girl putting a pole between two trees out on the farm and trying to walk across. We kids also got pretty good at barrel rolling. I also remember swinging my siblings by their arms, and see my children swing theirs in the same way. I had tons of dreams that I could fly.

My granddaughter loves to be swung around in every direction by her father. It brings smiles and giggles instead of fear because she trusts the one that has a hold on her. Hmmmm.

There is something about swinging and balancing in high places that is intrinsic in our nature to try to escape the bonds of earth. I love to watch my oldest granddaughter swing. She gets so high, and likewise swings on the monkey bars with the greatest of ease. My grandson, however, loves to fly across the room from one sofa to another. He literally flies! There is a consciousness that is stirred up. It has intensified as well in me as I have been able to ride in helicopters, hot air balloons, and ski lifts as an adult. I get the same rush of fast movement as I have been able to increase speed skiing down a mountain.

It is not that I have a death wish; but I look forward to the time when, with the greatest of ease, I will be loosed from the earth and the bondage of self. For now, we need to help each other balance life's terms with the faith that we have until that day.

~~~~~

Two are better than one,
because together they can work effectively,
if one of them falls down,
the other can help him up...
Ecclesiastes 4:9

I want us to help each other
with the faith we have.
Your faith will help me,
and my faith will help you.
Romans 1:12

Early Morning Rain

We awoke to the unfamiliar sound of rain this morning! I went outside to smell the fresh air and feel the raindrops on my skin. The street lights reflected onto the glimmering, running water in the road. The crape myrtles and ligustrum hung onto every precious drop. How refreshing!

The grass has become yellow and crunchy. The highways, only a few months ago crowded with wildflowers, cry for a drink and cringe at the cigarette butts thrown casually out of car windows. Trees, lawns, and bushes are taking their last breaths all through Texas. It is only a little rainfall, but how refreshing! We receive it with glad hearts! You know you don't live in Nebraska anymore when you race out to take pictures of snow and rain.

~~~

The Lord will guide you continually,
and satisfy your soul in drought,
and strengthen your bones;
you shall be like a watered garden,
and a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
Isaiah 58:11

Seeing is Believing?

On this past Friday morning I was out doing some errands and stopping at a few garage sales along my path. I found myself passing by an apple tree while getting back to the main road. I noticed that lots of birds were feeding on the apples. As I got out of the car to get closer to take a picture of the fruit I noticed green movement. When I stepped closer a flurry of green birds flew off into the tall trees in back of the lot. I rubbed my eyes, and though I saw them I still did not believe what I was seeing. Doubting Thomas I was.

When I went back the next day with my camera I saw them again. A few were in the apple tree; but most of them were across the street. I had to strain to see them hidden high in the green leaves. The neighbor to the apple tree told me that they had migrated from the Texas coast last year and again this year. They returned to the apple tree.

I thought again how God sets me up. I stop to take a picture of one thing and find the He has positioned me to see something that is so awesome that it is hard to believe, even though I see it right before my eyes. God is good!

Gram Sandwich

I kept two of my grandchildren today while my daughter went to a medical class. I had gotten a shirt and some sunglasses for my grandson, and some skorts for school for my granddaughter. I found some sunglasses in my stash as well that I gave her to match the sundresses I made her from a sleeping shirt she brought over to use as a pattern.

Faith has loved fuchsia and purple forever, so when I pulled out this yardage I knew it would be well received as a long summer dress. The short one with sunflowers was a remake from a very large size Acapulco shirt I found at a garage sale. I put it away until the idea came to match the remake.

We went around the corner to Subway after a vote of choices. I was able to get a gluten free sandwich there as well, and we enjoyed a great lunch together.

My husband Skyped us from Israel, and it was great to see and talk to him with the kids here. Phone and computer problems at the first of his trip made the days very long without voice communication.

When my daughter came to pick them up after her class I was blessed to be a gram sandwich surrounded in a big hug by my daughter and grandchildren. Much joy and laughing today!

~~~

He will fill your mouth
with laughter
and your lips
with shouts of joy.
Job 8:21

Help in our Weakness

I knew when my husband was going to be gone for a week and a half that it would be an opportunity to clean out corners and clear clutter out of my house. I have made promises to myself before to exercise every day or throw /give away 10 things every day. I need God's help to be able to do those kinds of things. They are not necessarily fun, but there is much satisfaction in completing the tasks, one day at a time.

One of the pressing things I have wanted to get done is paint an accent wall of navy blue in our master bath. I started yesterday afternoon and finished today. I have also gotten a few other huge tasks started. You can't finish unless you start. The start button, for me, does not keep the motion going forward unless it is fueled by God. Discipline, if it were easy, would be evident everywhere. A simple definition for discipline? G...ood O...rderly D...irection: GOD. Without God I run out of gas, gumption, and grace. With God? All things are possible!

~~~~

The Spirit helps us in our Weakness.
Romans 8:26

Parched Ground

Isn't God good that he put in us the capacity to stay in the moment, but also the capacity to bring up a memory. We can remember a place of wildflowers growing on the banks of rushing waters when we are dwelling in a time of parched ground. We can remember fertile, lush fields when we are in the midst of flooded lands. There is a cycle, and things pass.

My friend from Colorado always reminds me, "It came...to pass." The circumstance we are in, whether it be flooding or parched ground, will not be forever.

We can sing praises of thanksgiving that we have beautiful memories of past times and hope for a future. God is good.

~~~~

He turned the desert
into pools of water
and the parched ground
into flowing springs.
Psalm 107:35