Grace and Joy

Eucharisteo...grace and joy. 

Grace and joy.

I long to live in grace and joy.

Patience, eyes wide open, counting...

12. flowers blooming where they don't belong

13. girl time in the kitchen baking cakes
14. red velvet and cream cheese
15. unexpected flowers
16. happy, gurglily, food all over my baby face smiles
17. latte's in my kitchen with the Perfect Iced Coffee, thank you Ree!
18. savoring quiet time with old movies and cuddly kittys
19. turning TVs off (yes, all of them)
20. long journey's, big bear hug hellos, family togetherness once again
21. scents of sanctuary...aged wood, flowered perfume and sweet, sweet spirits

Photo by Travista Creative

Happy 1st Anniversary Kretyen!

I'm going to take a time out to brag on my friends over at Kretyen Fair Trade Gifts and Coffee.  It's a little shop with a big dream over at 25th and Iowa in Lawrence, KS.  Kretyen features unique, handcrafted items from around the world as well as organic coffees, teas, chocolates and more. Fair Trade items benefit us all but particularly the world's disadvantaged populations.

Go see my friend, Deb Rukes, and say hello!  Visit her website http://www.kretyenfairtrade.com/ for details about the special anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 30th.

Free, Free, Free Opportunity

Doubt and worry have been paralyzing in my life.  It's time to learn how to put them in their place and walk with confidence.  Join me in losing the weight of discouragement and self-doubt.


Renee Swope, from Proverbs 31 Ministries is offering a FREE “7-day Doubt Diet.” Just click here to enter your information in her sidebar, and you’ll receive a week’s worth of devotions from her upcoming book, A Confident Heart. And be sure to let me know so we encourage one another along the way.

Just Married

Last Saturday, I watched as my oldest daughter transformed from a shy, little girl into a beautiful bride and confidently walked down the aisle to her new grownup life. It was a bittersweet moment filled with quiet tears and unspeakable joy.

Tears for the little girl who was left behind. Joy for the young woman who took her place beside a beaming young man. Wrapped in tight with her floral bouquet were all my hopes and dreams. Years of whispered wishes and fervent prayers. Her's now to carry.

Love never fails.

Wedding day picture by Travista Creative photography.

More blessings, many more

8. family time visits

9. fuzzy little noggins

10. hiding under covers 

11. shaking off sleep to sounds of tiny little steps and an excited "Grandma, Grandma"

This was my list on June 7.  I didn't consider it complete and, therefore, didn't post it. Now, I realize that is not the point.

Gratitude is incomplete.  Continuously ebbing and flowing.  Wave after wave.

Grace upon grace.

Be Still

 "Be still, and know that I am God!"...Psalm 46:10(NRS)

Wow, isn't it amazing how much time can pass when you get busy?  I've been so busy these last few weeks that I haven't really been aware of it.  Much of what I would normally do has taken a backseat to other more important things.  I know that there are things that I should do.  I should be journaling, reading my Bible and praying daily but lately, in all my busy-ness, God has fallen through the cracks a little bit. 

I have really good reasons for not spending time in my daily devotions, not taking the time to really, earnestly pray.  You see my daughter got married just this last weekend.  We've had so many things to do to get ready for the wedding.  There was the catering, flowers, dresses, shoes, earrings, veils just to mention a few items on our list.  

We've spent weeks preparing for all of our family who were coming to attend the celebration.  It was quite a frenzy in the final weeks leading up to the Big Day.  One particular day saw three separate trips to look for flowers and candles.  As I stepped out of the car into the oppressive heat we've been experiencing, I heard God's whisper so distinct that I had to turn my head to see if someone was there, 

"Be still and know that I am God!"

Be still.  

I'm not good at being still.  I need to be reminded that it's ok to be still.  God knows that I need activity in my life and he also knows that I need to rest.  

Thank you, Lord, for giving me permission to stop and be still.  Help me be mindful in my daily activity so I never get too busy to make time for you.