Thursday, July 30, 2009
Impart Grace
Ahh, the tongue. James 3:6 And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. We all know the dangers of a loose tongue - we've been burned to a crisp at times by a wayward tongue. If we were to stop at this verse in James, we would be forever lost. I LOVE that God gives us a choice: cursing or blessing. We can proceed with necessary edification and soothe another. A verse keeps coming to mind: a soft answer turns away wrath (prov 15:1a. This is so very true when speaking or correcting my children. They do NOT respond well to loud voices and harsh tones. They seem to be particularly sensitive to them. In the Spirit, I have the choice not only to speak softly and bestow a blessing, but to THINK this way also. WOW. I am finding more and more lately that my thoughts are returning to remembering the Word, and it's power. I see and hear myself more and more having these thoughts, and it humbles me. Refreshes me. Reminds me of the love of my Savior.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Ranch Time
Faith went to camp this past week at Rocking Horse Ranch.She really hit her stride here! She came home every afternoon filthy, wet (water-games), and beaming. What a marvelous place this is - and what a change in our child. This organization takes in abused and neglected horses, and rehabilitates them by bringing in during the year "at risk" youth. They teach the horses to trust again, and the children the value of character: trust, love, patience, and hope. What a sweet setup! We had the privilege to go for a week and see the miracles they perform when they bring in a few school-age children for a week of camp for a treat.
Faith found a good friend in "Cody" - a horse she says is "a good boy, mom!" During the showcase on Friday, we got to watch her lead this horse through an obstacle course, then ride him through again. Her counselor/trainer told us that she had "perfect execution." Good job, Faith! It was a delight to watch her encourage this horse, take gentle control, and conquer a few fears.
Mail Call!
After that, we were treated to a time of "line dancing" - they learned 3 different dances and showed us them all. What fun stomping in the dirt, doing improvisation, and showing off their acting abilities! Good, clean fun.We finished the course of the evening with a lovely BBQ dinner, then a tour of the facility and of course a meet and greet with your favorite horses.
After all was said, done, danced, and ridden, we found this to be a great place. Faith learned so much about herself, her gifts and talents, and took on some new challenges she may never have tried without it. I'm so glad God provided the means, the place, and people to bless us all so very much. We sure look forward to coming back again...soon!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Wings
I'm so proud of Heather.
She's stepping out in faith on a venture quite different than the past, taking on new responsibilities and new people, and going with little direction. I know that fear could easily overwhelm her...as she gets more and more details, the more the enemy of her soul would like to distract, dismay and discourage her. She is standing strong ~ to be more precise, she is kneeling strong. I know she is covering herself in prayer. I am often found convicted by her remarks, her wisdom, her convictions. I know she's ready.
It is so good to have her here, yet I know that the Lord has so much bigger and broader things to take her to, and see her through.
My heart is glad for her. I love to see her spread her wings, and fly.
She's stepping out in faith on a venture quite different than the past, taking on new responsibilities and new people, and going with little direction. I know that fear could easily overwhelm her...as she gets more and more details, the more the enemy of her soul would like to distract, dismay and discourage her. She is standing strong ~ to be more precise, she is kneeling strong. I know she is covering herself in prayer. I am often found convicted by her remarks, her wisdom, her convictions. I know she's ready.
It is so good to have her here, yet I know that the Lord has so much bigger and broader things to take her to, and see her through.
My heart is glad for her. I love to see her spread her wings, and fly.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Day in the Park
Heather and I had some fun with her camera while awaiting the Bridal Shower Bonanza for her friend Donna last weekend. Thought you'd like a peek at the things we do to kill time in a public place. (I only posted the flattering ones)
She's a silly girl, and I love her to death. You would have to appreciate the fact that I abhor my picture being taken, as I seldom like anything that the camera produces when it is pointed in my direction. Somehow, I expect to appear differently than the image my mirror gives. Go figure.
She's a silly girl, and I love her to death. You would have to appreciate the fact that I abhor my picture being taken, as I seldom like anything that the camera produces when it is pointed in my direction. Somehow, I expect to appear differently than the image my mirror gives. Go figure.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Visitation
My parents are here visiting, and I am reminded how much I really like them. How much fun we have just laughing...old jokes, new puns, sweet times. I know most people think I am much like my mother. I see so many ways in which we are quite different. and yet...the things we share are remarkable. intimate. worthy.
I love having them here. (sweet sigh)
I love having them here. (sweet sigh)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
First Showing
I got to see a wondrous sight today - my daughter's art hanging in a gallery. Wow.
As I wandered about, looking here and there, I must admit to being cautious. You never know what you will see in an art gallery: nude paintings that are graphic, lewd poses, twisted sculptures that reveal too many illicit medications, or just plain bad art. Sometimes I get surprised with something sweet, poignant, or just plain funny. Lately, though, not so much. It seems that the minds of so many have become so jaded and worn, they can only find things to criticize or debauch, instead of things to motivate and entrance. Today was no exception.
This was an art gallery at the college she attends. Much of the art was from students that had been in classes for several semesters. Frankly, just to be allowed to display there was an honor. When she applied (strongly encouraged by her teacher) we were totally thrilled. She is, after all, only in her second semester of photography class. We love her photography. She has a way of making something simple leap out of the photo and grab your heart. This was something simple: hands. Her grandmother's hands. Yet the message they offered was deep. There is such beauty revealed in these simple black and white photographs, it causes you to pause and wonder: what story are my hands telling? You'll have to decide for yourself what the story is when you see them - that's the beauty of art. You can participate. Which is why I am so leery when entering a gallery - I may not wish to participate in what is being offered. I am after all supposed to be sanctified, am I not? Anyway, to be encouraged to apply was amazing. To be chosen to be shown, and have a chance at an award: breathtaking.
So here I was, wandering around, secretly trying to see if anyone saw what I did hanging on the wall behind the reception desk. MY daughter's artwork. Next to what some might think was similar work, but it lacked the depth, precision, and story that hers offered. No competition. And while I didn't find that hers had won an award, I was no less touched and awed by the fact that it hung there. Her first showing. Splendid, I might add. As I walked away, I wondered how such art is rated. If by the heart, then hers had first place.
As I wandered about, looking here and there, I must admit to being cautious. You never know what you will see in an art gallery: nude paintings that are graphic, lewd poses, twisted sculptures that reveal too many illicit medications, or just plain bad art. Sometimes I get surprised with something sweet, poignant, or just plain funny. Lately, though, not so much. It seems that the minds of so many have become so jaded and worn, they can only find things to criticize or debauch, instead of things to motivate and entrance. Today was no exception.
This was an art gallery at the college she attends. Much of the art was from students that had been in classes for several semesters. Frankly, just to be allowed to display there was an honor. When she applied (strongly encouraged by her teacher) we were totally thrilled. She is, after all, only in her second semester of photography class. We love her photography. She has a way of making something simple leap out of the photo and grab your heart. This was something simple: hands. Her grandmother's hands. Yet the message they offered was deep. There is such beauty revealed in these simple black and white photographs, it causes you to pause and wonder: what story are my hands telling? You'll have to decide for yourself what the story is when you see them - that's the beauty of art. You can participate. Which is why I am so leery when entering a gallery - I may not wish to participate in what is being offered. I am after all supposed to be sanctified, am I not? Anyway, to be encouraged to apply was amazing. To be chosen to be shown, and have a chance at an award: breathtaking.
So here I was, wandering around, secretly trying to see if anyone saw what I did hanging on the wall behind the reception desk. MY daughter's artwork. Next to what some might think was similar work, but it lacked the depth, precision, and story that hers offered. No competition. And while I didn't find that hers had won an award, I was no less touched and awed by the fact that it hung there. Her first showing. Splendid, I might add. As I walked away, I wondered how such art is rated. If by the heart, then hers had first place.
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