Kites

“The optimist pleasantly wonders how high his kite will fly…” William Arthur Ward

 

We’ve Gone National

Not really a huge sports writer – or follower for that matter.  I keep up to date on the happenings of tennis.  And Aggie football.  And now, Aggie Basketball!  Gig ‘Em Aggies!  Way to go on a National Championship!

The Princess who caused others to smile…

If you are a frequent visitor to our home (or neighborhood for that matter!) this is quite possibly the outfit of choice for our Abigail.  She has a 3-4 “favorite” dress rotation – and I don’t usually see her clothes during the day.  There are smiles.  Lots of them.

 

But, the other day as we were walking out of the store, and yet another kind and gentle hearted person had commented on how lovely they thought Abi was in her dress, I started to think.  Abi had asked me in the parking lot WHY everyone liked her dress so much.  And my explanation encouraged me to think about a deeper meaning to her little princess dress.  I told her that us ladies of the world, well we love a good princess story.  We long to be loved, to be cherished, to be considered beautiful.  I told my daughter that there is something in every woman who can identify with the ideas of a princess – and that those feelings resurface when they see Abi in a princess dress and crown.  I told her that people love to smile.  That seeing Abi being completely present in BEING a princess, well that brings a bit of joy into someone’s life!  I’m not sure she knew what to think about such things, but she knew that she had made others happy – and that seemed to work for her.  What a sweetness to spread some joy and hope through pointing to a greater love story.

Claiming Freedoms

I laughed at a quote that I read in a magazine dedicated to spring cleaning recently: The only advantage in not being too good a housekeeper is that your guests are so pleased to feel how very much better they are.”  Eleanor Roosevelt

There is certainly some truth to this statement.  But upon further consideration, my chuckle wasn’t so much out of amusement, but more of longing for something to be different.  While I want my home to be an encouragement to others, I certainly don’t want it to be so because I am encouraging confidence in anything other than Christ. 

And I don’t want to find myself constantly worrying about the state of my home.  Granted, I do find I am more at peace when my home is tidy.  I also find that Doons & I are more relaxed (which we all know leads to more enjoyable kiddos and days in general!) when our home is organized and clean.  BUT, these are not the things that matter to the heart of God.  He is not concerned with how my countertops sparkle; but is focused on the quality of the heart in the little girl I am raising.  He is not concerned with the dishes left by the side of the counter, but He is concerned with the clutter of thoughts that flood my mind when I sit with my wee one.

So, I am claiming freedoms.  Freedoms to focus on the hearts of two little beauties.  Freedoms to rest in grace.  Freedoms for the guests in my home.  Freedom from the things that so easily entangle.

Praying for Japan

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I’m always so discouraged how quickly world events vanish from my mind.  I firmly believe that we’re called to be about WORLD care and WORLD focus as believers – that because the heart of our Lord is infinitely invested throughout the world – that my heart should be invested as well.  But, in my humanity I quickly grieve for the loss of life / loss of creation / loss of needs when tragedy strikes – and as horrible as this sounds – I mentally move on.  I don’t deliberately do it – it’s my human-ness.  OH, but I want that to change.  I want to be concerned long after my news flashes have stopped.  Long after the news stops making it their top story.  Long after it’s buzz conversation.

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It at times feels like there are limited things that we can do sitting state-side.  But, I am reminded of the enormous power in our prayers.  Prayers for the lives that have been lost / the lives that have been forever changed / the lives that are in a very real pain with very real needs.  I am called and am privileged to pray for the people of Japan.

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And if you are so led – there are amazing organizations that are on the ground and working to help and love those whose lives I can not even imagine.

World Vision

Samaritans Purse

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Oh, Ireland!  You have a special place in our hearts this year!  While traveling that amazing country, we learned so much about the real St. Patrick – what he was and what he was not.  He loved that country in a way to show them Jesus – what an encouragement on a day that is known for green beer.  Oh my.

A souvenir for our baby that we bought on the trip…we didn’t know that baby boy would be 11 pounds at 2 weeks and therefore would already have outgrown it!  LOVE!

Of this I am certain…

That there is no way I could even attempt to be the momma that I would hope to be without my Doons.

He makes this life so rich and wonderful.

I am so thankful to walk through life with him.  Such love.