you have arrived

In response to my frustration of what, at times, feels like a continuous life lesson loop, J has often heard me lament, "Will I ever get there?" It's when, once again, the realization hits: "Oh yeah, I remember learning about this trust thing (or grace or surrender or peace or.....) before."

On a recent trip, it became clear to J and S, that the perfect souvenir for me would be the above video to play as needed. Consequently, I have put in a request for my own personal GPS system to clip to my waistband programmed to go off every 20 feet or so calmly proclaiming those treasured words "You have arrived."

Thank you, Loves, for the thoughtful gift.

tea-lightful

M hosted her first tea party Friday. She spent hours making invitations, writing lists for games, crafts and menus in preparation for the big day. Being a compulsive list maker, I was very proud of her organization. I was especially blessed, though, to see her gifts and talents emerging. I am a planner but I am not naturally inclined to be hospitable. Just waiting for this little party to begin, my armpits were soaked. M, on the other hand, navigated the preparations with ease and excitement. It could be age and inexperience but I think it is because she is caring, compassionate and giving. Seeing her rosy cheeks and contented face in the rearview mirror after dropping her guest off and a care package to a sick friend filled my mama's heart with joy. She is discovering who she is.

happy valentines day

Our chocolate truffles, red jello and heart shortbread cookies are waiting for tonight's celebration. Can't think of what to make for dinner so maybe we'll just skip it and double up on the truffles!
Have a great day!


S and I put together this garland inspired the one found in Country Home 2/07 issue. Too cute!

new word and correction

February's word: Holy Spirit.
There are needs that I have been knocking on God's door about for months. Lately, I've been wondering if I'm asking for the wrong thing. The other day, God took me here:

Luke 11:1-13

1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." 2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'" 5 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' 7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Teach me to pray, Lord, and fill me til I'm overflowing.

FIT update:
January's word will remain as well. I do have a correction regarding the purchase of size bigger pants: Bad idea. Wearing them for the first time on Saturday to the local art museum, my new size-bigger boot cuts with a little stretch were hanging off my hips and the crotch rapidly approaching my knees by visit's end. My sister's admonition to buy stretch jeans a little tighter ran through my mind as I discretely pulled and tugged to raise them up. I'm back to my old size and things have stabilized.

I'm also still working on the closet 'cause I just haven't had the gumption to pull it together. Bad PMS week but the fog is clearing and a plan of action is appearing on the horizon.

And, creative moments provided much needed diversions throughout the month: A new knitting project, pink and brown valentine scrapbook paper, a trip to the art museum, thrift shop finds for my project stash and a new magazine on card making for inspiration.