What I Found In The Garden

Can mighty pine trees grow tall without soil? Can luscious tomatoes flourish without water? Blossoming flowers look great before they're cut or picked, but without soil or water they wither more quickly than grass. That's what happens to all who forget God— all their hopes come to nothing. They hang their life from one thin thread, they hitch their fate to a spider web. One jiggle and the thread breaks, one jab and the web collapses. Or they're like weeds springing up in the sunshine, invading the garden, Spreading everywhere, overtaking the flowers, getting a foothold even in the rocks. But when the gardener rips them out by the roots, the garden doesn't miss them one bit.
From Job 8 (The Message Bible)

Jewels ... floral gems of multicolored violet, blue, orange sunburst, pinks, chartreuse. Some gems are as big as saucers; others are as tiny as diamonds. The colors of nature harmonizing and meshing into a floral 'song'. There's even a 'toad' snoozing in the hammock. What's in your garden?

Yahoo ... It's Empty

I'm ironing to beat the heat! You heard me right IRONING. Well, down in the basement it's so nice and cool ... every time I have to make a trip down there I like to linger a bit to cool off ... so I set up the ironing board today and emptied out the basket in no time ;0). This is only the second time this year that it's been completely empty. Now if I could just invent a device to move the basement's cool air upstairs in the summer months I'd be a gazillionnaire in no time.

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,

diligent in homemaking.

From Proverbs 31 (Message Bible)

More UPS than DOWNS

I'm a mushy mommy this morning. Sunshine boy Nathan has gone and filled my heart with joy overflowing. His sweetness is filling the air today. We're spending the weekend and part of next week without his dad and sister. They're off on a family reunion in Illinois while we get the whole house to ourselves. Five days of quiet ... no rush schedules ... no to do list ... just mommy and me time. His extra chromosome must be the one in charge of hugs and good cheer. Blessings on your Sunday.

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4( NIV)

Photo: Mr. Nathan ... about 2002
his clothes need a good soaking ;)

No Agenda

Nada thing happening around here this weekend ... other than relaxing ... working in the yard ... and tidying up the house. I was going to participate in a neighborhood garage sale ... but remembered I'd have the grand baby over later ... just not going to stretch myself more than needed. Hubby and Ann are in Illinois at a family reunion. I opted to stay home so I wouldn't need a vacation from my vacation. Traveling with Nathan ... being around a gazillion unknown family members is not his cup of tea. We'll have our own cup of tea from the quiet of being alone. Enjoy your Saturday.

Man's Newest 'Tower of Babel'

Stop the world, I want to get off! Man's latest (supposed most greatest) quest to unravel God's design of the universe is about to be unharnessed at the end of this month. A giant 'Atom Smashing Magnet' buried in Europe. Designed to discover 'the God Particle' ... I'm amazed that He hasn't just zapped us long before now. And I thought that messing with the sanctity of life was horrific ... now Man wants to examine God's fingerprints even further. Anyone else heard about this matter? Really ... my mom mentioned this story to me yesterday so I've been checking it out. Google 'atom smashing magnet' and see for yourself.

Hold On To Your Hard Hats

The sky is falling, the sky is falling! Well, there certainly is a lot of bad news happening around the world of late. Wars, rumor of wars, droughts, 800+ wildfires sparked by lightening in California, flooding and its aftermath in the Midwest, reports of drunken ... out of control Amish teens, tornadoes, earthquakes, typhoons, sky rocketing fuel and food prices, a weak dollar ... on and on until one dares not pick up the daily newspaper to read. End times or just bad times? Whatever it is, we'd better wake up and start preparing for the worst of times. Is your house in order? Do you have an emergency plan? If you haven't made the decision to walk with Christ, now would be a good time to take that leap of faith. Just what are you waiting for? Something to fall from Heaven and hit you on the head?

Summer Swing Of Things

Summer is finally here in the great Northwest. Spring appeared and disappeared in about a week, paving the way for the exploration of warm weather get-a-ways. Mr. Mac spent his first month of retirement putting a dent in his honey-doo-doo-list ... but I've caught him taking a nap several times a week in the hammock. My soldier boy is home on leave ... having arrived on Father's Day! The graduate is discovering that summer fun and no job leaves quite an empty hole in one's wallet ;) ... and that a full college class load this coming fall might mean having to work extremely hard. A parents dream is when their children have a light bulb moment and discover that money doesn't grow on trees. We will have a full house by Thursday when company arrives so I will again be away from my computer. Hopefully ya-all are enjoying your vacations and are not suffering from the foul weather as of late. Hugs to all.

We Should Not Be Eating Soup ...

It's nearly summer ... and here we are dining on a big pot of homemade chicken noodle soup! I know, in all things give thanks ... and we are thankful for our food, and rain, and possible snow that's predicted ... but it's almost summer! So while you enjoy your heatwave, we are still using umbrellas, raincoats, boots, coats, heaters, etc. Enjoy your ice cream ... now I'm off to make hot cocoa.

Get Lost Mom

Well I'll be. My youngest child is becoming very independent. After years of me hovering over him, tending to his medically challenged little body. Making sure he didn't run away ... into traffic ... the woods ... out a second story window ... he's gaining such maturity. He loves his family, friends, pooch, and life. But recently he's been gaining such life skills that amaze me. Now I don't usually promote hanging out at smoke filled pool halls, but we were invited to a family friendly one for a birthday party this week. Nathan was invited too. I'm never sure how he'll react to such noisy surrounds ... after a bad experience at Chucky Cheeses one year, noisy establishments and Nathan have been rarely frequented. Upon arriving at the establishment, he discovered the arcade pinball machine area. Within thirty minutes he had made 'new' friends that took a liking to him (a young twenty-something couple). Next thing I know he's basically telling me to 'get lost mom' ;) He's a boy of few words ... but I got the message loud and clear from him trying to shove me out of the room with a pleading look to take a hike. His new friends were amazed at his accuracy skills ... and even helped him 'win' a stuffed animal from the 'claw' machine. Next he was off to join Ann's friends that were playing pool. A few of the teens let him take their turns and now he's hooked on pool. Being the possessor of an extra chromosome can have its advantages: Warming the heart of man to accept the unusual. Walking a path that leads the disadvantaged side by side with the advantaged. Changing the hearts of men one man at a time. Accepting the unlovely as lovely. Way to go Nathan! Enjoy your summer you amazing young man.

The Graduate

With the blink of an eye, poof! My little girl is all grown up and ready to fly away. Today she graduates from high school. In the not too distant tomorrow she heads off to college and the world beyond. No longer under my care ... but able to spread her own wings and fly free. My how she has grown into a fine young woman. Thank you Lord for giving her dad and me the privilege of caring for her and now setting her free. May she keep her eyes focused on You and walk the straight and narrow path. May she lean upon You as she makes her way in life. Please guide and direct her. Amen and amen.