Value

The things that really matter in life cannot be bought or sold.  Those things can never be measured or packaged.

The things that matter most in life can only be experienced from the heart. For how can you measure love? Who can package peace? How can you weigh the value of contentment?

The true value of life is found in the quietness of a morning cup of coffee with the living word of God as He speaks deep into your soul.  The value of a sweet babies breath is impossible to figure.  Who could sell the worth of a long sweaty run that makes your limbs heavy but your heart and mind light?  There is no way I would let go of the treasure of the Wayne's smile.  My girls laughter is immeasureable.  The feel of their arms around my neck, even now, especially now, are worth their weight in gold.

Progress

When I saw this yarn at Hobby Lobby I had to get it. It will make the best sweater ever!!!!I startyed on it as soona s I got home from my sister's house.

I'm making progress alhtough I admit it's hard to stay motivated on a 100% wool sweater when it's so stinkin' hot outside.  I keep telling myself I will be done and wearing this beauty on my way to the mountains this fall! 

Thoughts on Rahab

Our Sunday school class is exploring "Extraordinary Women" by John MacArthur for the next few weeks.  Today we will study Rahab.  What a gal! She had so many strikes against her yet managed to be used by God that it gives all of us hope, even those of us who judge her because we are already ahead of her in being used, after all, I'm not a prostitute.  I love that the Bible never holds back. To be quite honest, the Bible is a compeletely R rated. I mean, how many churches are gonna explain to the preK kids what  "harlot" is as they color their pictures of her?  It tells the true real life stories of men and women at their best....and worst. I see myself over and over and yes, I see myself today in Rahab's story.

So what did I learn from Rahab?

- People will always remember your mistakes, sometimes all your life, but it doesn't have to define you.
- When God gives you opportunities, do what you know to do until He tells you different.
-When you define people at first impression, you lose out.
-Let God write your story, He has a much better ending, or as Pastor Andy says. "It's not as important how you begin, it's how you end!"

Back to life, Back to reality

After spending a wonderful few days with these adorable cuties....


 
I figured it was time to get back into life full swing.  I have decided to really enjoy this summer. No more mad rushing through days, going at break neck speed. No, this summer I will take it all in, read, knit, enjoy people, savor good food and get this 42 year old body ready for a marathon in November.
 
Here's whats on my knitting needles:

Now is that cute or what?  I love the sweet little owls blinking at me on the yoke.  My first attempt at a  pullover, we'll see if it will be wearable by fall.


Finished reading this book recommended by my SIL. She loves to read as much as I do and she always recommends books to me that turn out to be spellbinding. This was no exception. Wonderful book! Read it this summer!

I just ordered these flip flops yesterday.  I can't wait to finish the sumemr and see if it's really true that they last forever.   My Chacos have seen better days and after a couple mission trips they are ready to retire from  day to day use.

  Well, I am off to enjoy my first early Friday afternoon. This is the first summer I have gotten half days on Fridays. Makes the long days with no lunch the other four worth it.

Happy Birthday Heather

I love you little sis. I love you because you were my built in playmate. Gilligans Island in the big ole tree out back, mermaids in the swimming pool, and laughing when mom spanked us with the ruler and it broke.

I love you because you "get it".  I can talk without a filter to you because you never judge me.  You make me feel normal and help me to laugh when life seems hard.

I love you because it's not hard to be your sister.  You understand that although we are apart, it's OK. When we don't have time to sit and talk for hours on end, FB or txt is enough.  You know that being close doesn't have to mean a physical proximity.

I love you because you share my secrets, you understand where we come from and you are an amazing,strong and beautiful woman.  I love you Heather! Happy Birthday! Wishing you the best day and the best year ever!

What did I do all weekend? Well.......

I spent some QT with the two sweetest babies in the entire world!  Their little milk crusted lips, sweet pearly toes and precious humm song they sing when they are milk drunk are on my mind tonight, and I miss them.  If you know me, you know I love me some wee tiny baby.  It was a blast!

canopy road

Somedays your run can find you in unfamiliar territitory. A run in a new place is good for your mind and body. Not knowing what to expect keeps your senses sharp and you observe and experience new sights and sounds.

This morning, I found myself on canopy Road.  My sister's house backs up to the most beautiful road I've ever seen.  Giant oaks line either side and branches join like clasped hands to cover the road in a  tunnel of trees. Spanish moss drapes down to make curtain thatfilters the early morning sun.   The warm humid Florida air makes breathing hard this morning. The thick air is heavy and already sweat trickles down my face, burning my eyes. The canopy road gives relief to the hot humid air.  The shadows fall on the road and a gentle breeze greets my face.  As the breeze blows the sweat from my eyes, it carries the the heady scent from the wild honeysuckle from the roadside.  The early morning sun streams theough openings in the arms of the oaks  makes abstract designs on the pavement that my feet connect with rhythmic patterns.

My mind drifts now to thoughts of sisters.  My two sisters I left at the house, talking and chattering about the day.  The sisters to whom we fed early morning bottles.  Their tiny lips surrounded by a  crusty milk mustaches.  I think about the two sisters that live at my house. I think about the adjustment of the upcoming year and how life will change for both of them.

All these thoughts weave through my mind and as my feet pound out a mindless pattern, and my breathing repeats the cadence, I notice that I have gone farther down this canopy road than I intended.  I hear a dog bark in the distance and that is my cue to turn around and head home, if I can find it.  I'm sure my sister has a pot of coffee waiting.  A good start to a relaxing day.  I feel at peace with the world.  There is a  great comfort in having  and in being a sister.  A built in friend. Someone like you and someone so different. Forever joined by an invisible thread.

And that's my thoughts on my canopy road run.