Blame Game

I'm absolutely done.

It is so counter-intuitive, that I lack the motivation to even try to rationalize it.

Here's the riddiculous game. 
For most of my life, everything less than lovely in my life has been blamed on someone or something else. Everything.

My bad mood?  Rowdy kids.  Change of plans. Lack of coffee.  Your poor choices.
(Couldn't possibly have anything to do with the dust on the abandoned Bible.)

My failure to succeed?  Past hurts.  People's opinions.  Present obstacles. Perceived expectations. Possibility of future failures.
(Couldn't be my fear, my pride, or my laziness.)

Joy Dare 3.26.12

Giving thanks to God in community for His gifts ...

Fajitas with guacamole.
Cheesecake.
Strong cup of coffee with friends.

Faithful followers.
Word Alive.
Hope.

Admirable examples.
Committed sojourners.
Encouraging on-lookers.

"I love our chats."
"I am missing you."
"Remember God gave that to you...it's His...let Him do what He wants with it."

Songs in the car.
Lists for everyday life.
Butterflies and clouds.

Milk from the dairy.
Signature cologne.
The younger years.

It's in the Jean

(Oh, she'll be so mad that I put her middle name in the title.)

I feel as though I've always loved her. 
Even her name is entirely adorable: Katherine Jean.
I met her when she was fresh out of high school, but we quickly made up for lost time. 

My first impression of her was

Road Trip

Last week the kids and I loaded up and headed north.  Landen drove the first couple hours.  After lunch, we made it to my Great Uncle Jack's place in the Ouachita Mountains. 

We hugged and giggled.  We romped and stomped.  We renewed old relations and chatted with ease.  Four wheelers roared and fish swam away for their lives.

Hours later, we reloaded our vehicle and hit the road again....dustier and happier than before.

Joy Dare 3.19.12

Giving thanks to God in community for His gifts ...

Re-reading Radical.
Re-reading The Importance of Being Earnest.
Re-reading the hand written note from my Gramma.

Philip's safety in the storms.
The pond I imagine my grand kids fishing in.
New socks.  Just for me.

Joy Dare 3.10.12

Giving thanks to God in community for His gifts ...

Boys returning to school.
Boys returning home from school.
Looking forward to my boys returning home once they've found their own place in the world.

Bright spring green grass - growing wild or freshly mowed - beautiful.
The perfect shade of rye grass green I selected years ago for my kitchen.
My favorite G2 ink pen - faithfully found in my front purse pocket.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Wednesday, March 7, 2012...

Outside my window...
White flowery onion sprouts have burst out in patches.  Strong winds bring tree limbs to life - dancing and swaying to sunshine's song.

I am remembering...
When the boys played tee-ball.  Size 4 gray baseball pants - I dare you to think of something cuter!

I am thankful for...
Friends who invite my kids over.  One or two being away for a while shifts our dynamics in a delightfully intriguing way.

I am creating...

Mari Alice's Baptism

MA & JW...Are they related, or what? 

 Thank God, for friends and family who show up equipped with cameras!  Gardening and Photography...NOT my strongest subjects.

 Sweetest words of the day:  "Mari, because of your acceptance of Christ as your Savior, I baptize you, my daughter, and now, my sister...in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Today

My favorite day might be Thursday.

It seems to have a productive pace... in a "light at the end of the tunnel" way.

For years, I've often gathered with other women on Thursday evenings to learn and discuss Biblical truths.  So I look forward to this evening of purpose and focus.

AND my dear Kathy often posts "Thoughts for Thursday" on her blog.  She captures beauty with her camera, couples it with a verse of Scripture, and shares.  Generously genius:)

Feel free to pop over to her blog and enjoy the beauty for a moment.

Thank You, God, for today.  You are good in every way!