Accidents Happen

I thought, I'd better warn you...accidents happen.

Especially when you have a migraine and are just trying to live until nap time. And then you sit in the room with the little Flower until she falls asleep, because you have a foreboding feeling that something could happen. But once she is sound asleep, you feel that all is safe, so you creep away seeking the darkness of a quiet room for your aching head.

Accidents can still happen.

Because she may wake up. And as she makes her way to her toy room, your large recliner may accidently jump in front of her, placing her in the little corner where you keep your cross stitch materials.

And while she is in the corner, that she is not allowed to be in but is now accidently there, the scissors may accidently jump into her hands. Not just any scissors, the extra-pointy-extra-sharp ginghers.


And while the extra-pointy-extra-sharp scissors are accidently in her hand, they may accidently jump up and cut some of her long, beautiful blond hair. Accidently. On both sides and in the fringe. And these remnants may accidently be left behind as evidence.


All of this will of course lead to a rushed visit to the hair dresser the next morning.

Where you may find yourself accidently smiling, because the new do is kind of cute as well.


So consider yourself warned....accidents happen. Just ask Flower.

In Other Words---Is Hospitality a Lost Art Form?

Hospitality is becoming an almost forgotten Christian virtue in our style of life today...In the New Testament, however, hospitality was a distinctive mark of Christians and Christian communities."
~Alexander Strauch
from The Hospitality Commands~

We were in Belfast for a long weekend. A youth pastor who had come to work with our kids in England several times lived near Belfast. We decided to visit his church while there. We didn't call, we didn't plan for it, the opportunity just arose and we took it. He greeted us warmly, lamenting that his wife was working and not there for us to meet. We took our seats and the worship was wonderful. After the service he caught German. "Follow me home," he insisted. "My wife wants to meet you; we'll have lunch at my house." She had just come off a shift at the hospital. She pulled frozen chicken patties and peas out of the freezer. It was simple. It was unplanned. It was perfect. In fact, it is the only meal I can remember from that trip and we ate in a Michelin-starred-top-chef restaurant as well!

Hospitality.

I don't know the book of today's quote. I've not read it or anything by this author. So I cannot speak from where he is speaking. But I can speak from my own experience. And my experience says that hospitality is not a lost virtue. I've seen it time and time again in all kinds of places.

I see it in churches as someone befriends a new person.
I see it week after week when a believer opens their home for a Bible Study, house fellowship, youth group or other gathering.
I see it when someone takes a cup of tea to the homeless guy selling magazines outside the store on a cold day.
It's there on the play date as children begin sharing their things and their lives and are learning about what it means to be Christian.
It's a present virtue in so many blogs across the web, where believers are welcomed to come and learn and be themselves.

Hospitality is still there. Maybe it looks different than in Biblical times. But then our culture looks different as well. Anytime someone is reaching out to make someone welcome in Christian love, hospitality is present.

I pray that people find it when they wander into my little slice of webspace. I thank you for extending it to me when I come to yours.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 4:8-9

Lord, give me a hospitable heart. Give me eyes to see the person who needs a welcoming smile, a warm handshake and an offer of time and friendship. Thank you for allowing me to so often see your gift of hospitality offered through others. Amen.

Chelsey is this week's hostess for In Other Words. Please visit her at Joyfully Living to read her take on the quote, as well as some other wonderful, witty and hospitable bloggers!

In Other Words---You Want Me to Go Where?

“Still, accepting God’s existence is one thing; honoring his command is another matter entirely, especially if we’re required to go back when we’d rather go forward.”

~Liz Curtis Higgs
from Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible~

We all like to believe that God is using us; that He is commissioning us to do something in His kingdom. Some of us are quite happy for that commissioning to be in the work we are doing right this moment, close to home, reaching the people around us. Others would be totally ecstactic if God said, "Go..." somewhere new, somewhere with different challenges. The response would cry out "Just tell me where." Yet, others of us don't even worry about knowing the "where." We'd love to be Abram, setting out for the land God would show, and to have that much faith to go.

Yes, a Christian who is seeking to grow in their relationship with God wants to move on with Him. But, what if He were to say, "go back"?

Anyone who knows me for very long quickly understands that I love to move on. We have lived in England longer than anywhere else during the time of our marriage. I have itchy feet, I'm ready for God to take us elsewhere. I've been ready. For three years I've been ready. And time and time again God has clearly said, "stay." We have lived within the blessing because we stay. It doesn't keep me from reminding God that I'm willing to go. I'm sure He just smiles and whispers, "I know, not yet."

Just before I read this quote in Higgs' latest study, a friend and I were talking and praying. She, too, has been ready to go for a few years. We love each other because we can say, "I love you, but I'd love to tell you good-bye!" Anyway, she asked the question, "Could God ask anything more difficult for you than to stay?" I immediately answered, "He could say go back to the States." A week later I read this quote. And began to think, "Could I trust Him if He said go back?"

Could I?

If He said go back to Texas? (Dix, Amy, Adrienne, you guys know I love you, so don't take this personally!). I wasn't the greatest farm girl growing up. There aren't any jobs that would draw German to West Texas. I am not sure that Texas could ever be home again. But if God said go back, would we? We would because God doesn't call to where you aren't needed. But it would be a difficult step of faith.

But that isn't what God is calling us to do (sorry guys!).

What if it wasn't a physical place, but an emotional place that He commissioned me to go back? What if it was back into a discipling friendship that ended in broken hearts all around? What if He called me to face that battle again? *Deep breath*. I can almost feel the physical pain from that emotion even now. But I've known that this period of time might be only a respite before another round. My head would say, "I'm not ready," but my heart would hopefully trust Him enough to go back.

Again, that isn't what God is saying. Not yet.

In fact, what God is still saying is "Stay." But the last few weeks of meditating on this has taught me so much. Time and time again, God has brought a person, a situation, a place, a feeling to my mind and said, "Would you go back to this." I'd love to tell you that each and every time I've said "of course Lord." But it isn't that simple. Knowing that He is sovereign is easy. I know that He doesn't leave unfinished business---but I do hope that in some of those places He has appointed someone else to finish it! I have had to grapple with these truths, that if He sends me "back" to somewhere, then there is something to accomplish. In each situation I've had to struggle with what I didn't want to go back to and why. It's been hard, but it has also been freeing.

In the story, Hagar had run away from Sarai who was mistreating her. Sarai was jealous of the pregnancy. But God still had things for Hagar to do. He didn't promise her that Sarai would all of a sudden treat her well. He didn't tell her things would be easy. Instead He assured her that He was with her. And He sent her back. Ishmael was born. Abram had his son. Later, after the birth of Isaac, Hagar would be sent away again. Again, God would meet her in her need. That time, he would not send her back. She would have a new purpose. But in the early part of Hagar's story, God sent her back. She trusted and she went. How difficult that must have been! But she did it.

If God asks us to return to something that has been left behind, there is a purpose. The purpose may be for someone that is there. But more often than not, the purpose is to continue to refine us to be ready to "send forth."

Has God sent you back? Is God sending you forward? Is He asking you to stay? Can you trust Him no matter the direction He sends?

(Oh, and in total irony, my friend who sparked this whole train of thought has been called back...she and her family will be returning to Saudi Arabia in the new year after four years here. I'll miss her, but I know that God has called them back to a purpose and can't wait to hear what He does!)

Father God, help me to trust You in all places. If You say return, may my heart return without fear. If You say stay, may I be content in the place You place me. And if You say go, may I step out in faith. I seek to serve You whereever I am. Amen.

Thank you for being a part of In Other Words this week! Please write your own thoughts on the quote, and then leave your link below. Have a blessed day!

It's My Turn! (In Other Words)

It's my turn to host In Other Words on Tuesday! I'm excited to see what you all will do with the quote that I have chosen. However, I'm a little nervous about getting Mr. Linky to work the first time, so please be patient with me! The quote is in a discussion about Hagar in the book Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible. For your information ahead of time, a "slightly bad girl" is someone who loves God and often tries to follow, but still has trouble trusting at times. Isn't that just about all of us?! See you on Tuesday!

“Still, accepting God’s existence is one thing; honoring his command is another matter entirely, especially if we’re required to go back when we’d rather go forward.”

~Liz Curtis Higgs
from Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible~

Thank you Jesus

They crowd into the little church building.

Twenty men and women, all who have seen their younger days. Their faces etched with years of eking out a living and a life in a land where plenty is missing.

Their clothes somber in color. The men remove their hats and take their place on the left side of the church. The women cover their heads with scarves and take their place on the right.

Prayer service begins. Each take a turn in voicing their prayer. The phrase reverberates through the little room.

Mulţumesc Iusus.
Thank you Jesus.

The world would think they lived in poverty. They know that they are wealthy beyond belief.

And I am humbled.

Father God give me discerning eyes and a thankful heart. Amen.

Come to Sting My Heart for more posts from Thankful women.

In Other Words--Lament

“For at least when we express our anger to God, our wrestling keeps our skin pressing into His. God is still present. When we honestly expose our inflammation, express our soreness, we are still staking our commitment to our relationship with Him.”

Ann Voscamp from her blog post,
Even if He doesn’t: Learn to Lament

The lament. It is an art that we have moved away from in our modern-we-can-do-it-ourselves world. We seem to see it as a weakness. As sacrilege to tell God how bad things feel while at the same time acknowledging He holds all things.

But God is BIGGER than that. Much BIGGER.

He shows us in Scripture it is okay to lament, to wrestle, to hold onto Him when there is nothing else and to demand to be heard. (He may not answer the way we hope, but He always remains with us when we show our desperation to Him.)

It is Jacob wrestling with the angel, demanding the blessing.
It is Moses telling God not to destroy the people because of His reputation.
It is Hannah pouring her heart out so deeply that Eli thought she was drunk.
It is the woman in the crowd, jostling to simply touch the hem of His garment.

And it is you and it is me saying "I hate how this feels but I'm still going to trust You."

When we say that, He always answers, "I'm here."

For other thoughts on this quote visit Loni at Writing Canvas.

Marriage Monday--Romance Matters

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Today's (now yesterday's) MM topic is Romance. Here is what E-Mom has to say in the introduction:
You can approach today's topic, "Why Romance Matters" any way you want. Consider telling us about your favorite restaurant, your favorite song, or the little things you do for one another throughout the week. What tones down the tension, and tunes up the tenderness? How do you encourage your husband to open up and share his feelings? We want to know.

Essentially, tell us what you've discovered about the importance of romance and intimacy to your marriage.

When I asked German this weekend if romance matters, his answer was simply "yes." More clarification given? Not at all. Later he said, we probably haven't had too much romance lately. A sign that there is guilt there because our date nights have all but disappeared. But a night out is not what defines romance.

It's romantic that he still wants to hold doors open for me...even after almost thirteen years of marriage. It's romantic when he comes around the car to open my car door with flourish (and it teaches our girls about those little touches). It's romantic when one of us sends an email in the middle of the day that just says "I love you." Lighting candles, unexpected flowers (from either of us), notes in travel bags, slipping away with the girls to let the other person sleep, doing a task that is normally the other person's duty, remembering "off" anniversaries---first date, first kiss, found out we would be parents, reunited after a move---and doing something special to commemorate the moment are all romantic acts.

We are currently in a season where "dates" and big romantic gestures are difficult. Family is an ocean away and our most regular babysitter decided that something silly that following God's call to full-time ministry was more important than taking care of our kids (tongue planted firmly in cheek). But the fact is child care is difficult right now. Add that to incredibly busy work with travel and church schedules and organized romance is out the window. So the other things matter more. But, honestly, the little things have always mattered more. Romance is doing something to show your partner that they are important to you. Planned time to show that is great. But being unexpectedly reminded that you are special? Well that can keep a person going for a long time.

Romance matters! However it looks in a person's relationships, it matters! But don't be discouraged if you can't make big romantic gestures---the little ones are just important.



For more amazing women's thoughts on romance, please visit Chrysalis. Be blessed!

photo credit: ladyheart (Andrea) found at www.morguefile.com

Menus, Goals, and Updates....Oh My!

Hey everyone! I'm back! I can't wait to tell you all about the amazing trip to Romania, but little things like laundry, kids, house, laundry, and bills may take precedence. So please be patient. I also have to decide which of the 5000 pictures we took to show off. It may take some time. In the meantime, just let me thank you for your prayers for us as we traveled. It was truly a wonderful trip for all of us. But now back to routine....

So....Menu Planning Monday





Monday--Pork in Marscapone Sauce, green salads, steamed carrots
Tuesday--Shrimp Scampi (South Beach diet cookbook), green salad, steamed peas
Wednesday--"lasagna" casserole (layers of meat, mushrooms, sauce and cheese without noodles), green salads
Thursday--Grilled lamb steaks, corn on the cob, green salads
Friday--Chicken Curry, rice for kids, green beans, salad
Saturday--Grilled pork steaks, salads, vegetable to be determined
Sunday--Small Group Fellowship meeting; Build your own sub sandwiches, raw veggies, crisps

Goal updates




August Goal Review:
*order math curriculum--no
* Clear out one closet and donate unused clothes to charity--no
* Finish stripping paint off of old cabinet--didn't touch
* Finish 3 1/2 states plus Liberty stripe on Flag Sampler--finished the states and 1/2 the Liberty stripe
* Read Ministry of Motherhood--will be my travel book--YES!!! Why, oh why, did I wait so long? Amazing book!
* Prep for and then go to Romania for 2 weeks to help out in the churches and children's home--YES! More on this to come

September Goals
* Buy Math Curriculum and finalize preparations for first month of school
* Choose Fall Bible Study material and order
* Complete 1 1/2 stripes on Flag Sampler cross stitch
* Complete a Baby quilt
* Organize sewing room
* Finish stripping cabinet and prep to stain
* Find time for one date night with German

I'll be back later today with my Marriage Monday post! See you then!

Birthday Girl

Saturday was Jewel's sixth birthday. I'm still not sure how she got to be six so quickly, but she did. She was so excited about having a party, which we kept denying. Finally, she told us she knew there was a party because "B" had told her she was invited. I told her that "B" might be invited to a party, but she didn't have an invitation so she couldn't come! But the day arrived.

First we started the day with pancakes, eggs and bacon. (sorry no pics)

Then, we sent the girls to the toy room to play as this was erected in the back garden.

It is a bouncy castle, obstacle course and slide. Jewel and Flower had a blast on it all morning.



Then at 1:00 ten of her friends (plus 17 mommies, daddies and other adult friends) arrived for the party. They played and played on the bouncy unit. We ate pizza and other snacks. The theme was "Princess Jewel" and all the girls received tiaras (the lone boy received a pirate hat). Jewel's big present was a Disney Princess bike from Daddy and Mommy and a Princess bike helmet from Grandad and Dixie. (pictures to follow when they are downloaded)
This is this year's cakes:


The night before the party the weather predicted rain arriving at 1:00 and lasting all night. The morning of the party it said arriving at 4:30. The party was scheduled for 1-5! The rain started at five minutes before five and lasted all evening. But, everyone was wrapping up and heading home at that time. We were able to cover the unit with the tarp until the castle man arrived at 6 to retrieve it. Just as we loaded it into his van, the heavens opened. God was so good to give us a party window! A great time was had by all!

Ladybird, Ladybird

Last week was Holiday Bible Club at church (VBS for those in US). The theme was "Wastewatchers" and had recycling and transformation at its heart. One of the center pieces of action was a garden and a ladybird bin.

So, in honor of Jewel's birthday, I made 84 ladybird cupcakes for the kids and workers.

In Other Words--Order My Steps...all the way to Romania

Order my steps, in Your word
Order my tongue, in Your word
Guide my feet, in Your word
Wash my heart, in Your word
Show me how to walk, in Your word
Show me how to talk, in Your word.

(refrain)
I want to walk worthy, my calling to fulfill
Please order my steps, Lord, and I’ll do Your blessed will
The world is ever changing, but You are still the same
If You order my steps, I’ll praise Your name.


~A hymn by Glen Burleigh~

Such an appropriate quote for me this week. On Friday, German, the girls and I will leave for a two week mission with a church and children's home in Romania. I cannot wait to go! We were there four years ago (just before Flower was born) and viewed the land the children's home is being built upon. We dreamed the dream with the pastor and charity founder. And now, we go back to see the building taking form!

But, in the preparation for the trip, I must stay focused on the purpose. I need not get stressed about getting the details right. I must let God order the details in His will.

And, when we get there, I must depend on Him to guide us. I am well and truly out of my element in a country where I know virtually none of the language, and where the task is "be with the people and encourage them." That is fairly vague to this type A introvert! Yet, I know from past experience, that He will order the steps of the trip. Before, I was able to let my two year old disappear with complete strangers, playing in the homes and blessing the people. I was able to sit at tables so lavishly laid out by those with so little, and in absolute humbleness marvel at their hospitality. I was able to make "conversation" with a few words and lots of hand gestures. I was able to hold back my tears in the gypsy camp until we left. I know that He had appointed those times four years ago. I know that He will appoint them over the next two weeks. I pray that I am able to hear the call and follow worthily.

A few images from our last trip!

Give me understanding,
and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.

Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Psalm 119:34-36

Lord, Prepare the paths for us to walk. Prepare our hearts for what we will see. Order our steps as we seek to honor You by going. Amen.

Lori at All You Have to Give is the hostess for In Other Words this week. Come and be blessed!

In Other Words--Failure is an Individual Choice

“Problems can slow us down temporarily
but they don’t have the ability to stop us.
Only we have that power.”

~Wayne Cordeiro~

It was the most dreaded assignment I could receive in university---the group presentation worth the majority of the final grade. I hated them. Really, most everyone I knew hated them. Then one brave soul asked the question on everyone's mind, "Are we going to fail if someone in our group doesn't do their share of the work?" We all waited for the verdict. The professor answered, "Failure is an individual choice." He went on to explain that he, as a teacher, knew the ones who were hoping to ride on someone else's coattails, and would judge accordingly. He admitted that "a dead weight makes it more difficult" to succeed, but in that situation a student had to choices: either choose to fail due to the lack of cooperation or choose to work harder, do more and still succeed. Then he added the kicker, after again reminding us that he knew the ones most likely to not pull their weight, he said their co-presenters would be judged by whether or not they used that as "an excuse for mediocrity or an opportunity to show off."

I was blessed with a group that worked hard and worked well together. That much I remember. I don't remember the presentation at all. But I remember the real lesson, "failure is an individual choice." We all like excuses. We all would prefer to blame our mediocrity on circumstances. But when faced with the road blocks, the temptations or the troubles of pursuing a dream we choose whether to give up and use the excuse or we choose to persevere and gain success. I'd like to think I more often choose to continue to pursue the dream.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12

Today's hostess is Karen at In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus. Come and be blessed.

Who Is Out There?

Several of my cross stitch buddies have this on their blogs, so I decided to play along!

So who reads my blog??

1. As a comment on this post, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! And if we've never met in real life, leave me a comment of your favorite post I wrote and why it was your favorite.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually really funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you

Monday Menu Planning

Monday: Coca Cola chicken, green salads, carrots
Tuesday: Grilled cheeseburgers, green salad, vegetable tbd
Wednesday: Tuna Casserole and salads (left for family as I leave for a Pampered Chef party ;-))
Thursday: Pork in Marscapone Sauce, corn on the cob, green salads
Friday: Grilled Chicken with Tzaiziki, Greek Salads, Green Beans
Saturday: Pizza Party for Jewel's birthday
Sunday: tbd based on weather

A Quick Note

No time to post right now, but there is a long-winded update on our school year at


(click on the picture to redirect)

Perhaps back later this weekend, definitely will be back by Monday.

Have a blessed weekend!

August Goals and July Review

August is already here?! Time to review goals.

Last month's goals:
*Complete year K education with Jewel We will finish on Thursday--took a couple extra days to go a business trips with German
*Order year 1 curriculum for Jewel and any add-ons to PreK I need for Flower--done, except for math
*Choose a math curriculum! --chosen (I think) but not ordered
*Clear out one closet and donate unused clothes to charity --no
*Strip paint off of old cabinet and prep to stain --75% of first 2 layers removed
*Complete one stripe (10 states) on my Flag Sampler--completed 6 1/2 states
*Complete one quilt currently in works and plan for one more quilt --yes, one finished (need to post pics), one cut out and 50% pieced, another planned but can't find the right fabric!
*Read Ministry of Motherhood --read? what's that?

August Goals:

*order math curriculum
* Clear out one closet and donate unused clothes to charity
* Finish stripping paint off of old cabinet
* Finish 3 1/2 states plus Liberty stripe on Flag Sampler
* Read Ministry of Motherhood--will be my travel book
* Prep for and then go to Romania for 2 weeks to help out in the churches and children's home

In Other Words---Waiting with Eyes of Mercy

"I do not know that the prodigal saw his father,
but his father saw him.
The eyes of mercy are quicker than the eyes of repentance.
Even the eyes of our faith is dim compared with the eye of God’s love. He sees a sinner long before a sinner sees Him.”

~C.H. Spurgeon~
(from sermon based upon the Prodigal Son)

Once upon a time she lived in a dynamic faith walk. She shared her faith. She prayed. She participated in deep conversations with other Christians and helped to sharpen them as iron sharpens iron.

But then something happened. She misstepped. Disappointment crowded in around her when the church did not take her side in an issue. Church attendance stopped. Time with Christian friends stopped. Anger and bitterness set in. She continued to claim that her private prayer life was rich. She stated that she was "closer to God" than ever. But the fruit was missing. The joy was gone. Fellowship all but ceased. Finally there was nothing.

Her friends waited and watched. They prayed. They watched some more. So eager for reconciliation. For years they watched. They could see her on the horizon a time or two. Running out to greet her, the wished to welcome back into fellowship. But the step of repentance had proven too difficult. She pushed them away, content to remain in the distant. Their hearts for mercy are real. They continue to wait. They continue to pray.

If the friends can wait with eyes of mercy, how much more mercy does the Father's eyes have? He watches and waits as well. Even as He can see into the hardened and frightened heart, He waits. He longs to redeem. But sometimes, repentance is long coming.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 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 good gifts to those who ask him!
~Matthew 7:9-11~
(emphasis mine)

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
~Romans 5:15~
(emphasis mine)

Father help me to be the friend, waiting with eyes of mercy. And when I need to repent, draw me quickly to repentance. I don't want to dwell away from You. Because of your cleansing and saving blood....Amen.

In Other Words this week is hosted by Heather at Mumblings of a Mommy Monk. Please join us there. I know you will be blessed.

Marriage Monday---The Couple Who Plays Together

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This month, the topic for Marriage Monday is Recreation.

The early days of our courtship and marriage would find one of asking one question each Saturday morning, "North, south, east or west?" The question was simply determining which direction were we going to go. Were we going north into Canada, south to the Palouse, East to Lake Coeur d'Alene, or West toward the Cascades. Those days of getting in the car, seeing what the road would reveal, getting out to hike or picnic or just sit and enjoy nature, were crucial in our development as a couple. We learned how the other saw the world. We took pictures of the same things that looked entirely different due to our perspective--something that still makes us laugh. Lots of time in the car meant lots of time to talk, and get to know each other even better. A drive was non-threatening and relaxing (well except for a fateful trip to Silver Mountain ID, but that is a story best left untold).

One thing I quickly learned about German as we became friends was that cars were important to him. He loves cars. Admiring them and driving them. So our early recreation revolved around cars. If we weren't on a drive somewhere, we were probably at a car show somewhere. Usually a car show meant showing our car--with all the loving care that goes into that--but sometimes it was just going to see other people's cars. Now here is a little secret, I really couldn't care less about what we drive or how it looks. If it gets me from point A to point B, I'm happy. Spending hours at a car show in and of itself would not be appealing. BUT, spending hours with German at a car show was always appealing. I love watching him enjoy himself. I love watching him beam when someone comments on his car. I love watching him deep in conversation with another car enthusiast about all the details of their respected "babies." For me, the joy of the weekend was that I got to see him in his element, totally relaxed from the pressures of work. And you want to know something really funny, now that we are in Europe and our show cars are in storage in the US, I actually miss car meetings, car rallies and car shows. I learned to love what he loved. (And he does occasionally take me to an antique show or quilt show and share my loves.)

In the early days as we were learning about each other and likes/dislikes we really did have divergent tastes. Compromise became a key thing. (Someday I'll share the symphony vs NASCAR story.) But driving and seeing the country was always a common ground. Travel still remains our favorite recreation as a family. Whether it is getting on an airplane to explore Europe or just driving up the road an hour to explore the Dales, we find ourselves the most relaxed and the most able to share our lives in that setting.

We have found that when we are most stressed, with work or as a family, it is a clear indicator that we are needing to have some fun together. That's when we schedule a day for a drive. Just finding time to unwind together leads to a more content marriage and family. And that is reward in and of itself.

Please join Chrysalis today as others share how recreation has made a difference in their marriage.

Thankful Thursday--Marriages

You would think that it was June around here with the talk of weddings. So today, I wanted to express my thankfulness around that topic.

*I thank Jesus that He brought German and me together at a time in our lives when we could recognize His hand. I thank Him that He first made us friends and then led us to marry. I am so thankful for German as a friend, leader of our home and father of our children.

*I thank Jesus that he gave my dad and Dix each other and that they have just celebrated their anniversary. It is wonderful to be with two happy people!

*I thank Jesus that he gave Amy and Casey one another. I so wish I could have been at the wedding two weeks ago, but was able to attend in prayer and well wishes. The pictures were gorgeous. Praying God blesses this marriage richly.

*I thank Jesus that tomorrow, we will witness the wedding blessing of two dear friends from church. D's attention to covering his marriage in the prayers of godly men has been inspiring. I pray that tomorrow begins a journey of serving God together in music and ministry.

*I thank Jesus that he has knitted the lives of D&K together. I thank Him that they met while preparing for mission work and that they share a heart for telling the world about Jesus. I thank Him that He has led them to announcing their engagement. I pray for them as they prepare for a January wedding that the blessings of God will pour into their lives (and that they will know His guidance as to which continent they will serve).

*I thank Jesus for the wonderful, godly men and women that are around me that seek to allow Him to be the head of their marriages. I am thankful that there are examples of what God intends in marriage for others to look toward.

What are you thankful for today? Come and share it with us. We meet at Sting My Heart each Thursday.

Have a blessed day!

In Other Words--The Dignity in all of Humanity

Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat… We must find each other.”
~Mother Teresa~

Traveling in Europe, one often meets beggars on the street. The streets of Paris, of Rome, of Barcelona and even London have caused me to encounter many, many homeless people. My heart often goes out to them. Other times, I am guilty of wondering if they want a different kind of life. But, my reality has always been one of not knowing what is the best way to help. A few coins here and there don't do much. There are times that I am very clearly led to give monetarily. Other times, I feel that the Spirit puts a block on that. Maybe that is an excuse, but it is truth.

But about three years ago, while traveling, I felt a very clear direction from the Spirit that although I may not be able to give much, I should always give dignity. That is a challenge with some of the street people that are met. But I began to try to make honest eye contact, to smile, to speak, to acknowledge their existence even if I could not give money.

Then, earlier this year Jewel's story to read for school was "The Family Under the Bridge" by Natalie Savage Carlson. It is a little book about a mother and her three children who become homeless and end up living under a bridge. An old hobo (Armand) becomes involved with the children. Although Armand always says he chooses to live like he does, eventually the children draw him into another life. While we were in Rome last March we encountered a homeless man sleeping under a box. Jewel asked me if he was like Armand or like the family. At first I could not understand what she was asking, but she finally asked "does he want to live on the street or does he not have anywhere else to be?" I told her I didn't know; then I asked her if it mattered. She answered that she would feel sorry for him if he didn't want to be there. We had a healthy discussion that although we may feel sorry for someone for one reason or another, we should be treating them the same--they were still people who deserved to be noticed. At five I had no idea that there were people who had less than me, and she not only knows but she notices! I pray that heart of compassion continues to grow in her.

Yesterday, I caught a glimpse that she gets it. We were in Manchester shopping and met a homeless man selling a newspaper called the "Big Issue." The Big Issue is a scheme across England that allows the homeless to earn a little money rather than having to beg for what they need. I had no change on me. So when he asked if I'd like to buy a paper I smiled and said, "no thank you." He stopped in his path and smiled back and replied, "that's okay, thanks for answering." As we walked on, Jewel asked why he said that and I said because most people just ignore him. Her answer, "Is that rude or just sad?" It's both sweetie, it's both.

We may not have much to offer. But we can always offer dignity. A smile, a hello, a touch can sometimes mean as much as a few coins. Being noticed matters to us all.

Father God, help me to see people as you see them--as people with hurting hearts and needy souls. Help me to be obedient to Your Spirit when you urge me to give. Help me to always offer a person their dignity and acknowledge their worth. Help me not to be a part of a problem that ignores the humanity of those who have less than me. Amen.

Amy is the hostess this week at In Pursuit of Proverbs 31. Please join us there and be blessed!