In the rear view mirror we can easily spot Christmas and are probably still dealing with some of the aftermath of cleaning up all of it. From candy canes to wrapping paper and empty boxes to lights on the house, the holidays came and went in a flash, yet still possessed beautiful reminders of God's perfect gift...Jesus. Often when preparing to close out one year and start the next, we determine to look even further back in our mirrors so we can see reflections of the entire year. We remember new and various experiences, growing relationships with people, pleasant or uncomfortable changes, ... Read the Post
The Aroma of Praise
Freshly-baked bread may remind you of simple days at grandma's farm. Aromas of vanilla and cinnamon bring memories of baking snickerdoodles with your kids. A musty-pine scent provides sweet recollections of your late dad. Blooming roses, and their various fragrances, treat you to thoughts of first dates with your husband (No, I won't ask if he still brings you flowers). Lavender-laced lotion transports you back to baby bedtime baths. Specific laundry detergent perfumes elicit reminders of now college-bound children. Favorite fragrances have the power to remind you of treasured times and ... Read the Post
In Case of Emergency
The three numbers rolled off their tongues like water off a duck's back. "9-1-1," my kiddos chorused together after being asked what number to call if something happened to me while we were out on our morning walk. Of course my goal isn't to scare them or talk doom and gloom, but to prepare them for what to do just in case. Family emergency preparedness speeches-- you know how they go. At strategic (and even random) times they hear little safety tidbits like "Don't talk to strangers," "If you are lost look for…," "If someone tries to…," "Stop, drop, and roll," and so on. Now that the kids ... Read the Post
Sunsets and Light Switches
Perhaps one of my most favorite sights to behold is a sunset. As the sky transforms into an ombre of oranges and pinks, the beauty is breathtaking. Slowly the sun disappears into the horizon while the clouds begin absorbing the melting beauty, illuminating the sky for just a bit longer. As time passes, night falls and my eyes begin to adjust to the darkness. Some of my favorite beach-y things like birds, boats, and shells, that were once in clear view, now blend into the darkening sky and I find myself blinking frequently to find them again. Now focused on the sound, not the sight, of the ... Read the Post
The Value of One
As I bent down to pick up the well-worn object while out walking, I was transported back to an elementary school yard playground in California. Toe-tempting, blonde-like sand covered every inch of the playground, including the spot beneath the slide where I found myself passing the time at recess. Kicking at the sand paid off…literally. Within a few minutes I was "rich." Well, at least it seemed that way after finding a handful of mostly silver coins! Finding money has always been exciting for me. It seems my two kiddos have caught the "coin craze" too. When a coin catches their eye, they ... Read the Post