Before I change my mind...

The theme at iheartfaces this week is sepia. I have a love/hate relationship with sepia....one minute I'm in love with the look and then the next I'm missing my color. So, I guess I better get this posted while I'm still in love with the way it highlights the water drops and reflection of the sun. Although, I might have to post the color version tomorrow.

Lots more to see at iheartfaces.com

Trek

My face hurts.

A day spent in the sun, surrounded by hundreds younger than me. I didn't need to get burnt, I had a bonnet, yes a bonnet, tied around my neck the entire day; a dislike for tunnel vision, and maybe a little pride kept it there. We are preparing for a four day Trek, a pioneer reenactment, walking in the footsteps of those who sacrificed all for faith.

Yesterday we got to meet our kids, as husband and I are a "Ma and Pa". The focus is on the youth, and all day I was in awe; amazed at their strength....physically these kids are tough, my body aches after trying to keep up with them. More impressive was the physique of their spirits, and they have rightfully claimed to be disturbers and annoyers.....

It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy? ~JSH 1:20

....I'm completely humbled to be their Ma, but I'll admit I have a few selfish desires of my own for this trip, mainly a need for a greater focus; an ability to hear the quiet communications of the spirit that seem to be lost in the chatter of my independent, indecisive chit chat.

Maybe I should just focus on the kids....and sunscreen for my peeling nose.

~

Whisper

Slight rustlings....

look here,

remember this,

have you thought about that....

Comfort's breath warm on my cheek.

I heard God whispers in your ear
before you slam into a brick wall.

"Be still and know" was His susurration.

....a wall not of His construction,

forewarned impact,

bruised and torn,

He picks me up.

Thankful Thursday

Again, I found myself looking appreciatively into understanding eyes, as I humbly offered my gratitude.

What is it with this week? The reoccurring reminder that I can't do this on my own, that despite my amazing ball-juggling capabilities, the spotlight continues to capture the one that got away.

The lady sitting behind me at church who comforted Sunshine when I had to rush out with Laser Boy. The two women who stopped in the middle of their walk to tend my youngest while I climbed the cliff to help a tearful, shaking Hup back to safety. Now, the couple who stopped in truck to comfort a little one with bloody knees. They deserve the spotlight.

I wouldn't have been completely helpless without their unsolicited kindness, but they definitely made a difference in my day. Nothing life changing....not really, but thinking back now it seems as if their eyes, in that moment of gratitude, were all the same. Instead of leaving me feeling inadequate, I felt comforted and cared for....another change I'm thankful for. A little different perspective on the familiar scripture...

"....that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." ~Mosiah 2:17

....that when you are being served by your fellow beings, be wise and acknowledge it as a blessing from God.

Camping Views

Something I brought home in my pocket from our last camping trip.

where do you live?