The Birthday Girl

Today is my sweet friend's birthday.  I have to take a minute to brag about her on her birthday.  Lori is one of a kind. She and I are spontaneous sisters.  She calls, I come.  I call, she goes.  We are partners in crime.  She has a great big heart, cooks great lasagna and makes the best Panchos dip EVER.  She manages an office full of women and for me that makes her a super hero with a cape that gives her extraordinary powers.  We've rode together in a car for nine days straight.. across 7 states.  I think we are committed.  We've made it through some "tell it like it is times"  I think that qualifies us.  She's beautiful....on the inside too.  Don't hate on her.  I've often felt her hand on my back or reaching out to take mine in hers as I've knelt at the altar to pray.  I had surgery last year and she offered to use her vacation time to stay home with me the first few days.  Abnormal mammogram?  She's right there with me.    Potentially flooding house?  She cancels her plans and shows up to help....and brings her family too!!!  She's loyal people. They just don't make many like her.  I am so blessed to call her my friend and today on her birthday I want her to know that I love her with all my heart and am so glad that the Lord chose us to encourage, support, play and pray together.

 

Happy birthday beautiful lady....You are a gift to my world :)

Camping Premiere

We camped this weekend.  We've had this trip planned for months.  It was our season debut.  The camping premiere.  All week we watched the weather forecast and every day the chances for rain increased.  Most people would cancel at 70% chance of rain.  Not us.  We loaded up and headed for the beautiful Village Creek State Park in our home state of Arkansas. It's about an hour and a half from our house and we left Thursday night.  3 day weekend..yeah!  It did rain.  But we had the best time in spite of that. There were 28 of us and we hiked, fished, swam in freezing cold water and we ate.............. ALOT. 

We take camping very serious.  My son says we have all the camping equipment from any aisle in any sports department.  I'm sure there is something we are missing that I could find though :)

I have a confession to make.  I have a 50 gallon tote that holds decorative pillows, quilts, pretty sheets and wool blankets. 
AND THAT'S ALL IT HOLDS......................................................................................

Sigh.................

Of course you have to have a chalkboard at camp. And cards.  Because that's what we do late at night.  Play cards. And sit around the campfire and make new memories.

With old friends..............and family. To be honest it's hard to tell who is who.  Friends blend into family and family can make the best of friends.

 We blend into a beautiful tapestry of diverse personalities.  And the new members of our crazy clan bring there own special talents.

Take this guy for example...Can you say COOK?  Anthony was the camp chef and he has mad skills at the griddle AND grill.  He was amazing!!!!!

Have you ever noticed that camp food is some of the most amazing meals you have ever consumed?

We had steak, foil packs, homemade ice cream, huge breakfasts, dutch oven  peach cobbler, beans, coffee, hot chocolate, camp potatoes and the occasional sandwich.... but for the most part, Anthony kept the grill and griddle hot.  (Much to our delight!!!)

We have some beautiful parks here in Arkansas. Everything was a beautiful dewy shade of green this weekend as we hiked the trails.

 God is the ultimate artist is he not?

 Being in his creation and sharing it with the special people in your life is a wonderful blessing.
Even in the rain.

Because even when you're wet you can cozy up to the camp fire.

and make smores.

Or just play in the fire..............

My son is 20 years old now.  We have many memories of camping and he has a great love for the outdoors. To quote his four year old self on our first camping trip to this very park.....

"Mom, this is the greatest day of my life."

 It's been some of the greatest days of mine too.

  Because moments like this are priceless ;)))))))))

(That's my husband and one of my best friends btw)

Hmmm.

We are home now and the camping equipment is set up all over our yard to dry out, 10 loads of wet laundry are still being washed, the camper is being replenished and we are exhausted and full.  BUT...Memorial Day is right around the corner and me and the loyal camp dog Ginger are counting down the days to our next trip.




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Spring Saturdays

Seven Acres Flea Market

 

Such a beautiful day here in the south although the wind is kinda high.  Mowers are busy, yard sales are plenty, spring is finally starting to show up around here.  I slept in a little late this morning and then drug myself out of bed and hit some of my favorite local spots.  Seven Acres Flea Market had plenty of rusty treasures to choose from but I didn't go home with anything. 

My husband called to meet me for lunch once he got in from work and we hit this dive.  Believe me when I say this place is a local favorite.  They make the best BLT in town!  If you didn't know about it and you were new to town, you'd probably just drive on by.  But if you stop and they slide the window and take your name and your order...you'll be glad you did.

            I had a late breakfast so I just ordered the onion rings and saved the BLT for another time.

 

 

Ken, however, landed this HUGE burger.  Delicious! They EVEN toast the bun!!!

 

 

 

Later we went to Amazing Things.  It's a flea market owned by a sweet couple (Greg and Patricia) here in Paragould.  I love this place.  Any time you visit there is gospel music playing softly in the background.  Not open on Sundays or Mondays but open until 6:00 through the week.

 

 

These plaid thermos' have been catching my eye lately.  I scored one for $3 a couple of weeks ago.  By the way, while I was taking this photo I backed into a small picture on an easel and broke it!  Cost me $5.  My husband later pointed out a sign that said "I break I buy, you break you cry."  Of course I had already paid for the one I broke and he was just rubbing it in with a smirky smile. 

 

 

Beautiful display of blue crockery.  I have a thing for cobalt blue anything!

 

 

These old bottles are fabulous.  I have my own collections sitting in the shed, waiting to be cleaned up....sigh.

 

 

Beautiful couch..it would be great in a shabby chic designed home.  Love the nail head detail.

I can also envision it in a modern print upholstery as well...bold geometric shapes that would modernize it a bit.

 

 

 

This chalkboard is SWEET. As a matter of fact this whole booth is usually a wonderful mixture of unique vintage finds.

 

 

The only thing I went home with today were these linens.  2 quilted pillow shams and a vintage tablecloth.  I bought them at a yard sale 1 block behind my street.  $4 bucks total.  Big spender.  I ADORE them and I think they are going in my camper. Where everything goes lately.................................................

 

 

Now this is what we are doing...........

 

 

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

 

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Never, Never, Never

This is the final week. Friday marks the day that Jesus gives his life.  On a tree that he created and grew with that very intention. If we didn't know that Sunday came, the forecast may look somber and bleak.  However, we have the privilege of hind sight and we know that the grave could not contain the love that death so eagerly anticipated conquering. 

 

 Today we celebrate Palm Sunday..the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem..the beginning of the week that would bring to fruition the entire reason for Jesus' existence on Earth.  One key player stands out in my mind. He's the loud mouth, the walk on water show off, the one who encountered Jesus on the Sea of Galilee and left it all behind, never looking back....before I give him too much credit I should point out that he also wanted to know what was in it for him...."We've given  up everything to follow you.  What will we get out of it?" (Matthew 19:27 NLT) 

 

Peter.  The never, never, never guy.  As Jesus set about preparing the disciples, Peter, the stand out guy, pulls Jesus aside to correct him.  "Heaven forbid Lord," he said.  This will NEVER happen to you!" (Matthew 16:22 NLT)  and later as they gather in the upper room as Jesus predicts his denial.."Even if everyone else deserts you, I NEVER will. Peter, Jesus replied, the truth is, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."  No!, Peter insisted. "Not even if I have to die with you!  I will NEVER deny you!" (Matthew 26:33-25 NLT, emphasis mine)

 

 

 

All his adamant confessions of loyalty sounded good at the time, but we know that Jesus was right (big surprise there) and Peter caved under the pressure.  We also know that Peter wept bitterly. I bet Peter was thinking...It's over.  I failed.  He knew I would.  Guess he'll have to find a new rock to build his church on. There went my throne he promised me.  Someone else will have to serve as judge to the twelve tribes of Israel.  I'm an EPIC FAILURE.

 

What I love about this story is the upcoming beach scene.  Man, Jesus always has an awesome come back scene doesn't he?  We look at ourselves and we see failure.  He looks at us and he sees potential.  The beach scene is one of the most amazing pictures of restoration I see in the bible.  It's heart wrenching.  You know why?  Because I see me in Peter. An epic failure.  I have all these lofty ideas of loyalty and devotion..commitment and never, never, nevers...and Jesus assures me that in looking at myself, I too am nothing but a failure.  "But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! (Psalms 14:3 NLT)

 

 

Let's travel to the beach, back to where it all started, at the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus has died, and been resurrected.  He's appearing to his disciples again.  Filling their nets once more. He's playing host, serving breakfast and when Peter hears his voice and John assures him it is the Lord, he can't wait for the boat to dock.  He swims to shore.  He's not hiding in shame, or guilt or regret.  He's running to the Lord. (John 21)

 

 

 

 

Jesus doesn't even breathe a word of "I told you so."  "Come eat some breakfast", he says.  After the physical needs had been met, Jesus set about meeting Peter's spiritual needs.  I don't know if you ever noticed but Jesus asked Peter if he loved him...and you know what I noticed?  He asked him THREE times.  I find that significant.  Peter has pledged his undying love to Jesus before... but in the end he denied it THREE times.  So here we are and Jesus is asking him "Peter, do you love me?"  "Peter, do you love me?" "Peter do you love me?" Of course Peter tells him he does....and then..."feed my sheep."  No lecture, no recap, no request for an apology...just "feed my sheep." In my mind essentially he is saying, get busy...the past is the past, east to west..forgetting what lies behind...be about my father's business.  And just like that, Peter is redeemed, refocused, reaffirmed.

 

It's the same with us.  As Good Friday approaches and we recall our epic failure to make ourselves right with God and his  great sacrifice to right our inadequacies,  know that he isn't standing on the beach waiting to chastise us for our failures... but to ask us that same question..."Do you love me?" 

 

 

FEED MY SHEEP...................

 

 

Downton Abbey

I know I'm a bit behind...Who hasn't heard of Downton Abbey after all?  They are somewhere towards wrapping up the end of season three right?  Don't tell me.  I just finished season 2 and am ready to settle in with what happens next..after the war has ended.  What will become of Mary and Matthew?  Bates and Anna?  Will Edith ever marry?  I'm sure some of you already know these answers but don't spoil it for me okay?  I'm loving the suspense.  It's what has me watching multiple episodes a night.

This one cracks me up! Seriously,  I laugh out loud!

There are some scheming females in this house and the Dowager Countess reigns supreme.

And what of Mary?  Do I love her or do I hate her?  I haven't quite decided yet but she is growing on me.

This one however, I am convinced...she is evil.

If you are like me and have been hiding under under a rock somewhere and haven't heard of this masterpiece until recently, you MUST watch it.

Beware..you will become addicted. 

We sit with our tv trays in front of us, grazing on baked potatoes and salad, limeade and sweet tea and press play.....again and again until we insist this is the last episode of the night because alas, tomorrow we must work and escape the turn of the century and World War I and all that is happening in the lives of the Crawley's and Downton Abbey.

Two are better than one

He sat beside me in church.  Two hearts broken, kindred spirits in grief.  Not sharing much for over an hour, simply a pew and the same sense of sadness and loss.  At one point he simply slid the brochure to me.  Her picture was on the front and her whole life was summed up in a few short paragraphs on the inside pages.  A lump was in my throat and it was hard to swallow....to even breathe as I tried to control my emotions.  I knew his pain as I poured over every feature of her face.  Her blue eyes met mine and I mourned her loss, his loss..and mine.  Silent tears ran down my face and settled salty inside my mouth. I started to take deep breaths and exhale through my nose.  Someone, somewhere, said that was suppose to be helpful.  I met my husband's eyes as he stood at the front pouring over the third chapter of  Hebrews. I heard him vaguely in the background teaching above the roaring in my ears.  It happens quite randomly..this crashing wave of emotions but when it comes, there is no escape.  You just ride it out.  We stare at each other across the room, quiet and yet speaking a thousand words that only the two of us understood in that moment. 



Once the service is over we remain in our seats as people move around us and we share where we are and how far we aren't....We talk about sleep and the lack thereof.  The irrational thinking and the deep pit of sadness. We talk about people that were a part of us, who gave us life... and somewhere in the middle of it all we relive their death. But somehow it's easier...because we are doing it together.  We laugh about how a song can be the phrase you remember they always said.  And how life seems so different and how it is not our life to do with as we please. He gently reminds me that we have given our lives to someone else and how quitting is not an option although it seems the most plausible choice. And I listen.. and occassionally lay my hand across his arm as a silent comfort of mutual understanding.  There is alot more to be said..but it will have to wait and we are both okay with that. We know there will be another time and that a heart can only hold so much at a time.  I went home having no idea what Hebrews Chapter 3 was about..and yet I knew that I had learned something biblical.  I had experienced something spiritual.  Something I needed and someone who needed me.

Finally Home

If you've stopped by lately and there are no new posts, I'm kinda out of the whole writing thing right now. My dad passed away December 28th and for me, the world has shifted off its axis.  Grief has moved in and set up shop and he and I are becoming acquainted.  I'm not fond of grief in the least.  It changes me and my normal.  It makes me have feelings and responses that normally would not be a part of my make-up.  But somehow, I know that we are in this together for the long haul. Exhaustion has set in..everything makes me on edge.  Anything can send me into a crying jag. I don't know what to do with myself and to be honest, I don't know how to let others do anything for me.  So I ask them to pray.  Because I know that Jesus knows what to do with all of me.  I don't even have the words to say to him..but the bible assures me that the holy spirit intervenes on my behalf.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26 NIV

So, I'm feeling the need for quiet right now. 

Because everything else seems almost ridiculous.

Maybe forcing my self to do normal things will help eventually,

But for now, I long for peace.

I'm so excited to share with you that my Dad has found peace.  He is no longer fighting for his next breath, or wasting away his time in a dialysis chair.  His lungs are free of fluid.  I imagine he has taken up residence on the river of life that proceeds out of the throne of God...and if it's not breaking the rules, I bet he has a fishing pole he drops in between the chorus of holy, holy, holy.

What an honor it was, and yet the hardest task I've ever undertaken, to hold his hand and pray him all the way home. He had told me earlier that day "Let me die."  In essence, because of his surrender to Christ, he was actually asking to live....forever.

I'm hiding my self in the word.  It is asking me to do things that seem almost impossible...

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
James 1:2 NLT

In this moment, I am not feeling any joy or even see any indication of joy on the horizon.

But I walk by faith and not by sight.  I believe God more than I do my feelings and I trust his promises.

Weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5

Right now it seems dark in the world without my dad here.  But morning comes and he and I will walk hand in hand... because if he and my mom taught me anything...anything at all.. it was how to live to get where he is.


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