Wow!

This little cutie (Ha) built a web in our garden. Watch out Lucy!

Bring It On!!

I AM READY.
I’m ready to write the names on the cups, put the silver in the caddy,
to spread the cloth on the table.
I want to hear the chairs scrape the hardwoods, to feel sweet tea stick to my bare feet,
to turn down the thermostat.
I’m eager to hear the stories, feel the laughter and share in the confusion.
I can’t wait to see the faces, hear their voices, wrap my arms around them!
I need a family dinner. It’s been too long!! .............................................................

Sunday, October 11th at 6:00 p.m. - Let’s do it!

In my mind.................................. In reality......................................

Least of these

I grab my grocery bags from the counter at the checkout line, tuck my wallet into my purse and turn toward the exit. I hurry out of the store into the crowded parking lot. The direct path to my car is blocked by a shopper who has stopped with her cart in a very awkward place. I quietly huff to myself and move around her, immediately my thoughts shift to the long list of things still scheduled today.

The shopper blinks her eyes in an effort to clear the tears. Unsettled, she realizes that she has inconvenienced others who have had to maneuver around her. She slowly rolls her cart across the busy parking lot to her car and carefully loads her groceries to her trunk. She is unaware of the family who exits a car nearby and argue loudly. The careless driver, who stops quickly to avoid a pedestrian, goes unnoticed. There is a hectic pace of those around her, yet she seems unaware.

Shoulders stooped and head down, she reminisces of a time when her life was easier – laughing children, full cupboards, and financial security. Her life is different now. She thinks of the small bags of provisions she was able to purchase today and wonders how she will stretch the nourishment through the week. Her babies are older now and more accepting of diverse sustenance. The anxiety and dimness of the situation overwhelms her and she begins to weep.

From behind, I see a young adult female approach her. No words are spoken as the young fresh face girl cocoons the woman under her arm and leads her to the car, helping her maneuver under the wheel. The door is shut and the young girl returns to roll the empty cart back to the store.

I watch as the mother composes herself. Slowly she backs out and drives away. I contemplate the scene that had played out before me. How very significant is the act of human kindness. The impact of a simple benevolent act can be so powerful, yet we busy ourselves and overlook the tender souls placed in our paths each day. So easily a throbbing heart can be soothed, an aching soul can be comforted, a simple need can be met. If only we would take the time.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

Tator

Bryan's puppy. :)

Wow! Such a pretty place to live.

Tim again...what did you expect?

Tim, Marisa, and Allie went down to the end of the street and got some great shots. The dress was a gift from Uncle Bruce and Aunt Carol. Hard to believe she is getting so big!

FWD:Little artist hard at play

Little artist hard at play

Allie, Aunt Christina and Marisa share a fun afternoon at Build-A-Bear and the Chic.

Remembering

My doors were locked, my kids were up to date on their vaccinations, our bills were current and my wallet was in my purse. There was an ease about the morning as I woke my children and started our daily routine. Driving to drop off at school, I remember noticing the slight angle of the sun, indicating a shift toward my favorite season of the year - fall. Mmmm.... life was good. And safe.

That secure feeling left that day, along the innocence of a generation that had never lived through the terror of a personal, immediate threat. I have true fear now, for my children, and our country. That day opened my eyes to the naivety of a life lived believing that people were basically good, and a realization that evil exist all around me, not just in the form of a radically obsessed group of foreigners, but also with people as close as a neighbor who abuses his wife, a friend who betrays a confidence for their own personal gain, a fellow church member who steals another's wife, or even myself, when I lose my temper and speak words in anger.
We are a fallen creation. Yet, there is hope. What great joy in knowing that no matter the circumstances, true security comes from God.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,My God, in whom I trust!”For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence.He will cover you with His wings,And under His wings you may seek refuge;His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark."

Psalms 91: 1-4
God is good!

Frameless

I have a problem.
Well, certainly, I have a long and varied list of issues. However, this particular affliction is one that has the possibility of being resolved, yet that outcome has always stayed just beyond my grasp. Aware of this issue as a youngster, I lacked interest in addressing it. As I aged though, my focus became more intense, and by the time I was an adult, I had a full blown dilemma. This difficulty has no consequence, yet it presents a quandary that most would rather avoid. It is a hindrance, not only to myself, but to all who are close to me.

I have sought to resolve the matter; seeking suggestions, reading instructive articles, and practicing self-examination, all to no avail. It seems that the more attention I direct at the issue, the more severe it becomes. It is an enigma, an unresolved thorn in my side.

I live my days, always aware of the ever present challenge that, apparently, can never be overcome. Many have tried. Most have failed. Oh, one may find a rogue photo, shot at a precarious angle, when the lighting of the day was just a moment away from dusk, and I am looking away, with the joy of a glorious autumn afternoon in my heart. Actually, you may think that to be a “good” picture of me. Rare, I tell you, those times are rare.

Thus, I am, to this day, totally un-photographable and I remain ...........

FRAMELESS.

Game night

Family and Friends.

Hamburgers. NiNi's special mascarpone dip with crackers.

Zoe's chocolate cake and Nee Naw's pecan pie.

Add to that a Huge win for the Tide, and you pretty much have a great evening.

If only, all of our family could have been there, it would have been a perfect evening.

Roll Tide! :)

Happy Birthday Carol!

I remember, so well, the day I met her. Such a pretty sweet girl. I liked her immediately. Little did I know that she would, soon, become one of my closest friends, and eventually like a sister.

There are few people that can step into a family and fit, from the beginning, but she did. She became Joel's wife and just as easily, became our friend. She is the trustworthy confidant, careful advisor, loving aunt and the cheerful companion. She is always so supportive and caring, lending advice only when asked.

A concientious card shark, she hones her skills at every opportunity. She has even taken to driving Tina Gordon style, leaving bricks thrown to the side and old ladies gasping. As an original American, she natuarlly has a love of nature, but also an uncanny ability to read the upcoming weather.

We are so glad to be able to wish Carol, Happy Birthday, as she celebrates her 29th birthday, once again. We love you, Carol!

it is coming!

It started a few weeks ago. A slight humming noise that was barely audible, at times, but was always there. Then came the persistent buzzing that continued undeterred for awhile. I don't know when it grew to be undeniable, but it definitely was. And now it is loud, All around me. Constant and forceful. Soon it will be irrefutable - So steady and determined that it will NOT be ignored. And finally the yells will pulsate into a Roar! And the Roar will circle and flow, pick up more and more voices joined with the wave. When the moment of culmaination arrives, the clapping will begin. And Like a powerful west wind the strongest most determined urging howl will burst forth from your soul and you words will melt with tens of thousands of others , as you bellow your favorite words -

ROLL TIDE...

and for a while All is Well.

Shine Through

Shine Through
Originally uploaded by firefocus