Everyday Surrender

It's In the Living

2011-10-13T13:27:00.003-06:00

The music of life is wafting through my mind and heart, as I enjoy a rare few hours this morning...not needing to be here or there; or dashing out the door to again to meet the demands that seem to constantly pull.
Just this day, as I drove away from the bus stop, blowing kisses to the sweet eleven year old nose pressed against the bus window, I had such a deep thought...here it is: "Hmmm....life!"
The strains of my life often sound like a chaotic mess, until I remember as Patsy Clairmont said last weekend, "Life is messy!"
The dawning of that deep truth, rings loud and resounding on my heart today. Yes, life is messy, but I've been called to live this day, chosen for this generation...yet never alone. My dependence is on the One leading me as I go in, and through, and around...life.
Not all is messy. Sometimes I do have a really organized hour or two....Ha! I have learned to keep things simple, and forgive much, mostly myself.
Walking, I see the signs of life all around. Some of them are in the messy, some are organized...yet all are the tellings of life fully lived in The Taylor Home.
When I think about what is true, it's not in the perfectly wrapped life that I find joy. I find joy in watching my first girl struggle with the big things in life, and then decide she will fully commit to serving her Father God in a bold way! I don't find trust in never having to face hard things. I discover He Who is trustworthy when life gets too hard to stand! I find love and forgiveness in the embrace of my man, when I've been anything but lovely. I find hope in His Word, that He who began a good work in me, will see me all the way to completion!
If you would like, you can follow along with me, as I take a little walk around. I'm looking closely for life...in everything. In no particular order, here is what I discovered:

Life always involves changes...and yes, death. But come Spring, hope blooms new!

The growth of life, showing up in the planting, the tending...the harvest.

Life can be found in the mundane tasks and chores...that when put into perspective, might be viewed differently, by simply changing my attitude.

Because we have more than enough, we give thanks!

I found life on my son's dresser! His life is about football, school-work, hunting, music, and cash. He's so busy living his life to the full!

This is one of life's biggest choices. Will she choose Olivet Nazarene University in the Midwest, or will she stay home and go local? God knows, and we trust!

When you are eleven, life is full of dreams!! (I don't know where I dropped all of mine.) I just know that He Who has grand plans for her, will never leave her, or forsake her.

Life is in the messes. This proves that we have lived this week....we just haven't gotten everything in their rightful places. Notice all the shoes are Nikki's and mine...yep, this is our life!

Life can be found in the written word. Suggestions and directions for walking closer to our Creator; ideas for a holiday table; recipes for making the best pancake....life!

Life abundant in His Word. I am lost without it!

We might have to look more closely to find life in the seemingly deadest of places. A spider web among the hard rocks...there's life!

Life and love flows from the Leader of our home, as he seeks God on a daily basis.

We live, therefore we must do laundry!

We are at our best, when what we are doing is not for us, or others, but as an act of worship to God. Yes....you can find life through worship at a sink full of suds!

Life happens....Garage doors have to be repaired, cavities have to be filled, and it takes gas to drive our cars. It's life! Thank you, God!

"I have come that they may have life; life abundant!"

John 10:10

This Is My Song

2011-06-23T09:32:00.004-06:00

I am (still) reading Ann Voscamp's book--One Thousand Gifts.

It is taking me months to read this book, and I am just fine with that. It took me over a month to process chapter 6, and rightfully so...I may have to sit on chapter 8 for a few months.

Side Note: When I grow up, I want to speak as poetically as Ann. What a gift!

Back to what this is teaching me:
I long to live my life for God.
I've lived 38 years on this globe as unto other people, but all the more tragic--as unto myself. The tragedy is this--living as unto Sheila, my husband, these children, my church, friends, work...although my intentions are right, my human-ness is so terribly human. This causes me deep frustration! As hard I as try, I make monumental mistakes, and I fail. I do my best, but if I'm only doing it to find the instant gratification, it will have a fleeting joy. I find zero contentment there. I run back over and over again wishing for someone, anyone to say, "Great job, Sheila, on getting all 8 loads of laundry done today !" ....and it isn't there...joy, that is. When the praise does come, the applause is nice, but it seems to fall short in filling my vessel to overflowing. Quite the contrary in fact. I've once again come to a dry place, carrying an empty vessel. Something is missing?

"Whenever man is made the center of things, he becomes the storm-center of trouble. The moment you think of serving people, you begin to have a notion that other people owe you something for your pains....You will begin to bargain for reward, to angle for applause." (Dorothy Sayers)

Ann writes, and I quote, "When the laundry is for the dozen arms of children or the the dozen legs, it's true, I think I'm due some appreciation. So comes a storm of trouble and lightning strikes joy. But when Christ is at the center, when dishes, laundry, work, is a song of thanks to Him, joy rains. Passionately serving Christ alone makes us the loving servant to all. When the eyes of the heart focus on God, and the hands on always washing the feet of Jesus alone---the bones, they sing joy, and the work returns to it's purest state: Eucharisteo (Thanksgiving). The work becomes worship, a liturgy of thankfulness."

"The work we do is only our love for Jesus in action. If we pray the work...if we do it to Jesus, if we do it for Jesus, if we do it with Jesus...that is what makes us content." (Mother Theresa)

That is what makes me content.
That is what makes me content.
That is what is missing...contentment.

Contented, deep joy is always in the touching of Christ---in whatever skin He comes to us in.

So this is my song of worship, to Him...

This is the astonishing truth, that while I serve Christ, it is He who serves me.

"Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness and the darkness around you will be as bright as the noon. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

Isaiah 58: 10-11

Spring Cometh!

2011-05-07T12:54:00.001-06:00

As I long to celebrate the arrival of Spring, I do so, while being down in bed with Pneumonia. I find myself feeling cranky and teary, as cough incessantly through lungs that are sick and full. I don't like this...it hurts, and I am tired. I read how the duration of my affliction, can be weeks...even a couple months at best. That makes me more 'growly'.

As I grumble, I am quickly reminded of all the times I have been sick before, and have recovered. Or the times, those whom I love, have fought illness, and found healing. I am reminded of God's faithfulness....over and over again.

Yet, I find myself faint of heart...my strength and resolve are weak.

Do I doubt His faithfulness this time? No

Do I wonder if He is actively working His healing on my sick body? No

Do I know that He still sees me, and calls me His Beloved? Yes!

So, then can I celebrate His care, His watchful eye...His gifts? Yes!

I can celebrate Life...overflowing with Joy!
I can celebrate Healing, that is on it's way!
I can celebrate Thoughtfulness, coming from those who care for us!
I can celebrate Abundance! All our needs-supplied!
I can celebrate the Spirit of Christ...active; alive in my heart, no matter the condition of my body!

I'm surprised at how joyful I actually can be! So, this illness is but a bump in the road...my journey is much bigger than one crazy little bump. I'm going to be just fine!

And by the time I feel better, I can go out and enjoy this season of seeds, dirt, and fresh air!

Repost from June 2008: Come As A Child

2011-04-19T06:53:00.001-06:00

We are in the middle of company....we are having a great time with the our friends, the Haight's!

Kevin and Anita are caregivers for an elderly man with down syndrome. Leroy is 64 years old, and has the mind of a six year old child. It takes a lot of being around him to understand what he is saying.

His days of vacation (and most every other day) consist of coloring. He always has a coloring book and his bucket of crayons handy. Yesterday, he started his coloring at about 12:00 pm, and colored for the rest of the day!!

He loves it when anyone stops for a moment to look at his masterpieces. One interesting element in his art, is that he colors an entire page, from corner to corner, one color.....and only one color.

Nikki loves to sit and color with him, and he is always gracious enough to let her use many different colors on her page!

Yesterday, I overheard her saying to him, "Leroy, you are doing a great job!!" That made him very happy!

Another one of the things that I love about Leroy, is that he loves to sing!! I had our TV tuned into Serius Spirit, so, there was worship music playing from it most of the day.

As Leroy colored, he also sang. His words didn't match any of the songs, but I doubt that matters much to His Creator!

Last night, Aaron and Cher joined us for a BBQ, and after we ate, we sat and watched a Phillips Craig and Dean DVD. Leroy sat on the sofa and sang along. When the song would become very worshipful, he would close his eyes and raise his hand in the air and sing! When the song was exciting, Leroy promptly got to his feet to dance!

When Randy Phillips prayed on the DVD, Leroy closed his eyes and with tears streaming down his cheeks, he mumbled over and over words that to my ears weren't understandable, but to the ears and heart of God, I believe they were words of authentic love and adoration!!

The rest of us tried not to let him see us watching him......but as I sat there and watched this old man, who has spent his entire 64 years being like a child, I felt something happen inside of me.....Christ asked us to come as little children, just as Leroy was doing!

Many of us are going through battles, maybe feeling like we are fighting things that are too hard to bear. Last night, I realized that I could also come as a child to the One who knows all, sees all, hears all....

Posted by SheilaDy at Tuesday, June 24, 2008

UPDATE: Leroy went home to Heaven yesterday (April 19th). He lived 67 years-- the last 7 he lived with our close friends, Kevin and Anita Haight. We will miss him!!!

Faith-Building Friday

2011-03-25T09:19:00.005-06:00

My friend, Tiffany has asked for stories of faith today, in an effort to increase her own. Because I know how hearing about others experiences, increases my own faith, I jumped on board!

I was raised in a church where members frequently shared their testimonies and moments where God showed up! Not knowing then how much their stories increased my faith, I realize now just how much I miss that!

Just last weekend, Duane and I were invited to St. Maries Nazarene Church in St. Maries, Idaho to be part of their Lay Witness Mission Weekend. For those not familiar with what Lay Witness Missions are, here is a synopsis:

A Lay Witness is someone like you and I, who are on a journey toward God. We are not pastors, preachers, evangelists, or speakers. We are normal, everyday people who have a story to tell of God's Redemption and Hope!

A Lay Witness Mission is a weekend event, where 20-30 people are invited to create a team, go into a church and spend the weekend, staying in their homes, sharing our stories of faith, lead small group times, and encourage conversational prayer and spiritual growth in that particular church body.

Last October, our own church held this event, that we attended for the first time. I still struggle to find words that will describe how life-changing that weekend was for me, and for our family! God blessed that weekend, and I am forever different.
When we were invited to join the Lay Witness Team who was going to St. Maries, we had our doubts we were "equipped" or "qualified". We were told if we felt that way, we were perfect for this...thank you very much! We prayed about it, and agreed to go. I am SO glad we did!

I was nervous about sharing my Faith Story...simply because I get like that when I have to get in front of people. But with God's strength, I told my story. Then throughout the weekend, we led small group prayer and discussion times. We had opportunities to eat with them, listen to them, pray with them, and worship with them. Bottom line: I fell in love with St. Maries!!!

My faith is increased, because we had the chance to pray with people as they made a commitment to follow Christ. We prayed for healing with health, relationships and marriages...and with faith, believe that God will do as He promised. We listened as hard hearts were made soft in the Spirit of love and encouragement.

I personally saw how God is working in the lives of the oppressed, possessed, broken-hearted, lonely, hopeless, angry, fearful....
He has come that they might have HOPE, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, REDEMPTION and FREEDOM from that which binds them!

1 Peter 1:7
"These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed"

My faith has been increased, and Jesus gets all my praise!

I Turned Out Ok!

2011-03-03T13:26:00.003-07:00

I dream....a lot! It runs in my family. I have no control over it, and frankly, I like it. It usually makes my nights quite exciting. Not always restful, but colorful, for sure!

I've been debating if I would share this on my blog, and finally decided that I would do it for me. First of all, because it's my blog, and second, because this dream as it turns out, has become a gift to me!

So two nights ago, I had a dream (a song to sing...not really).

I was driving toward Greenleaf, Idaho with a very large number of people, all family...from my side and my husband's.
(Greenleaf is a small town, west of Caldwell, where my grandparents lived and consequently, so did I as a girl. I have many memories there...happy and sad.)

As we turned onto Harmony Lane, the street my grandparent's lived on, everything looked normal, and current. But as we pulled up and stopped in front of my grandparent's house, the world went back to 1975. The cool part was, that those of us who had just pulled up in the car, were able to watch and walk around in that 70's world unnoticed. As if were were watching a movie being made, but the actors didn't know we were there.

I jumped out of the car, and ran into the "scene".
There were a lot of my Aman family (my mother's family) around in the front yard, and coming in and out of the house. My Grandpa Wayne Aman and my Grandma Virginia Aman were kneeling down on the grass, and Grandma was holding my brother, Aaron. He was about a year old (that's why I know this was 1975). Grandma turned Aaron toward Grandpa, and held his fingers as he began to walk toward Gramps. Gramps was saying, "Come on, Buddy, you can do it!", and Aaron was giggling and trying so hard to walk.
I was in the scene, as I ran around and around, trying to get attention (probably normal). I ran up to Aaron and tried to tickle him, and he fell down (probably normal).

The family interaction continued, as my relatives and I moved around, undetected. I was passionately saying to my children, "DO YOU REALIZE HOW BIG THIS IS!!??" "This is your Grandpa Aman before he died--that's what he was like and how he sounded! That is me, when I was a little girl!!"
I was trying so hard to get them to understand the awesomeness of this!

We moved into the house, and continued to watch the 1975 version of my family! Grandma was in the kitchen making yogurt (which she used to do). The red retro table and chairs were just as I remember. The wall paper, the frog by the sink whose wide open mouth held Grandma's bristle pad. The china hutch with the green and white dishes....all of it.

I walked into the Living Room, to see if it was as I remembered it. I grabbed my kids and started telling them about playing Chopsticks with my young Aunt Lisa, on that black lacquer piano. They laughed when I told them that Grandma always called her couch, a 'Davenport'. And then I showed them the wood board that Gramps held across his lap, so he could lay his Bible on it, and write sermons. I showed them Grandma's Aloe Vera plant collection. At some point we all sat down to watch. As I was sitting on the orange 'Davenport', I had this thought, "I bet if I looked all over this house, I would find all these things I can remember!"
So I took off. I ran into the bathroom, and there beside the tub, was the Amway Honey Shampoo that I would overuse, because I loved it's scent (I probably had the cleanest hair in Idaho). I found the pink brush that Grandma combed and teased her hair with. I saw the ceramic plaques on the wall, of the little old people running to the outhouse (my mom painted these for them).
I then ran down the back hall, jumping over the stuff that had piled up, and ran past the water distiller (Grandma distilled her own water), and then past the washer and dryer into Lisa's old room. I was looking for that poster, of the little fat boy with the overturned bowl of noodles dripping down his head. I found the candle that I thought smelled like Heaven! I found Lisa's closet full of shoes that she let me traipse in, all over Greenleaf! The 80's version of my aunt Lisa was brushing her teeth in the little bathroom.

I then thought of something that might just be my favorite memory, and grabbed my kids, to go show them the "Fruit Room". We ran past the purple and white Alyssum flowers blooming in the flower beds, and into the shop. I opened the door to the fruit room, and the scent of dirty potatoes, straight from the garden flooded over me. I showed my kids how I played "Country Store" in there, and always messed up the organized jars of vegetables!

All the time we are running through this scene, as if we might run out of time, I am shouting, "DO YOU KIDS REALIZE HOW BIG THIS IS!!!!" They didn't seem to get it.

I take them out to the upright freezer that sits in the breezeway. Great Grandma Porter is there, and she is putting something in the freezer. I say to my kids, "THAT'S HER--THAT'S HER!! (I long to be able to introduce her to her great-great grand kids!)
We watch her for awhile, and then I lean in to look in the freezer. There in an old bread bag, are the frozen chocolate chip cookies!! (I might add here, that the bag usually had some left over bread crumbs in it. But that never mattered!)

As soon as we walked into the yard, I noticed that the house I could see next door, was not the house that was always there, but a house that didn't belong there....it was our old house from Friends Rd....from 1986-87.

I ran into that house....and began to find all the things that I can remember from my childhood! Toys, blankets, dolls, furniture, wall hangings, clothes, books.....and with all of those items came the good memories. Then I began to see things that didn't have good memories attached to them, and I began to yell, "It's OK--I turned out OK--I AM OK!!!"
I ran outside and began yelling at my current day family to find boxes!! I wanted to take all of those items out of this scene with me...and no one was stopping me. I loaded up box after box of the good memories, and left all the bad ones behind. I continued to yell at the top of my lungs, "I TURNED OUT OK!!"

Then I woke up.

I laid in my bed as still as a corpse for a long time, and started reliving my dream. The thing that I kept hearing was my yelling, "I AM OK!"

And guess what....I am!

I don't understand completely how dreams work, but this dream is a gift...a beautiful, wonderful gift!

Lamentations 3:55-58...I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” You, Lord, took up my case you redeemed my life.

Safe

2011-02-17T10:47:00.001-07:00

A couple of evenings ago, we were watching a favorite show with the children. Nikki got up from where she was sitting and walked over to Duane's chair. Without asking, she crawled up into his lap and laid her head against his chest. Not a word was exchanged between either of them.
I watched this take place, and I was utterly captivated by it. I watched Duane wrap his arms around her and lay his head against hers, and a song started to go through my mind, "You will be safe in his arms, you will be safe in his arms, the hand that holds the world, is holding your heart..." **
(I quietly got up, retrieved my camera, and captured this moment forever.)

For all that our little girl knows, her daddy's arms are about the safest and best place to be! Why do I so often struggle to truly believe the same thing about my Heavenly Father?
His Word gently reminds me...

"The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" Ps. 27:1

I am thankful this day, for gentle reminders, that I have a refuge in my Father's arms. A safe place, when I am afraid, or a close place, when I need to feel especially loved.

** I have added this song to a player that automatically starts when this blog opens. If you would like to hear it, just be sure your volume is on.

Threads

2011-02-10T13:15:00.003-07:00

While reading from MaryJane's Lifebook for Farmgirls, this morning:

"Any woman who sews or knits, or weaves, blends colors in a tapestry, or creates a patchwork quilt, knows by the feel that a single thread is weak. But the weaving, the blending, the intertwining with many others makes it strong. Any woman alone without friends to sustain her, to nurture and support, to hold with loving arms, like that single thread, is weak. But the weaving, the loving, the nurturing of others, the networks of friendship, makes her strong." (The Kinship of Woman, 1994)

This quote caused me to sit back and sweetly consider the "threads" that make up my knitted life. These women are not only invaluable to my well-being...but also because of our blending together, we can be strong in the things we are called to do.

I am a girl who finds herself blessed with many strong, lovely "threads". Some are old, some are young, and some find themselves in that wonderful middle of life. Some are funny, some are serious. Some laugh easily, while others cry at the drop of a hat...some do both. Some hold my hand when I'm hurt, others lovingly call me on the carpet when I'm acting poorly. Some will come running day or night, while others are there to pray without my asking. Some use humor to get through difficulties, while others simply offer a Bible verse. Some are creative, some are musical, some are skinny, some are not....but the common thread in my threads is, they are strong!

A growing number of my "threads" are sister Doulas and Midwives. They back me up in birth. The tell their stories and teach through their experiences. They give me space to process the joys of babies arriving, and then offer rock-solid arms of support, when a birth doesn't have a desired outcome. They celebrate the power of women to do what we are created to do!

I am blessed with "family threads". Moms, Grandmothers, Aunts, Cousins, Nieces, Daughters, Sisters...all such amazing girls, these threads are! They don't care who I am, where I am, why I am, or how I am! They love me, because they just do (or they have to). We married into the family, or we are blood. We didn't get to choose each other, but had we been given the chance, we so would have!

This morning, I feel like celebrating all of you... my threads. I thank my God as I consider what you have brought into my life. I look at you, and see that God is using you, in my life, to create a tapestry that someday has the potential to be breath-taking!

If you are reading this, and you find that your "yarn basket" is glaringly empty, may I encourage you to reach out to others. God created us to crave community and friendship. Accept the gift of others!

From one thread to another~
Sheila

What I Want To Be Said Of Me

2011-01-03T20:40:00.004-07:00

Recently, someone said to me, "Sheila, It is a comfort to have you in the building."

Upon hearing those words pour loving from my friend's heart, I thanked her for the genuine compliment...and let it sink deep inside my own heart.

Later, when alone, I began to ponder those words again, and had this response: "Those beautiful words sum up what I want said of me, when my journey on this earth is over!"

My husband--"It was a comfort to have you right by my side, Sheila."

My children--"It was a comfort to know that you loved us and always believed in us, Mom."

My family and friends--"It was a comfort to know you cared, and showed us intentionally that we mattered to you, Sheila"

My birth clients--"It was a comfort to know that you would stay beside me, and believe that I could successfully birth my baby."

Total Strangers--"It was comforting to see your warm smile."

Dictionary.com says that "Comfort" means, "to soothe, console, or reassure; bring cheer to"
If I want to be remembered as one who soothes, consoles, cheers...what do I need to do to make sure that I am remembered as a "Comfort".
The world around me is full of chaos, stress, fatigue, anger, fear, pain...the list could go on for miles. What can I do to bring comfort to those who come into my world every day?

I am aware that not all our problems and issues can be solved with just a smile or hug, but it might be a good start! There is a quote that a smile or kind word may not change the world, but it might change the world for that one person. I've often been the recipient of a kind gesture, or a friendly smile or helpful word, and it means something!!

When I think about how easily it is to get consumed with our own coming and going; our busy, busy lives, I feel compelled to stop the madness, and just be a comfort to anyone that gets within arms reach of me. I feel convicted, because I know that I am guilty of not being very comforting to my own family often enough, and that needs to be different.

As a Wife, Mother and Doula, I know the power of touch. It may be a firm hand of support around the back of someone who feels weak. It may be grasping their hand to assure them that we are in this together. It may be a hug, to let them know that I regard them as important, and I love them.

The power of the spoken word, is just as great. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

I have my work cut out for me, but I'm up to the challenge! As I type this, one of my own is feeling "put out" with me...so I need to practice what I preach and go do a little comforting.

Goodnight...and until we meet again, take care of each other.
Sheila

The Pink Palace of the Pacific

2010-11-09T15:27:00.006-07:00

Our Hawaiian Home was The Royal Hawaiian Resort. It is referred to as, The Pink Palace of the Pacific. For four girls...I mean, princesses...it was perfect, and it was gorgeous! I found so much beauty every time I walked down a new hall, or went around a different corner.

One of the Verandas

This walk-way to and from the pool area, was a favorite of mine. It is also a favorite backdrop for bridal pictures, and we saw several brides doing just that!

Potted ferns perched on the rooftop.

Beach side Pool area

I fell in love with the copper accents!

The view of our room, from the beach. Our room is the second one down from the top...right in the middle.

Pink Arches

The entry

Our morning view of Diamond Head

Our beautiful suite! The pink, brown and green inspired me!

A beautiful little gift. Banana Macadamia Nut Bread.

"The highest and most beautiful things in life are not to be heard about, nor read about, nor seen but, if one will, are to be lived."

The Tale of An Ordinary Girl Who Becomes A Pampered Princess In Hawaii

2010-11-09T10:47:00.007-07:00

A'loha, and welcome to my story. This is the beginning blog about how ordinary me, ended up on an airplane bound for the Island of O'ahu, in Hawaii.

Several months ago, our friends, Jodi and Jolene, invited my mother and I to join them on a trip to Hawaii. When they first asked us, I was in shock...never believing that I could make it happen. In the next few days, and a few visits with my hubby and my mom, we decided to go for it!

Thus began our Journey to Hawaii. We dreamed and planned...and I waited too long to shop for Summer-ish clothes...and we dreamed and planned some more. We went on a day-long shopping trip, where most of our time was spent trying on bathing suits. Yes, that was about as much fun as getting my tooth drilled for a root canal.

About 3 weeks before our departure date, I decided that I had to figure out what to do about clothes for Hawaii. Setting aside my terrible procrastinating nature, I started scouring the clearance racks at Target, Marshalls, Old Navy and TJ Maxx....and low and behold, I found some really great bargains. I think that my traveling partners were a tad jealous that I found white linen Capri's for $9.99, while they spent much more, months earlier.

The night before our trip, around 9:00 p.m., we found out that our flight had been cancelled! It was rather stressful, as Jodi's travel agent (God Bless Her!) came to our rescue and booked us another flight, this one sending us through Denver, instead of San Fransisco.

We boarded our plane early the next morning, and after making our connection in Denver, we took off across the Southwest side of North America, then it was out over the Pacific Ocean for about 5 hours. I know for you World Travelers, that is small potatoes, but for this Ordinary Idaho Girl, that was my first trip over the sea!

We landed at the Honolulu International Airport, and stepped out onto the walkway. I have two words to describe this moment:

1. HUMIDITY!!

2. AROMA!!

At first, I wondered if I would survive for six days in that humidity, but then when the aroma of Hawaii hit my senses, I was convinced that I had arrived in paradise, and I was up for whatever the humidity had to offer!

While still in the airport, Jodi snuck off and purchased gorgeous Plumeria leis for us.

We found our rental car, mapped our course, and headed for Waikiki Beach.

Upon entering the circular drive for the Royal Hawaiian Hotel & Resort, my breath left me, as that stunning pink hotel came into view!

We drove up to the entrance, stepped out of our car, and were immediately surrounded by doormen, dressed in black pants and pink jackets. They unloaded out luggage, parked the car, draped black wooden leis around our necks, and said, "A'loha Princess, and welcome to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel."

We were escorted to the front desk for check in, and then immediately served Hibiscus & Guava Lemonade in petite glasses.

That was the moment I knew, I was going to LOVE Hawaii!! And we hadn't even seen our room, or the ocean yet!

Stay tuned for more........

Make a Wave

2010-10-18T19:53:00.005-06:00

It happened last night. Our family had just finished our Pepper-jack Cheesy Nachos, and the kids were watching a show in the next room...a Disney channel show. I heard a catchy song playing and just as it was coming to the last chorus, I heard this phrase:

Just a pebble in the water, can set the sea in motion....

It stopped and said to Ashley, "I love those words!" She went on to tell me who was singing (Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas), and more about the song. The song was written in response to the clean-up efforts on the gulf coast, and the video shows Disney kids working to clean up the beach, while animals jump in and out of the surf.

I love that kids are being encouraged to make a difference, in their world...on any level.

MAKE A WAVE

They say the beat of a butterflies wings,

Can set off a storm a world away

What if they're right and the smallest of things

Can power the strongest hurricane?

What if it all begins inside?

We hold the key that turns the tide

[Chorus:]

Just a pebble in the water

Can set the sea in motion

A simple act of kindness

Can stir the widest ocean

If we show a little love

Heaven knows what we could change

So throw a pebble in the water

And make a wave, make a wave

Make a wave, make a wave

The single joys that you take and send

And reach out your hand to someone in need

Don't fool yourself and say you can't

You never know what can grow from just one seed

So come with me and seize the day

This world may never be the same

How often have I felt like my little contribution to this world, wasn't enough to matter? Often in God's Word, we are encouraged to give what we have, and let God take our gifts, to multiply and distribute as He wisely chooses. But I frequently struggle with faith here.

Last week, when we met Melissa, the homeless, pregnant girl in Oregon, I left her feeling like what we did, probably wasn't going to change anything for her. I prayed that it would, but felt like it was just a drop in the bucket.

I doubt I am alone--when I have a chance to be part of changing something big, we tend to think that we don't have enough to make a difference.

But it really is! Especially if it is done from a heart of kindness, love, joy...

As Christians, we have the fruit of the Spirit in us, empowering us to make a difference in our world...one pebble or person at a time.

It might be that kind word; that $5.00 bill. It might be that compassionate touch, or a warm friendly smile. It might be that 2 hours that we spend helping out with a community project, or the bag of clothes that we donate to The Closet.

It might just be that big hug we give our child, or the time we take to play their game. Maybe it's spending some time in the world of our teenagers, and making sure they feel like they matter to us. What about our spouses...there are so many ways we could show mercy and love.

Then there is the thought that while what we do may not necessarily change the world, it can change the world for that person.

When the old man began picking up starfish, one at a time, and throwing them back into the water, a passerby said, "Sir, you will never be able to save all the hundreds of starfish on this beach. Why bother?" He replied as he continued to gently toss one back, "But I can help this one, and this one, and this one......"

God knows our hearts. He sees our efforts-our contributions, and He promises to bless them.

I am challenged in my heart today. Maybe it's a renewal of a passion. To leave each person's life better for my having been in it...one pebble at a time. No telling what that little stone could stir up!

Salsa Day

2010-10-14T20:59:00.007-06:00

Today was Salsa Day here at our house. I used a new recipe that seemed to make the process much less complicated, and we love the results!! Yes, we have already tasted the fruit of our labors tonight!
I don't know why I felt the need to make this into a photo opportunity, but I love taking pictures of veggies...all the colors make me smile! Plus, it made this chore seem more....entertaining!
The recipe I used, calls for roasting the tomatoes before making them into salsa. Because I had such an abundance of Roma, Big Bertha's, and Cherry Tomatoes, I decided to use them all.

My most favorite herb...Cilantro!

These will all take a little whirl around the blender!

Simmer

This is the handy little thing that I just got, so that I don't burn my fingers, while taking the HOT jars out of the canner!

There is always a big mess!

In jars and sealed tightly!

Thank you, God, for my garden this year. It has been a gift to us! Now, tomorrow, I will freeze all the Zucchini. After that...it's apple time!

Melissa

2010-10-11T10:58:00.005-06:00

We were on our way home from Women of Faith in Portland, Oregon, when it all happened...a moment that would change four hearts forever.

We had pulled over to get gas and use the ladies room, in The Dalles. We split back up into the two separate vehicles (I was driving my friend's Denali) and once again made our way back toward Interstate 84. As we came around a corner, there at the intersection of Cherry Heights Rd. and West 2nd Street, stood a young girl with a sign that read,

"Pregnant and hungry. Even 1.00 would help."

I see signs and "homeless" people like this all the time. I know that in our society, there are fakes and posers out there. I know that most of these people take any money they are given and buy alcohol or drugs with it. I know all of that....but this one was different for me. It made me feel like someone had stabbed me in the abdomen, and I felt physically sick.
Maybe it's because the sign said, "Pregnant and hungry"? Maybe because my job involves being with pregnant women, a lot? Maybe because none of my pregnant clients are ever hungry...well, for very long?

Whatever it was, I knew I had to stop...but I didn't. I had 3 other friends in the car with me, and no one was saying anything. As I followed the rest of our group in the other vehicle, we made a wrong turn and ended up going through the heart of The Dalles. I kept thinking, "Sheila, go back!" But I kept going.

As the entrance to the Interstate came into view, God spoke, "Sheila, go back!" So, I said to my very quiet passengers, "I can't let this one go. I have to go back to where that pregnant girl is!" They all replied, "Yes, we have to!!" I called the other group and told them our intentions, and made a U-turn in the road.

As we backtracked our mistaken route, my friends, without hesitation began digging into their purses for cash, and gathering any good food we had with us...Oranges, granola bars, Sun-chips, water....even a napkin.

As we made our way back to that intersection, I heard whispers of prayer in the seats behind me.

We parked up the road a little way, and then the four of us, clean and abundantly blessed women, walked toward this young girl, who was announcing with her sign, that she had a baby inside, and she was hungry.

As we walked up, she gave us a look of despair. I said to her that we had some things we wanted to give her, and individually began to hand her money. She choked up, and let her face fall. Then one of my friends said as she handed the bag of food to her, "We want to tell you that Jesus loves you." She shook her head in silence. I asked her if she knew Jesus, and she shook her head yes, again.

We began to talk to her and asking if she was alone in this world, to which she replied, that she wasn't. She said, "My husband comes around once in awhile, but I never know when he will be back."

She told us that she was a month and a half along. That is 6 weeks. Her baby already has a heartbeat, arms, legs, and nostrils. Her baby's birth should come sometime around next June.

I asked her if she would be willing to share her first name with us, so that we could pray for her, and she said, "Melissa".

Having asked her if I could pray with her right there, I laid my hand on her back, and prayed for God to come very near Melissa, and wrap His arms around her. I asked for protection and peace over her. I asked for God to bring people into her life, that could guide her and help her. I thanked God for letting us see Melissa. I asked Him to show her how much He loves her.

She thanked us, and we hugged her goodbye.

We walked silently back to our car, and drove towards I-84.

This wasn't about what will be done or bought with the money. This isn't about if she was faking it. This isn't about what society or Christians are doing right or wrong.

What this is about...

GOD! And I know that He told me to go back. I know that He told all four of us, that we needed to help. I know that we gave from our hearts. I know that those were the emptiest eyes I've ever seen--completely void of all hope. I know that her body is used and abused. And, I am confident that she has a baby inside.

I haven't been able to forget those eyes. I saw them in my sleep last night, and I did what I can do. I asked God to stay very close to her. I asked Him to be her Shepherd and come to her rescue.

And, I named her baby, "Dot"....another story.

Autumn's Favorite Things

2010-09-16T10:07:00.002-06:00

Fall has arrived! I noticed this morning, as I was watering my plants in the front, that the leaves are falling off of our little maple tree, that stands beside the mailbox.
I was born in the Fall, so I've always reasoned that it was my favorite season, because of that simple fact. Being an Idaho Girl, I am blessed to live in a part of the country, where we have all four seasons, so I have reasons to love all the them. But Fall is still my favorite!
I think it goes along with my personality the most. My idea of a dream day, is to be in something comfortable, and then snuggle up with a cozy quilt, a captivating book, and a hot mug of chai tea or coffee! Does that sound like something you can do in the Summer?
I will soon crawl under the stairs and drag out my boxes of Fall Decor, then I will set about dressing my house up for the season. I will make a trip to Wissell's Fruit Market for a batch of pumpkins, then I will go to Williamson's Orchards and get apples.
Next week, after celebrating Nikki's birthday, I will make Apple Sauce and Apple Butter. (that is, if I get my Salsa canned first)
There is something about this season that beckons me savor the simple, and create a atmosphere of calm in my home. All it takes is lighting a cinnamon candle, and the kids smile when they walk in the door...feeling that coziness in the air!
Walking into a fruit market, driving by an apple orchard, opening the door to Heritage Reflections, and smelling those 'good-enough-to-eat' candles...or just taking a walk on a gorgeous fall evening...all of that triggers my love and desire to welcome Fall with open arms!!

This is not my home, but I would live here in a heartbeat!

Nothing like a Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Front Porch

Taking a day trip to see the beauty in the mountains, by Idaho City!

Baking Pumpkin Streusel Muffins!

This would be a fun place to sit, but I wonder what that can is really used for??? Hmm?

God made us all very unique and different, just like these gourds! Look at that bumpy one!!

Serenity!

Can you smell it?

Psalms 34:8....Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!

**some photos are taken from freefotos.com, and some are from my personal collection.

I Choose Joy!

2010-07-14T20:33:00.004-06:00

This morning, in our bible study, Dr. Catherine Hart admonished us to combat the stresses of life by laughing a lot. I immediately thought of the Gaither Children's video, where George Younce sings, "The Laughing Song" ("Oh, hahahahahahahahah.....) and found myself singing it most of the day. I believe being able to truly laugh, comes from having a heart full of joy!

Life is tough. Life hurts. Life is not fair....that is just the way it goes. Barbara Johnson authored a book years ago entitled, "Pain Is Inevitable, Misery Is Optional...Stick A Geranium In Your Hat and Be Happy" I read the book, and the message has stuck with me since. Although life hurts, and pain comes unbeckoned, we can either choose to be miserable, or we can choose joy.

I choose JOY!

Webster gives joy, three definitions, and they are as follows:

1. the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires

2. a state of happiness or bliss

3. a source or cause of delight

In my life....

I deal with the stress of being a supportive wife to my wonderful husband. I deal with the stress of raising three children, in this crazy world. I deal with the stress of parents and grandparents who are fighting physical issues. I deal with the stress of loosing loved ones. I deal with the stress of meeting the needs of my family and friends. Cars break down, tires blow, keys get lost, toes get stubbed, or in my case, broken. I burn my arm on the stove, my kids get sunburned when Mom forgets to apply enough SPF 50, and the grass burns brown when we don't get enough water on it.

My heart breaks with hurt, misunderstandings and unforgiveness. I say things I regret, and don't say things I should. I fall....I get back up....I go on. It's life.

But also in my life...

I find a love letter from the man who chose me above all others, to be his wife. I hear the sweet words from a child of mine, saying, "Hey Mom, you are the best!" I sip my coffee from a mug that says, "Lord, You fill me with JOY in Your presence." I walk outside and hear the sounds of morning, and smell the freshness of growing tomato plants and heirloom roses. I open my Bible, and read God's words to me. I witness the first breath and cries of a newborn baby, and feel the closeness of God in that very moment. I spend precious time with friends, laughing and encouraging each other to keep going. I hear my children pray. I have a personal relationship with my Father God. I sing His Praise, I worship, I love, I delight....I laugh!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said,

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is success!"

In the end, I know that success is not measured in things or accomplishments, but in how we lived and loved, how we impacted the lives of others. I want to be remembered for loving well, and laughing a lot...not for being the most stressed out woman on the planet!

Empty Cups and Early Morning Prayers

2010-06-04T09:21:00.008-06:00

Picture in your mind with me...

You awakened this morning in your warm, comfy bed; you stood up, stretched, and reached for an empty cup that sits on your nightstand. You walked out your bedroom door and into your day...with your empty cup. You walked downstairs and your husband is sitting at the kitchen table, eating his breakfast. You went to him and said, "Is there anything you can put into my cup?" He smiled at you, and said, "Good Morning, Sweetheart!" (and dropped a coin into your cup) You walked away, happy that your cup had something in it.

You got into the car with your kids, to take them to school, and asked, "Can you put anything into my cup today?" They smiled and said, "Bye Mom! Love you!" (and each dropped a coin into your cup)

You called a friend on the phone and in your neediness, you asked, "Can you add something to my cup today?" and your friend told you what a good mom you are, or how adorable your new haircut is. (and dropped her coin into your cup)

You opened the fridge and ask the food to fill your cup...or in my case this morning, I asked the coffee-pot.

The rest of the day went along much the same, and by the end of the day, there were a dozen or so coins rattling around in the bottom of your proverbial cup....but your cup is far from full, and you ended your day, unsatisfied and empty of soul. Tomorrow morning, you will start all over again, with the begging; hoping for a fuller cup.

Humans can't stand a feeling of emptiness...we will find one way or another to satisfy our souls."

In Luke 4:18, Luke states that "I have been sent to preach the good news to the poor..." This word "Poor" has the meaning, "Subsisting on the alms of others"

He was sent to tell those who are going around with empty cups, that the good news is, there is only One who can fill their cups to satisfaction!

"Until we find satisfaction in Christ, we will wear others out with our needs."

When I heard this, I thought of all the people in my life, whom I have drawn all my satisfaction from, and worn completely out! Poor people...God bless them for sticking it out with me...and for those who gave up, Bless them too, Lord!

I wake up every morning, with human needs. I need to feel loved. I need to feel significant and like I matter in this world. I need to know that what I do is noticed. I need, I need, I need....and much to often, I go around hoping that I will have those needs met by other humans...flawed and just as needy.

Psalms 90:14...Satisfy us in the morning, with Your unfailing love (love that is not given according to how I lived my last 24 hours), that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

Psalms 63:1...."Oh God, you are my God, early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You..."

This is what I pray will soon by my reality...

I wake up and before I even get out of bed, I pour out my heart to God. Emptying myself of foolish thoughts, bad attitudes, selfish needs---myself. Then ask him to redeemingly fill my empty cup with His unfailing love--so as I go about my day, my cup will be so full of Christ, that any affirmation my family and friends shower on me, becomes the overflow of a truly satisfied soul...a full cup!

"Yes, we are meant to AFFIRM one another, but we cannot FULFILL one another."

Did you just hear all the people who know me, breathe a sigh of relief?? I did.

All quotes are from Beth Moore's teaching on "A WOMAN'S PRAYER LIFE...THE SACRED ROMANCE"

Let The Camping Begin!

2010-06-01T09:49:00.007-06:00

One of the best things about living in Idaho, is the opportunity to go camping in some of God's most gorgeous creation! We were invited to join friends for a Memorial Weekend Camping trip, to Stanley Lake, Idaho. I had never been there before, and was stunned at the beauty!

We arrived on Friday night, in a heavy snow/rain storm, but woke up Saturday to a beautiful, chilly, mountain morning. The air was fresh, the snow-covered peaks were showing their splendor, and the coffee and pancakes tasted better than ever!

While all seven boys and Nikki grabbed their guns, to go out into the forest to fight off enemies, the rest of us relaxed, played games, and enjoyed the time together. The men kept the fire going, while the girls played many rounds of Dutch Blitz. The next day, the Pa French, Pa Taylor and Pa Renfrow helped the warriors build a log-fort for a day-long game of Capture the Flag.

Evening found us sitting around the campfire singing funny songs about swimming pools and bears in Tuallome's, while we enjoyed S'mores.

We hope this is the first of several camping trips this Summer. Great memories!

Gold Stars & Gray Dots

2010-04-21T21:13:00.006-06:00

There is a children's book by Max Lucado called, You Are Special. I have never read that book to my kids, without tears streaming down my face. I would recommend it to anyone of any age...timeless truth!

In this story, Punchinello, a Wemmick (wooden boy) from Wemmicksville, is struggling with his identity. He spent much of his time looking around at his fellow Wemmicks, thinking that everyone was better than him. (sound familiar?)

Although his maker, Eli, the Woodcarver, reminded him frequently, that he was special, just the way he was made to be, he listened to the voices telling him he wasn't.

The Wemmicks spent their days doing the same thing, They gave each other stickers. If they did something amazing, or if they were particularly beautiful, they would get gold star stickers. If they tripped on their feet, said something silly, or just didn't have their act together, they got gray dots.

This practice left Punchinello covered with gray dots, because he was a clumsy Wemmick, who frequently forgot his hat, or scratched his paint.

After awhile he didn't want to go out in public because he had so many dots! (yep, this is sounding like my life. What about yours??)

One day, Punch goes to talk to Eli, the Woodcarver, about his dots.

This is how the conversation went:

"Hmm...looks like you have been given some bad marks, Punchinello."

"I didn't mean to Eli. I really tried hard."

"Oh you don't have to defend yourself to me, child. I don't care what the other Wemmicks think."

"You don't?"

"No, and you shouldn't either. Who are they to give stars or dots? They're Wemmicks just like you. What they think doesn't matter, Punchinello. All that matters is what I think. And I think you are pretty special."

Eli goes on to explain to Punch that he was made to be special for who he was. He tells Punch that the only reason the stickers stay on him, is "because they only stick if you let them."

Punch didn't understand, and asked how to not care what others think about him. Eli told Punch that he needed to walk up the hill everyday and visit His maker. The more time he spent talking to the One who made him, the one who thought he was special, the less it mattered what the other Wemmicks think.

I share this, because it is so similar to our lives...my life.

Instead of stars and dots, we give and receive "labels". We get up in the morning, look in the mirror and label ourselves as "Fat/Skinny/Cute/Ugly". We go to work, school, to Bible Study, and say something we regret, and we label ourselves as "Stupid/Ignorant" or on the flip side-we are praised for giving a good speech, and we label ourselves as "Brilliant/Smart". We bump into someone as we walk out of a door, knocking their coffee everywhere, and we label ourselves as "Clumsy/Accidental". Or we are complimented on those cute shoes we are wearing, and we label ourselves as "Adorable/Fashionable". We find out that someone we hung the moon on, has let us down, and we label ourselves "Abandoned/Unlovable/Rejected"

We spend much of our time walking though life, giving and receiving Gold Stars and Gray Dots.

My stars say things like, "Creative, Wordy, Happy, Likes To Have Fun, Caring, Merciful, Hospitable (Betty Crocker)...."

My dots are, "Chatty Kathy, Procrastinator, Fat, Terribly Clumsy, Misunderstood, Unorganized...."

Some dots and stars are self-stuck...meaning that I give myself plenty of the labels to carry around. But I am consumed way too often, with the dots and stars that others stick on me.

I am reminded that in order for me to not "let them stick", I have to walk up the hill, and get on my knees before my Maker, and Redeemer. I have to talk to him about my dots and stars. I have to get quiet, and let Him tell me that He finds great delight in me...and then it starts to make sense.

What if instead of Stars and Dots, when others look at me, they were to see God's Truth? What would my life look like, if that is all I sought after...what God says about me?

I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am forgiven (Eph. 1:7-8)

I am complete (Col. 2:9-10)

I am secure (Rom. 8:31-39)

I am free (Rom. 6:18)

I am sheltered and protected ( Col. 3:3)

I am dearly loved (Col. 3:12)

I am God's treasure (1 Peter 2:9-10)

I am God's friend (John 15:15)

and last but not least....

I am God's Workmanship-Ephesians 2: 10

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

I think it is high time, that I live and act (and believe) as if I am God's Masterpiece! Does anyone care to join me...it could be an adventure!

"You Are Special" by Max Lucado, 1997

Spring into Everyday Living!

2010-03-25T14:25:00.007-06:00

I am always looking for new ways to enjoy God's world and creation, that are simple and can be enjoyed over and over again. I found these in my Life: Beautiful Magazine and thought my blog friends might enjoy them as well.

BRINGING SPRING INTO EVERYDAY LIFE:

*Plan an outdoor sunrise breakfast and Bible reading for yourself and one or two others.

Pack a wicker basket with fresh fruit and cheese, a thermos of tea or coffee, bottles of juice and water, a few croissants and a blanket or two, then head to the beach (I wish) or park. Share what God is doing in your life, currently!

*Go for a leisurely bike ride or walk on a path lined with blooming flowers and trees.

*Fly a kite with your kids and don't worry about what time it is.

*Sort through your closet and sell, donate or discard what you don't use or need. Then organize the rest by color, style, use, ect.

*Plant a garden. If you don't have space, plant a window box or patio planter.

* Visit farmers' markets for locally grown produce. Pick out a bouquet of fresh flowers while you are there.

* Take a trip to a local nursing home or assisted living center. Make someone's day with a pretty bunch of tulips or daisies.

*Sample new vegetables and fruits. Check farmers' markets for food you have yet to try, and ask the seller for ideas in perparation. Jicama, artichokes, various peppers and a host of heirloom tomatoes may be a few taste pleasers you have yet to enjoy.

*Learn a new sport or craft.

*Re-arrange your furniture for a fresh new look on a limited budget. Switch furnishings from different rooms for a more dramatic effect.

*Host a neighborhood seed exchange.

*Send and email or note to someone you haven't talked to for some time. Let them know they are in your thoughts.

*Go for a walk to clear your mind and enjoy the moment. Make this a daily habit.

*Go to a local park and play a pick-up game of basketball or H-O-R-S-E. The kids would love this!

*Start a daily journal.

Give Her the Reward She Has Earned

2010-03-18T20:13:00.003-06:00

For a little over a week now, I have attempted to write this post, and every time the lump in my throat would overrule my ability to type out my thoughts.

For the first time in my life, I am a girl without one of my two Grandmothers. On March 6, my Grandma Thelma Horn, died.

Grandma Horn has suffered for a long time with Alzheimer's, and in the last year, had become very confused about who I was. It became harder and harder to visit her, because she didn't know me from the lady who emptied her trash can.

We have known for a few months, her time on this earth was getting shorter and shorter, but what I didn't know was how hard it would be miss her.

There is a certain "peace" about having those who have known you all your life, around. Now she is gone, and as the days pass by, I find myself needing to grieve her passing.

I was blessed to spend much of her last two days on earth, with our family, by her side. We sang 'How Great Thou Art' and countless other old songs we found in her homemade song book. We sat around and browsed through her Recipe Book, and remembered all the delicious things that came out of her kitchen! We cried and prayed, and held her hand...assuring her that she was free to go home.

After her passing, we became busy with funeral plans. Practicing songs we would sing, and going to the funeral home to see how pretty and peaceful she looked, kept my mind occupied. Her funeral was beautiful...just as she would have wanted it, and the family reunion that occurs at events such as these, was good.

Then it was over. Her earthly body is resting out in a crowded country cemetery, while her spirit is with her Savior.

And I woke up the next day, acutely aware that I only have one Grandmother left on this earth.

I wouldn't call Grandma Horn back here (as if I could) for anything! She is not a diabetic anymore. She is not an Alzheimer's patient or a stroke victim anymore. Her ruptured disk in her back is no longer causing her excruciating pain. She can hear. She can laugh and smile. She can sit at Jesus' feet. (I'm jealous!)

So, I am here, left with a boat-load of good memories, and a desire to never forget all the positive things I learned from her. I am left with her example, and a desire to carry on what she started. I am left with her recipes, and a desire to make her Lemon Drizzle Cake...the best in the west!

Just a few of the things Grandma taught me:

How to roll out and cut biscuits

How to make an apple pie

How to dust first and then vacuum

How to brush my hair 100 times every night (I don't do that anymore)

How to scare the hens off their nests, so I could get to their eggs (I don't like chickens!!)

How to milk a cow (never as fast as her)

How to tie the cow's tail back, so she wouldn't smack me with it, while we were milking her

How to pick vegetables out of the garden at the right time

How to draw a cat

How to snap beans

And much more....

Proverbs 31:31 states, "Give her the reward she has earned, and let her good works bring her praise at the city gates."

I miss her, but her legacy of love and faith will live on in me, and I will pass it on to my children.

(In the picture above, Grandma is letting me help her open her Mother's Day gift. I can remember that she got new gold drinking glasses. I think I was about three years old)

Bringing Spring In

2010-03-02T21:20:00.002-07:00

Spring is on it's way! I know, we are still going to have cold days, but I am starting to feel the excitement of newness! I am feeling the nudge to do my Spring Cleaning....which means that on the next really warm-ish day we have, I will be thowing the windows open, grabbing the cleaning supplies, and waking my home up from it's long Winter's nap!

A Beautiful History

2010-03-01T23:07:00.004-07:00

"Whenever you run away, whenever you lose your faith, it's just another stroke of the pen on the page. A lonely ray of hope, is all you need to see, a beautiful history" (Beautiful History, Plumb)

When all is said and done...will those I leave behind read a 'beautiful history' ? That thought is pounding around in my head tonight, after listening to this song.

I will be attending the funeral of a elderly great-aunt tomorrow, and her life and death have caused me to ponder for a week, what it means to live and end well. What I keep coming back to, is, that one cannot just decide at the very end to 'end well'. Ending well starts long before the end.
It starts at a point, where you become aware that life is not about what you do for yourself, but what do you do that will leave an imprint on others, for good. It starts with investing, not your money, but yourself. It starts with realizing that life has dealt you pain, but what you do with your misery, matters. It starts with taking the joy in our hearts and sharing it.

Ending well, is all about living well!
Did I love? Did I show mercy and compassion? Did I speak kindly? Did I laugh easily, and weep when it hurt? Did I work hard and play harder? Did I give endlessly, from a heart that cared? Did I take the rocky paths of my life, and lead my children to The Father, who never left my side? Did I point others to the Great Comforter, Who had held me as my heart ached?

We are all going through things that will be written on the pages of our story, and those who read it will see our pain, our joys, our failures and our acheivements.

Those reading my story, will read about the times when I lost my way, and then how God came along and set me back on the right path. They will read about the days when I didn't have a stitch of faith that God was there...but they will then read further, and they will have no doubt that He was! They will see the part fear played in my life, and the hope that replaced that fear! All strokes of a pen on the pages of my life.

I want more than my next breath, for my life to count for Christ! I want to leave a legacy of hope......I want to live well and end well!
I want to leave a Beautiful History!

To hear the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuyAynr6WOk

Babies!

2010-02-23T20:59:00.003-07:00

I have been busy with births and babies in the last month! I was asked recently, if I still have the 'wonder' that comes with watching a baby breathe it's first breath? The answer is, "YES!"
That is just one of the reasons, I love my job! It never grows old!

Baby #18

Love this picture of a hungry little guy!!

Baby #20...A Valentine's Baby!

Baby # 21...She is the one who decided to create a little excitement, and came very fast!

My friend, Kim's baby...#19

"It is no small thing, when those who are so fresh from God, love us." Charles Dickens

Forgiven!

2010-02-04T10:58:00.003-07:00

As I was wiping my counters down this morning, I was mindlessly listening to the radio. A new song was on, that I haven't heard before. I sorta listened, but not really, until I heard a string of lyrics, that stopped me dead in my tracks...in a good way!

"In this life, I know what I've been, but here in Your arms, I know who I am...I'm forgiven...."

I ran across the kitchen to turn it up, and listened closely. I then ran to my computer, and googled the song; found it on Youtube, and listened to it in it's entirety.

In looking for something to find joy in today....this is it! I AM FORGIVEN! It doesn't matter what I know about myself, and my regrets, mistakes...I AM FORGIVEN!

I've included the lyrics here, and will include the link to the video at the end of this post.

FORGIVEN (Sanctus Real)

Well the past is playing with my head

And failure knocks me down again

I’m reminded of the wrong

That I have said and done

And that devil just won't let me forget

In this lifeI know what I’ve been

But here in your arms

I know what I am

I’m forgiven!

And I don’t have to carry

The weight of who I’ve been

Cause I’m forgiven

My mistakes are running through my mind

And I’ll relive my days, in the middle of the night

When I wrestle with my pain, struggle with my pride

Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry

When I don't fit in and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere

When I don’t measure up to much in this life

Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ ‘cause

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flT5aIN-XqU

The Mirror

2010-02-03T11:26:00.005-07:00

I saw something this week, that bothered me down to the core!

The Today Show has now reported that there is a new test, that will determine if you are 'skinny' or if you are really 'skinny-fat'. The consensus was that being considered skinny, is being thin and tone, with a very small percentage of body fat. Skinny-fat means that you may be just as skinny, but you are not toned, and you have a higher percentage of body fat. It all has to do with how you get skinny, and if you have exercised or not. Despite the fact that I agree that we need to model healthy living and eating for our children, I am bothered BIG TIME by the message this will send to girls!

As a mother of two girls, and being a girl myself, this made me MAD! I am mad enough, that I am determined to do something about it. If I thought this was just a problem with media (radio or TV) we would just shut it off. And if it was just an issue in printed material (newspaper and magazines), then we would never pick another one up! But I believe that this is a big issue EVERYWHERE we turn, and for about EVERY girl and woman I know!! We base the image we have of ourselves on societies opinions...and those seem to be ever changing and contradictory!

I am not naive enough to think that this is new, but it has just hit an all time high on my Richter scale!

I am fed up with my 9 yr. old little girl, who is beautiful, thinking that her legs are fat, because someone told her they are! Oh, the lies of the enemy start so early!!

I am also aware that there is the theory of 'monkey-see, monkey-do'. If my girls hear me obsess about my body fat, or my hips...they are going to obsessively see those things in themselves. If I throw a fit, because I am having a bad-hair day, then how can I expect my girls to see true beauty in the hair God blessed them with?

I want to stop my rant right here to clarify again, this is not a discussion about whether or not we should live healthy lives., If we do need to shed some weight, or become more active, I believe there is a healthy way to do that!

But what this is about is...If I obsess over how I look; what I wear; if my skin is clear today.... Then why would I expect anything different from those who share this house with me, and watch my every move? If those things appear to determine true beauty for me, I can expect them to feel likewise!

I don't think there is anything I can do on a national or global level, but there is something I can do right in my own home. I intend to remind my girls what God's Word has to say to them...daily, purposefully!!

God's Word says:

"He will take great delight in you....and rejoice over you with singing!" (Zeph. 3:17)

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit me together in my mother's womb!" (Ps. 139:13)

"Your beauty should not come from the outside.....instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and calm spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4)

"I give thanks to You, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, and my soul knows that very well!" (Ps. 139:14)

By the way...this is called "Replacing the Lies of Babylon, With the Truth That God Speaks!!" So, whatever you see in the mirror...fat, skinny, skinny-fat, fat-skinny......remember being healthy is important, and that God loves you and is more concerned with the condition of your heart.

Finding the Joy!

2010-01-31T17:26:00.005-07:00

I have the winter blues! There, I said it! No, I am not going through a 'Great Depression' or anything close, but I do have the blahs. I get them every year around this time. I am tired of being cold, I am tired of wearing heavy clothes, and my feet are screaming for flip-flops.

I think the one thing I have noticed for the first time this year, is how I am wishing the days away. I keep looking at the calendar, longing for the days to hurry up, so I can flip to the month of June. I realize that I have failed to savor these days...find the joy in them. I am barely going through the motions, doing only the necessary.

I read recently a quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "Think that this day will never dawn again."

After reading that, I felt conviction settle in. I have not been making the most out of each individual day. I have been letting the chill in the air, steal the joy from my heart!
I want to once again, find that joy that comes because as a child of God, my Father orchastrates each day for me. I want to celebrate each day as if it will never come again!

This next week will be very much about restoring the joy into my days!

Psalms 16: 8, 9, 11....

"I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices; my body will also rest secure.
You have made known to me the path of life; and you fill me with joy in Your presence..."

Merry Christmas from The Taylor's!

2009-12-24T09:21:00.009-07:00

It is officially Christmas here on Dew Mist Dr.!!

The gifts are wrapped and under the tree, the children are filled with anticipation, and we are looking forward to being intentional in showing our love to others!

2009 has been a wonderful year for our family!

We are no longer a family with little kids...we are full swing into raising two teenagers, and one who is still somewhat little in our eyes!

Ashley turned 16 this year, and is looking forward to getting her drivers license in January. She is a sophomore at Nampa High School, and is one smart cookie! Just a few weeks ago, we watched her preform in her Theater Showcase, and were blown away at her ability! That girl can act! She spends much time reading, talking to friends, and thinking about where and what she is going to do with her life!

Alex turned 13 this year, and is on a quest to play/try every sport there is, before he graduates High School. He is a brilliant 7th grader at Lone Star Middle, and played tennis last spring, and football and wrestling this year! He was named the school's Ping Pong Champion a couple of months ago. Just a week ago, he and two other boys entered the school's Talent Show. Their talent....drinking a Strange Concoction (eggs, ketchup, salsa and pickles)! Yep, that's Alex!!

Nichole turned 9 this year, and is busy being a little girl! She started going to Nampa Classical Academy this fall, and is loving school! When she isn't at school, she is here, playing school! She managed to go all this year, without breaking any bones! She has been quite proud of herself. :)

In May, Duane sold his landscaping business, retired for two months, and became an owner of another business in Boise. He has been very busy this year! Retirment was not his "cup of tea"!

My life, this year, has been filled with all the usual things that come with being a mom, and in addition to that, I have been persuing my dream to become a Doula. I shadowed a Doula Mentor for several months, and then went on my own in August. Hopefully in a few months, I will have completed my certification process. I love what I am doing, and find it very fulfilling!

Our family enjoyed a trip to Seattle and the Oregon Coast this year, and have played a lot together! We are watching the years race by, and we are so aware that we must live in the moments we have!

God has blessed us abundantly with Family, Friends, Salvation, Health & Provision. It is with hearts full of gratitude, we praise Him!

God is in us, God is for us, God is with us....Emmanuel!

May you find your hearts and home full of Peace, Love and Joy in 2010!

Duane, Sheila, Ashley, Alex and Nichole

Christmas

2009-12-07T22:56:00.004-07:00

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Both, in this house. We enjoy Hot Cocoa with the kids around a family game, but I love Egg Nog too!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? He wraps them...sometimes at the last minute. This year, he is already getting them done as he goes!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White...all the way!!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? We have three children born about 9 months after Christmas...we will leave it at that!

5. When do you put your decorations up? Right after Thanksgiving.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Christmas Eve was always the long awaited-for night!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Very early!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, at my mom's. We open our immediate family gifts on Christmas Morning.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Red Berries and White Snowflakes...with all the family ornaments mixed in.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? LOVE THE SNOW!! Until January, that is, then I want it gone!

12. Can you ice skate? Yes, but do I like to...no! The desire to use my feet year-round, far outweighs the desire to destroy them while ice-skating.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Yes...Hot Sticks Curlers!

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with my family, and making memories with our children!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Almond Toffee or Pecan Pie, and a cup of coffee!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Pizza at Mom's (by candlelight)

17. What tops your tree? a White Metal Star

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? I LOVE to give gifts...but it is fun to get something from someone too!

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night

20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum...in my Hot Cocoa!

21 Favorite Christmas Show? It's A Wonderful Life!

Catching Up

2009-11-18T11:50:00.009-07:00

Since it has been a month since I have updated my blog, I want to begin by saying "thank you" to those who keep reading!

We are right in the middle of my favorite season of the entire year. I love everything about Autumn, and have been enjoying as much of it as possible! We are keeping busy right along with everyone else, and attempting to take time for what is most important!
I have been in somewhat of a "blog-funk". I open it up to write and draw a blank. It is not because there is nothing going on...but I think my energy has been so wrapped up in busy-ness, that by the time I need to put my life into words, I don't have anything left to say.
I have been assured that this is normal...part of the ebb and flow of life.

So without further adieu...I give you (in no particular order) "Currently Sheila" in pictures and a few words....

The item in my house that makes me smile everytime I see it: My soft basket from IKEA. It has found a home on my bedside table, holding my books. I think it is beautiful!

Who can't live without me these days: Tucker. He whines if I am not holding him! I am not a dog person, but he is a Sheila dog, and I can't do a thing about it!!

The best deal I have found since sliced bread: Sliced Bread! This is a very inexpensive new bread at Walmart ($1.00). And it makes the WORLD'S BEST TOAST!

Current Chocolate Craving: Arnott's from Australia. You can purchase these amazing little cookies at Cost Plus World Market. If you do, let me know, and I will teach you how to eat these with hot tea!

My favorite NEW thing: My brand new DEEP kitchen sink and fancy faucet!!! We are in love with them!! (I left a few dishes in there, just to prove that I don't have OCD issues)

The smartest thing I am doing these days: Washing my hands with this soap. So far, other than a sinus cold, I haven't been really sick! (knock on wood)

The website that I makes me go, "Ahhhh!": http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/

The best quote I have heard in awhile: (I don't know who Brielle is??)

The recipe I am pulling out of my recipe box most this month: Pumpkin Dessert. It is to die for!!

The best dish in my pantry: This gorgeous new baking dish. My sweet mother bought it for me on a whim one day. I LOVE THIS DISH...and my Mom!

What I am most excited about: Decorating for Christmas. I love dressing my house up for the Holidays!!

What inspires me to create beauty around my life: Beautiful Magazines!!!

Where I go to find help in time of need and encouragement for everyday: God's Word. I am digging deep into Daniel in Bible Study, but reading a Psalm every morning, is what keeps me in relationship with my loving, merciful Savior!

What I am putting off right now!: Cleaning my coat closet. I am going to have to, in order to get to the Christmas decor that is in the far recesses of this closet!!

What I am currently reading: The Doula Book (required) and Ruby Among Us (pleasure)

I have found that for which I have been searching!: A red plaid antique Thermos...in almost perfect condition!! I have wanted one of these for years!!! I found "him" at Saver's for $1.99!

The handiest thing in my house these days: My Fuzzy Wuzzy! You can find one at Ross for $2.99, and this little booger cleanes mini blinds like none other!! (It is time consuming, but so is washing the blinds with soap and water. It really works!!)

I hope that this little picture adventure has gotten all of my faithful readers up to date on me.

We are living life and loving where God has placed us!

Watch for more from me, later on this week! Who say's a house can't talk??

What Every Woman Should Know

2009-10-14T16:23:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of spending this last weekend, with 10 of my most favorite women on this planet! We attended the Women of Faith Conference in Portland, and when the conference was over, we spent the rest of the weekend, shopping, dining, chatting and enjoying each others company.

On Sunday night, as we were eating pizza, laughing our heads off and talking, I asked a question. I told the gals that I wanted to blog about this question, and they all agreed to be contributors.

So without further ado, here is what Kristi, Anita, Talisha, Sue, Shae, Lois, Jolene, Renee, Julie, and Damaris had to say. Please understand that this is not in the catagory of "Life-Changing Information", but it might be a snippet of information that you hadn't heard or thought of before.

I asked the question, What do you think every woman should know, about anything?"

Anita: If you have a Ceramic Flat-top Stove, do not buy the expensive cleaner for it. Instead, sprinkle the mess with baking soda and use a light scratch pad.

Shae: I needed Toasted Sesame Seeds for a recipe, so I went and bought sesame seeds that I had to toast myself. I later found out that in the Oriental Section of the store, they have toasted sesame seeds for very cheap!!
(Damaris also added that in the Latin/Mexican Aisle of a grocery store, almost all spices are in bags and a fraction of the cost of bottles or jars of expensive spices.)

Julie: I go to Costco and purchase five of the Deli Roasted Chickens for 4.99 each. We de-bone them, and freeze the meat to use in casseroles or soups. This is quick and affordable!

Jolene: Use 1/2 c. of Downy Fabric Softener mixed with 3/4 c. of water to spray on your tile or linoleum floor in the bathroom. Let it sit for a moment (not to long; it will dry and harden), then clean floor as usual. This will cause the dried hairspray on the floor to come right up!!

Lois: If you have "ring around the tub" wipe the dry tub with Dove Body Wash....then wipe off and rinse.

Damaris: If you have a stain on white or light colored clothes, soak the item of clothing in soapy water, then lay it out in the sun. The stain will disappear!

Talisha: If you have a grease spot on clothes, sprinkle the spot with Baby Powder, let it sit and rewash. The stain will be gone!
Also, to cut hot fudgy brownies, use a plastic, disposable knife...the hot brownies don't stick to the knife!

Kristi: If you are going to freeze anything with red tomato sauce (soup, spaghetti sauce....) spray Pam Non-stick on the rubbermaid container before filling. The red sauce will not stain the plastic container.

Sue: If you have a "baked on mess" in a pan, fill the pan with hot water, and place a dryer sheet in the water. Soak for a couple of hours...then wipe the baked on food off, wash pan as usual.

Last but not least...

Renee: Always check your dryer for pets before closing the door!! (She has good reason to warn us). If you forget to check, be sure to clean your filter trap twice and clean dryer repeatedly!! That is all I am going to say about that!

Women of Faith

2009-10-10T23:19:00.000-06:00

I am sitting in this lovely hotel room in Portland, Oregon, pondering the experience of attending my 12th consecutive Women of Faith Conference!
Some of the gals are in bed, some are chatting quietly, while others are reading, and one is even trying to stay caught up on her Bible Study (can anyone guess who?).

We arrived at the arena last night, just as they closed the doors, not allowing anyone else to enter. Unsure what was happening, we stood patiently waiting. After about an hour, we heard women lead out in prayer or burst out in song, as word spread that there was something happening inside that was not good. Thousands of women around us were immediately on their cellphones, texting or calling to see what was going on.

We were eventually told that there was a bomb threat; to move away from the building, and that the Friday night conference had been cancelled. We were parked in the parking garage located beside the arena, so we made our way back to our cars and came back to the hotel.
I felt disappointment at missing the Friday night event, but was grateful that everyone was safe.

After watching the news and hearing conflicting reports about what the "bomb", we arrived back to the conference by 7:00 AM this morning, and the rest of the day was a fabulous testament to how when the enemy attempts to steal and destroy, God shows up!!
I will have more to share later on...I have to rewrite my notes, so even I can understand them.

From My Kitchen

2009-10-05T23:39:00.001-06:00

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

3 c. flour
1 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg

2 eggs
1/2 cup applesauce (to replace the oil)
1 c. milk
1 c. pumpkin (canned)

Mix the dry ingredients together and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, applesauce, milk and pumpkin. Add dry ingredients, and fold together just until moistened.
Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.

Topping:
6 Tbsp. chopped pecans
6 Tbsp. brown sugar
Mix together and sprinkle liberally over the top of the muffins.

Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 min.
Yields: 2 dozen muffins.

Sit down and wrap your hands around a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, and enjoy your muffins!

(recipe taken from Mennonite Recipes from the Shenandoah Valley, Phyllis Good and Kate Good, 1999)

September

2009-10-03T22:52:00.000-06:00

To say that September was a busy month, would be an understatement to the 'inth degree! At the beginning of the month, I looked at my calendar, and wondered if I would survive? Here is a little peek at what keep me running all month!

Ashley turned 16!
Nikki started the 3rd grade at her new school.
Alex turned 13!
We kicked off Women's Mentoring at Boise First.
We helped to host Total Money Makeover at Boise First.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study began.
We attended three different school's Open House.
Caravan's and Teen's Face2Face began.
Our Small Group started up again.
Alex played 5 Football games.
We hosted a big family birthday party.
Nikki turned 9!
I assisted in three labors/births, to make a grand total of 17!
I turned 37!!
Took the family to hear Matt Redmond and Casting Crowns in concert.

Other than the four birthday's we have in September, those are all the busy things we did, in the process of chores, jobs, homework, laundry, housework... life!

I am so glad it is October now! My calendar is much less chaotic this month...and other than a few important things (like a trip to Women of Faith in Portland), and some babies due to arrive, it is shaping up to be a quieter month.

I am ready for Fall now! The house is attired in her Autumn colors, the pumpkins are sitting by the front door, and the smells from the kitchen are scented nutmeg and cinnamon. I am in the mood to create warmth and make pies, apple butter and soup! I put away my Summer duds, and can't wait to take some of my birthday money and go buy a couple new sweaters. I want to grab my quilt, drink a cup of hot coffee, read or watch football! I love this season!

Blessings!

Sheila

Old & Previously Owned

2009-09-09T13:45:00.000-06:00

While in Donnelly over the holiday weekend, I took Ashley shopping. She has devoloped a love for old things, and I can't imagine where she got that!?
While we never found the item on her shopping list....an Audrey Hepburn poster/picture...we did find some other fun stuff!
I have been searching for this print to put in Nichole's room, so was thrilled when I found it! Our little dog, Tucker, looks and acts just like this little dog.

Never too many baskets!! This one caught my eye, and begged to go home with me!

I was digging through an old cupboard in an antique store, full of Silverware, and came across these beautiful Salad Serving Pieces. I can't wait to serve a fresh tossed salad with them!

Baby #13

2009-09-02T21:51:00.001-06:00

Tonight, I spent some time holding this sweet baby girl; talking to her as she gazed at me, so aware of her surroundings!
Two weeks ago, I had to pleasure of being at her birth, as the only attending Doula...and it was my first time doing so (without Kyndal, my Doula teacher). So, this birth will always be remembered as "Sheila Gone Solo"!
Thank you Chance and Heather for this opportunity! Mylee is a gift from God, and attending to you during your labor and her birth, was an honor for me!

Am I Climbing?

2009-08-30T17:58:00.000-06:00

This postcard hangs on my refrigerator. I purchased it in Seattle at the this store!
It asks me a very important question each time I look at it, and that is why it is hanging where I see it many times a day!
You see, I am a not a mountain climber by nature...literally and figuratively. I don't long to tie up my boots, strap a heavy pack to my back, and hit the trail. No, I am the "stay in camp" gal. You looking for someone to have a steaming pot of stew cooking over the fire for when you return from a long day of hiking....I am the one for you!!
I like smooth trails...literally and figuratively. I like a smooth life too. It seems easier and more predictable that way. Nothing out of the ordinary catches me by surprise...I've got it all under control...at least I like to tell myself that!
But guess what happens when life's trail gets bumpy, or a huge tree falls down right in my easy path? I whine, I weep, I grumble...literally!

As I go down the path of life, I find that as long as it is easy, I am fall into a comfortable, lethargic pattern of just barely living. The day in and day out of doing and doing and.....
It is when I am forced to strap on my pack and tie up my shoes for a hard climb, that I find that God has something planned for me, that I am going to need "the gear" for!

He has never promised that my trail is going to be smooth, but He has promised to fill me with His strength...and enough to get me to the top of the mountain! He has never said that there wouldn't ever be massive oaks of discouragement, illness, fatigue, pain, misunderstandings, unkindness....but He has on many occasions, picked me up, and carried me over what is obstructing my path.

In the past year, I have faced my own mountains. Some have been exciting, yet overwhelming in nature...some have been painful and frightening! I ask myself everyday if I am climbing them with the excitement of what lies ahead, or am I grumbling, because it is hard? Sometimes, that just depends on the day....but my prayer is always that I will find endurance to climb!

I don't want to be a whiny valley dweller, when I can climb to the top and watch eagles soar!
So excuse me while I go find my hiking boots.....I've got a mountain to climb!

Baby # 11

2009-08-26T07:36:00.000-06:00

Thank You, Joe and Tara for the honor of being there for Grant's arrival! He is such a gift from God, and my experience as one of your Doulas, was very rewarding!

Giving a Legacy

2009-08-25T08:25:00.000-06:00

Duane's grandparents, Leroy and Helen Seward, just celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. We honored them with a family celebration last Friday evening.
We are deeply grateful for the legacy of commitment and love that they are intentionally giving us...their grandchildren.
In a society where "sticking with it" is rare, it is refreshing to find two people who have weathered life for 60 years...and still love to laugh together and be with each other.
May that be said of Duane and I in 42 years!

The Story Behind the Name

2009-08-24T05:47:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my new blog, dear faithful. readers! It is with warm regard that I return to blogging; I have missed you! That may seem foreign to some of you, and yet others simply understand the need to write. So once again, thank you for missing me...the feeling is mutual!

Early this Summer, I began to feel a strong desire to change the name of my blog (I like change, just ask those close to me how often I move my furninture!) I was coming upon my second year of blogging, and when I began this journey, the name, Facing Grace, appropriatly described where I was in life. But a lot has changed in two years.I like to think that is a very good thing!

I look at this blog as an extention of myself...my ministry; my testimony to how God works in my life. I began to ask God to help me come up with a new name and to mold me even more into a vessel that He can use.
I began searching the internet, blogs, websites, for ideas for a new name. I poured over books, magazines, cookbooks. I read poetry...scripture...road signs...nothing clicked. I even sat with my feet crossed, eyes closed and hummed deeply....nothing! (ok, that's a joke)
The creative side of me felt very defeated. I knew what I wanted my new blog to be about, but coming up with a name was not happening!

Then came the day! It happened when I least expected it. I was sitting off to the side of the room, listening to my Friend (and Doula Teacher), Kyndal, share with a room full of expectant couples, about the process of birth. She was explaining the them about the pain of labor...and she said, "You have to just be there and surrender to what is going on".
I immediately thought, "Well, my goodness, that is so close to what all of life is about! And that is precisely where I am in my life!" I have to constantly surrender to what I am dealing with or going through. So on the way home from Childbirth class, I let that thought take up residence in my head. I began to wonder and ponder how I could incorporate that word into the name of my blog. It didn't come to me immediately, but one afternoon in my kitchen, I was listening to a CD and the song, "I Surrender All" started playing. As I was singing along, I came to the part in the first verse that says, "....I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence DAILY live...." and I stopped dead in my tracks!

The following is what rambled through my newly renovated thought closet, "Daily live....that means that EVERYDAY I wake up and choose to SURRENDER to Him and His plans for me. EVERYDAY He gives me new mercies...and what does He give me those new mercies for EVERY MORNING? For the day ahead. For the things that I am going to go through and deal with. He wants me to JUST BE THERE and SURRENDER to what He is going to bring me EVERYDAY. He is going to chart my course; the best path for me, and He is going to BE THERE WITH ME and I am so alright with that!!"

I sat down at my table and wrote the name, "Everyday Surrender" on a yellow legal pad. That was it, it clicked!

So, it is with great excitement about my journey, that I begin blogging again. God is up to some big things in our family's life!
In addition to the normalcy of life, our kids are getting older by the minute and starting school for another year...Duane is busy with work and ministry for guys in our church....I am knee deep in training and reading for my Doula certification, attending births, Women's Mentoring Ministry Startup....life is busy. But we are finding delight in His ways! He is abundant in His mercies and His love never fails!

Welcome back!!

P.S. I am adding more to the side of my blog for recipes, favorite websites...