Spelling J.O.Y.

                                                           

                             

                            J.O.Y...
                          J- Jesus first.
                          O-others second
                                  Y- yourself last

                        it 's such a small word.
                       but there are times I forget how to spell it.
                Sure I know how to spell it.....I get it wrong though...
                        I put myself first and Jesus last.
                  Then I wonder why I feel so misconstrued!

                         It's not that I don't matter. 
                  I just don't matter more than these other two.....
                                     

When I focus on the love that Jesus has for me it affects my life in intrinsic but profound ways.
I see others through His lens of grace and compassion.                             

            Filling my heart with an effervescent emotion.
        bursting open .....bubbling and gurgling, 
                bringing me joy because I wasn't budding in line....

isn't this cool? 

the store is called Epiphany too...

The photos were taken today, in my lovely hometown of Elora, where we enjoyed a glorious Sunday stroll.

The weather was near perfect for November and I felt myself savoring each and every drop of sunshine.

Daylight faded quickly tonight...because we turned the clocks back last night. 

Monday Mother's Day Musings

I dug way into the archives of 2005 for this picture.

It is one of the ones I hold "precious."

It was taken on my birthday which was also Easter that year.

I wrote this poem for this picture back then but it is still what I feel in my heart today,even though yes, the task is still daunting,and  disappointments are real,and parenting more challenging than I thought it could be,God is always good.

GIFTS...

Dear Lord, when I consider,all the blessings big and small

I truly think my children are the greatest gift of all.

I pray I will not ever ,take this job as trite,

For I know I'm shaping warriors,to live for you with might.

I pray that you will give me,wisdom for the task.

I know your hand will guide them,when I feel life's much too vast.

So Lord,I feel so privileged ,that you chose them for me;

Help me never take for granted,these precious gifts from thee.

Mother's Day 2012.

Oh ,What an Opportunity

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve

the world;or just enjoy the world.

This makes it hard to plan the day.

(E B WHITE)

Ways you can improve the world...

spread hope, spread love,

give of yourself.

Give long hugs.

Wave to someone even if you don't know them.

Hold the door open.

Call that friend even though it's " not your turn."

Listen to the birds,

Do they worry?

Doesn't God care for them?

Are you not more important?

There will always be trouble if we look for it.

We see whatever we want to see.

Open my eyes to what's right here.

This day ; all sparkling new and glistening.

I wanted to share this photo of my youngest, having a picnic in

"the sunny spot"

I recall this day as clear as a bell,( I just can't believe it's been five years!)

it was one of those days like so often over the years, that my

children taught me more than I could ever try  to learn elsewhere.

Children know how to "seize the day."

Little Riches

It's the little things that make life rich.....I was reminded of this today as my one daughter was delighted to open the new tube of toothpaste.

Eagerly she called her sister to share her joy.It made me smile and I thought that really is what's so special about children.They know how to savor the little things.I made a little list of some of my "rich little things.." after supper kisses and" thanks Mom"

a smile that warms me,clean sheets, hot tea,lunch and laughing with my daughter,that phone call from friend asking if I'd like to go to Costco,hearing my favorite song,reading a book that my sister recommended,friends  who pray for me, skiing in fresh fallen snow, a dollar sale at the grocery store,

sunshine in winter, lemon candles, tidy closets, crackling fires, and the list really is endless.

The world is full of a number of things...

I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings.

Robert Louis Stevenson

TEA With The Girls

Mom always said there will be days like this!!!

Those were my thoughts on this dreary Monday as I tried to occupy my three youngest and a friend who were enjoying a P A holiday from school.Sometimes best laid plans go awry and that's what seemed to be happening today.When my daughter came to me to say she was bored I suddenly had an idea pop into my weary head."We are going to have tea" I said.go find a nice dress in the dress up trunk and come to my tea party!!!They scurried off to pull out there finery as I set the table and changed into a dress. What a delightful time as we sipped our tea and I read them stories. My son who was also invited to the party but had declined, listened inconspicuously from the couch. I really don't know who enjoyed it more , but today it certainly helped quell the doldrums.



If each moment is sacred- a time and place where we encounter God-- life itself is sacred,

J M Blomquist