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Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts

Monday, August 16, 2010

Pickled Gratitude



This weekend was very tiring.  We had a small group meeting that lasted well into the night/morning at my friend's house. Then that morning I went to a friend's garage sale at 7:00 (am)!! (I know crazy!) At 9:00 I went to a learn how to pickle pickles!  Lots of crazy fun.  Even though I am too tired to even remember the crazy fun I had, and I smell of vinegar, garlic and dill- I am one happy chick  turtle!

My mom always said that it was very easy to please me as a child.  I never asked for toys or expensive things.  Whether it was a plain comb or a walking doll, I had the same reaction.  I was grateful.  I often wonder how I developed such a deep gratitude for the ordinary.  I look back to my childhood (especially when I was 6) and recall one tragedy after another: the death of my father, my mother's move to Canada (without me), and a hurricane that devastated our lives.  Somewhere in my life as a child I realized that people trump things.  Instead of things I clung to memories of my father (starting at age 2), wishes of being with my mother (which came true a year later), and the everyday with the people that loved me.

Today, in the midst of my exhaustion, I am reminded again to give thanks for the people that love me in my everyday ordinary life.

My Mom- she is the life of the party and the party in my life
Libby - the younger sister I wish I had, and mother extraordinaire
Angel - a woman that is coming to know her strength and has limitless compassion flowing through her
Missy - she has taught me that judgement does not belong in friendships
Miss Pa - the Northerner who really belongs in the south
CC - a woman who came out of my prayers and into my life
Mille - our precious fitness guru

I thank God for the power house of friends he placed purposefully in my life.    Who are you grateful for today?

Join Ann Voskamp as she reminds us to be grateful.
holy experience

Monday, July 5, 2010

Summer Chums




Planning an event is like baking and cooking (my other loves).  You combine incredible people, with an amazing setting, and lovely food.  This summer I wanted to share the experiences with my friends, our children and other moms in our area.  Thus Summer Chum's was created.  I created a Facebook page where moms in my area could post events and join each other for regular outings.  



Today we met under sunny blue skies, surrounded by the lake and the laughter of our children. Blankets rolled out, children gathered, watermelon was shared, and all was well in the world.  It is important for me to plan these sunny moments because chaos and tragedy always come uninvited.  I need these moments to carry me through the winter of life.  Today I am so grateful for the people that make up my Summer Chums


God thank you for: 

- blankets and quilts as picnic tables
-inspiration from children
-friends who will hold your baby forever 
-bathing suit clad mothers who will play at the splash pad with your children
-waves of crystal blue water that hug our beautiful shore
-diversions
-Cohen's resolve to have a good day
-bowls overflowing with watermelon triangles
-Kiran's bouncy curls
-Hannah's face under a floppy summer hat
-Ella-Shilloh's sweet and easy disposition
-sunny skies
-green grass meeting bare feet

holy experience



Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Let The Words Fall


I dragged my heart here.  Earlier this month I told my friend that I had committed to praying for her marriage, our mutual friend's marriage and my marriage every Monday.  Today I came like a toddler with my feet dragging and my heart hidden.  I didn't want to pray for marriages on a day when all I did was feel faint with the disappointment of my own marriage.  But I hated to break a promise.


Echoes of arguments and images of angry hurt faces reeled through my mind.  I just wanted to be alone with my disappointment and anger. The day was about to shut when my eyes searched the blank screen of my computer.  This is where I let words fall for God to pick up.  I thought of googling some important question I had about my new business venture and then my eyes fell once again on the blank screen.  The words fell.   With each word my heart lightened.  The hope that I couldn't see earlier was making a quiet appearance.  In holding up my friends in prayer God picked me up.


I thank you Lord for:
-seeing the worth in me even when I can't bear to look at myself
-Cohen's intelligent questions
-picking up my brokenness and disappointment
-the mystery of praying for others
-the peace that prayer brings to my heart
-Kiran's clear lungs
-reminding me to listen to you when the words fall
-my circle
-Hannah's bright eyes
-dinner with my mom and the fab four
-Ella-Shilloh's chuckle
-brave friends

holy experience