Inhale, Exhale

Breathing in grace.
Breathing out praise.

Lyrics that clung to my mind like a magnet as we sang them in this morning's service.

Every breath—a rich intake of God's favor, goodness, mercy, and love. Then, why must I all too often choose to exhale words and thoughts so poverty-stricken in praise?

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

A Morning in the Park

Go Zach!

Pom-poms were left at home but we cheered on our youngest son this morning during the Spinx Run Fest held in beautiful downtown Greenville, SC.

Zach's in the yellow t and red shorts. We liked how easy he was to spot in the crowd.

Sarah, baby Piper, Ashley, and Patrick led the cheers. Brian and I are thankful for the special friendships that both boys developed while in college. Patrick and Ashley are at the top of the list!

The finish line brought an expression of relief (or is that pain?) to Zach's face. I think it may have been a little of both, and understandably so. Training for a half-marathon while traveling out of town and preparing for Piper's arrival is commendable... and we couldn't be prouder!

Who knows? The entire family may get in on the 5K action next year (although Brian has threatened to wear a Twinkie costume during the race.) If that's not enough reason to discourage me from training, I don't know what is. :)

My Friday Fave

Farewell to my favorite season...

Come, Soar With Me...

Imagine the bowstring nocked, the target in sight, and the arrow released with full confidence in the right direction.

With encouragement as our target today, it's an honor to introduce you to Cynthia Howerter's blog Soar with Eagles...A Blog For Those Who Refuse To Give Up.

Today's post features an interview with Tamara Fickas. Both she and Cynthia are part of an online writer's group with me, headed up by the amazingly talented Lori Roeleveld.

It's a privilege to know these women, to learn from them, and with them.

I'm praying Tamara's words will penetrate the heart and stir the soul onwards and upwards.


Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

-photo courtesy of Sport Freakz blog

Wordless Wednesday - A Misty Mountain Morning

Lesson Learned From One Spoiled Lhasa

I know you want this, but you can’t have it. It’s not good for you.

To Rupert, however, everything about it was right:

It looked good.
It smelled good.
It was edible.
Everybody else was eating it.

How do you reason with an eight-year old Lhasa Apso? After all, I know what's best for him even when he doesn't understand. He simply needs to trust me.

While spouting these words of wisdom to Rupert (note his glazed expression in the picture) I gained a sense of how God may feel when trying to reason with me.

• It looks and smells good, Lord. Why can’t I have it, experience it, or enjoy it? The enemy has been attempting to hijack our God-given senses ever since fig leaves were in fashion. When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye...she took some and ate it. Genesis 3:6
  

• It’s edible, it makes sense, it's available, and calling my name, Lord—and You’re asking me to wait?

• Everybody else has one, Lord! Why are you denying me but blessing everyone else?
  

I quietly repented in that moment recognizing that much like Rupert, I won't always see, sense, or understand what's best for me, but I must always trust that God does.

A lesson learned from one spoiled Lhasa. Thank You, Lord.

We're Baaaaack!

Things Learned During Our Weekend Getaway:

• When surprising the hubby with a "Happy Anniversary" script instead of the standard "Happy Birthday, Cathy" on the cake, be sure to first alert the clerk at the bakery when he's present for the pick-up. The surprise fizzled quickly.

• If there are specific things that would enhance your vacation, say -- space, windows, ample lighting, a table, or stricter enforcement on the "no smoking" policy indoors, don't settle for pictures alone. Ask questions ahead of time. Upon arrival, what I initially believed to be a cute but quaint tool shed was, in fact, our getaway for the next three nights. Brian was relieved I'd made those reservations.
  

• Wear comfy shoes even if you think you'll only be shopping for a short period of time (I'm not a shopper!)
  

• Wear comfy shoes (it bears repeating).

• It pays to talk to the locals. While in an antique store, we were invited to a large local inn for an evening of music. And then it happened. The owner of the inn shared how it's haunted by a little girl who likes to pull on skirts. Green River BBQ, my new book, and a Law and Order Criminal Intent marathon never sounded so good.

• And last but not least, never underestimate the hubby—or the joy of preparation. He surprised me with an Ipad 2 for my birthday/anniversary and being the prepared person that I am, i.e., hard-hitting-hint-dropper, I went ahead and purchased a manual, tucking it in my luggage just in case. :)
  

Overall, it was a great time away, but there truly is something sweet about coming home... and leaving the tool shed behind.

Wordless Wednesday - A Stroll Back in Time

Proud Parent Alert!

We're so proud...

Brandon's new Web site launched today -- as well as his new worship album A Love Better Than Life.

To God be the glory!

Small Steps, Right Direction

Things do not change; we change.
~Henry David Thoreau~

Living less than an hour away from my dream destination leaves one baffled as to why we wouldn’t trek up to the mountains more often in October.

Three years ago.
Baffled.

Two years ago.
Baffled.

One year ago.
Baffled.

This year.
Changed.

Life is busy. Honey-do list bulges. Hobbies frown from neglect.
Things haven’t changed.

I have.
For years, I’ve allowed a past car accident to hinder my traveling to places I never imagined I’d avoid—but no more. Each weekend in October we’ve chosen a different leaf-laden location to visit and have loved every minute of it.

Small steps, indeed—but the size of the step matters not—only the direction.

My Friday Fave

Stampington & Company has done it again.

After spotting the premiere issue of Mingle...Creative Ideas for Unique Gatherings in Brevard NC last weekend, I snatched it up quicker than a Mocha Frappe at McD's.

Inviting doesn't begin to describe it. Weighty, farm tables, robin egg blue vintage chairs, worn benches, and plentiful table tops. And that's just the cover!

Each page, framed in charming photographs and brimming over with...well, unique excuses to get together with friends—that is, if you need one.

• Birthday Breakfast Bash

• Pen & Paper: Bonding By the Seaside

• Be Present Retreats

• Thankful for Friends

• Etc.

Needless to say, this bookazine has been tucked away for our soon-to-be mountain getaway!

-cover photo courtesy of http://pamcarriker.com/

A Writer's Rainy Day Blues

Rain drops
Words pour

Eyes puddle

Wordless Wednesday - The Perfect Pause

Fab Finds in Brevard, NC

Meandering mountain roads and citrus-tipped leaves served as the official greeters for Brevard NC Saturday afternoon.

Of course, I knew I'd like any town with a place called Quotations Coffee Cafe but it was their Main Street Ltd. Gift Shop that put the giddy-up in this girl.

Fab Finds:

• An ever-so-soft hand-knit newborn cap for Piper (in Thanksgiving colors, of course!)
• A small journal that reads "She climbed until she saw" on the front cover. The meaning will have to be covered in another post.
  
• What a hoot! An owl mug that holds lots-o-coffee and is dishwasher safe.
  
• A butterfly finger puppet. With the light flicker of a finger the wings gracefully glides to your heart's content. We're collecting puppets for future Piper shows. I think she'll especially like this one. (Highlands Books, Brevard NC)

Check back on Wednesday when I'll share the shot of the day. Can anyone say breathtaking?

My Friday Fave - A Tea Lover's Dream!

It’s no secret that the most delightful cup of hot tea begins with loose tea leaves. The aroma is richer—the flavor, more distinct, fresher than your average tea bag. Problem is, it’s not the most convenient choice.

Enter the answer to every tea-lover-on-the-go’s dilemma: Aladdin's "Me Time is Tea Time" Essential Infuser (sold at Barnes & Noble)

• Open lid
• Pour in loose tea leaves (built-in infuser)
• Pour in hot water, brew for 3 minutes.
• Pull lever up and voila!
  

In one fell swoop, the infuser lifts from the water and tucks beneath the lid, clearing the way for a yummy cup of hot tea...and just in time for cooler weather!

Beauty in the Mundane

My writing nook

Today's view

My writing nook, tucked beneath the eaves of our 100 year old home, beckons me like a familiar friend in need of company.

The rhythmic beat of words bang to life as the instrumental music of George Winston sweeps through the silence of this old house.

A solitary cloudless sulphur butterfly flitters across the window bearing the message of Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.

I cease creating devotions and devote myself to the Creator.

Cobalt-blue skies
Boys in tie-dyed shirts and cut-off jeans enjoying a game of frisbee golf
People hurriedly driving by, each loved by their Maker. Do they know?
Trees clinging to their summer wardrobe

Life is a beautiful melody played out in the so-called mundane moments of one’s day.

Wordless Wednesday - Dazzling Dahlias

Flash Poetry

Honey glazed petals
bathing in blue
daydreaming
atop the windowsill.

Posting lines that flash through my mind in mere seconds is a bit risky for someone like me. I prefer poring over each word, sounding out syllables, and perfecting its placement—which explains why every rough draft is a struggle for me.

Every finished piece, however, begins with a "word/thought dump", so thank you for allowing me to tip toe over my comfort zone today.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Publishing...

Some have asked about the Christmas e-project our small writer’s group, i.e., 4Corners, began a few months ago. Thanks for your interest!

The decision was made to hold off and to possibly try again for Christmas 2012. Though a disappointing outcome, we did learn several things:

• Spend quality time “being” a group before progressing to the “doing” stage. What began as a strong support group quickly progressed in to a project-focused one. We skipped the foundation and went directly to roofing.

• Relationships are of greater value than results—every single time. God has always been more interested in who we are than what we do. Why would a group created to glorify Him be any different?

• God’s timing is always right. Period.

• Waiting is never wasted. Lessons are to be learned at every juncture on this journey. Other writing projects were set aside to focus on one that didn’t come to fruition so I struggled with the feeling of having “wasted” time, but not for long. When our motivation is to glorify God, He redeems each moment.