Sunday, September 30, 2012

Let Your Light Shine

P9234699
Let your light shine in front of others.
Then they will see the good things you do.
And they will praise your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
 
 

Scripture from New International Reader’s Version

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Home Again - Home Again - Jiggity Jig

The trip was just what I needed.  My time away with my dear friend, Jane of Tickleberry Farm, was everything I imagined it would be. And more. We loved the little cottage we rented – it was a little haven for our weary feet bodies at the end of the day.P9214642You can read a bit more about Agate cottage here on Jane’s blog and you can find rental information here.  The cottage was in the back corner behind a lovely home.  It had originally been a mother-in-law cottage and now it was a safe, sweet, secure place for two girlfriends to spend time away together.  We could see the owner’s home and lovely, big back yard from our front window.P9224657As soon as we stepped into the entryway we knew we had chosen the right place!   The cute, little living room (part of the great room) was the perfect place for lounging in our jammies for long chats when we returned ‘home’ each evening.P9214649The kitchen was fully equipped with what we needed and a bit more.P9224681A basket of goodies and a sweet welcome note from the owner waited for us on the table when we arrived.P9224679The entertainment center on the other end of the great room held magazines and all sorts of brochures that helped us plan our activities in the area.  The open door to the right led to the bedroom and bathroom.P9224674We shared the single bedroom.  What a delight to find it was equipped with everything we could possibly need.P9224665The bathroom was big and it had a huge shower!  It was filled with soft, thick towels, soaps and lotions and a washer and dryer - things that made us feel right at home.P9224658Our time together was precious – and it went by w-a-y too fast!  We shopped and thrifted and dined and walked until our feet complained.  Then we started all over again!  Our chats were long and treasured.  We shared laughter and tears and hopes and dreams.  We have plans to meet again.  We’re not sure where but we are sure this was just the first of many times together.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Leaving–For Awhile

P9034355Today I’m packing up my car, driving south for a few hours and ending my journey in a sweet, little place with a very dear friend.  I'm going by myself but I won't be by myself for long!  A treasured friend is driving north from her home and we will spend the next few days together.  We've planned time together for long, cozy chats, excursions out and about, a bit of antiquing and places not seen before.  The world of blog brings people together.  Never in my wildest imagination did I ever realize how precious new friendships could be when hearts connect online.  My dear friend, Jane, of Tickleberry Farm has become such a friend.  Our friendship has grown from words online through our blogs and emails to personal face-to-face meetings and phone calls and hearts shared through thick and thin.  Today she will drive north from her home and I will drive south from mine.  And we will meet – in the middle.

I love how God allows plans to be made and times to be marked off on the calendar long before we know how very much we will need to get away at the time planned.  Our home is still filled with our dear ones.  Life has settled into new routines with our daughter and her four children here.  But the time has come for me to leave – for awhile.  A long-planned, much-needed time away begins today.  Hugs and smiles and laughter – and maybe a few tears – wait at the end of the journey.  Deep thoughts and memories and more smiles will find their way home in our hearts when we return.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Flowers and Sand and Trust

P9034332Our weeks have been crazy and this last one topped them all.  It was a week to know the grace and wisdom of God and to sense His ‘ever present help in time of need.’  We learned to trust for every moment and to hold firm to the knowledge that He was with us – would never forsake us – and would be our constant companion.  Psalm 3:3 ran through my thoughts as a constant reminder that He is a shield around me; He’s my glory and the one who holds my head high.

During the events of our days I ‘sneaked’ away for a chance to be alone.  Near the end of our street, in a rural area, is the world’s largest Dahlia farm.  Each year about this time they have two weekends of the most spectacular Dahlia Show.  I took time to drive down, park my car and wander through the fields and the exhibit hall that was filled with gorgeous arrangements.  I took a few minutes to attend a seminar to learn the art of dividing the tubers and how to store them for the winter.  The winters are wet here in our part of the world and it’s a risk to leave Dahlias in the ground.  I decided I would love to make my yard a Dahlia farm – but I don’t want to do all the hard work it would take to fill my corner with every one I wanted.  Soon I will share more of the Dahlia Show with you but, until then, here’s a peek at one of the arrangements on display.
P9034345(oops, there’s a yellow peeking through!)
 
This afternoon my sweetheart and I are taking our little cabin-on-wheels and heading to the Oregon Coast for the weekend.  This is a much-needed time away together.  Time for rest and quiet walks on the beach, time to think and talk and refocus for the days ahead.  I may not be online while I’m gone but if I’m not you can be sure I will tell you all about it when I return!