Today is our anniversary. Five years, plus the several that we knew each other beforehand. It's nice to be known; it's nice to be loved. It's nice to feel stability and peace in your relationship. It isn't like a romance novel, but it is often better; and deeper. It's nice to have someone at your side, even when you are not at your best. We help each other; he encourages me. We broaden each other's horizons. He is a good man. I am so thankful.

The picture is from Hawaii, where we spent a vacation.

Hard not to love poppies, and the ways they filter light. These are from a small but beautiful garden in Ann Arbor. Despite their short bloom time, I really like poppies, but I haven't been successful growing them myself...

I was driving home this spring when I went by these and had to stop and go back so I could take a few shots of them. They make me feel good. :-)

Love the spirals in this architecture. And isn't it wonderful to have Bamboo growing right here in the midwest??

I like the first shot below for balance, but some prefer the second one...

Which shot do you prefer?



or this version:

New beginnings.

Jenny's Market has been a gathering place for families on the weekends. There, people can buy plants, fresh eggs, and kids can see and pet farm animals or ride on a pony or hay wagon.

We stopped there one evening in April and ran into this young miniature horse. She was a little suspicious of me, but still curious. I was just curious! :-)

Jenny's Market has wonderful plants and home made goods. They also have animals with which children (big and small) can interact. This adorable goat tried to get my attention. but he had been corralled for the evening when we stopped to see them, one night.

This was the sky in April last month when I arrived home. The lone tree against the backdrop of the setting sun. Day's end.

We go to church for so many reasons. We go to seek Him, to worship Him, to be fed by His Word, and to receive Him in the Eucharist. We unite as an assembly of believers, setting aside differences, asking forgiveness for our faults, our sins, our weaknesses, and the ways or times that we have failed to speak or do for others. We come to find comfort and support from our fellow believers, and to grow in faith. We come to increase our love, our insights into Him who created us, and to renew our resolve to live for Him. We listen to scripture; we join our prayers with the saints who have gone before us, and we pray for the world around us and for the people in it. We try to align our prayers and our hearts with the prayers and heart of Jesus. We pray with the Psalmist, we identify with his longing for closeness with God and deliverance from his enemies. In the New Testament readings, we identify with the people who encountered Christ when he walked the earth. We assume a position in the crowd of listeners, who heard the Word of God, and witnessed His life on earth. We consider our own response to Him, and though we may not see it, changes occur in us. We come in contact with the Almighty, and bit by blessed bit, He works in our lives and brings about a change in us, that over time, moves us individually and collectively toward our ultimate end,-- complete union with God.

And when we leave the church, we are exhorted by Christ's representative, to "Go in peace".




View On Black

I loved the drive through the LaGrange area in Texas when I was there in March. So many beautiful farms and ranches, and the beautiful wildflowers that dot the highways.



Nice in the Large View.

Like I have nothing better to do...

You Are: 50% Dog, 50% Cat

You are a nice blend of cat and dog. You're playful but not too needy. And you're friendly but careful. And while you have your moody moments, you're too happy to stay upset for long.

There are so many fields of flowers to be enjoyed. Make sure you take the time to find them, to see them, to remember them.

See if this doesn't entertain just a little...

Pretty pigs, fun to see. They were so beautiful sleeping there. The patterns in their skin/fur were different than any I've seen. These are at Dominos Farms.

Some days I am so very, very tired. Today is one of them. I've maxed out on crowds and people and noise. It's just about 11pm. Work was busy. People were sick. People were needy. The work room was confusing and full of activity. In the late afternoon, I tried to tune out with some instrumental classical music on my iPod so I could concentrate on my notes. But there are always lots of interruptions and things that must be tended. Lots of loose ends, labs to be followed, appointments that were overlooked, etc. I finished all of my notes for the day but one, which is started but not completed. I left late, and then stopped at the grocery store to pick up just a couple items we needed. I was glad to do it. I was glad to be able to do all the things that needed doing today. Still, I feel so spent. One more day before the weekend. How did He do it?

Do you suppose all of God's children feel tired sometimes? Did we think being a servant would be any different?

It is good to remember His Holy Spirit hovers over me. Always close, all seeing. Lord, I love you so much, and appreciate your warm embrace tonight. Let me rest in you.

In the shadow of His wings I find shelter. Under His wings, I sing for joy.

My sister sent me this video. I loved the creative way that they communicated the message of the song. See if you don't agree.

How's that for a slap in the face? Santa was hit by our New Year snow storm! Still, he waves to say he's ok!

Ho ho ho! :-)

The pic below shows Santa on a better day!

In the early morning hours, my mind is clear, free to seek the Lord and to consider my place in His plan. The early morning is my best time of day. My thoughts are uncluttered, the day is quiet (if I am lucky) and my heart is open. When I go outside to take pics in the morning, it is as if He is with me, opening my eyes to see His creation, to see the many ways He is at work without my knowledge. I am humbled by the beauty, touched by my smallness in it all, and yet secure in His loving care, no matter what comes.

"My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you; understanding will guard you; delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce...

My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her."

Proverbs 2:1-14, 3:11-12, 4:7


May Wisdom be ours in the New Year. Happy New Year 2008!

You may have noticed it has slipped into your vocabulary, too: "Happy Holidays." I'm not personally offended by the greeting. There are many who celebrate other things this time of year, so we each go off to celebrate the holiday of our choice. But I'm also not offended if someone were to misjudge which holiday I celebrate and wish me a happy 'something else'.

Still, the link below makes a good point that we need not apologize for wishing a Merry Christmas to anyone. That is the amazing thing that has changed our history and our future. The birth of Jesus Christ made possible the sacrifice of the Lamb. Blessed be God!

And Merry Christmas to you!

some fun, another diversion