Rain is my favorite. There is no such thing for me as too much rain. Yes, it's bad for some business, bad for traffic, and around the Houston area, really bad for flooding. I love it just the same. Rain inspires me, comforts me, and refreshes me.
Coming from the desert, there is never enough rain to make me happy...
So today it's raining solid. It's been raining since early this morning, and it hasn't stopped all day. The sky is a beautiful color grey, there is a thrilling chill in the air, and I, for one, am enjoying the respite from the previous record-breaking heat we've experienced all summer. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for autumn.
Today is most likely just a cruel tease, though, since the rain is the run off from Tropical Storm Hermine, but I'll take it. I'm ready for sweater tops and boots, dresses with leggings, and early mornings on the back porch with my coffee, meditating on the coming day. I've decided that September is my new favorite month, with the bearable temperatures, fall veggies, and gorgeous sunsets.
So I'll enjoy today, tease or not, as I ready myself for yet another change in life's ever-changing face.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Early in the morning...
The house sits hushed, even the very earliest birds in the trees outside are singing quietly. I grab my decaf coffee (I know, what’s the point then, right?!) and look back at my beckoning bed, sitting there, empty and lonely. Ohhh, I don’t want to be up right now, sleep sounds so delightful… Sighing, I turn away with new determination to climb those stairs and start a new life. I know God has been telling me to do this.
I cruise through each kid’s bedroom (I love to look at them when they are sleeping!). Smiling, I silently thank God as I watch Sophie, her lanky body and strawberry blonde hair. For how quiet she is when she is sleeping. Bella looks like a princess, snuggled up in her fluffy comforter, freckles visible even in the early morning light. Like the princess that she knows she is. The next room over, Giana sleeps with vigor. That’s just like her. She’s probably plotting her next move in her dreams right now. Jovanni has his hand against his angelic cheek, like the Thinker. That’s just like him, too, always thinking. Lacey lies next to Jov, curled into the crook of his legs, happy to be her.
I wonder, what do I look like when I’m sleeping? Am I pulling my hair out then, too?!
As the computer comes to life, I realize…It is so quiet! I had previously thought that too much quiet could be a problem. How could I write without breaking up an argument every few minutes? Or without hearing “Appuh joosh, Mommy!!!” in scream form ringing in my ear.
I’ve decided, however, that I like this quiet, strange as the theory is. To think, I wanted to go back to bed! No, I’m ready now, I believe (yawn). Ready to use these precious moments of early morning, where no child roams this house yet today, and heed the calling I have to promote the Kingdom of God on paper!
For the first time in a long time, I click on my program first, resisting the natural urge to check my email or go on facebook. I’m like an addict refusing to turn back! Wow, I’m excited now! Ready! Going forward…oh, how beautiful – the sun just popped up over the horizon, and I had to watch it…Haven’t seen that in too long. Yes, Lord, I’ll obey.
I cruise through each kid’s bedroom (I love to look at them when they are sleeping!). Smiling, I silently thank God as I watch Sophie, her lanky body and strawberry blonde hair. For how quiet she is when she is sleeping. Bella looks like a princess, snuggled up in her fluffy comforter, freckles visible even in the early morning light. Like the princess that she knows she is. The next room over, Giana sleeps with vigor. That’s just like her. She’s probably plotting her next move in her dreams right now. Jovanni has his hand against his angelic cheek, like the Thinker. That’s just like him, too, always thinking. Lacey lies next to Jov, curled into the crook of his legs, happy to be her.
I wonder, what do I look like when I’m sleeping? Am I pulling my hair out then, too?!
As the computer comes to life, I realize…It is so quiet! I had previously thought that too much quiet could be a problem. How could I write without breaking up an argument every few minutes? Or without hearing “Appuh joosh, Mommy!!!” in scream form ringing in my ear.
I’ve decided, however, that I like this quiet, strange as the theory is. To think, I wanted to go back to bed! No, I’m ready now, I believe (yawn). Ready to use these precious moments of early morning, where no child roams this house yet today, and heed the calling I have to promote the Kingdom of God on paper!
For the first time in a long time, I click on my program first, resisting the natural urge to check my email or go on facebook. I’m like an addict refusing to turn back! Wow, I’m excited now! Ready! Going forward…oh, how beautiful – the sun just popped up over the horizon, and I had to watch it…Haven’t seen that in too long. Yes, Lord, I’ll obey.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Just musing while in Arizona
The best part about Southern Arizona is the cool breezes after the sun goes down. No matter what the high temperature was that the unending sunshine brought on by the day, the sunset brings refreshment and rest. Oh, how I miss the crisp evenings. I’m sitting out here writing, at 8:00, no mosquitos in existence here, on mi suegra’s back porch. In fact, I haven’t slapped a leg or arm once for any kind of biting creature!
The second best thing is the sky. Oh, what a sight! The clear, open, friendly sky. Reds, pinks and purples spread in gorgeous harmony across the mountain ridges as the sun and its heat slowly disappears behind them. The stars, one by one, appear in clarity in the deep blue heavens. As the sky gradually grows darker, the stars multiply and soon, the Big Dipper sits in its regal majesty mid-sky. The Milky Way glistens, and the sliver of hopeful moon smiles sideways at me, happily back in my desert, at least for now.
Growing up, I either had to develop an appreciation for the desert, or be miserable in the ridiculous heat that overtakes this land with no reward. Dry, thirsty shrubs spread over the dusty landscape, with a cactus here and there amongst the stones and brush. The mesquite trees provide the respite from the harsh rays, and even then the shade is a tease. But I found the beauty here – beauty I still appreciate. The way the dry, sandy soil would smell after a fresh summer rain, and the rocks would shine because the dust was washed off their surface.
As kids, we had overactive imaginations (my husband would argue that mine has never faded!) and when the monsoons came, our front porch became a pirate ship in a raging sea storm. In drier times, we built forts on the ridges of the arroyos. We were John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. We were cowboys and Indians, ranchers and outlaws, scientists and inventors. It took no money and even less effort on our parent’s part for our imaginations to invent days, weeks, and then years worth of fun and fulfillment! On those long summer days that we would lounge in front of the air conditioner, our bodies lazy from the draining heat of the Arizona sun. Then, when the relief of the evening came, out the door we would go, enjoying the desert and all its hidden charm.
Sometimes I'm sad for today's kids, who seem to need to spend money or have all the newest gadgets and electronics to be entertained. I wonder where their imaginations have hidden!
The second best thing is the sky. Oh, what a sight! The clear, open, friendly sky. Reds, pinks and purples spread in gorgeous harmony across the mountain ridges as the sun and its heat slowly disappears behind them. The stars, one by one, appear in clarity in the deep blue heavens. As the sky gradually grows darker, the stars multiply and soon, the Big Dipper sits in its regal majesty mid-sky. The Milky Way glistens, and the sliver of hopeful moon smiles sideways at me, happily back in my desert, at least for now.
Growing up, I either had to develop an appreciation for the desert, or be miserable in the ridiculous heat that overtakes this land with no reward. Dry, thirsty shrubs spread over the dusty landscape, with a cactus here and there amongst the stones and brush. The mesquite trees provide the respite from the harsh rays, and even then the shade is a tease. But I found the beauty here – beauty I still appreciate. The way the dry, sandy soil would smell after a fresh summer rain, and the rocks would shine because the dust was washed off their surface.
As kids, we had overactive imaginations (my husband would argue that mine has never faded!) and when the monsoons came, our front porch became a pirate ship in a raging sea storm. In drier times, we built forts on the ridges of the arroyos. We were John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. We were cowboys and Indians, ranchers and outlaws, scientists and inventors. It took no money and even less effort on our parent’s part for our imaginations to invent days, weeks, and then years worth of fun and fulfillment! On those long summer days that we would lounge in front of the air conditioner, our bodies lazy from the draining heat of the Arizona sun. Then, when the relief of the evening came, out the door we would go, enjoying the desert and all its hidden charm.
Sometimes I'm sad for today's kids, who seem to need to spend money or have all the newest gadgets and electronics to be entertained. I wonder where their imaginations have hidden!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
GiGi, at the ripe old age of six, has it all figured out! Why does she have to go to school these last few days, when all they do is play and do projects? “We’re not doing anything school, Mom.” She huffily pointed out a couple of nights ago. “Why can’t I just be done with school NOW?!” She’s right, they’re not doing anything academic. She’s done – done with school for this year. She’s been fed up since a couple of months ago, when she decided she didn’t like Ms. Brasier, the poor young woman who has to teach my six-year-old!
It’s been an adjustment this year for her, and her siblings, as they went from their much-loved elementary school in Arizona to two different schools here, since we moved twice. Once to get here to Texas, another to our new (and hopefully permanent for at least five years!) house. We’ve only lived in a house for three years at a time. Here, I’m really ok with not moving for a while.
So, back to GiGi. While I’m writing this, she is attending her LAST day of school for the year! She’ll have exactly 11 weeks with NO school! She thinks she’s excited, but she is a high-maintenance firecracker of a kid, and keeping her from the b-word (boredom) this summer is my greatest challenge! So far, on the roster is our vacation (we leave later today!) camp (only one week ), VBS, swimming, camping, day trips to Houston, swimming, time with friends, swimming, and more swimming. Thank God we have a community pool and splashpad! It is going to save my tushie this summer.
It’s been an adjustment this year for her, and her siblings, as they went from their much-loved elementary school in Arizona to two different schools here, since we moved twice. Once to get here to Texas, another to our new (and hopefully permanent for at least five years!) house. We’ve only lived in a house for three years at a time. Here, I’m really ok with not moving for a while.
So, back to GiGi. While I’m writing this, she is attending her LAST day of school for the year! She’ll have exactly 11 weeks with NO school! She thinks she’s excited, but she is a high-maintenance firecracker of a kid, and keeping her from the b-word (boredom) this summer is my greatest challenge! So far, on the roster is our vacation (we leave later today!) camp (only one week ), VBS, swimming, camping, day trips to Houston, swimming, time with friends, swimming, and more swimming. Thank God we have a community pool and splashpad! It is going to save my tushie this summer.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Time to say it!
So I have decided that I’m now a full-time serious writer. I know, that’s what I believed I was doing in the last couple of months, right? Well, yes, but not the full-time part. And not the serious part. So, I guess I wasn’t doing that at all! I’ve started a couple of blogs, had 2-3 ideas for a book, even wrote the outline for one. I haven’t committed to this goal exactly like I know how to. That all changes write now. I mean right now!
I am giving myself, Lord willing, two years to make it. What do I mean by make it? To actually pull in an input to the income. To get a demand for the skill and talent that God has placed in me from editors, not just my family members! To invest my time wisely, plan my life accordingly, and be a witness to the world through the written word of God’s immense grace and love for us all. And ultimately, have published several articles in magazines, and a book (or two!) would be exciting!
Forget failure, that is not how I live! Stopping is not an option. Giving up for any reason is not an option. Neglecting the work necessary is also not an option. The only option is to write in His will, bless the work by His authority, and watch Him work through me in a way I only dreamed about before!
So faithful fans out there, say a prayer for me when you think of me, and I look forward to telling your testimony someday. As well as my new one!
God bless me an’ you!
I am giving myself, Lord willing, two years to make it. What do I mean by make it? To actually pull in an input to the income. To get a demand for the skill and talent that God has placed in me from editors, not just my family members! To invest my time wisely, plan my life accordingly, and be a witness to the world through the written word of God’s immense grace and love for us all. And ultimately, have published several articles in magazines, and a book (or two!) would be exciting!
Forget failure, that is not how I live! Stopping is not an option. Giving up for any reason is not an option. Neglecting the work necessary is also not an option. The only option is to write in His will, bless the work by His authority, and watch Him work through me in a way I only dreamed about before!
So faithful fans out there, say a prayer for me when you think of me, and I look forward to telling your testimony someday. As well as my new one!
God bless me an’ you!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
To my brother Rich
To my brother Rich,
What the enemy meant for harm…
We understand each other as siblings so deeply, always have. Through all the years of our childhood, we held a bond in our hearts. We had a love and closeness that our other siblings envied…
We were moved away at a young age from everything and everyone we knew, from the lush green landscape of Northern Illinois to the dry and dusty desert of Southern Arizona…
We were not even allowed to say goodbye to our closest friends from school and play…
We were moved from a two-story farmhouse to a fourteen foot trailer we called our “house” for the next two years…
Our home was in constant turmoil, leaving us stressed, burdened and bitter. Our parents taught us Christianity with their words, and whole other way of living with their actions…
The abuse we suffered at the hands of those who were most trusted, and in authority over our young lives…
The isolation was draining, especially on us naturally social siblings…
There were good times, though mostly hard times…
Both of us married young, both of us lived through a divorce, brought children into this world, and both of us now walk with our Savior daily!
We made so many mistakes, sinned and fell short of Him so many times…
We’ve disappointed each other, momentarily hated each other, betrayed each other…
We are, however, RESTORED, REDEEMED, REBUILT, RIGHTEOUS IN HIM, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL, EXCITED TO BE HIS MINISTERS, and FABULOUS PARENTS (Just ask our kids!)!!!
We are all these things through the unfailing, incredible grace and mercy of our Father and Friend, GOD!!! He brought us back to Him, He blesses us now, and I am so glad I get to share this journey with you, Rich. My stubborn, strong, fiercely loving, kind, faith-filled, and just overall, fantastic brother!
So what the enemy ALWAYS means for harm, Jesus has turned for our good! I love you, Rich.
What the enemy meant for harm…
We understand each other as siblings so deeply, always have. Through all the years of our childhood, we held a bond in our hearts. We had a love and closeness that our other siblings envied…
We were moved away at a young age from everything and everyone we knew, from the lush green landscape of Northern Illinois to the dry and dusty desert of Southern Arizona…
We were not even allowed to say goodbye to our closest friends from school and play…
We were moved from a two-story farmhouse to a fourteen foot trailer we called our “house” for the next two years…
Our home was in constant turmoil, leaving us stressed, burdened and bitter. Our parents taught us Christianity with their words, and whole other way of living with their actions…
The abuse we suffered at the hands of those who were most trusted, and in authority over our young lives…
The isolation was draining, especially on us naturally social siblings…
There were good times, though mostly hard times…
Both of us married young, both of us lived through a divorce, brought children into this world, and both of us now walk with our Savior daily!
We made so many mistakes, sinned and fell short of Him so many times…
We’ve disappointed each other, momentarily hated each other, betrayed each other…
We are, however, RESTORED, REDEEMED, REBUILT, RIGHTEOUS IN HIM, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL, EXCITED TO BE HIS MINISTERS, and FABULOUS PARENTS (Just ask our kids!)!!!
We are all these things through the unfailing, incredible grace and mercy of our Father and Friend, GOD!!! He brought us back to Him, He blesses us now, and I am so glad I get to share this journey with you, Rich. My stubborn, strong, fiercely loving, kind, faith-filled, and just overall, fantastic brother!
So what the enemy ALWAYS means for harm, Jesus has turned for our good! I love you, Rich.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Spring in Southeast Texas - Beautiful!
Humidity can be a good thing, in a small amount. As April is progressing here in Southeast Texas, that small amount is growing! As a gardener and nature lover, I love it! The lettuce is already forming small bunches, and I’m salivating at the thought of homegrown salad! My parsley, basil, chives and dill are turning into miniature herb fields, and the okra, peppers and tomatoes are all growing nicely. The flowers here…don’t get me started! My gladiolas are about to burst into bloom at any moment, the deep pink impatiens have become weeds, and the geraniums in red, white and pink are brilliant in the front yard.
So, humidity and I get along just fine. Without the rain, moisture and mist, my garden and flower babies wouldn’t look the same. Trust me, I’ve lived without it! The roadsides in town are amazing, lit up with rose and violet azaleas, which grow like roses here. Further out of town, into the countryside (my favorite place!), the wildflowers grow in abundance, like a flag spread over the meadows.
The critters are also coming out, saying hello to a new year, a new season of warmth and growth. Some are wanted, some are not…like the young cottonmouth we found in our backyard last week! The birds sound like life to me, with their tweeting, whistles and sometimes, songs. They are little pests, as in stealing the first fruits from my strawberry plants! I love them and the perky spirit they bring, though, just the same.
All the babies signify that the winter is through, new birth is here! Driving home just a couple of days ago, the kids and I saw four little calves romping in the field together, leaping and frolicking while their mothers grazed calmly nearby! We’ve seen more foals this spring in Texas, in front yards and on neighboring ranches, than we have in a lifetime elsewhere. Baby ducks, baby chicks – they’re everywhere. Watching babies never gets old!
New life – that’s what spring means to me, and I appreciate every minute of the season. Is spring a favorite time of year for you? Do you have any spring babies to talk about? I’d love to hear your spring story!
So, humidity and I get along just fine. Without the rain, moisture and mist, my garden and flower babies wouldn’t look the same. Trust me, I’ve lived without it! The roadsides in town are amazing, lit up with rose and violet azaleas, which grow like roses here. Further out of town, into the countryside (my favorite place!), the wildflowers grow in abundance, like a flag spread over the meadows.
The critters are also coming out, saying hello to a new year, a new season of warmth and growth. Some are wanted, some are not…like the young cottonmouth we found in our backyard last week! The birds sound like life to me, with their tweeting, whistles and sometimes, songs. They are little pests, as in stealing the first fruits from my strawberry plants! I love them and the perky spirit they bring, though, just the same.
All the babies signify that the winter is through, new birth is here! Driving home just a couple of days ago, the kids and I saw four little calves romping in the field together, leaping and frolicking while their mothers grazed calmly nearby! We’ve seen more foals this spring in Texas, in front yards and on neighboring ranches, than we have in a lifetime elsewhere. Baby ducks, baby chicks – they’re everywhere. Watching babies never gets old!
New life – that’s what spring means to me, and I appreciate every minute of the season. Is spring a favorite time of year for you? Do you have any spring babies to talk about? I’d love to hear your spring story!
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