Mountain/Whitewater Family Time

My family got together and took my Mom for a nights stay in a couple of small cabins and whitewater rafting for her birthday. She is an adventure girl ( I love that quality in her!) and well, each of her daughters have followed suit. This fearlessness includes my 6 year old niece, Peyton Grace who got right in there and actually guided the raft part of the way down the river and into/through a couple of rapids. I was just so proud of her. Half way down the river, my Mom with my nephew Zach proceeded to climb the way, hold hands and jump off a very high rock into the water, quickly followed by my niece, Peyton Grace and I together and then my sister Kelly and her husband, RJ. I didn't know that water could actually be so cold that one lost their speech! All I could think about was getting Peyton Grace above water and to the raft. She is just a brave little soul. We just had so much fun. My Mom stated to my sister Wendy, that it was the best day of her life! You know that just warms her daughters hearts. Just good to spend time with my family and laughing so hard over everything. I will be posting the whitewater rafting images very soon. Thanks family of mine for such a great time. xoxox....Too fun!


Image: Country Living

Happy Birthday Sweet Mom of Mine!

Mon-amie,
Wishing you the sweetest, most wonderful birthday ever. To the bright shining star in my life, know that I value you, I think you are creativly amazing, have the most giving heart and beautiful eyes. I am a better person for knowing you and walking through this life with you. I love you best! Happy Birthday! Happy Life! Looking forward to celebrating with you.

Love you Mom!

Image by Masha

This little light

Just Grateful for today.

Not much to share. I just wanted to thank God for another day to love the ones I love and to live life big.

Image: My favorite illustrator: Sophie Griotto

Raegan Audrey Hearn - This little light

Raegan Audrey Hearn - 10/04/06 - 09/17/07. You are still a shining bright light. My friend, Angie and her husband Don's little girl Raegan passed away in a sudden tragedy and she went quickly to heaven into the arms God. She was named after Angie’s mom’s middle name, Rae. I always just loved her name. Your Mommy and Daddy love you most, but over the week I found that you were endeared and loved by many. So many stories of you and all included smiles of your joy. I used to tell Angie that Raegan was just this light that made everyone's face bright when you walked into her presence. Like this "Hi, and welcome, we have missed you so, and have happily been waiting for your company!" She had sweet, big blue eyes like her Daddy and amazing beauty inside and out like her Mommy. My heart is so broken for this family and I just wish I knew what to do to bring this little light back into her Mother's arms to sing songs to and bring back Raegan's smile to Don's heart. Please pray for my dear friends Angie and Don as they walk through one of the hardest experiences in life. Please pray as I and so many walk along their side, that God will use us somehow to be a vessels of strength for them and know what to say or do to comfort their hearts in some way and truly listen and pray for them. I love these people and I just love little Raegan very much and we will all miss her until we see her in heaven. Until then, shine on Raegan, shine on! You are and will always be your Mommy and Daddy's beaming light and as they said to you in a note, "Mommy and Daddy love you so much and we are blowing you kisses! Please blow God a kiss for us!"

In short, cherish your people and love them big. Don't take a moment of life for granted because it is but a whisper.

"Boyfriend Weather"

Paige Greene, my roommate from years ago and I used to have this saying. When the first chill of the air came for Fall, we would tag it "Boyfriend Weather" and we would then go eat Mexican to celebrate. Okay, we would use any excuse to go and eat Mexican! The words still makes me smile and has continued to be spoken about over the past few years with my life long friend Paige Knudsen in place of the words that describe Fall. My Mom called and stated on Sunday that "Boyfriend Weather" must be here because Starbucks is now offering their Pumpkin Spice Latté...so sweet. Married or single, females love the idea of being swept off our feet and romanced by a gentleman. The chill in the air always reminds me of that. Happy "Boyfriend Weather" to you.

Courage is the greatest of all the virtues. Because if you haven't
courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.
-- Samuel Johnson

Images via: House Martin....I think?

And Joy Hit My Soul!

Because it's Friday, that's why. I hope you have an amazing, laughter filled weekend. Don't forget to count each blessing one by one.

I am reading Beth Moore's book: Get Out Of That Pit. I am finally in the; "but there's hope for you part." (Ha. Thankfully, because I was beginning to wonder?!). This verse was in the book, good to remember and sweet to my soul. I think I need it tattooed on my hand, but won't go to that extreme (smile).

Psalms 23:1-6
"The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in God's house forever."

Images: Et a Part Ca, PGA, The beach, Moco Loco.

SGF Dreams for Mom

Mom,
These pictures are for you to see dreams for your farm that will come to fruition and bring you hope. Dreaming great dreams for you and all areas of your life. I am looking forward to having coffee with you on the front porch of your home on your Sweet Grace Farm property in the near future. You will be blessed because of your heart and precious works by faith in His name. I even put a Martha Stewart chicken in there...get it...smile.

Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4-8

So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay. - Habakkuk 2:3

Images via: House Martin, Martha Stewart, Serenbe.com, lavender barn and Heifer.org

I Choose In Life:

To walk by faith
To be a blessing, and be TRUE
To cultivate a spirit of gratefulness
To live each moment in life with great passion
To be an encourager and a hope to others
To focus on the positive and just choose joy
To honor the intrinsic good in people around me
To love deeply, sweetly and big
To forgive easily and not judge
To make a difference
To experience true giggles
To be great light to the world and bring smiles
To dwell on these things (Phil 4:8)...FOR LIKE EVER

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8

This above was sent to me as a question as what would I choose in life to make my heart pure and this world a better place? So, over a cup of Starbucks I took a moment and answered. I posted this on 9/10 late. I figured 9/11 was a good day to think about this to ask. What would you choose within you?

Image:Domino Magazine...I love this poster and must order soon.

Remembering Paris!

My Mom and I took a trip in September about five years ago to Paris. I had wanted to go there (Actually live there!) since I was young. I still do. My Mom and I often spoke of the day we would go, and so we did. I remember it like it was just yesterday. At any rate, the sweet coolness of this morning reminded me of the morning that my Mom and I went to the green market. Might I add we went to a bakery there that had the best palmier pastry (my favorite cookie ever!). Just remembering a sweet moment and made me realize there is a need for a new Paris trip sooner than later!
While I am in the Paris mood. I thought I would post this book as well that I have on order, "My French Life". It is absolutely beautiful inside. I am certain to book a trip shortly after receiving it in the mail!

Images: Images of Paris - me, palmeir - anna's puff , My French Life - Penguin Press

Our Sweet Life Purpose

"The purpose of your life is far greater
than your own personal fulfillment, peace of mind, or
even your happiness. It's far greater than your family,

your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.

If you want to know why you were placed on
this planet, you must begin with God.
You were born BY his purpose

and FOR his purpose. - Rick Warren

Have a Happy Weekend!

Images from Laura Ashley, Et a Part Ca, NA Noel, keep file.
Pretty pink church is from a french blog site Et a part ca
Where else on earth would one find a pink church?!

Lesson #280 - Listening!

So, God started early this morning on what He knew needed to be learned. Below was on my Starbucks coffee cup so bright and early. Oh me oh my, the creative lengths God must go through to teach our hearts a thing or two. Okay, in truth, teach me a thing or two! Thank you God for your grace and tenacity and never giving up and well, knowing I need this "listening" skill and teaching it to me with a gentle hand. Thank you for Starbucks coffee too. In a word, yum!

The Way I See It #280
"You can learn a lot more from listening than you can from talking. Find someone with whom you don’t agree in the slightest and ask them to explain themselves at length. Then take a seat, shut your mouth, and don’t argue back. It’s physically impossible to listen with your mouth open."-- John Moe

Happy Wednseday to you.

Image from Starbucks

Our Words

My Mom and I were talking about this very subject this morning. I get to work and this devotional came through in my email. Hummmmmmmmmmm? To learn this quickly I think is the point.

Verse: “And God said, 'Let there be light', and there was light” (Genesis 1:3).

Thought: God wanted there to be light, so He spoke it into existence. He wanted there to be water, land, and plants, so He declared them to be. Did you know, as a believer, that same creative power lives inside of you by the Holy Spirit? What are you speaking into existence in your life? Are you declaring the truth of God's Word that says you are the head and not the tail - that you are above only and not beneath? Listen to the words that come out of your mouth and speak what you seek! If you seek good health, declare that God is your Healer and that you will live strong and healthy all the days of your life. If you need provision for something, declare that God is your Provider. Be proactive and speak peace into your home. Speak God's protection over your family. Speak favor over your job. Decide and declare that today will be your best day to the Glory of God!

Prayer: Father in Heaven, today I submit my words to You. I invite You to search my mind and heart so that I may speak Your truth. Teach me what to say so that I can live the life of victory You have in store for me today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

This is just good. Image of my sweet niece Peyton Angel Grace. Message from Joel Osteen daily emails.