Hearing from God

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail"

"Do one thing everyday that scares you." Eleanor Roosevelt

Today is a big day, for me at least. I am closing on my first home. Late in life for many my age and a simple task for many, but for me a big deal. I am doing this from saving pennies on my own for a long while, and not from any inheritance, sugar daddy, or money tree, or gift except that of God...although it would be nice to have any of the three...smile. I am stronger from having to do it this way! In all of this I have kept an open hand to God, to place me in a home of His wishes and I promised to serve him in whatever way he wants me to. Like the image above, that is definitely how I have been trying to hear His quiet whisper. With an audible...."God I am listening are you there...insert gentle smile!" I felt him often saying in my heart, focus on the needs of others and serve them and I will work this out for you. So praying that I am diligent in serving. I wish for his will alone in this. I have prayed...sometimes honestly in fear, but work my way back to faith because that is where He wishes my heart to be and works his way in faith. I see in my heart and know that this will push me and grow me. For that opportunity alone is why I am excited about the house. The house will remain always His and I pray that I am a good steward with it as long as he wishes me there...and boldly have said "I would love to pay this off in 5 years!" So, quietly praying boldly all the while that I am making a wise decision and leaving it up to him and my work diligence for this dream and opportunity to work out well....Beautifully.

Mom thank you for just listening over and over and for dusting me off, smiling my way and for just being marshmallow (proud) of me. Thank you for showing me how to properly use a home as your house has been that of baptism's in your pool, a wedding in your back yard for our sweetly friend Maggie & Joe, holidays, bible studies, craft time and lastly a safe haven for each of your girls.

Anthony thank you for your support, your love, all the three way calls, for helping me with details and numbers and just literally allowing me to be free to take this step and loving me through this and walking this with me. 

Thank you God!

Image via: Ashes and Snow

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Where I would like to be this weekend. On a beach! My friend Paige is there with her family. I guess will have to wiggle my toes in the sand through her experience....HA!

My dear friend Colonel John N. Harris. He is a pilot for the

Air Force who left for Korea yesterday to serve 2 years remote in Korea.

Without a doubt, is truly the smartest person I have ever met in my life.

His life serving our country is that of an amazing journey and

full of amazing accolades from the Air Force.

Our Great Flag and Beautiful Statue of Liberty

This long holiday weekend, I hope you find rest and relaxation and giggles and much laughter! I also hope and pray that as each us relax and enjoy that we take a gentle moment to consider the individuals that are serving our country and those that have died for our freedom. Isn't that really what Memorial Day is about anyway. I know I am thankful for the opportunity to live life the way I wish. This has been in the forefront of my mind. My closer than a brother dear friend, Colonel John N. Harris was shipped off to Korea to serve each of us and protect us from that come-what-may. My brother in law, R.J. was a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force. My family line on my Mom's side goes back to Robert Morris, who was one of the people to sign the declaration of independence. So, I find myself to be a great patriot of our country and so incredibly honored to be an American. As part of what most in the forces endure, John was shipped on a remote to Korea and left yesterday to travel there to reside and work. He is assigned there for not one (as he first was told) but two years (as he was told just previous to leaving) to live in a very small square foot studio apartment. Imagine living in a hotel room for two years....eeek, and you cannot say no! He had to sell all his belongings (allowed one suitcase) and give up life as he knows it to go. One of the gentlemen that is there serving has a child at home battling cancer. Could you imagine having a job where you could not get to one of your children fighting this disease because your job says country first, life second? For that in itself, I am humbled! John did not sign up for Korea, the choice in assignment was the Air force's to make. He had other dreams and wishes, but as most said, "This is what my country has asked of me, so I will go and boldly serve.". John like so very many has devoted his life to serve each of us he went as all of them do to go and fight for our freedom to live in a still great country, America! I am honored and humbled by your service and grateful for your tender friendship that I have been blessed with for many years. God speed to you and thank you from the bottom of my heart! I know you will shine big as you serve and pray for peace and safety for your journey. I pray as we just enjoy a day of barbecue, rest, picnicking or even mowing the lawn, that we gently smile big to these people that serve and say thanks to God to be able to live in a country that fights for us to say we are free to soar, smile or achieve whatever our hearts desire. And all God's children said....Amen!

Image via: BuellerDesigns, John Harris, Flag, gov image.

Happy Birthday My Favorite Little Girl!

I will make love my greatest weapon and none on who I call can defend against its force....My love will melt all hearts liken to the sun whose rays soften the coldest day. -- Og Mandino

Happy 7th Birthday Miss Peyton "Angel" Grace to you this coming Sunday! The quote above is all that Peyton Grace stands for. She loves BIG! She hugs BIG! She lives life BIG! She melts my heart and can make me dream big and believe that great things in life are within reach. She has taught me...goodness more than I like to admit. I never thought a child could melt your heart like this and she has and does. She makes me laugh harder than I ever thought I could. She can fight for her cause of the day with amazing determination. She is an overcomer. She sings with glee, smiles with intent and loves to skip. She is happy and seeks and finds laughter. She loves animals...all the way down the food chain to roly poly's and is their great protector. She loves God soooooo BIG. She is a leader, a teacher and not a follower. She is the great debater...smile and already delegates at such a young age. I am thankful that Gretchen, her mom has allowed me to be part of this great village that raises her. For that I am completely grateful that she trusts in me enough to care for her daughter. So, Miss Peyton Grace. I love you with all my heart and will never be able to repay God for allowing me to be a part of your sweet life. Thank you for teaching me how wonderful it is to skip in the rain, and dance, giggle and sing! Birthday hugs BIG to you my Lu! xoxoxoxo!

Good Life Quote

It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. - Chinese proverb