Dreams and Bucket Lists

A trip to Maine had been on my bucket list for years. When Tim and I made the journey, I was determined to see puffins. On our third day in the beautiful state, we climbed aboard a boat and sailed out toward Eastern Egg Rock Island. The overcast day made for good picture taking. But the choppy waters challenged me. I held on to the rail, balanced myself and my camera and shot photos of the floating birds. They bounced on the water, I bounced on the boat, but I did it. I captured those cute little fellows in their environment. At sixty years old, I accomplished my dream. 

Atlantic Ocean Puffin

Knee-deep

Proverbs 1:5-7

Let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

I'm knee-deep in learning. My friend Jody and I attended a writer's conference at Taylor University. The speakers and teachers shared their knowledge and wisdom about the writing and publishing world. My ears tingled as I listened to Dr. Angela Hunt, a prolific Christian author, share about the skeleton plot. That may sound funny, but I was excited to learn from the best.

I've also been helping my daughter, Sara, prepare her classroom for the new school year. The smell of crayons and paper gets me excited for the kids. The new principal in Sara's building is initiating a super hero theme, encouraging the students to do their best, be a good friend, and be a bucket filler. You see along with academics, the teachers work to instill confidence and positive behavior. Those little kiddos are blessed to have teachers who care about them and want to fill their buckets with kindness and joy.

So I'm knee-deep in learning...about writing, about kids, and about Jesus. Talk about hearing from the best. There is no better place to learn than at the feet of Jesus. Like Mary in the Mary and Martha story, I want to hear every parable, word of wisdom and proverb Jesus shared. I'm thankful the writers of the Bible penned God's words. I'm excited that I have the very words of Jesus (red letters in many Bibles) to read and tuck into my heart.

God wants his people to keep discovering Him. Every day brings a new experience, a new perspective, a new way to learn and share Jesus story.

What have you learned today?

If you have a minute, pray for all the kids, teachers, and staff heading back to school.

National Book Lover's Day!

I love books, and I cannot lie. 

Big books, small books, short books, tall books!

Here are some of my favorite children's books. 

I love sharing them with my grandkids. 

As a children's librarian for twelve years, I fell in love with the picture book.

Of course I love novels and nonfiction, too. But there is something about the illustrations and words that create an incredible experience for young readers and the young at heart.

Pick up a book and read!

Happy National Book Lover's Day! 

Flower Friday: Hollyhock

When I was a little girl, my mom showed me how to refashion the beautiful flowers into dolls who sashayed in the garden. They wore their bright colored blooms as skirts. 

Hollyhocks can grow as tall as ten feet high. 

With their pops of color, they're a lovely addition to any flower garden. 

Pink Hollyhock

He is my Hope

Everyday I am amazed. God made me. He loves me. He carries me through my days. 

Even as I am a white-headed and seasoned, He loves me!

Rest, Recharge, Refresh

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

My daughter, Maggie, directs the VBS program at her church every year. She pours her heart into preparing the best possible environment for kids to learn about Jesus. Along with her children, she decorates the church with the year's theme and turns it into a wonderland for the kids. This year the beach theme brought out surfboards, Hawaiian leis, hibiscus, palm trees and beach balls. You may wonder, why all the effort? Because she loves creating a place for kids to hear Bible stories, for kids to be loved on, and for kids to know someone cares. I had the privilege of helping her with a few small tasks, and I can tell you this momma's heart is proud of the work she does for Jesus. No matter how many or few kids show up, they will be blessed.

Yet, as much joy that comes from preparing for and working at VBS, exhaustion usually follows. I've been there and done that. I'm guessing you have too. Worked for days, even months on a project you've been called to do, plus all the other responsibilities in life. By the end you are tired. That's when we need to rest, recharge and refresh.

But Jesus who calls us to work the fields also calls us to rest.

I love that Matthew tells us that Jesus has a gentle and humble heart, and that he offers us rest for our souls. When we put in effort doing the Lord's work, we don't just get physically tired. We often become spiritually weary, dragged down by negativity, judgy people, and frustration. Jesus promises to recharge us through his rest. His yoke lifts our burdens and refreshes us because he carries them. When we take on Jesus' yoke, we take on the love he pours over us.

When the weariness and burdens seep in, turn to God in prayer and read his word in order to soak in the Savior. His is a yoke of love meant to lift burdens and give rest. Thank you Jesus for your loving kindness.

Flower Friday: Magic Lily

The delicate pink blossoms stand tall on slender stems. I'd didn't encounter the magic lily until I was in my twenties. A little lady, who lived up the road, told me they were called naked ladies because the leaves had come and gone in the spring. 

These beauties are also referred to as surprise lilies or resurrection lilies. 

These gorgeous flowers bloom in my favorite shade of pink.