Turning

Isn't it odd that these days slip by, whether well celebrated or neglected? It matters not. They slip by either way.

And isn't it odd that I am now my mother's age? How is that possible? Obviously, it is not quite so, and yet it seems so.

Odder yet, my body ages but I don't? Another non-reality, but true none-the-less.

Isn't it odd that this world is not the everlasting reality? That life is frail and passing, as the flower of the field; it shall fade and pass away?

Isn't it odder still that we invest so much here and neglect Him and our eternal home?

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

A Testimony

Honey told me I was doing a good job. He was genuine. That makes all the difference. My confidence just skyrocketed.

Words have the power to encourage. It's so very true.

Windblown

The early morning is the only guaranteed (well, relatively) quiet time for reflection and collection of thoughts.

Collecting thoughts. That, my friends, is the name of the game for me. I gather them and organize them, stacking them like a neat pile of papers, and then, as if a strong wind has come along, they are strewn everywhere around me. I run headlong, chasing after them. Contemplations scatter, float, drift away in all directions.

Ah. The morning hour faithfully arrives. I recollect, I reconsider, and I stack them once again.

Could this be a windless day? Please?

Snippets

:: My rehearsal was fun last night for lots of reasons. But I'm really excited about this: I got "choreographed" into a servant's scene! Now that's what I've been hoping for. It's only for a quick minute or two, but -- I'm easily pleased!

:: I LOVE to hear from my traveling girls. Talked with Julia via good ol' fashioned phone, and Liana wrote on her blog and facebook. Wonderful!

:: Helping work on costumes gets me excited and then can leave me so, so disappointed. Then excited again -- then... Well, you get the picture.

:: Spending this time with little buddy is the best. He's doing great in the show, the director loves working with him, and that's great for my little buddy. He's finding opportunities and venues where he really shines!

:: Busily helping Carina plan decor for her new salon. Does mom enjoy this? You betcha!!

:: Camilla and Jess are keeping things on the homefront moving along. They babysit the grandkiddos and toss in some laundry. But mostly they read Christy Miller books. Hope that's not supposed to be a secret!

:: My mom and dad are coming up on the 28th to see the show. They will stay with Ryan and Danica for a week, if it goes well. I'm praying for some good times together.

:: Louissa chips away at her job, keeping the church functioning and events happening. What a girl! Don't see her enough, even though she lives right here under this same roof!!

:: Two daughters are traveling with their little families to visit in-laws. Lord, keep them safe and use them to bring a blessing!

A List

Summertime miscellaneous which will add up to memories (so far):

The Black Box.
Salon decor.
Vintage patterns.
New Rhododendron.
Buble singalongs in high soprano.
Honduras and LA.
Blonde bob.

Evil Days

Doing the important. Keeping priorities. Minding p's and q's. Balance.

Distractions. Laziness. Forgetfulness. Lack of focus.

Pain. Brokenness. Consequence. An enemy.

A single-eye. A devoted heart. Seeking first the kingdom.

Life, full of joys and sorrows, wants and desires, hopes and shattered dreams, can push and pull. But there is a path, a way, that leads to eternity, that leads to purpose and joy, that brings peace and strength. Relationships can be healthy or broken. People make choices; we make choices.

"Lord, be the strength of my heart. Be my source of grace to do what I need to do. I want to build, not tear down. I want to choose the way of life, not death. I want to redeem the time for the days are evil. The days are surely evil. And I want to serve an eternal God of Love. I want to live for Jesus only. Amen."