Your superhero power...

....is available 24/7.

Just tune in.

connecting with others

You carry all the 'stress-relieving,

life-appreciating, joy-delivering,

mood-lifting, source-connecting, butt-kicking

benefits with you all day long.

The best way to do this is through  your breath & prayer.

~

notes...

the kids are having a blast on their honeymoon...

and I am grateful for my little soul fueling getaway

I'm so proud of them...

and their wonderful little space...

going park hopping with Fritz 

it's another gorgeous day

take a moment to clear your mind

check in with your body

become present in the moment

and connect

find direction and purpose for your life

Give God first place

Let go of that hinderance-

it isn't serving you

it is only holding you back

from discovering the joy you long for

encourage others

condition your mind to be curious

about what life has to offer

don't talk yourself out of so many things

live a deeper life

don't waste your time or your life 

trying to impress people

stay true to yourself

stand firm in faith

~

'Learn to unwind whenever possible, resting in My Presence.

How twisted the world has become when people feel

guilty about meeting this basic need.

How much time & energy you waste by being always on the go

rather than take time to seek My direction for your life.

Make sure you enjoy your journey, rather than spend your time

frustrated trying to get where you "think" you need to be.

Get rooted & grounded in the things I want you to be rooted and grounded in,

like Love, confidence, knowing who you truly are.

Depend on Me more and more, & I will shower Peace

on all your paths.

I love you just the way your are.'

~Jesus~

(sources: Jesus Calling, Joyce Meyers)

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Some people are empowered by travel and some are

inspired by the warmth of home.

Some thrive in the spotlight and some feel called to support those

who are on stage.

Some people are comfortable half-dressed and cussing like sailors

and others prefer modesty and gentleness.

The thing is: we are all empowered and inspired in different ways,

and it's not our job to decide what that looks like for anyone else."

 

Show up everyday...

...with a good attitude.

Do your best.

Keep your faith strong.

Lean back and celebrate what is...

and with grateful expectation

 and belief that God is in control.

notes...

at 4:20 I heard the kids leave,

then anxiety.

I sat in prayer

a two hour drive...dark...most likely tired

normal Mom worry 

mixed with wanting everything to be perfect for them

a text when they arrived at the airport...with plenty of time to spare

more prayer for more protection & provision

room darkening blinds and a sense of peace...

I rest...

& wake up late morning..

with Fritzy cuddled by my side....

(side-note...they arrived at their honeymoon destination

and all is well...)

~

surrender is the part where you hand the job over to God

have faith and gratitude allowing God to deliver

(*love-based thinking)

surrendering isn't about what you do

but who you're being as you do it

surrender is free-falling backwards into the unknown

let go

have faith

be grateful &

wait...

while your at it love yourself &

love others

remember...

God holds your story in His hands

sometimes it will look just as you pictured it

sometimes it will look way better...

~

' Your heart is where heaven and earth come together.

Remember that I created this day.

I am present with you whether you sense it or not.

Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Trust Me and find rest for your soul.

I understand you perfectly & I know exactly what you

are experiencing.

As you continue communicating with Me,

your mood will lighten.

Experience My Power in your life.

Stop focusing on your circumstances & believe in Me.

I hold your story in My hands.

Now, joyfully go about your day.'

~Jesus~

be well....

xoxo

💞

"Sometimes all you can do is accept there's  not much you can do.

And sometimes all you can control is how well you let go of control."

"Life is a balance between what we can control and what we cannot.

I'm learning to live between effort and surrender."

"One of the happiest moment in your life

is when you find the courage to let go of what you can't change."

 

Honeymoon Part #1

Last week we decided to take a road trip.
No plans.
Just go, and do, and see.

I tried to get her attention...she finally looked up. She is blind in one eye.

We thought this would be our honeymoon...

but 

we propose that a few more honeymoon sessions are required. :)

Fog rolling in on the river

Our first stop was in Mountain Home AR.
to reunite with one of Gary's college/Vet. School classmates and his wife. 

They were very warm and welcoming.  

I was afraid I would feel awkward.

Instead I felt like a member of their family.

I love it when everything feels so natural...

and you can relax and really enjoy each other.

racing is their hobby. this is his car

We were invited to spend the night at their home

and happily accepted.

It gave us more time.

It was fun learning about their interests & hobbies.

Sharing stories of our families.

Sitting out under the ceiling fans on their deck until late night...

 sipping tea, listening to the tree frogs, and reminiscing over college days

and special times.

I enjoyed hearing the stories.

And sharing stories of my own.

There was plenty of laughter, and good humor 

and moments of sheer buffoonery. :) 

Breakfast

For breakfast we dined at the towns diner
and were introduced to some of the locals.

Vinegar pie...

We tried Vinegar pie !

We made it a team sport. :)

3 forks...one pie...count of 3...and go !

Gary, Marilyn and I...

dug in for the first bite ever.

*note to self

Next visit...lets make this a tradition.

 their rescue dog Casey and Gary looking at picture of classmates.

After breakfast we stopped by the clinic.

It was busy with rescue animals , boarded pets and exams.

The animal lover in me went a little giddy.

So many furry faces to pet and so little time. :)

The sorrel mare used to be a champion barrel racer...she is 37 ! 

I was a little sad when we said our good-byes.

It was a wonderful visit with new friendships being birthed...

and old friendships rekindled.

We left making plans to return

and I can't wait to see these

sweet, sweet people again soon !!

Back on the road we listened to music and talked.

I read books aloud.

We munched on Oreo's...

thin mints Oreo's...

lemon Oreo's...

none of which made it home...

other than some tell-tale signs they left on my poochie belly.

*sigh

We stopped to take pictures
and delight in the flowers and the butterflies.

We drove up a mountain,

and ate lunch on a cliff.

used book store

We explored small towns...

and quaint little shops.

We tucked away in a used book store and enjoyed searching through

the overcrowded shelves of

juicy novels while visiting with the shop-owner about the local culture. 

We drove down country roads.

And dropped in to visit my Mom .

The timing was perfect ! 

 My brother and his girlfriend were visiting too !!

I haven't seen him in two years, and I had never met his girlfriend.

So that made me so happy !!! 

It was good to have us all together in one spot !

*love

After a few days away, we really wanted to get back home.

Getting away was good.

Every minute in the car, spending time together, taking an intermission from 

our daily routine, whether is was perfect or not...

it was good.

It refreshes and re-prioritizes things for us.

Just what a get away should do.

But it is always good to be back home...
especially when Brandon and Bun are here.

'cuz when we are all together, it makes me happy...

and I want to soak up every second !!

His visits home don't ever seem long enough.

I still struggle with seeing him go.

And...our honeymoon...

Honeymoon : 

1.  A vacation or a trip taken by a newly married couple.

2.  The month or so following a marriage.

3.  Any period of blissful harmony.

...it will continue.

We decided to have one every month.

We will go visit more friends...

take some short trips...

or hide away at a quiet little cove to read aloud and dream.

We will find more ways to make the ordinary extraordinary...

slow down more and appreciate this one 

beautiful life we've been given.

XOXO