Queen Anne's lace

Lace in the wind

last days of summer

The air most certainly has a coolness to it. 

A freshness. Hinting at sweaters and hats.

God's autumn palette is beginning to creep across the meadows and the woods.  

August finished. Suggesting  school and harvest.

creativity is good

It's rather nice to put some chores on hold and spend some time with the kids creating colorful homes for our feathered friends.

God of the Open Air

God of the Open Air

By the faith that the wild flowers show 

when they bloom unbidden,

By the calm of a river's flow 

to a goal that is hidden,

By the strength of the tree that  clings 

to its deep foundation,

By the courage of birds' light wings 

on the long migration--

Wonderful Spirit of trust 

that abides in nature's breast!

Teach me how to confide, 

and live my life, 

and rest.

Henry Van Dyke

around the fire

The children have been asking for a campfire, and last night the weather was well suited for it.

Feeling rather pleased with myself I built a fire that would do any boy scout proud. Izak brought out the makings of  'smores, I found some marshmallow roasting sticks and we were all set.

Hoping for quality family time I was disappointed. Lack of enthusiasm, discouraging words, disobedience, fueling my  disappointment, anger burning inside me.  In frustration I doused the Kodak moment and sent everyone inside. Quality moment up in smoke.

Was there still enjoyment? Were the memories created good? or only negative? Little boy said it was good.

Lord, we are incredibly weak, prone to selfishness, to wrong motives. Our parenting needs redemption.   Parent with us, sit around the table and the campfires with us. Teach us to reflect your love. Kindle devotion in their hearts. 

Today is a new day, we will try again. love them, teach them, try again.

Grace.

after the rain

Always,

after the rain

comes the sun.

Grey skies

followed by vivid blue.

It is not hurricane Bill, not last week's tornado,

just the dull and wet and blah

that seems to sap me of joy,

not life threatening challenges, but the daily disappointments that hide the sunlight. 

Too many projects on the go 

that rob me of direction. 

Lack of direction 

that prevents accomplishment. 

Lack of accomplishment 

that discourages.

And then 

out comes the sun

that dries up all the rain...

ditch jumpers again

Today  another out of the blue rainstorm  filled the front ditch to overflowing and the ditch jumpers were thrilled.