Write about Him

 

Write about His works

Write about His mercy

Write about the sun that gives us life 

For as deep as the depths of the sea

So vast is the beauty of His grace that makes us free

Vast is the beauty of His grace that makes us free

How could I not write about His goodness

How could I not write about His love

He fills my soul, He fills my soul,

He fills my soul with gratitude

Write about His works

Write about His mercy

Write about the sun that gives us life 

For as deep as the depths of the sea

So vast is the beauty of His grace that makes us free

Vast is the beauty of His grace that makes us free

Simple Acts Can Be So Profound

A five minute walk outside is good
A ten minute walk is better
A thank you note is very sweet
But what warms the heart is a letter 

Simple acts can be so profound

Give me some time to expound 

A smile at the cashier in the store

Could be the first smile they've seen in days

We don't realize that the things that we do

Impacts others in so many ways

Simple acts can be so profound

Give me some time to expound 

But what about those in your house

These are the ones we daily meet

A dream shared in the morning or  a hug at night

These little moments you just can't beat  

Simple acts can be so profound

Give me some time to expound 

You write one gratitude on a page

Five more, and your heart starts to soften

Try this for 30 days more

Then you'll want to do this more often

Simple acts can be so profound

Give me some time to expound

A Bible reading in a year is amazing

What an accomplishment to get this all done

But what I learned as a young mom

Was deep meditation on a verse; just one 

Simple acts can be so profound

Give me some time to expound

Long prayers in private are essential 

Short prayers ward off spiritual death

What I love to do even more

Is praying moment by moment, just like taking a breath 

Simple acts can be so profound

As I've learned as a student, mom, and wife

I'm so thankful for these lessons I've found

I hope to do them for all of my life... 

Soft Answers Build, Harsh Words Destroy

 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)

I meditated on this verse throughout the day. There were multiple moments I consciously gave soft answers. It is a discipline I'm starting to embrace. I'm not perfect at it, but I'm loving every minute of this challenge. I'm grateful for the many opportunities where I can choose to purposely give soft answers and refrain from harshness. Each of these moments is a win. 

This Proverbs 15:1 verse also prompted a few 2 major insights: 

• Every child responds to harshness in different ways. Some do not hide their anger and it's very evident how they feel. Other children hold anger within and it's not readily visible. Parents must be careful to not fool themselves into thinking that their harsh words don't affect their child just because you can't immediately see their anger shown visibly. 

• Quality time with your child comes in simple moments.  Elaborate excursions are wonderful, but daily moments of attention are impactful as well.  If I speak in soft non-critical words, if I listen when a story is told, if I give my attention to the small moments, this builds a foundation for when my kids get older. Soon, they will come to trust me and share with me bigger and more self-disclosing secrets. In due time, my listening ear will be needed.

I'm so thankful for this verse. May our words bring life. May they build up and not destroy. 

Misty Mountain Morning Haiku

Faint mist morning air

With a hint of chimney smoke

Wakes me up- My Lungs 

"It is like the dew of Hermon that descends on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, life forevermore." Psalms 133:3

The Law of Kindness

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." Proverbs 31:26

What a beautiful ideal to strive for. A woman who is wise and kind. One who's guided by a "law of kindness." This is the vision I have for myself. Here are two examples of wisdom and kindness where I walked alignment with this.

Wisdom. Conversation with Norah about the importance of having a tidy and clean home for Dad to come home to and for us to all enjoy at the end of the day. After pouring my heart out to her about this, she seemed to embrace it and understand it. Sometimes while driving on our half hour drive to town, she loves to talk about how she plans to order her life as a wife and mother. I imagined her taking this bit of wisdom and holding on to it to use when she has her own family. 

Kindness.  A quick stop at the library turned into a pleasant visiting with librarians Karen, Mary, and Emily. Karen is probably our favorite. She's the one who loves to hide behind the computer and lift her eyes up to say hello over her glasses to all of the Dean kids. I could've dropped in and left, instead, simply asked a few questions and the conversation went on from there. I asked the girls to come and say hello and they too asked her how she was doing. This wasn't natural. Kindness and courtesy is learned. I'm glad we are practicing it in our daily interactions with people. 

In these examples, wisdom and kindness appeared. I'm grateful for the ideal set out in this verse. I look forward to new adventures tomorrow in how kindness and gentleness can be more present in our lives. 

Sunshine Gives me Life

If you're a little down 

And you want to get your head right

Take a little time 

Get out into the sunlight

Go take yourself outside

No matter what the weather

In just a little time

You'll feel a little better

Walk quickly through the shade

Get closer to the sun

Inhale a deep breath

Let your imagination run

Have a look around

Pay attention with your eyes

Moss is growing on a rock

Red tail hawk just flew right by

The blue sky gives me life

The sun illuminates me

God whispers in my ear

"This is how it's meant to be."

Trials will come as a surprise 

We know that chaos will ensue

But for this very moment

Let the Sunshine embrace you

Highway 1 Haiku

Santa Cruz area is a beautiful place. While driving on Highway 1, I allowed myself to just observe and enjoy the terrain. Here is the haiku that emerged. 

Tall Eucalpytus

Share secrets in a dark grove

Perched herons eavesdrop