Friday, April 29, 2011

pursue this...

There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart...  pursue those.     
- Author unknown

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Polite...or not.

You will never regret behaving appropriately.
We've been reading the book, Polite Like A Princess, and working on our manners lately.  I think things are starting to sink in...a little.  A is really good about telling M when she is NOT being polite :)

Monday, April 25, 2011

Absolutely LOVE this one...

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
~Henry David Thoreau
And...don't wait too long before you pursue your dream...don't wait until after college, you land your first job, you get married, you buy your first home, your first child.  Don't wait until you lose weight, buy that bigger house or are done having children.  DO IT NOW.  There is no time like the present to start living your dream.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Shadows vs. Sunshine

Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.



~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friday, April 8, 2011

White Beauty (for A)

I titled this post after the photo I found for you, A.  You love horses, especially white ones right now.  You are kind and loving and a great big sister.  You are so smart and turning into quite the little artist.  You are also really getting into writing letters and words.  I can't believe I will have a kindergartener in the fall, but I know you are ready for the challenge.  I hope you always keep the positive image of yourself that you have now.

Love is All Around Us (for M)

M, you have such a happy and energetic presence.  You are a little lover, and you give great big squishy hugs.  You are gentle and kind and love animals, especially our dog, Blue.  You are a great little sister and adore your big sis.  I hope you keep your gentle nature as you move through life.

Monday, April 4, 2011

After Belly

Ran across this blog today...After Belly
Here is a portion from it that I am posting here, so I can come back and re-read it from time to time...
If we choose to adopt this entitled mindset, then we forfeit the privilege of a simple life...because the [modern] American Dream means a life spent striving.

1-2 If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? (Psalm 127:1-2)
 And in striving to be a have it all mama {whatever "it" is for you}, we loose sight of the best gift of of ALL.


 3-5 Don't you see that children are God's best gift?  the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep. (Psalm 127:3-5)
Let me make clear what I'm NOT saying.  I'm NOT making a case for or against stay-at-home or working motherhood.  I'm NOT saying you shouldn't follow your dreams and use your gifts. I'm NOT saying its wrong to have much.
But if you're like me....maybe its possible that we get caught up {even if only in our minds}in achieving the "ideal" life that the world proposes we are entitled to.

Instead meditate on this:


1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
 3-4Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
12-14So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
15-17Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
 18Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master.
 19Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don't take advantage of them.
 20Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end.
 21Parents, don't come down too hard on your children or you'll crush their spirits.
(Colossians 3: 1-4, 12-14, 15-21)

Friday, April 1, 2011

Road trip!

I travel not to go anywhere, but to go.  I travel for travel's sake.  The great affair is to move. 
~Robert Louis Stevenson
The weather is finally warming up around here and with it being in the 50's today and sunny, I am anxious to get out and about...hoping we get to take you two little sweeties on a road trip this summer!