Watched Out The Way

We weren't sure how much longer we would have my sweet Grandaddy when I wrote the below prose a couple years ago. We celebrated his 94th birthday with him this weekend, and we knew all too well it was coming. Thankfully, the Lord took him quietly and without suffering on Wednesday morning.

If I had to say one thing I'm grateful for from his presence in my life, it would be that he never lost his childlike faith and spirit, til his last day. His joy was ever present, even in the midst of barely being able to hold his head up to say hello. He was a such a blessing to know and love, and this weekend, I will be celebrating his brave return home to his Father. Watched out the way, Grandaddy. Watched out the way.

(I couldn't think of a better memory than this.)

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"Goody, goody, goody" my aging grandfather said,

As he made his way to the candy corn.

His wife watched with a disapproving glare,

And yet, she secretly enjoyed his boy like passion.

He sped to the candy with ease,

And without walker, amazingly enough,

Entranced by this sweet temptation.

And as he grabbed a handful and

Stuffed them in his coat pocket,

All he could say was, "Goody, goody, goody..."

He shoved several in his mouth,

Before he even got back his seat.

She smilingly said, "Shame on you, Jack."

He simply looked over, mouth full of happiness

And barely able to utter the word, "What?"

I laughed as this old man

Had become young again, in heart and mind,

Only, not by choice.

His body showing proof,

That it won't be much longer

That I get to see him enjoy

The simplest of pleasures.

This weekend, I absolutely did.

Wonder.

A few weeks ago, when I realized Christmas was on Sunday, I sighed, and thought how difficult Sunday mornings can sometimes be, with rushing out the door to get to church on time (or not so on time). I almost had decided to not go to the service, until my 7 year old said with enthusiasm...

"Mom, can we go to service all together today?"

I almost reluctantly reminded her that we had just been the night before, but she persisted. I'm so thankful she did.

As we hurried in, it felt different. Less chaos, more space in hearts and minds to worship.

We sat down in some available seats a few rows back, but my little girl quickly said to me in a pleading voice, "I can't see back here. Can we move up front?" So, to the front row we hustled.

As our children followed along with the carols, I thought how grateful I am that they desire to know Him. They long to know His love, and have a wonder that is unyielding.

Our pastor spoke of a message and a messenger that blesses my heart often, and as we pondered all that we are grateful for, I saw with new eyes the blessings from His hand.

Children with faith like gold and hearts to mold and shape, and please God, let me do it in grace. A beautiful marriage that continues to grow in love. A family who loves and cares for us. A church that loves all and speaks truth to faint hearts. A life with gratitude that I am so completely blessed to live. I couldn't let today slip away without giving praise to the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

For to us a child is born...to us a Son is given.

true story.

When my husband and I first had children, we talked in depth about what traditions we would celebrate at Christmas time. We knew that we wanted to focus more on Jesus coming to earth than a fictitious character giving gifts out, but I held tight to my Christmas traditions.

We loved that my older sister and her family made birthday cake for Jesus, and thought that was a great way to focus on the real meaning of the day. We started the Jesse Tree, and welcomed advent. When we knew that we would have to take a stance of whether or not to "do Santa", I was saddened at the thought of not having the mystery and magic of Old St. Nick coming on Christmas Eve. Though my husband was great with hanging stockings and surprising with little gifts, there was something he couldn't get past. I remember listening, and it hitting me hard.

He said, "But the story of Christ is true. It's not made up or just a myth...He really came, God made flesh...born of a virgin...and the mystery of that is so much greater than any man giving gifts. I want them to marvel at what is true."

In the hustle and bustle of the season, it's so easy to miss that He really came. He really showed up for us, and gave us the greatest gift imaginable.

This past weekend I went to see my favorite Christmas concert. The first time I went to this concert, I thought I was going to see Christmas carols sung by Andrew Peterson. I had no idea what I was about to encounter, and why some of my friends would travel hours every year to attend. Last year, I took my stepmom to the show for her Christmas present, so this year, she treated my little sister and I to see it at the Cove this year, which was amazing.

The talent of this concert is incredible. It's become one of my very favorite holiday traditions, because it's a night devoted to focusing on the true story of Christmas. As Andrew teared up talking about this at the beginning of the show, he reminded me of my husband's words so many years ago...

"You see, the best thing about this Story is - it's true."

~ The Jesus Storybook Bible

Linking up with Tuesdays Unwrapped over at Chatting at the Sky...join us for the last one!

Reality Check

Let me just disband any notions that an event planner has her own life well planned and put together. My tree is finally up, but we can't find the tree topper. I only have enough outdoor lights to light up half of our bushes. And, we have a neighborhood gathering at our house this weekend. Oh, and I still have pumpkins out...lovely, I know.

I think it's funny how sometimes we have these thoughts that "this person" probably has it all together. Or "I bet they already have everything done"...or what have you. But, in reality, what makes us more relatable is the pulling together of strands of life. Not the finished product.

When I helped a client with her son's party this weekend, she asked if she should move the boxes of her grandmother's bookcase that were still unpacked in her dining room. I told her I didn't think it made a bit of difference. She sighed and was grateful to be able to do one less thing. I told her we all had boxes of stuff, and it would help others to feel like they didn't have to have "everything done" in order to have people in their home. She chuckled, and said, "Yea, sometimes if your house looks too good, it makes other people feel bad about theirs." I laughed, because she was so right.

The times when I have felt the most encouraged about my house is not when I go and see an amazing design accomplished at a friend's house...it's when the laundry is piled on their couch just like at my house.

Or when I can help wash some of their dishes and see that their kitchen looks as messy as mine.

When there aren't enough places to store things, and we encourage each other to trust the Lord while we wait for contentment to come to our hearts.

So, today, I am grateful for the tree that we do have. Even if it's going topless for a bit.

And, I'm thankful for the clothes we have, even though they're piled high on the couch waiting to be folded.

I'm thankful for the food in our fridge, though the dishes seem never ending.

I'm grateful for the game pieces out everywhere, because it means we've played.

I'm thankful for being tired today, because I stayed up late listening to a friend's heart.

Choosing to celebrate is not just a suggestion, it's a must for me. Without it, my heart gets focused on the wrong things, and squelches out any grace available. So, today I'm thankful for living...a real life, with those I love.

Advent...a Conspiracy?

We've been telling our kids for a while now, "Christmas is going to be different this year." Partly because with one of us in grad school and another being a small business owner, there's just not a lot that we can do this year. But, more importantly, we want Christmas to be different. Even though we've focused each year on the true meaning of Christmas, we still have felt the pull of our kids to focus more and more on materialism, and less on giving.

I told you on Monday that I wanted to write a few posts this week that would encourage you to enter the season with rest and renewal. Instead of rushing into the madness with little thought of what Christmas is truly about, slowing down and listening for love coming down. With today being December 1st, I really couldn't think of a better way to encourage you this Christmas than what the following video is about. Maybe you've already seen this, done this, or heard about this. I hadn't until a few weeks ago, and it blessed me beyond measure to realize that just a few changes in our spending patterns, could literally change the world.

[AC] Promo 2011 from Advent Conspiracy on Vimeo.

Welcome to December...the season of giving. I can't wait to see the gifts we unwrap this year.

Ready and Waiting.

The holiday music has started, the Christmas trees have started going up, and the neighborhoods are starting to light up the streets. The only thing is, I don't feel ready to celebrate Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited that the season is already here, it just has a way of sneaking up on me.

We went to pick up our Christmas tree yesterday, and we realized that we didn't have our stand anywhere. So instead of being already set up in our living room, it's waiting on the back porch. It's just a little thing, but it felt like it was more representative than just a missing tree stand. You might remember how we moved into this house, just about a year ago, and our life has seemed like a whirlwind since. With my hubby in grad school, and then, running my business, not to mention normal family life, it's wild to see time slip through your hands. I feel myself being passed from one season to the next without much thoughtful participation on my part. Without fully entering the season with celebration.

Call this a confession, or maybe it's more of a proclamation, but either way, what I want more than anything this holiday season, is to be fully present. Present to my family, my friends...present to the mystery and miracle of what my God did for me. For us. All of us.

Love has come down, and I for one, don't want to miss what that means this season. May we celebrate what the season is truly about this year, and resist the temptation to be swept away with pretty decorations and busy shopping.

This week, my hope is to write a few posts that will help you enter this season with rest and renewal, being able to celebrate His coming in a new way. O, Come, let us adore.

Twice as Good

I put my Mom's shirt on today. Partly because it's one of those that looks so fallish that it has to be worn at least once a year during this time of year. And, partly because there's some part of me that longs to be close to those who know me at this time of year.

I made pumpkin chocolate chip muffins today, as my children played in the backyard with a sweet friend who came over for a playdate. It was such a warm fall day, that I could have the window open to hear as they laughed and played. I baked, and they played...and there seemed to be a sort of celebration in the air.

While I was pouring batter into the pan, Pandora faithfully played my Sara Groves station, as it does most days, and this song came on. (video to follow for email readers)

Sara Groves - Twice As Good from Sara Groves Music on Vimeo.

Every time, no matter how many times I've heard this song, this line makes me tear up...with my good news, you're dancing on the table.

Ever since Emily wrote about paying attention to what makes you cry, I have been. And, this sentence puzzles me. Why would such a seemingly simple phrase touch such a place in my heart.

I think the answer comes in watching my daughter and a best friend jumping on our trampoline in delight, or taking muffins to dear friends, laughing with my sister about life, or thanking a teacher for their gift to my child. I find joy in celebration. Life in sharing the burden together. Knowing I have friends who would stand up on a table and cheer for me...or sit there and cry with me, when I make a mess in my own life. Life is not always easy to celebrate, but with the gifts of friends around us, we are able to join each other as we walk this path, in celebration. And I am so grateful.

Grate{full}

With costume pieces flying around and presents being wildly unwrapped, we successfully managed to have a fabulous carnival for the birthday boy, and celebrate three great performances with our little star. I say "we managed", but really, I had nothing to do with it.

As I arranged the pumpkins on the back table for the {Paint Your Own Pumpkin!} activity, I caught myself almost taking for granted how the day had turned out to be such a glorious fall day. It was warm and sunny, and not a hint of chill. Back when I decided to start planning this party, I remember thinking to myself so confidently, how November is still a really nice time of year here. Being confident that the weather wouldn't interfere with our plan to have an outdoor carnival. But, really, I was forgetting the many pasts November 12ths that were full of cold wind, rain, and even snow. I begin to think of my ideal as my expectation, rather than being suprised with appreciation.

I think sometimes we are so eager to see things our own way that we forget to thank the giver of all good gifts. We become focused on what we have, and almost expect to have things go our way. Then, when it doesn't go our way, we become bent out of shape, like how could it not go our way?!

As I continued to place things outside and prepare for our party, I realized how much of a gift the day was. As I watched little ones playing games and saw parents chatting and enjoying a minute of friendship amongst crazy preschool days, I found myself so grateful for the gift of celebration.

That as much as I had wanted a fun party for my little boy, my Father had even greater plans of celebration in store for us. And even if it had rained, sleeted, or snowed, I wonder what gifts we would have found inside our home, waiting to unwrap. I wonder if I had been so willing to give Him praise even when my plans got "messed" up?

My challenge to you over the next few weeks, as Thanksgiving approaches, is that you would find the goodness in your day. That you would see even trials as gifts, and that somehow you could celebrate the time you have been given. That we would be grateful, today.

On Your Birthday...

Sweet Asher,

After working most of the weekend, I decided to spend yesterday morning trying to straighten out our crazy house. Rearranging furniture and cleaning here and there, until you came home from preschool. Immediately you commented on how great it looked, but then, you couldn't wait to tear apart the sofas and take all the pillows you could find to build a fort.

I refrained myself from stopping you, though (unfortunately) it was my first instinct. Rather, as I saw your excitement about the fort, I realized in that moment, it was more important to build the fort than to have my house straight. It was more of a gift for both of us, to let the messy take up residence for a bit so that we could simply play.

It could very well be, that in just a few short years you won't care so much about the forts I make. You might not even ask me to make them...mine aren't usually the best anyway...but you would never guess by how enthusiastic you were about it. You complimented me on how I was stretching out the blankets, and were so encouraging when I would give an idea of how to structure your secret abode.

It seems that the light of God's love has already taken up such a home in you, that it shines out to all you are around. I love how kind you are to others. How willing you are to share even your most treasured possessions. How you ask if the man on the corner with the sign has enough food to eat, and if we have any we could share. I love that you are already the man that you will become one day. And, more than anything, I love that I get to see that happen.

Ash, you are such a blessing to our family in ways that I can't even explain or understand. You have only lived with us for five years, and yet, your fullness of life seems to expand to a lifetime of joy. You are the most precious son I could ever have, and I am so grateful to be able to be called your Mama.

I love you always.

Mama

The Discovery

(this week, I'll be following my friend's example and writing a few letters to my little ones in celebration of who they are.)

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Sweet River,

I woke you before sunrise and whispered, "Today's the day you're on TV!" As your sleepy eyes began to open, you became excited at the thought. We quickly pulled on your tights and leotard, and hurried out the door into the darkness.

It's been such a fun few weeks of preparation, and this is the final week before the show. As you have counted down the days, now you only have a few to go.

A few years ago, we weren't sure what your "thing" would be. You would have thought with all the theatrics in our home, we would have known right away. But, we didn't.

We tried soccer, but you quickly let us know that you, " didn't really like running that much". I can't say I blame you.

We've tried dance, and as much as I wanted it to be your thing it still seemed like something was missing for you.

We've always thought your voice was beautiful, but it wasn't until other people started stopping us in halls to ask if you were on a stage somewhere, or in voice lessons, that we realized your gifting was not just a normal 7 year old voice. As you started singing out more boldly with that big beautiful voice, we finally knew what it was.

You conquered fear and auditioned, we knew that even though it was difficult, it would only give you more confidence. Then, when you were called back, we couldn't believe that you had been narrowed down to a specific part! When you were cast in the role you were hoping for, it turned into a grand celebration.

I wish I could tell you that it will always be that easy. But the truth is, I know first hand that it won't be. I walked this path, and I know how painful it can be to not see your name up on that list. Or to see it on the list in the spot you wished it wasn't. There will be many tears along this path...I'm sure. But, as GiGi and Grandma Beth told me, when you really love doing something, than you have to choose to press on, through the disappointment, through the pain. It doesn't matter if other people think you're the best at it, or if they always see how special you are. Regardless of what others think, without living out of your gifts, you miss part of who God has made you to be. You choose to operate out of your gifts, not because it's always easy, but because it's who you are.

As you began rehearsals a few weeks ago, you realized more and more how perfect it was for you. You even said to me in excitement after one of the first practices, "Mom! It has singing and acting AND dancing! But, singing's my favorite!"

I'm so proud of you, River Elizabeth. You are a blessing to so many, and your beautiful smile couldn't have beamed any brighter under your pink fluffy hat this morning. I'm so excited to have discovered this part of who you are.

Love,

Mama

p.s. Here's the story from this morning...see if you can spot your little pink-ballerina-munchkin self on the right!

Day 26: Loveliness

When I think back to my childhood, my picture of "home" was many things. It wasn't always warm chocolate chip cookies when I got home from school, but it was sometimes. There weren't tons of presents at Christmas, but there were still so many surprises. It was a rugged picture of real life...joy, brokenness, chaos, struggle, support...but there was always love.

Being from a broken home, I convinced myself early on that I had it made...two families, two houses, two Christmases, two birthdays...you get the picture. It wasn't until later that I realized I would have told myself anything just to get through it. But, even as difficult as the split was, I always knew deep down, that the love in my home(s) was genuine.

Through the years, I have seen how easy it is to portray the picture of joy and celebration, hope and faith. But much more difficult to "celebrate" the failings. The hurt. The pain. The doubt and fear. It almost sounds like an oxymoron to even say that "c" word when you think of those wounds from the past. Though, I believe that when we join our voices together, we are truly encouraging and celebrating our lives, be it good or bad. Fun or...not so fun (for lack of a better word). There is good that comes through it, even though just to admit that sometimes brings tears to my eyes. I would have chosen a much different road to walk down if I could have, but yet, I wouldn't change a thing about where I am now.

Today is my mom's birthday. I'm celebrating her life, in ways that I can't even explain, but I know it's true. Last night while I was getting dinner ready, I told the kids that Grandma Beth's birthday would be today. It was the first year that my daughter started asking me questions about it. She's heard all the answers before, but never asked with such sincere interest. Here's the recap.

Me: Tomorrow is Grandma Beth's birthday.

River: Awww. How old would she have been?

Me: 61.

River: That's young! Did she die young?

Me: Yes.

River: How old was she again?

Me: 48.

River: 48?? That is young!!

Me: I was 21 and had just married Daddy.

River: Right after you got married?! That must have been really hard. Really painful.

Me: Yes, it was. But, God was with me, and even though it was really hard, he helped me get through it.

River: We'll have to sing her happy birthday to her tomorrow!

Me: I think so, too.

I know this doesn't really have to do anything with an artful event, except that I don't really believe that you can have an artful event in your home, without having love. If you just throw everything together, and even if it looks beautiful, without love, you'll be missing the most important thing of all. So here's my tip for today on artful events in your home...don't forget about love...even when it brings a tear to your eye to remember.

Day 23: The Stuff of Amazement

Today is Sunday, and even though I'm getting to it late, I wanted to have my weekly inspirational post. Now, I originally was going to have a fun storyboard about weddings to wrap up this week, but after our weekend, I couldn't think of anything more inspirational than what I'm going to share with you.

Sometimes you hear the words, "they're an amazing person." Or, "They're really a good guy." But this weekend we celebrated the life of possibly the most amazing man I've ever known. Not just because he was my husband's sweet grandfather, and not even because he treated me like his own granddaughter, though, those things did make him wonderful. But, because, his story is one like I've never known, and their truly do not seem to be men like him anymore. And, as my father in law said at the memorial service, if he could even be half the man he was, than, he'd be doing pretty well.

The stories of Grandpop's life, are stories that sound almost made up. And words like "integrity" and "honor" almost feel too watered down to use for him.

Being born to a young couple who had recently stepped off a boat from Poland, meant that you didn't exactly have it made. Growing up outside of Philadelphia, he worked with his dad at the steel mill, after school to be able to help provide for the family. Losing his father at an early age, meant that he had to continue working at the mill for pennies an hour. He rode a horse to school, and then back home in the afternoon. In the cold Philadelphia winters, there were times when he and other boys would go down to the railroad and jump aboard moving trains just to knock a few handfuls of coal off the train cars, so that they wouldn't freeze to death. As he continued working and living in this small outside town of Philly, he met a pretty Polish girl, who with much persistence finally said yes to going out on a date with him. He fell in love, and as many stories go, was married before the war. Even though he was playing in the basketball league that became what we know as the NCAA, he went on and enlisted in the service to protect our country during WWII. He fought on a ship in the South Pacific for 3 years of excruciating combat...and in his own words said felt like a nightmare. Upon arriving home, he returned to work at the steel mill for 9 hours a day, then went to night school to get a degree. And oh yeah, while he literally built his 3 bedroom 1 bath house with his bare hands and simple hand tools. He stayed there the rest of his life...as content as a millionaire in a mansion.

He was a man committed to doing things exceedingly well, and without an ounce of compromise. He was always faithful to his wife, loving to his children, and was always a man of character. This past January, he finally became complete.

He had always struggled with how a loving God could allow so much evil to persist in our world. Being exposed to what he had been, I can't blame him for a second for the struggle. He had always asked why, and wondered about faith. He was willing to wrestle with God. And, this past January, about 45 min. before he turned 91, he finally surrendered the match. He chose to give up his fight to understand it all, and simply believed the good news and received a good God into his heart and life.

The past few months were not easy for this sweet man, as he battled cancer til the end. But finally, after such a long journey, he is at rest. And now, he can fully see, even as he is fully known.

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

Day 16: Things of Glory

Today, I'm finding inspiration in the most mundane,

and yet miraculous things of all.

Spotting a woodpecker from my kitchen window.

Hearing the sweetest words from a child.

A hot breakfast with lots of laughter to share.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow streaming through the house sung so beautifully.

The leaves giving their curtain call.

The faith of a child.

May we find the grace today to see glory all around us in the littlest of ways.

What are the things inspiring you today?

the gifting

i talk a lot about gifts. but today, i saw gifting all over the place. in words, and in design. in books and in laughs. but mainly, simply in others around me. i saw beautiful women that were all so different, but all so wonderfully them, and it was such a gift.

i love that she gets giddy every time she signs another book.

i am blessed by her spirit of joy that is infectious to all she's with.

she is a quiet soul who is simply lovely to sit with.

and i laughed out loud several times with this cutie pie.

i squealed in joy when i met her in person.

i told her a story that we'll laugh about for years.

and she couldn't be more full of encouragement.

i've blogged for years now, but i've never been to any blog conferences, and it's shameful how often i actually go and read other people's blogs. but sometimes, i read their blogs. and when i do, i come away feeling so thankful for the time i spent reading.

nester's house was gorgeous, but that's no surprise. i had a few things here and there to add to the glory, which was fun. but more than anything, i was so thankful to be with these precious souls. these gifted women, who love others through a blog, and love them in real life. they love each in their own way...

...and it's truly beautiful.

And Now For...the Juggling Act!

Lately I've been feeling like my life is a bit of a juggling act. There are things to do and places to be...not to mention all the paperwork that is getting pushed aside. Working from home is not as easy as it sounds, and though I love it, it's definitely a challenge.

We had such a great weekend. My son had his first soccer game...and scored five goals, but who's counting?

My daughter had her first audition, and even though she's been excited for weeks, she became so nervous she could barely stay. She clung onto me until her number was called, but then, she pushed through the anxiety, and did it...and did a fabulous job.

We are so proud of both of them. They are becoming who they've been made to be, and we have a front row seat. What a gift indeed.

My words have felt few and far between, here on this little space of the web. I'd love to say that with the start of Fall, I'm turning over a new leaf, and will be blogging every day, but alas, I fear that would be a terrible fib.

I will say that I have been trying to be more mindful of celebrating life, and less worried by the daily stressors that are ever present. While my house is cluttered and crazy, my mind can stay fixed on things above. Though our schedules are full, my heart can be as well. And, even if my fridge is empty, I know not to see my life as such. For these are the days of gifts. The days of joy, and I dare not miss a single one.

releasing

Yesterday, as I reacted too quickly out of frustration to my oldest, I felt it.

Pain, disappointment, shame.

She felt them all, too, and as I held her close, and her tears fell down, I secretly hated myself for being too quick to anger.

Why is it so easy to react out of my flesh, and yet, so difficult to let Christ live freely from me?

When will saying 'I'm sorry' just be another phrase that has somehow lost it's merit, and will just not be enough.

And there it was again. The lie that has been hounding me since day one. The lie that shouts in the dark, and whispers when I'm in crowds. The lie that tries to convince me all the time that I'm not good enough. And no matter how hard I try, I never will be. The same lie that motivated me to be...a good girl.

Today is the release date of Grace for the Good Girl, friends. I'm so thankful for truth. So thankful for grace.

You can check out the video over at Chatting at the Sky.

As I held my little girl, I looked at her with teary eyes and said,

"You know, Mommy is still learning how to be a Mommy, just like you're learning how to be a daughter."

She looked at me in surprise and said, "Still?"

Yes, still baby. Always. I will always and forever be in need of His grace.

Emily will be signing books on September 15th at Barnes and Noble at Friendly Center in Greensboro, NC. Come out and join us!

linking up at imperfect prose today.

A Light on the Horizon

Have you ever been somewhere, maybe with family or friends, and something happens. Something unexpected, or difficult, or possibly even tragic, and all the memories surrounding the trip or experience seem to fade as the bigger event takes center stage. So, later when everyone remembers about the trip, and talks about "...when ____ happened" or "remember when we did _____?!" and even though you might have a faint recollection of some of it...

...you really can't remember.

And, so the people that walked through it with you, retell their story of you.

They articulate what they remember, and you can somewhat put the pieces of life together surrounding the event. But, the big thing...is still there. And is still hard to get past.

That's kind of what it feels like as I look back even now. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, I was a sophomore in college, and the world was my stage. Until then. When that happened, everything else went black, and it was all I could do to keep my head up.

I don't remember much about those months and years before she died. But my sweet friend Emily walked beside me, as several other dear friends, and she has given light into my soul even this morning. Almost 12 years later.

My hope in sharing, is that maybe it will do the same for you. My hope is to remind you, that if you're in that place, where darkness feels too heavy, where the shadows feel too big, that as you live, the art might flow out of you, and give you ease to this path for your feet. That you might see the light on the horizon, and know that the darkness will not always be this dark.

Celebrating with Compassion

Long before I was an event planner

I dreamt of being a missionary.

Early on in my faith,

I had experienced something

That had forever changed

My perspective on

What life should look like.

Or what was really important.

Fast forward 15 years

And here I am.

A work from home

Mother to two

Running an event planning business.

I can tell you I never saw that coming.

But I can also tell you there's a lot more to celebration

Than having the right decorations.

One reason I adore celebrating

Is because it's an outward expression

Of the joy we have.

Our gatherings and parties

Weddings and grand events...

Are a simply a reflection

Of our gratitude or excitement

About the people in our lives.

We celebrate because

Life is so precious.

Life that we share with one another.

Life that we cherish

Because of what we have been given.

Even when it can appear

That you have nothing

There is still joy to be had.

Even in the midst of extreme poverty

There can be provision.

It doesn't make sense to my mind,

But I've seen it first hand with my heart

And now you can, too.

Come celebrate with Compassion

And be ready to be transformed.

Just make sure you have tissues near by.

Linking up with Imperfect Prose today.

Yes, Yard Saleing is a Verb

Saturday, I woke up and after making coffee and showering, the kids and I headed out on an early morning hunt. If you've known me for a while, you know I was very excited, because I hadn't gone yard saleing for at least a year...maybe more. It was definitely time! My kids both had $5 to use from their own money, and they were possibly as excited as I was...possibly being the key word.

We started, and kept our eyes open for signs like this one.

The first yard sale we stopped at, the host was selling a big bag of Littlest Pet Shop animals. My little girl was so excited, until we saw the price tag on the bag. It was going for the low price of $20...sense the sarcasm. She said she would come down to $10, but no lower. You can imagine my response. My daughter, full of hope, pleaded for me to ask if she would take $5 for the bag, because that was how much she had to spend. We were turned down, and she was left utterly disappointed. I tried to reassure her that she had plenty of Littlest Pet Shops of her own, and that she may find something even better. It didn't help...

...until we came to the next yard sale.

We quick asked how much this well known doll was, and weren't surprised to hear "$10". My little girl mustered up the courage to hope, and we asked the older girls if they would take $5 for Samantha. They were overjoyed to come down on their price for a little girl with that look of eager anticipation in her eyes. Then, they went inside, and even found an outfit "included in the price".

Samantha was the American girl doll that I had as a little girl. She's been my favorite ever since, even though you can't buy her anymore. My daughter has asked me time and time again, why I didn't have it anymore, and how she wished that she could have had her. I did too.

It never ceases to amaze me, how surprised you can be with what you are given in life. You might not expect it to come the way that it does, and most of the time there is heartache involved in the process, but still, the blessings do come. At the right time. In the right way.

I loved sharing that moment with my little girl. To be able to see the joy that filled her face when she realized what she had held out for. Truth be told, I would have bought her that doll even if it had been $30, but to see the way the Father worked it out for her was such a sweet surprise...for both of us.

After returning home and putting stuff away, I began thinking how we needed to purge some of our own things. A few years ago, I happened upon wonderful preschool toys, games, and books that were perfect for my kids. However, given they're both a few years older, it's time to pass these treasures along to others ready to enjoy them.

All this to say, we've decided to have a yard sale this coming Saturday!

There will be a lot of goodies...including delicious lemonade that will be sold for only .50 a cup (it was going to be $6.00 a cup, until I explained the supply and demand rule to my daughter). If you're local, come by! We'll have lots of mis-matched furniture, monogrammed bags, cute clothes and shoes, polly pockets and preschool books. Email me if you're not a killer and I'll give you the address (after a very intensive screening process).

picture credit: http://craftiestmomontheblock.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-to-have-great-garage-sale.html#comment-form, http://www.tiedyetravels.com/2010/10/scenic-seven-survives-ii-descent-into.html, http://www.ehow.com/how_8229888_make-rummage-sale-signs.html

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Well, today I head down for the long awaited wedding in Louisiana. I'm excited for several reasons...to see my big sis and sweet nephews, to enjoy the delicious food and city of New Orleans, but mainly to celebrate the marriage of these two cuties.

If you know this story, it makes this celebration much more beautiful. If you don't, the short version is that almost 5 years ago, to the day, my sister lost her husband at the early age of 33. She became a widow and single mother of 3 small boys at 32. Now, this sweet man, who has never been married before, is making my sister his bride, and becoming a second father to these three precious boys...who aren't so little anymore. I know I talked about God adding to the beauty of our lives here, but this kind of redemption, I just never grow tired of.

So, I'm leaving on a jet plane, and I'll be there in a matter of hours, to design and carry out my little part in this amazing story. We'll get our nails done, and we'll eat tons of fabulous food, we'll laugh a lot, and probably cry a little. But the joy overflowing will be why the tears come, and I can't wait to share all the juicy details. Stay tuned...