Do you see what I see?

I dropped the boys off at school and started home. I don't live far from the school. It takes just 5 minutes at most to get home.
I was amazed at how inconsiderate some people can be.
All along the way home I noticed trash on the side of the road. A can here. Paper tossed aside there.
What kind of person does that? Who tosses their trash out of their car?
Once I started noticing the litter, it was impossible not to see it. It was blown up under the roadside bushes or just left right beside the road. It was everywhere.
I was disgusted and I couldn't shake feeling irritated.

. . . . . . .

I dropped the boys off at school and started home. I don't live far from the school. It takes just 5 minutes at most to get home.
I was amazed at the beauty of the world I live in.
All along the way home, I noticed God's creation. Birds flying in the sky. Trees artistically blowing in the wind.
What a creative God we have! How can I go throughout my day and fail to appreciate nature?
Once I started noticing the scenery, I could not go slow enough. I wanted to take it all in. God's creativity was everywhere.
I was amazed and overwhelmingly thankful.

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The only thing different on these two drives was my focus.

I can have a positive or negative outlook. What I give my attention to makes a difference in my day...and in the way I interact with others. My focus makes a difference in my attitude...and in the way I view life.


"Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness." Luke 11:34

Help me be real

Sitting close to the back, it was easy to watch the people in the room. They were wonderful people. They were all there because they desired to serve, to love, to belong or to worship.

She couldn't figure out what she was doing there. Nothing about the place felt right. Her heart was breaking in to little pieces. The little pieces were breaking into smaller pieces.

A few people asked how she was doing. "I'm okay." "Making it through." The answers came out smoothly but felt forced.

It was weird to be with loving people and not seem to be in the right place.

What would happen if she could break down the walls? Would it be sweet to be open or devastating to her spirit?

It took almost all the energy she had to come. She was depleted when she left.

~
There are people everywhere that are hurting. I don't know what others are going through. Lord, help me see the needs of others. Help me be real.

Friday Photos

Last weekend, I traveled to Washington. I met up with my husband there (he had spent a week in Seattle doing training) and I spent time with a lot of great friends.

Sharon and I (Isn't that a really cool picture?)

My husband, Seth, and Keith (these guys are double trouble)

Kim and I (these girls are really smart and fun)

The Happy Couple


In the line of fire

Lovin' Game Time

He's a Pro

Boys Will Be Boys

The whole family with a visiting "Flat Stanley" from Georgia

Thursday Thanks Tank 149

Each Thursday, I take time to focus on thankfulness. Usually (although not as much lately, it seems), I make a thankful list and blog about it. This is my Thursday Thanks Tank.

Tonight I am thankful for:

1. Supermom skills: I love when I can make my son's world all better by simply taking time to walk him in to his Kindergarten class. He was a mess, a waterfall of tears, and then I told him I would walk with him to class. By the time he arrived, he could smile at his teacher.

2. Sunshine. We've had two days of sunshine! This is H-U-G-E in the Pacific NW. Bring on Spring! I am so ready.

3. Bubble Baths: A simple pleasure that is oh-so-wonderful to me.

4. A good book: I haven't had much time to read the last couple of weeks (I know, what am I doing with my time?) but I am enjoying reading my latest book, The Living by Annie Dillard.

5. Great neighbors (with cats): I hate cats. I really do. (In my defense, I am allergic to them.) My daughter loves, loves, loves cats. Today my neighbor gave my daughter lots of playtime with her cats and I got a great break.

6. Book Club: Friends, food, wine, and lots of laughter: Tonight was book club night and I made it there. Woo hoo! Such a great, great night. I can't even tell you how much I needed it.

7. Surprises. This day surprised me. I had time to myself before late at night, which is a rarity. I was surprised at how much the combo- sunshine and getting a break- lifted my spirits.


I am thankful for today.