One Year Ago... Today

* The courtroom was cleared.

* We had a lawyer representing us.

* We were sworn in before a judge.


One year ago today was adoption day. Our little guy officially became ours... forever.

It is hard to imagine our lives without him. We have been forever changed.

Today we celebrate the anniversary of Adoption Day

One Year Ago... Today

As Simple as a Picnic in the Park

It is so easy to get caught up in the misconception that time spent with people must be purposely focused and planned with many details and grand events.

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned having a picnic in the park with some friends. This wasn't a one time event for the summer. I have actually been having a picnic in the park with friends every week this summer.

It all started earlier this spring when I knew I wanted to get my children out of the house this summer. I knew I wanted to reach out and connect with others this summer. The idea came to me, why not combine the two?

Every week, beginning in June, I have been hosting a weekly "Picnic in the Park". Just a simple plan and an announcement is all that it takes.

Every week I choose a park and a day to meet. I spread the word at church weekly by posting that weeks plans on the events calendar in the back. I spread the word via Facebook through a private message to all of my local contacts.

There is no specific invitation list. Everyone is encouraged to invite friends. No RSVP's are required. No planned agenda is made. Nothing requiring large amounts of preparation ahead of time is arranged.

Each week, all that I do is commit to being at that specific park on that day with a picnic for my family. Others may come and go as they choose, knowing that for a specified amount of time, it is guaranteed that at least one other mother/woman will be there. It is not even restricted to mother's. Anyone that wants to come is welcome.

Each one brings their own picnic and we just hang out, chat, enjoy each others company... and in the process build relationships and deepen friendships.

People. Relationships. Friendships. Community.

It is a vital and necessary part of our lives, whether we recognize it or not. It does not have to require a lot of work, prep, or time to make it happen.

I have found it is as simple as a picnic in the park... and I am enjoying every minute of it.

What simple ways have you found to get together and connect with others?

Escaping the Confines of Time

My husband and I celebrated 16 years of marriage a couple of weeks ago. It was not too much before that when he mentioned that he wanted to take me away for an overnight. I was ecstatic!

We began our search of where to go. We went this last weekend and returned home last night. It was absolutely delightful!

My day to work last week was Friday. My MIL keeps the children while I work, and she offered to keep the children not just Sat. night when we would be out of town, but also Friday night to give us a bit longer together... just the two of us. What a BLESSING!

He treated me to a nice dinner Friday evening. Something we rarely do. It was absolutely wonderful. Saturday morning was the church men's breakfast. His attending this gave me some glorious time in the house... completely quiet.

He returned home surprising me with a freshly washed car, both inside and out. He had roses and a card in his hand to begin our official time away.


We loaded the car and off we went. It was then as if I had escaped the confines of time.

Suddenly, there was no such thing as a schedule or a need to watch the clock. Time was completely ours to do with as we chose.

We drove the hour and a half to our lodging destination for the night. We had a room at a delightful bed and breakfast in a small historic town. We found a family owned diner established in the early 1900's. We sat on the stools at the bar and each ordered a double scoop ice cream cone.

We drove. We hiked. We explored.

Yesterday was just as leisurely. He brought me coffee in bed and we just sat, drinking our coffee, talking, enjoying the moment together.


We did more hiking, more driving, more exploring... all the while noticing that time seemed to be moving so slowly, so leisurely... we were soaking up every minute of it!


Then the weirdest thing happened. As soon as we arrived back home to pick up the children, it was if the clock began moving at a brisk speed again. Minutes and hours began escaping us. By the time we crawled into bed last night, we realized it was already ten and wondered where the time had gone.

Life at home with schedules, responsibilities, and clocks has all once again resumed. I do not mind as this is what life is.

However, I was so blessed to have this weekend in which I escaped the confines of time, together with my husband, if only for a brief moment.

Those moment's will forever be treasured deep down in my heart.

I was reminded to allow for more moments such as these. When a specified amount of time does not dictate a certain routine, or schedule or task.

Rather, that time frame is just allowed to be. I am just allowed to be. To slow. To ponder. To enjoy and focus on, well, nothing much at all... except for those around me.

Have you ever noticed that time slowed? Or better yet, didn't exist at all? Have you ever taken time... to escape the confines of time? When was the last time you allowed life to just be? You allowed yourself to just... be?

It doesn't require an occasion. It doesn't necessitate a trip. It only requests a specified amount of time where nothing is planned, scheduled or dictated to be done. It just asks to set aside time to do nothing that your heart is not first drawn to. A time to just be...and that is enough.

Perhaps it's time to schedule a time... to escape the confines of time.

Parent's Day Menu

My daughter noticed that, according to our calendar, tomorrow is Parent's Day. To her, anything already written on the main family calendar designates a major holiday.

I asked what her plans were for Parent's Day? She told me that she would make me something. I inquired a bit more, curious of her thinking. This is what I learned...

"I am going to make you macaroni and cheese, soup, crackers and a glass of milk.... to give to you in bed."

Such a sweet, thoughtful and caring heart in that one!

I didn't even realize that there was such a thing as Parent's Day, let alone that it was tomorrow. Did you?

Any big plans? :-)

And before I forget... Happy Parent's Day to you!

How I Memorize Scripture

I am in the middle of learning Ps. 25:4-5 with a friend. As we have been talking via e-mail regarding memorization, I decided to share ways that I have found help me to memorize.

1. 3x5 cards: I write out the verse (s) I want to learn on a 3x5 card. You may then find that card on the visor of my car to glance at while at a stop light or in my kitchen window to review while I'm spending time at the sink. I have even been known to post it on the bathroom mirror to learn as I am getting ready or tuck it in my purse to glance at while at an appointment, or other quick opportune times. Who knows where the card will end up?

2. Read and Cross Out: This is a preferred method I use when it comes to learning larger passages. I write out the entire thing on notebook paper. I read through it numerous times, out loud if at all possible.

Once I am fairly familiar with the passage's content and message, I will then completely cross out one or two words. (So that I can't see the word underneath that area.) Then I read the entire thing again, saying the crossed out word as I come to it.

Before long I am reading through a completely scratched out piece of paper but quoting the Word of God with each scratch.

3. Find a Pattern: Some verses are easily dividable into manageable pieces having almost a pattern to them. This is what I noticed when looking at the current verse I am working on.

I realized it is broken down into many different phrases. Each of these phrases can be a prayer or statement to the Lord. I repeatedly say/pray one simple phrase a day (over and over and over throughout the day). As I get the simple phrase for the day down, I repeat the phrase(s) from the day(s) before it to keep it flowing. Here's how it looks broken down:

Saturday: Show me your ways, O Lord
Sunday: Teach me your paths
Monday: Guide me in your truth and teach me
Tuesday: For you are my God, My Savior
Wednesday: And my hope is in you
Thursday: All Day Long
Friday: Ps. 25: 4-5 (saying the whole thing on this day along with the reference)

By the end of the week this one should be fully established in my head, and in my heart.

4. Sing it: Do you remember when I mentioned these CD's a few weeks ago? You know, the ones that are only NIV Scripture, all set to music!?! FABULOUS idea and I am enjoying every minute of them as I tuck God's Word deep in my heart. (The Coupon Code for 20% off is still valid if you are interested in getting your own. Read to the bottom of the post here for that information.)

There are also many church choruses that are Scripture put to music. I lead the music at our church. One Sunday I included only songs that were all Scripture put to music. I had no trouble filling the service. Songs that are straight from Scripture are always favorites of mine!

5. Pray it: Praying Scripture is one thing I absolutely love to do! I pray Scripture for myself and I pray Scripture for others. Many verses are already written as a prayer.

As I repeatedly utter those verses as my own prayer, they become nestled deep in my memory. An example of this is when I learned Ps. 131. I still pray this for myself. As I am praying it, if I'm not able to say that this has been my action, then in the process of praying I ask for forgiveness, evaluate and determine to make it more of who I am becoming!

"God, I'm not trying to rule the roost, I don't want to be king of the mountain. I haven't meddled where I have no business or fantasized grandiose plans. I've kept my feet on the ground, I've cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother's arms, my soul is a baby content. Wait for God. Wait with hope. Hope now; hope always!" -- (From the MSG)

6. Ask God to help: Last, but certainly not least... In fact, this should be the first step before beginning Scripture memorization of any kind. Ask God to help you. He wants to you know!

Ask Him to make you hungry for His Word... for Him. Pray for Hunger. Pray for clarity. Pray that as you learn the words,His Words, that they will come alive not only in your head, but in your heart. I have learned and am being reminded... He does not disappoint!

Shawntele posted some other great ideas also.

What ways do you use to memorize Scripture? What verse or verses are you working on now?

Family Favorite: I am Free

You know how it is said that "opposites attract"? Well, that is true when it comes to my husband and I and our response to music.

He's not near as drawn to music as I am. So, when he mentions a particular song that he likes, or makes a comment about a certain piece, I take notice.

This is one of those songs. It has become a family favorite. When it is playing, we crank up the volume. By the end of it we find ourselves up and moving, singing along and loving every minute of it.

So, crank up the volume and join along. It is a family favorite here and one worth taking part in... celebrating the truth of the words with every breath!



I Am Free
by Ross Parsley

Verse
Through You the blind will see
Through You the mute will sing
Through You the dead will rise
Through You all hearts will praise
Through You the darkness flees
Through You my heart screams
I am free

Chorus
I am free to run (I am free to run)
I am free to dance (I am free to dance)
I am free to live for You (I am free to live for You)
I am free (I am free)
(repeat)

Verse

Chorus (3xs)



Head over to Shawntele's to see what others are saying about music they are enjoying.

FFF: Celebrating Presence

People. Relationships. Time spent doing nothing measurable. Some may call it wasting time...

All too easily I get caught up in the things of life. The to-do's of life. The measurable pieces of life. Sometimes I call it wasting time...


This week turned out different. It's not that I planned it that way. It just happened.

As I look back, evaluate and consider, I can't think of any better way that I could have spent my time... Doing nothing. With people. Deepening relationships.

Celebrating the gift of presence in my life this week.

The Presence Of...

1. My children: Earlier this week found my husband in bed quite early. It took us all a few days to catch up from last weekend. With him having to work a physically demanding job in the heat every day, it was taking him a bit more time to recoup.

The children had gathered in the basement. I went down to see what they were doing, and found myself sitting between them, all gathered on one couch, instead of doing a few more tasks.

We watched silly game shows. We laughed. We played along trying to answer the questions. We got them wrong. We got them right. We won nothing.

We accomplished absolutely nothing. Except, we spent time... together.

2. My man: We welcome the idea of more traveling room. A few weeks ago we bought a van that needed some work. The work is taking longer and becoming more than we expected. My husband came home each night this week and headed straight out to the van to work. One evening I went out myself.

I held a flashlight. I turned on the air compressor when it was needed. I got spray to kill a bee that had started a nest under the hood. I sat. I watched. We didn't talk much. We didn't get the van finished. He worked steadily.

I accomplished nothing. Except, we spent time... together.

3. Friends: I met with friends for a picnic at the park. The children played. The mom's talked. We chased our children. We fed our children. As women, for those two hours, no errands were made. No tasks were completed.

We accomplished nothing. Except, we spent time... together, with each other and with our children.

4. Teenagers: I attended this week's youth group at church as the adult female leader. We sat and talked. We played games. We worshiped in song. We had a lengthy and hearty discussion about grace.

Nothing stirs and excites my heart more than when God is pursued as truth and His Word becomes the ultimate authority in lives. It was such a joy to hear the questions of these teens and the discussion that followed as they endeavor toward such things.

I accomplished nothing. Except, we spent time... together: God, a couple of adults, and a bunch of teenagers.

5. God: I've had a heavier and darker week than normal. I'm not even able to fully put it into words. However, the discipline and desperation of my soul drew me to continue to find that place of quiet each morning. I spent my time with Him... reading, talking, sitting, crying, pleading, and even in silence.

I found affirmation and comfort in many passages, but particularly in Lamentations 3. I spent some time there.

Lam. 3: 28-31 (MSG) "When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The 'worst' is never the worst. Why? Because the Master won't ever walk out and fail to return."

I accomplished nothing. Except, we spent time... together: my God, my heart, and I.

And this week a bonus favorite:

6. You: Your visits, sharing your thoughts via comments, your personal e-mails... each one of them bless me immensely!

I pray about this place. I have struggled in the past with the part this place has in my life. I ask God to help me keep it in perspective. Over the years I have been personally challenged and learned a few things about this world of blogging and what it is for me personally.

In fact, in my prayer journal next to this request, I had that I would be mindful that it is not all about numbers. That has been crossed out and then I had written that it would be used as a ministry.

Over time that mindset began leading to stressful expectations I was placing on myself. That is now also crossed out. If God chooses to use it in that way, then I invite Him to and that is an extra blessing and to Him be all the glory!

I now only have one word written in my prayer journal as it relates to this place... relationships. This place has allowed me to form some incredible friendships. For that, for each of you, I am beyond grateful.

When I sit at this computer, in this place, to write and share my heart, my life, my challenges and what I am learning... When I read the words of your heart, your life, your challenges and what you are learning...

I accomplish nothing. Except, we spend time... together.
~~~~~

People. Relationships. Time spent doing nothing measurable. Some may call it wasting time...

This week, I have been reminded to call it for what it is, the very essence of a full and rich life. I have been challenged and reminded again that it is so very worth slowing time, halting the pace, enjoying the presence of another... and celebrating.

"To be blessed is not simply to do more or to have more or to be free from pain, hunger, or fear. To be blessed is to be in relationship--first with God, then with others." --JoAnn Lyon

What are you celebrating this week?

As always, thanks to Susanne for creating a gathering place each week where we can be mindful of five favorite things in our week.

Determining to Cling

Have you ever held on to something so tightly that your knuckles turned white; and when you let go it actually hurt to straighten your hands?
~~~~~~~

Has there ever been a time when it seemed that you were alone in the heat of a battle, a heart and soul battle? Have you ever felt that surely you would not survive that battle?
~~~~~~~

Until recently, I'm sure I have read over Eleazar's name many times without paying much attention to his story. However, his is now a name I remind myself of in difficult times. Even when it feels I am all alone... No...especially when it feels I am all alone, I challenge and remind myself to be an Eleazar. To stand my ground, to fight, to cling...

II Sam. 23: 9

(Msg) "When the Philistines drew up for battle, Israel retreated. But Eleazar stood his ground and killed Philistines right and left until he was exhausted—but he never let go of his sword!"

(NASB) and (AMP) "until his hand was weary and clung to the sword."

The army retreated and left Eleazar. He stood his ground. He fought. He clung... to his sword.

Stop. Put yourself in that situation. Imagine just how tightly you would have been clinging to your sword.

After fighting that desperately, I wonder... did someone have to help pry his hand from his sword in the end? Was the battle so intense and long that it was as if his hand and sword had become one?

(NIV) "till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword."
~~~~~~~

Sometimes my life battles feel ever so fierce. There are times I feel so alone in the midst of those battles. God has used the story of Eleazar as a challenge to my own heart.

Do I cling to my sword as desperately, fighting for my very life in the midst of life's fiercest battles?

Eph. 6:17 (NIV) "Take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Heb. 4:12 (NIV) "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword..."

Do I cling so tightly that my knuckles turn white? Is my grasp so intense that it is almost as if my sword, God's very Word, is frozen to my being? Is my grip so tight that to let loose would generate a pain of sorts?

In the heart battles that rage, by His grace and mercy:

Learning to not retreat.
Seeking courage to stand my ground.
Finding the strength to fight.

Determining to cling... so desperately... for my very life...

To my sword... the Word of God.

To Have Friends Become Neighbors

Seven years ago an event occurred that has now developed into an annual tradition. What started as an event for our small group at church is now a church wide event. For a few days during the summer every year, we choose to have our friends become neighbors.

We pack up, load our cars, and head out of town. We reserve a spot so we can all be together, side by side. We leave the comforts of home to face life together, as neighbors.... in tents. We go camping together.

That's where we spent this last weekend.


The temperatures were in the 90's. Five families chose to brave the elements of camping for the joy and pleasure of being neighbors for a short time. Five more families drove up for the day on Saturday to enjoy the time with us. There were a total of almost 40 of us swimming, boating, fishing, eating and enjoying life together.


The children all play so well together and thoroughly enjoy their time! They create so many memories of their own. The trip is never complete for some of them until they have had fishing poles in the water.


Even lathered with sunscreen, every trip includes those that end up with sunburns. Some more than others. This year was no different.

Every trip also includes evening smore's around a campfire. Even on the years that have included fire bans, we have found ways to get our marshmallows roasted.

This year, we were permitted the evening campfire, which always finds some staying up until past midnight just enjoying the fire, the conversation, each other...


Each year also seems to include the similar memories of no make up, hair up as much as possible and teeth brushed... sometimes standing side by side. Dishes are done together, meals are cooked and placed together and supplies are shared.


The things that we have learned, the experiences that we have shared, the love that we have developed and the heart bonds that have occurred through these few days each year are beyond what words can convey.


There is truly something that is created through this event alone. There is a special place in my memories and in my heart as the choice is made, for a few days every year, to have our friends become neighbors.

Friday's Fave Five: A Random Week

Another week has gone by which means it's time to review five favorite things of this past week. Thanks, as always, Susanne for hosting yet another week and encouraging us to find the simple, but oh so good to be mindful of.

Jumping right in this week with 5 random things that rose to the top of my favorites list...

1. Freedom: As we celebrated the 4th of July, I spent time reflecting on the sacrifice given by so many to provide for the freedom's I have in this country. I also found myself spending time reflecting on the sacrifice given by One... to provide for the ultimate freedom I have through that One, Jesus Christ.


2. Sunset: One evening I went out to check the garage door. As I looked from my front porch I saw this:

I couldn't help but stop and notice. How many times has there been a beautiful sunset right off my front porch and I'm too busy to notice? sigh...

Just moments later it looked like this:

These pictures don't begin to show the true beauty that it was, but you get the idea. I was grateful that I had taken the moment to slow, notice and enjoy. I have been challenged to slow the pace and notice things around me even more!


3. Mild Sunburn: I am red on my nose, cheeks and arms. Why am I thankful for a sunburn? Because it means the unseasonably cold and rainy weather is a conversation of the past and summer is here! Hello sunshine!


4. Mornings Outside: Anyone that's been here for any length of time probably knows by now that I really do enjoy mornings nice enough to be outside for my personal quiet time. With the warmer weather, this week I have been outside on my back porch more mornings than not. There's just something about it that brings an extra level of quietness and peace not just to that time, but to my day.

You can find my 100 calorie morning coffee recipe here.


And last but certainly not least.......

5. 16 Years: On this day 16 years ago I married my best friend... the man that I thought I loved then, but have found that I love him more and more with each passing year. How is that even possible? And to top it off, not only do I love him in increasing measure; I still really, really like him, A LOT! Happy Anniversary Honey!


What have been the random things of your week that have become favorites?

Redefining Busy

And I thought our little guy was busy last summer.

This summer is already looking like this...





If I could have just a small fraction of the energy contained in this 2 year old's body I'd be set.






He's even including his little friends in his curiosity and expenditure of energy...



And since he has now become Houdini like as an escape artist with mastering the fine art of opening doors, these have been added:

If I only knew of something similar for refrigerator doors...


What's keeping you busy so far this summer?

Friday's Fave Five: Food Focus and Winner

We have reached another Friday. Another week full of good things, easier to notice with the passing of each week as I train myself to look for them. Thanks Susanne for the encouragement to do just that.

Today I wanted to share five of my favorite foods from this past week.

1. My New Morning Drink: I allow myself a cup of coffee full of all of the goodies in the morning during my personal quiet time. I have developed a new mixture that makes it only 100 calories and tastes oh so yummy!


My Recipe:
1 Cup of Fresh Brewed Coffee
1/2 packet no sugar added hot chocolate: 25 calories
2 TBSP sugar free liquid vanilla creamer: 30 calories

Top with:
2 TBSP light whipped cream: 20 calories
1/2 TBSP caramel ice cream topping: 30 calories (actually 27.5) (my most recent discovery. YUM!)

TOTAL: 105 calories Good morning world!


2. Fresh Garden Lettuce: You may have read about the deer fence that my husband built for me so that we can eat the fresh veggies instead of feeding all of the local deer. I have never attempted to grow lettuce before, but this year I did. My first harvest allowed for a salad with all of the lettuce completely from my garden. YUM!


~~~~~
My budget doesn't often allow for these next items, but a few times each year the prices get low enough that I am able to splurge a bit. And this week was one of them...

3. Nectarines



4. Blueberries: I usually have a bag of frozen berries in the freezer, but they can't compare to this.



5. Dark Sweet Cherries: As I was serving these to my children, I explained to them that these are a very special treat. I don't remember having these growing up in the Midwest. I was reminding them that this was one of the pleasures of living the in Pacific NW.



~~~~~~~~~~
THANK YOU to each one of you that entered for the 5CD giveaway. What a blessing it was to read each of the verses you shared!

And now for the winner selected randomly out of a bowl by my daughter:


Congrats Mrs. Pear! I'll get those off to you!

And remember...

You can still have your own CD or set of all 5. Receive a 20% discount and get 2 for the price of 1 when you order these CD's using the discount code MYQUIETCORNER at checkout.


So tell me, what were favorites in your week?