Finding Beauty In The Ordinary...

So, last night my kids surprised me by picking flowers from around the yard. I just love the wildflowers that grow in open fields and along the edge of the woods. Lovely isn't it? Nothing fancy...plain and simple...picked with love and shared.

This morning as I sat at the computer, my bouquet by my side, I could not help to see its beauty. I was reminded to open my eyes and to look around and see the beauty in the ordinary. Smiling faces, wagging tails, sunshine....okay, yes its hot but sunny days make me happy. As I've gone about my day, I've tried to slow down a little. Taking note of the butterflies while waiting at a stop light. Noticing the beauty of my drive, taking in the trees, flowers and landscape. Taking care to look closely at the beauty in God's creation. It is all around us! I am fortunate to live in an area where we have four seasons. We are currently in the dog daze of summer with temps in the high 90's but I know in just a couple of months the leaves will start to turn and the days will grow shorter and the evenings a little cooler.

Take the time this week to slow down, laugh, smile and enjoy the beauty that you just might not take the time to note from day to day. May your journey be blessed and may you discover the treasures that lie in the ordinary.

Getting Started...

The past couple of months the Lord has been taking me through a growing period. Not sure where this will lead but He's definitely got my attention. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future". This verse has really been prominent and I know He is reminding me that no matter how hard our struggles have been in past years, He has not forgotten us. And He has gotten us through the really tough times.

See, here's a little history for you regarding our son who is now eight. Well there were many doctors who didn't think he had a strong outlook but God had other plans. Our son Joshua was born premature at 24 weeks. He suffered a grade IV brain hemorrhage his first day of life. God held that little boy in his hands and has continued to do so ever since. He has ceberal palsy, epilepsy and is on the autism spectrum. Life isn't exactly easy or what we had planned but life is good. I can't imagine a day without Joshua. He laughs, he runs and jumps and talks and well he's a lot like most other little boys except he had a really rough start and is catching up the best that he can. Will my son be healed? I guess that depends on how you look at it. Each day is a gift from God. He knows the plans He has for him...plans for a hope and a future. God is good!