Metamorphosis

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

(I took the picture above in the flower garden where I work.)

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement

The title was taken from James 2:13b (NIV).

(Let me pause to say that I know I've been guilty of the very things I'm about to rail against. This is just as much about learning to better myself as it is an observation of the world I see.)

I've been frustrated lately with the lack of mercy, understanding, and patience in dealing with our fellow man. It's astounding how often as of late that I've heard people complaining about "stupid people." I'm tired of hearing others say that they are annoyed by stupid people. It's an arrogant and insensitive thing to say. Being a teacher (though one without a current classroom) who worked to keep that particular S word from being used in my room and a person who formally struggled with a learning disability, it truly bothers me to hear others make derisive comments about individuals they've deemed to be stupid.

People make mistakes and forget things and are often uninformed and maybe really do have problems understanding certain concepts. And, yes, sometimes they just don't think before they speak or act. Who isn't guilty of that one?

We should be helping others, giving them a hand up not pushing them further down or even sinking to a lower level ourselves by displaying ugly, judgmental, and harsh attitudes.

And, here's the real rub for me: Yes, I've been guilty of being impatient with my struggling fellow man, but I've also been guilty of unmerciful thoughts those who judge others as stupid.

So, today (and each day forward) I will pray that mercy, patience, and understanding will flourish in me.

Willow Grace Wednesday

Just a couple pics this week. But the big news is that I think we've officially broken her from her bottle. It's been four nights straight of going to bed without it! Woo-hoo! (OK, so it's happy but also a little sad b/c it really does mean that she's growing up.)

(Nap time a few days ago - She likes to go down for her nap with a book. She usually looks at it, maybe even quoting it, and then snuggles in to sleep. I can't tell you how thrilled I am that this little girl is crazy about books! See her little bunny she decided to use as a pillow? So sweet!)

( This was taken at the Ashland City Wal*Mart. I think that smile says it all.)

life and trials

What if all of it really is about more than I ever thought it could be?

Today, I'll ponder those possibilities.

A perfect summer day?

Yep, I think that's pretty much what yesterday added up to.

Sleeping in just a little, painting Willow Grace's toe nails dark pink while she ate breakfast, Mom coming to spend the day with me and Willow Grace, free kids movie at the Regal theater, watching Willow Grace play with another little girl in the lobby of the theater, lunch at O'Charley's with a celebrity siting of Kenny Chesney, shopping, afternoon swimming, and then when Chris came home from work watching Willow Grace fall asleep in his arms while trying to eat a Bugle, enjoying the classic summer meal of grilled burgers and chips for dinner, waking Willow Grace to feed her dinner and then watch her play in her bath tub before bathing her and rocking her to sleep. Full day. Great day.

I love summer!

And today, it's back to work, but I'll have the next six days off, so I'm good!

Willow Grace Wednesday

Here's a few pics from the last week or so. When I arrived to pick WG up at Mom's last Thursday, Willow Grace wanted to show me her "birthday hat." I don't know why she keeps putting things like this on her head and calling them birthday hats, but it sure is cute.

Mom and Willow Grace came to have lunch with me at work and to hang out for a while. Willow Grace was thrilled to find a bench that was just her size.

Willow Grace Wednesday

Just a couple quick shots today of Willow Grace hanging out with me at my desk at work. I like the second one better, but you can see her sweet eyes better in the first. Can you tell how much we like being together?

Summer's Off to a GREAT Start!

1. Great work out
2. Spent a couple hours this morning playing outside with Willow Grace who LOVES her playhouse and new water table
3. Had a good devotional/quiet time

And it's not even 10 AM yet!

I do need to do laundry and some other chores and recharge my camera battery (accidentally let it die), but I'm sure I can manage quite a bit more fun around those necessities.

Let's see what else the day brings!