Life to the Full

This is a picture of my Dad and his Dad. I'd say it was taken somewhere in the late 1960's in front of the Alamo. My Dad's life on earth ended unexpectedly in November of 1976 at the young, so very young, age of 36. I've passed that number by 10+. It's crazy. 

 

I've been looking through old photo's. In particular, photo's that encompassed the last probably 7 or 8 years of our life. It's made me see Jeremiah 29:11, "life to the full," the life God came to give us, so differently.

 

We're in the midst of changing seasons and many things we loved, things that weren't available to us the last three years, will be again. And, things that have been available to us the last three years, won't be. And, this struck me. God is ever faithful and He has provided life in abundance whatever our situation. Sadly, there have been times we didn't grab it. We passed for whatever reason seemed reasonable at the time, or out of sheer ignorance, and it's heart-breaking we missed it. But, there is life in those pictures that is full and absolutely amazing. God provided it. We chose it and wow!

 

Comparison, remorse and regret are ugly things. From satan, I'm thinking. So, I'm choosing, we are choosing, not to go there. Reflection, however, is a good thing. We are moving into our new season with open hands, an open heart and full-on excitement. And, a daily prayer not to miss anything, any opportunity He is providing, any blessing He is pouring out. Because, whatever they are, whatever they may look like, they are unequivocally good! And, I never again want to miss His good, specifically tailored for us, because I am looking somewhere else or at someone else's "good."

Promise!

 

The Lord says, "Forget what happened before,

and do not think about the past.

Look at the new thing I am going to do.

It is already happening. Don't you see it?

I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land."

 

-Isaiah 43:18-19 (NCV)

On The Horizon

You know when God gives us Words, makes promises, we would love, most times, for them to happen ... oh, right now. Immediately if not sooner. In fact, it would be great not to wait and for all the answers to each Word to be visible and the direction and next steps be provided in writing. But, that's not what faith and trust are about. Faith and trust are about believing in what we cannot see until it becomes real. This picture reminded me a bit of that. It can be pretty bleak and barren looking in the land of waiting. But, the promises, those cattle, they are out there. You can even see some of them. And, they are slowly making their way to the forefront. And, while the wait and the believing are somewhat painful at times, they are always worth it. Because the cattle on a thousand hills all belong to Him! (Psalm 50:10)

Surrounding Kids

Syria is falling apart, children are dying and fleeing the country. Israel is threatened on all sides. People are committing suicide on what is becoming a daily basis. Fires are burning all over the United States and people are losing their homes and families. Our country is on the edge of a very frightening health care system that will throw us all into chaos. The government is working heartily to replace parents with psychologists, public schools and public policy. Women and children are being trafficked. Real. Life. Issues. And, the news (and politicians) can't seem to grasp the importance of this in their reporting, finding Miley Cyrus's, and the equally-frightening-for-participating, Robin Thicke's, crude, over-sexed, under-dressed, unspeakably sad behavior more noteworthy than "real life." These are NOT hero's people. They are not even worthy of emulating. They are broken and in need of a Savior. Aren't we all, for that matter.

 

Our children are being constantly pursued by satan for his plans, his version of right (which is wrong). He is working constantly to devalue human life, morals, all that is sacred in this world and the next. And, by all appearances he is winning, except that he's not. He hasn't and he can't win because he's already lost. He is the deceiver. That's his job. So, he's working desperately to take all he can with him to hell and sadly, our moral climate, our country, our people, our government, our world are allowing just that.

 

I am thankful for a God who is bigger than satan. I am thankful for a God who has already defeated him. I am thankful that we have a Savior we can look to when all seems bleak and I am thankful as believers we know the end from the beginning. It's all there in black and white (and red depending on your version). Truth. It's God's Word.

 

Praying the above for my kids, my friends' kids, kids I am in a position to influence, kids in general. And, frankly for adults, too. Repenting of where I have failed in this, as well. Praying, too, that my kids will be the ones who are pointing others to Jesus. The One who is and always has been in the thick of it, as we should be. Making a difference. Making a change. Introducing others to Jesus with our lives because ... He is the One who saves us! 

How Deep

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that left Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

A Little Linky Love

 

Ain't it the truth people! Joy, happiness, positive attitudes ... it is an absolute CHOICE! Not one I always make, but I strive to. :)

And, on another topic, I have read so many good things this week, I thought I would share a few. I'm sure I'll miss some, but here goes ...

 

On throwing a party ... good read by Jon Acuff from Stuff Christians Like.

On the church. And, personally, I've been on both sides of the coin and this piece rocked it. We are called to love the church. The bride of Christ. The end.

 

On Ethiopia. Another perspective, in many right and true perspectives, but I loved what she said,

"What Ethiopia showed me is that there’s no such thing as Haves and Have Nots. We’re all selling ourselves on the corner without grace. We’re all split and bleeding without love. We’re stronger together. We win because we’re not alone. We’re all the Haves, set apart in purpose, placed in the light of community, taking chances every day, carrying the burdens of another because we're able, loving not out of obligation but desire, stubbornly believing in the face of all we see that we were made for truth."

On healing. I love Alan Smith. One of my favorite teachers. He's solid. And, while you are there, might want to read other good stuff on his blog, too.

 

And this, on calling to our Heavenly Daddy, from Zach Neese. So good!

 

Selah

Psalm 65 - A Hymn of Thanksgiving

God, you will be praised in Jerusalem. We will keep our promises to you.
You hear our prayers. All people will come to you.
Our guilt overwhelms us, but you forgive our sins.
Happy are the people you choose and invite to stay in your court.
We are filled with good things in your house, your holy Temple.

You answer us in amazing ways, God our Savior.
People everywhere on the earth and beyond the sea trust you.
You made the mountains by your strength; you are dressed in power.
You stopped the roaring seas, the roaring waves, and the uproar of the nations.
Even those people at the ends of the earth fear your miracles.
You are praised from where the sun rises to where it sets.

You take care of the land and water it; you make it very fertile.
The rivers of God are full of water. Grain grows because you make it grow.
You send rain to the plowed fields; you fill the rows with water.
You soften the ground with rain, and then you bless it with crops.
You give the year a good harvest, and you load the wagons with many crops.
The desert is covered with grass and the hills with happiness.
The pastures are full of flocks, and the valleys are covered with grain.

Everything shouts and sings for joy.

On Giants, Miracles, and Faith

There was a stone the Lord, through David, killed Goliath with. Dead. Gone. Bye-bye. There are things in our life the Lord has killed. Dead. Done. Finished. Forever. But, it has seemed there are a few giants, similar giants still looming. Trying to be frightening. Bringing their buddies with them. It builds my faith to know-that-I-know the Lord fights for us. But, honestly, there have been a few things I haven't understood until now. I read this on FB the other day and I can not tell you how it encouraged me. Big. Thought I would share it in case you needed to be encouraged, too.

 

 

GOLIATH HAD A BROTHER  by Francis Frangipane

Here's the scene: You are in a battle against sickness, oppression or some similar struggle. You seek God, and in some way the grace of God touches your life. Your victory may have come through a word or prayer or some other encouragement, but you absolutely know the Lord has delivered you. Using ...the five smooth stones of divine grace, you defeated your Goliath.

But then, a few weeks or months or perhaps years later, all the old symptoms suddenly return with a vengeance. If you were struggling with an illness, it manifests worse than ever; if your battle was regarding a relationship or a particular sin, it seems as though all progress has been lost. You are back to square one.

Have you ever been there? These negative experiences can drain the faith from your heart. You lose the anticipation and power of faith, and a spiritual paralysis immobilizes your soul. You may still attend church, but your faith is unresponsive. When others testify of deliverance, you worry secretly that they, too, will "lose their healing."

For many, the result is one of faith-shaking disillusionment. Scripture says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Prov. 13:12).

This "heartsickness" is a spiritual disease that can cripple your walk with God. Remember, faith is the substance of the things you hope for; if you lose hope, your faith becomes hollow. How can you trust God when it seems as though He let you down? You wonder: Did I lose my breakthrough, or was I only deceiving myself and never really had it?

Dear one, it is very possible that what you are experiencing is not a loss of God's blessing but an entirely new spiritual battle. This new tactic is a very clever and effective deception that Satan uses to try and worm his way back into the lives of those delivered by God.

I had been praying about this very thing, this recurring battle, when the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart: "Goliath had a brother." I was immediately reminded of David's war against the Philistine giant. We all know that David became a great hero by trusting God and defeating Goliath. However, things changed as we see in 2 Samuel 21:

"Now when the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David went down and his servants with him; and as they fought against the Philistines, David became weary. Then Ishbi-benob, who was among the descendants of the giant . . . intended to kill David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed him" (2 Samuel 21:15-17).

Years after David conquered Goliath as a lad, after he became king he had to face other giants. In fact, 1 Chronicles 20:5 reveals that at least one of those warring against David was "the brother of Goliath," and four were his children (2 Sam. 21:22). We can imagine that these giants, being Goliath's kin, looked like Goliath, boasted like him, dressed like him and probably even smelled like him. The Scripture says that while fighting one of the descendants of Goliath, "David became weary" (2 Sam. 21:15). The Bible is silent as to what might have been going through the king's mind as he battled these giants. Perhaps he wondered, I thought I killed Goliath. What is he doing back? But Goliath had not come back; he was dead! David was actually fighting the giant's kin. It just looked like the same battle!

Likewise, you also have had many successful victories. Just because the current giant you are facing looks like one you defeated in the past, do not accept the lie that you never really won the first battle! By the strength of God's grace, you trusted the Almighty and conquered your Goliath. The first giant is dead. Satan is masquerading as your former enemy so he can slip past your shield of faith and thus regain entrance into your life. Resist him. Do not accept the lie that you were never delivered. Stand in faith. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4).

The living God who helped you conquer Goliath will empower you to overcome his brother as well.

Prayer: Father, I come to You as Your servant. Like David, I have become weary with fighting an enemy I thought I had defeated. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, however, I expose the lie that this is the same foe I previously conquered. In Jesus' name, I rebuke the enemy. I ask You, Lord, to send angels to strengthen me supernaturally, just as angels often strengthened Jesus. In the name of the Lord, Amen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adapted from a chapter in Francis Frangipane's newest book Spiritual Discernment and the Mind of Christ.

Anticipation

"Anticipation. Anticipation. It's making me late. It's keeping me waiting .... And, stay right here, 'cause these are the good old days." Thank you Carly Simon. But, that's us. Anticipating. Waiting. Watching in awe at the ways that God is swooping in to our rescue. Answering prayers. Fulfilling promises. Some we've waited on a long time. Some made a long time ago. Some we are still waiting on. All He is faithful to answer. It's exciting! Purposing to stay in the moment. Writing down all the amazing-never-would-have-thought-of-it, God things He's done and is doing, so we won't ever forget. So we continually rehearse His faithfulness to us (Deut. 11:18-21).  So we have it to look back on when things seem slow or when we can't figure out how whatever it is will work. Or, when anxiety creeps in. God is good. His ways are higher and better than ours (Isaiah 55:9). He never fails. You can take that to the bank!

Fog's Lifting

The fog is starting to lift and we are beginning to see things we haven't seen before in this spiritual land the Lord has led us to. It's life-giving to have pieces begin to fall into place. It's life-giving when you wait, too, as hind-sight shows us God's great and mighty hand and His incredible wisdom and grace on us. There are mountains in the landscape (Matt. 17:20) and a few giants, too, (I Samuel 17). There is life needs spoken over dry bones (Ezekiel 37). But God, He is amazing and He is faithful and He will lead the way through the things we know and the things we don't that need conquering. Anticipating how He will crush the enemy underneath our feet (Romans 16:20).

Sharpening Swords

There is something I've come to know very well and that is there are wise, believing, anointed sister's (and a few brother's) that God has placed in my life who sharpen my sword. Like crazy. Some don't even realize it. And, I've learned, too, that sharpening your sword isn't just about discipline. It's also about coming along side, like Aaron and Hur (Exodus 17:12). It's a lot of encouraging, cheerleading, bolstering and reminding. And, it's truth-telling, truth-seeking, teaching, listening, empathizing and growing deeper in the Lord ... together. And, it's pretty stinking awesome! I am unbelievably thankful that the Lord placed us on this earth with His people, His body, to do this life with. Not to mention, His Word and Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. What an incredible combination. What an amazing God! We are rock stars people because He loves us so much!

Psalm 23

 

The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

He refreshes and restores my life (my self);

He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. 

Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place. 

(AMP)

What Is Normal?

 

Every time I think of moving out of this RV and into a house, my brain goes, "Wow, our life will be 'normal' again?" But, truth is, thankfully, that is not the truth.  And, really, what is "normal"? America's definition? Not so much and, if it is, no thank you. And, frankly, we're not moving backward. What we are moving to is a new season in our lives. Some of it may resemble our previous season, but the last three years have changed us. In good ways, in ways we haven't even discovered yet, in ways we never dreamed of and in a few ways we need to discard for better choices. The one guiding truth about this season is it is purposed by God for His glory. We are surrendered to Him. And, there is great peace in that choice.

Psst. Psst. Psst.

 

 

We have a semi-secret! And, we are holding it close to our hearts. We're excited and nervous and humbled and a wee overwhelmed. Okay, maybe a ton overwhelmed by God's goodness and grace toward us. Wow!

 

I think most times that's how it is with God's promises and how they come to fruition. We don't know the timing. He does. We don't know how things will all farm out. He does. There are details that must be addressed and we have NO IDEA, can't even fathom, how He will work them out. But, He does. He's got it all together, ready to roll it out in His timing and His way.

God loves giving His kids great gifts. He doesn't dump them all out at once, like Santa. He totally enjoys watching us marvel and be thankful and in awe and crazy amazed and downright giddy at each gift as we open them. And, He is a Wise Father. He knows too much at one time would be just too much for our human selves to handle. He's good like that.

 

So, my job? Follow where He says. Do the next thing He says to do. Step out in faith. Pray. Believe. And, trust, trust, trust. God is holding us in His hands. And, He never does anything half way. He does it 100%.

 

And, P.S., we are not pregnant with a baby. We are, however, pregnant with promise!

My Favorite Day

I am going to print this and frame it and put it on the wall. Or, maybe, I'll just tape it to my forehead. So many times I don't live in "today" thinking about yesterday or wishing and wondering and worrying for tomorrow. Purposing to stay in the moment. Purposing that this "today" and every "today" that follows is "My favorite day." :)

 

Heavenly SON-light

I woke up this morning with this song in my head. And, what's more, the person singing it with me, in my head, was my Mom. It was like being transported back in time to church pews and song books and my Momma's sweet voice singing her deep love for Jesus, among other things. And, I know this is not a picture of the sun, but when I looked at it, it was a breath of fresh air. One of the things I loved about living in Biloxi, when we did, was the abiding peace I felt when we drove down Beach Boulevard. Same as the hope and joy of this song.

 

"Heavenly Son-light"

 

Walking in Son-light all of my journey;

Over the mountains, through the deep vale;

Jesus has said, "I'll never forsake thee,"

Promise divine that never can fail.

 

Heavenly Son-light, Heavenly Son-light,

Flooding my soul with glory divine:

Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,

Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

 

Shadows around me, shadows above me,

Never conceal my Savior and Guide;

He is the Light, in Him is no darkness;

Ever I'm walking close to His side.

 

Heavenly Son-light, Heavenly Son-light,

Flooding my soul with glory divine:

Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,

Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

 

In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,

Pressing my way to mansions above;

Singing His praises, gladly I'm walking

Walking in Son-light, Son-light of love.

 

Heavenly Son-light, Heavenly Son-light,

Flooding my soul with glory divine;

Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,

Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

 

 

* P.S., I changed the word "sunlight" to "Son-light" because that, after all, is what it is! :)

"Mrs." and "Mother"

I didn't know "Minnie Hobbs," but I know I would've liked her. I mean who wouldn't like some one named Minnie, right? She lived long before I was ever thought of by anyone, but God. But I love what was on her tombstone. In the 79 years that she lived, her "epitaph," if you will, was this, "Mrs." and "MOTHER." Two little words that say so incredibly much.

 

We live in a world that devalues family, devalues marriage, devalues having children, and, in fact, devalues children. It devalues parenting, devalues purity, devalues values of any kind, works hard NOT to include following Jesus in anything and generally lives by the old Frank Sinatra song, "I Did It My Way." Not good. In Minnie's world, they weren't perfect, but they sought God and they valued family always and so much so, they labeled Minnie "Mrs." and "Mother." I love that.

 

I love being a Mom and I love being a wife to Mr. Morel. There are days it is hard and trying to figure it out on my own, not so much working. I am not "June Cleaver," no one is. However, I love being a Mom. And, I love being Brian's wife. Did I mention this? We all have different gifts and callings, we who are called to be "Mrs." and "Mother". In fact, God often calls us all to different and same things in different and same ways. That's what makes each of us unique in the way we live this out.

 

And, what God has called us to and equipped us for is our responsibility to follow-through on. Do our best at. Seek His face daily, and some days moment by moment, to accomplish because doing it with Him is the only way to do it. Eyes on the cross. Humility. Grace. Setting the thermostat. Being intentional. Being vigilant. Absolutely NOT bowing to the world's ideas. Just like my Mom. Just like the many women God has placed in my life as mentors and friends, and just like I imagine about Minnie.

 

Wife. Mother. Love.

 

* PS. I do not make it a practice to hang out in cemeteries, however, we were looking for my husband's grandfather's grave marker when we ran across Minnie. It moved me. 

Making Me Laugh Monday

 

 

This is not true in my home (most days).  :)

 

His Love

 

"Nothing can tear us from
The grip of His mighty love.
We’ve only glimpsed, His vast affection
Heard whispers of, His heart and passion
It’s pouring out…

His love is deep, His love is wide
And it covers us
His love is fierce, His love is strong
It is furious
His love is sweet, His love is wild
And it's waking hearts to life."

He's  reaching out…
... and its waking hearts to life."

* A portion of lyrics from "Furious" by Jeremy Riddle.

Ruffled Feathers

Got my feather's ruffled. Ugh. All in a wad. And, the crazy thing is that many, many things are going in the direction God has said. Favor. Things we have prayed, literally for years, are coming to fruition and I really couldn't be more thrilled. But, at times, they still feel slow, downright dragging, and frustrating. There are days, moments, when I honestly can not see it with these earthly eyes. I can't wrap my brain around how it will work, even with my best trying-to-get-it-figured-out ideas. And, I am totally having to will myself into "more than you can ask or imagine" (Eph. 3:20) and God's promises are "yes and amen." (2 Cor. 1:20) Because when you are on the right track and life is about to change dramatically, satan's always got to be dipping his stinking toe into it. It is after all, his m.o., right? "Steal. Kill. Destroy." (John 10:10) That's not just people. That's promises, miracles, hearts, hope, whatever we will allow him to touch. Key word allow. There are days that I am like the man asking for, hoping for, believing for a miracle and he just needs a little help ...

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

Believing. Standing. Reminding myself. God's got it. He's done it before. It was more than I could imagine and in the way I never imagined. And, it rocked my socks off! He promised and He did it. He has promised. And, He will do it again! 

Missing Her

Miss her smile. Miss her voice. Miss her smell. Miss her laughter. Miss her cup half full and ready to overflow. Miss her wisdom. Miss calling her every.single.day. Miss loving on her and having her love on me. Miss her playing and planning and plotting with the grand-girls and them calling her to tell her all that's new and some that's not. Miss her laughing with Brian. Miss her loving Jesus big here on this earth and shouting out His glory. Miss her huge amazing heart. Miss her playing with my hair and putting the whammy on my headaches. Miss her crazy great ideas and all the things we shared. Miss every thing about her, big and small, imperfect and beautiful. I just love my sweet Momma. Profoundly grateful for the 48 so-very-short years I had her and she had me. Miss her. Beyond words. Beyond what I can describe. Thankful that Jesus holds her now, like He holds me.

Redeemed :)

There are many things God has redeemed in our lives. Many. He is gracious and merciful and while redemption is often times painful, extremely painful, as God has to shape us and mold us and grow us in the process, it's so incredibly worth it when you see the end.

This was our house in Fort Worth. It's a pretty little starter home with a wild life story from its humble beginnings in 1969. We got it in 2001 and, finally, today a new "God story" started. Today, God released us and redeemed a decision we made outside of His will into something beautiful.

There is a sweet young couple moving into this, their first new home. They breathe Jesus and we know they are who God has specifically, hand-picked, even years before we or they even knew it, to love on His people in this neighborhood. They are an answer to many, many prayers over a long, long time. And, while we waited (not always patiently or happily, I'll admit) until God allowed us the ability to fix this home, He blessed a single mom and her four boys for a time and, after them, a man who needed to have people treat Him like Jesus would. That's redemption, people.

And, while the whole journey of the last eight years was painful in ways I won't try to explain, my heart is bursting with joy at all God has planned for this next season, at the blessings I can see, and at the ways that God has delivered and continues to deliver us in His perfect timing.

Standing in jaw-dropped fashion amazed at Him, yet again, and ever so thankful.

Leaps of Faith

Why is it leaps of faith some times feel like this? Head barely above water. Pedaling like mad. Maybe even drinking a few gulps of said water and choking? Wondering what the details of the rest of today and all of tomorrow are? Knowing this is where God is leading, but really, how will it ever all work out? And, truly, is this where You are leading us, God? Because we are super not interested in stepping out of Your will for us. Been there. Done that. Burned the t-shirt. And, will all those voices in my head please quit conversing, chattering, whispering, convening, discussing, opinionating, really?

 

Here's the deal. When God calls you to it, He will provide for you to do it. Whether we see the how's? or why's? or when's? or did I mention, how in the world's? Because I'm surely not seeing it. And, most of the time, that is the point. Believe. Trust. Obey. Step out. Know, absolutely know, He will catch you if you fall and turn you back in the correct direction if you are heading down the wrong path. Expect the miraculous. And, by all means, sit back and watch with bated breath and excitement at what He is going to do on your behalf. Seriously ... leaps of faith.

 

Reminding myself  ...

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26 (NIV) 

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)

 



Oh My!

 

"We are NOT like those people who turn back and get destroyed.

We WILL keep on having faith until we are saved."       

Hebrews 10:39 CEV

 

 

Picture courtesy of Jon Acuff

Trapped?

This little guy is pretty pathetic and he was hopping mad. He and his buddies, who were also trapped over several days at Ole'. What they didn't know was they were being caught to be released back into the wild. There was freedom on the other side of that cage and all they had to do was be patient and trust they were headed for a better place, a wide open place they would love. 

 

That's a bit like us. We have felt trapped. There are days we are hopping mad. What we don't see is God's plan to release us into a better place, a wide open place that we will love. That is exactly what He has planned for us. In His time, in His way and all we need to do is trust Him. 

What You Do At Paw-Paw's, Part 2

Head for the river! Notice everyone has hats. :)



Make discoveries ...

Wear some one else's shoes so yours won't get wet!

More discoveries!

Tell Paw-Paw about your discovery!

Yes, that's snake skin ... yuck!

Throw rocks, but not at people.

Can't go to the river without sitting in it, right?

Let Paw-Paw carry you in, but not touch the water because YOU are NOT sitting in it!

Tube with the cousins!

What You Do At Paw-Paw's, Part 1

Build things out of homemade blocks ...

Make sure you're keeping cool ...

Nap ... on the porch swing, where else?

 More building ...

Decorate the building blocks ...

Wear hats.

Shoot pellet guns ...

Practice karate, Mulan-style ...

Dig ...

Paint your fingernails ...

Make chalk art ...

Uhmmm, yes that is a rattle snake rattle ....

 

Beautiful art work!