April 11, 2014

Basil

I am reading a book called a "Tree Full Of Angels" and it has been a refreshing reminder for me to keep my eyes open.  And so I stand at my kitchen window and look at these little basil seedlings growing.  In my gaze I see new life.  In my days it causes me to pause and to smile.  In my gaze it causes me to pray.

"So how do I pray? I listen. I talk. I weep. I am silent. I embrace the beloved. I gaze with reverence. I wonder and adore.  I share my needs. I have tea with God. I give gifts. I received gifts. I give thanks and I say I'm sorry. I scream. I get angry. I show God all my life, including my very divided heart. I relax. I'm at home. Sometimes I read a poem.  Sometimes I tell a story. Sometimes I dance. God loves stories and poems and dances. Sometimes I get a bit dramatic with God. What do I say to God?" (Excerpt from book)

Thanks God for these little basil leaves. They remind me of you.


March 26, 2014

Slow Cooker Sausage and Potatoes

I don't know about you but I find myself needing meals that are easy to do.  This was created with the random things that I found in my pantry and it turned out to be the perfect meal for a cool fall day.  And the best part is you throw it all into one pot in the morning and it's done by dinner time.

Ingredients:
1 pound Italian sausage (gluten free)
1/2 cup sliced leeks
1 cup sliced onions
4 cloves minced garlic
6 red potatoes diced into 1 inch cubes
1 15oz can crushed tomatoes
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt
Pepper

Directions:
Starting with the sausage put all of the ingredients into a crockpot.  Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Or on high for 4 to 6hours.

Before

After

October 8, 2012

Leaf Icicles

We wrap ourselves in coats and gloves for a cool walk to school.  It's 28 degrees outside.  We watch our breathe dissolve in the cold air and it feels so good.

Avery is in a happy mood.  She hops along enjoying life.  She points up to the moon.  It is following us.  If only she could outrun it... she tries to no avail.

As we round the corner from our house we all stop in our tracks.  A maple tree covered in icicles.  The tree looks like it's crying.  It is breathtaking.  And we all take time to thank God for a sweet gift. 

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.  Psalm 65:8

And so I live today listening for His song of joy.  I think I hear it.



August 5, 2012

I Sit

We sit on our deck on a warm summer evening.  The girls finish their dinner of buttery pancakes and are off playing.  My sweet husband cleans the table and I am left sitting watching my family buzz around me. 

The girls laugh.
They run.
I hear birds singing.
I feel a warm breeze.
The soft glow of evening light on my little one's cheek.
A hummingbird drinks deep the sweetness of flowers.

What a beautiful sight.

I am reminded it is good to sit.

March 25, 2012

His Open Hand

I want to give thanks.  And then I wake up and life is full steam ahead.  I don't stop until I collapse at the end of the day.  Did I even pause once?

I can't say that I always do.  I wish I did.  When I have the clarity of mind to choose stillness, if even for a moment, I do see Jesus.  I see His beautiful hand of blessing held out toward me.

Will I take what He offers?  Life, fullness, joy.  Absolutely.

I don't always pause.  But this particular morning I did.

Sitting at my kitchen table... reading my Bible, drinking tea in a cup that I made, watching the early morning sun pour in through the windows making everything glow, and it was a moment that brought genuine peace to my otherwise insane day.

Thank you Jesus for your open hand.

344.  Early morning sunlight that makes things glow.