blessings...

The other day one of my dear children had a bee in her bonnet. Actually, I think a swarm of bees would come closer to explaining the attitude and behavior I was treated to! It was one of those precious moments that invite parents to assume the fetal position and rock in a corner. But somehow I didn't... I know I was blessed with a measure of grace right then, because I was able to 'keep calm and carry on'! Of course I had to be firm, and offer some correction- that's the not-so-fun part of raising children. :( But I let some time pass, and listened to the sad that was sparking the mad. I could love and comfort her, - so she knows that in spite of the consequences of her rotten choices, I am her friend and she has my unconditional caring. We have talked a bit since than about how we stop and correct ourselves when we realize what we are doing wrong, and how it affects others (especially our loved ones). We do not persistently defy ethics, just because the mood is upon...

This morning I walked with my little Mary girl to school. It's hard to believe she is in junior high already! The most beautiful part was that she let me hold her hand while we walked together into the sunrise. Until we met up with her friend...  :) The first bits of brilliant gold light were shining intensely in some windows we saw, and she had Jasper on his leash in her other hand. He loves her because she spoils him whenever she can! After I said goodbye at the corner by the school I headed back home, taking a different route- I walked up the hill and along the road by the field. I bathed my eyes and face in the morning light on the snowy mountains just ahead of me to the west, and it all seemed a little prettier when I saw my flowers still blooming in their pretty dress colours as I walked up to the front door.

I think I am a bit of a home-body at heart. I like being here, whether I am up taking care of housework, or resting, or sitting at a desk connecting with the world and my loved ones through reading and writing and pictures and sound... It's my favourite place to read a book, or watch a film, or make and share and eat food! My favorite, of course, is when I can be here with the ones I love best- but even the quiet hours alone pass so quickly and are never empty for me. So many people don't have a home. So many who have a roof and walls have only that. We who have a cozy refuge full of security and comfort are so richly blessed. Here I can be and do just what I choose, and do it in freedom and privacy and comfort. And warmth! The world is big and beautiful, but so complex, and I feel grateful for the simple pleasures and peace of our home- our sanctuary.

Thank Heaven for Heaven! I actually found myself saying this today. Writing it, that is. To an old friend I hadn't caught up with in a while... I heard today that my littlest daughter was just elected student council president at her school! I am thankful that she didn't give up before she began. She had decided to run for this job, then changed her mind when some older kids told her how hard it would be to win such a competitive position... But she can be pretty determined. She reconsidered her 'second thought'! (This sounds like Tevye! On the other hand... :), went ahead and ran her campaign, and her peers were wise enough in knowing her to be confident that she will do a great job! I like her example of fearlessness in the face of fear.

I have been thinking blessings-blog thoughts and feeling blessings-blog feelings so many days when I haven't been typing blessings-blog words! I have so much, and hope for so much more... Jesus Christ is my Friend, and He is everything to me. I love Him and I am so blessed to feel His powerful and gentle love bringing me peace from day to day- especially when I need it most. I feel just right when I find time to read His words in the scriptures, hear them in church, and feel them in my own heart and mind... The leaves are turning gold on the trees and the flowers are dying in our gardens. The wind is stronger and mornings are pretty chilly. Kirby and I have had some good talks lately, making my future look brighter in love. Jack and Mary and Emma are happy in school, and I so enjoy my piano music. I love my new opportunity to work with the teenage girls at church- they are easy to love, and I feel so inspired in what we are doing and teaching them. The apple man came to town - his...