13 Hours of Rain

Here are some of my favourite pictures from July...  Southern Prairie Gem Cousins Reunited Celebrating Us Her Sunday Best His Sunday Best Overcoming Fear of Horses My Day Lily

Peace Country It is hard to believe that it is the second half of July. We have enjoyed our summer thus far as we reconnect with family in various locations. We've been celebrating milestones, marveling at God's creation, and eating far too much good food (Operation August Slim Down here I come!). We've had many thought provoking discussions with loved ones. And, boy, we've played a lot of board games! But my introvert nature is starting to kick in. I feel I need time to process the many thoughts that are churning within. Here is a snap shot of my contemplations: Coming of Age. It was wonderful to reconnect with my younger sister and her family this summer. Truthfully, it has been challenging to stay meaningfully connected due to the physical distance that separates us and our very intense life as mothers of preschoolers. Thus, spending some concentrated time together was beneficial in strengthening our relationship. And you know what I've noticed? My siste...

3 What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? 4 Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. 5 The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. 6 The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. 7 Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. 8 Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. 9 History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. 10 Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. 11 We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now. ~ Ecclesiastes 1 There are days when I wonder what is the point. Really. What is the point of doing the futile tas...

It began with a lemonade stand at a friend's garage sale. Much to my disappointment, only a few quarters were collected from the sales. Apparently two cute kids was not enough to tempt more adults to enjoy a cool citrus refreshment. Regardless, my daughter brought her little treasure home. I added more quarters to the sale and laid out ten coins in front of her. "How much of this should we give to Jesus?" I asked. She studies the shiny caribous on the table and sets aside four. "Good for you! You are being quite generous!" Wow, giving 40% of her income away! I thought. Should I advise her to only give just the minimum 10%? Or a more risky 20%? Hmmmm... I decide to let her take the lead and move on to my explanation, "When we give to Jesus, we are giving to places like the church. Or we use the money to help the poor. Or we send money to our Compassion child. What are some ways you can give to Jesus?" "I could give it to MOPS," she o...