Monday, August 29, 2011

Thinking on His goodness, and counting....949-965

The Lord's goodness is astounding to me.  He so lavishly loves me.  I am overwhelmed by it..... when I take in His perfection in the sight of massive Oregonian trees, or find myself swaying to soulful sounds of country folk music, or the feel of my son's hand in mine, or..........

the way her lashes curl
her infectious giggle
how he crinkles his nose when he laughs

a dark morning
books, books, books
how our house is such an imperfect mess

hot, sunny summer days
a cool lake nestled in the mountain
kids and craw-daddies
watching our pup swim like a fish, doing what he was born to do, and
loving it

free online planners

praying with her over the miles

heart-to-hearts with my girl

loving him
turning over at night and seeing his still, sleeping form
feeling my own smile






holy experience

Monday, August 22, 2011

Counting the gifts #896-948

painted toes, peasant skirts and toe rings


that rules can be fun!



these reminders:
 "extreme soul makeover" does not exist
it's a process
that's the way He likes it

God the Father is really more loving
more concerned
more generous
more fair
wiser
gentler
kinder
smarter
more in tune
more reasonable
a better listener
friendlier.....     
than I am.

really.


hugs and kisses from my love
his words of kindness and admiration
how so many of my life's dreams have come true with him by my side

summer evening walks, holding hands

that she came and brought her three precious others
the walks and talks
the fun we had
breathing the same air
sharing the same space
a luxury

the way she takes pictures

how my pup loved her like he's always known her
the way a dog can just know

telling her my secrets 
the ones you don't tell anyone else
the ones only she would care to know


how He is her bottom line
in everything
always.


a few favorite memories:

















And this just last night:
our boy sharing a difficulty
getting to be mama and daddy with listening ears
mama kisses smoothing the brow
daddy words soothing the mind
him being thankful, and, us even more so








holy experience

Monday, August 15, 2011

The gifts #856-895

sun warmed wood under bare feet
time alone together

the ability to have medical and dental care

ample food to prepare and eat

cooking in a Star Wars apron

friends around a table
laughter and smiles

how simple is good

that happy is a choice
 He wants us to choose it


This is the day the Lord had made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24






holy experience

Monday, August 8, 2011

counting the gifts 827-855

a meeting in the park
her vision
Him calling
Yes!

a friend wanting me to meet her friend
the kindredness Christ brings

girls and boys splashing in water
mamas chatting
dogs smiling

Toby-doo, a Liechty for one year yesterday

my girl giving it her best
playing b-ball with the boys
playing catch at the park

my boy at the piano
trying something new, challenging
frustration, working it out
endurance

lessons on prayer!

a lesson from the garden

renewing our minds together
starting with attention

The Word in the evening
The Word in the morning
at my bedside

59 Degrees
a sweater in the morning
it's never boring

Fifteen years this week for my love and me

This promise:

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.   Is 40:31










holy experience

Monday, August 1, 2011

Where, Oh Where, Has My Gratitude Gone...

Hello.  My name is Kara and I have misplaced my gratitude for over a month now.  Sure, I've seen it peeking at me from around corners and smiling at me from under tables, but I have failed to catch it and spend some quality time with it.
Just today, I have managed to stealthily snatch it up and turn it upside down, shaking bits and pieces of remembered thankfulness from it's gleeful grip.

This is what we got:

puppy love of the cutest variety!


Sunshine and Moonshine forever friends



Can you believe this man is all mine?  Pinch me!


A basket for her bike.



knock-knock jokes between present opening at Christmas in July




summer hikes with the fam



the love of a good woman measured out

having the fastest go-kart


two favorite, simply beautiful people in my life:
sister and mother in love


some good, wet fun!
before:
during:
after:


family dinners


goofy girls

sister love



cousins, my how they grow!

there's a baar in thaar!


Appalachian countryside

the joy of visiting friends




sidewalk lunching downtown

two favorite creatures.... and the sun!

smelling the roses


really tall trees (and really short girls!) ;>

cool, shady, curvy paths

naughtiness that's kinda cute

friendship




fun in the surf

I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating.  Look at where I live!  Look at who I love!  










I'm a blessed woman indeed!











holy experience