Thursday, May 27, 2010

When in doubt, Just B!


Lately I have been in doubt…about a lot of things.
I get that way sometimes, even at this wonderfully advanced age of 50+. They say, well Oprah if I listened to her, at 50 you’re supposed to morph into this relaxed, confident, know who you are, where you’ve been and where you’re going female; having 50 years of figuring it all out under your belt….But this week, I say “hogwash”. Oh don’t deny it, I am sure there are those of you who agree!
It’s times like these that I think, where the heck did 50 years go, what the heck was I thinking when…where do I go from here, OMG time is passing too fast, someone let me off this train kind of thoughts!
And it’s when I get into this mindset that I have to force myself to go to that “if I did yoga” place and Just Be
Just be still, let go, and let God!
However, this week, he is obviously on vacation! OK, I don’t doubt that He needs a temporary respite from me on occasion. Or maybe He just needs me to be quiet and listen instead of talk!
So in His seeming absence, instead of talking;
I quietly signed up for Painting 101!

Yes, it is when I Just Be… quiet, still and wait that I begin to see the possibilities.

You see, summer is here, the boys are home, the class is every Wednesday from 1-4,
YOU DO THE MATH!
Now, God, if you're back, just give me talent to paint something other than stick people! Joyfully trying a new inspiration…Maybe we all should, Just B




















Saturday, May 15, 2010

Mother's Pearls of Wisdom

Although sentimental heirlooms like wedding china or a piece of jewelry handed down from mothers and grandmothers are treasured, it's those practical pieces of motherly advice that are the most useful! Some of us might have been blessed to receive just enough of each. On the other hand, many of us would have benefited from much more of the latter!!!
Perfect examples might be:
Don't slouch.
Always write a thank-you note.
Never chew gum in public.
Remember who you are.
Never be too proud to pick up a penny.
The best way to make a friend is to be one…

So for the month of Mother's Day, I’ve decided to share a few of my own favorites!

Every survival kit should include a sense of humor!

Respect is like money: easy to loose & hard to earn.
Happiness is not having what we want.
Happiness is wanting what we have.
Smile...if you cannot lift the corners, sag the middle.
To the world you may be one person, b
ut to one person you may be the world.
Who gossips with you will gossip of you.
You are who God says you are!
And last but not least, Moisturize your neck!

Now if I only had a daughter to pass these on to…
BOYS, Stop smacking and remember these pearls of wisdom! Joyfully Shared, b


"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5 NIV)

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Bright Smile, Dark Eyes

When the righteous see God in action they'll laugh, they'll sing, they'll laugh and sing for joy.— Psalm 68:3 MSG

This month I am singing...(be glad you can’t hear me!) for the JOY these bright smiles and dark eyes have brought to my life. A whole new dimension to JOY!!
I’m so very glad my son didn’t listen to me, didn’t hesitate, and didn’t wait. I’m so thankful; he knew his heart and followed it...Goes to show you that Mom’s don’t always know best! You see, I tried to get him to wait to propose to this beautiful girl. Oh, I loved her too, just thought he should wait until he finished college to propose!
But that didn’t happen, thank goodness. And now, 5 years later, anniversary near, Tyler is completing an Engineering Program at U of H and will graduate in December God willing. Working and going to school full time has been no small feat…and believe me, I have done my share of worrying. Looking back, I know for sure it was God in action, because my son has done it all for this sweet girl and these two precious little ones that, like their Mom, have bright smiles and dark eyes!


Oh yes, I am singing, but God is the one laughing, yet again, at me for thinking I know it all and watching me realize that I didn’t then, don’t now and never will. So when my younger boys come to tell me that they are ready to propose to the girl of their dreams, I will have learned my lesson…
I think!
Happy Anniversary Tyler and Michelle!!
Singing for JOY, bb







Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Mom’s Gardening Gloves….


With Mother’s Day coming, and after spending much of the last two or was it three?? weeks with my Mom in her garden preparing for a garden tour…
I thought I’d share!
She, my Mom has a love for all things beautiful. In fact, it is a bit of an obsession and I mean that in a good way. She loves her garden, her home, and herself to be “dressed to the nines!”. And that of course made me think, wherever did the phrase come from?
One theory states that women of the Middle Ages would often wear fashionable gloves as part of their formal wear. These gloves were said to contain nine buttons from wrist to elbow, so if a woman was said to be "dressed to the nines", she would be wearing her most formal evening wear. Although my Mom loves the thought of dressing up, and does so quite often, I think the only gloves she owns are gardening gloves. And she is at her most beautiful with those gloves covered in dirt and her stunning silver hair damp with sweat from a day of work in her garden. In fact I can’t remember when my Mom didn’t do the gardening or the yard work, for that matter. Only in the last many years, with the help of my Dad, her Prince Albert! One of my most vivid memories of her was watching as she edged our yard with a kitchen knife, before we could afford a push edger. A determined and hardworking example that taught me the importance of taking care of one’s home, inside and out, she was never afraid of a little hard work. It is that very determination and strength, that taught me and my siblings a strong work ethic and the truth that you will reap what you sow in all areas of life!
At 75, she never sits idle. She keeps her eyes focused on the task of the day and stays beautifully young in the process, whether it be, shopping, dancing, gardening, or caring for her family. She never ceases to amaze us all! She is reaping a harvest of children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren, who benefit tremendously from her example!

Thanking God for the Joy of my Mom and her garden of love and lessons! b