Such as These...

Children have such straightforward faith...pure and untarnished. Teaching them is a privilege, and more than occasionally I glean from them a wisdom way beyond their years! After singing, Jesus is the Rock, with one of my kindergarten classes, I asked, "What does it mean when we say Jesus is our rock?" A hand instantly shot-up, and before I could acknowledge him he blurted, "It means Jesus is solid, he doesn't move ...HE STICKS!" From the mouths of babes...sometimes I am totally astounded by what they perceive - just when you think you're not getting through!
On my drive home I was listening to a missionary talk about the amazing faith he has witnessed among the Haitian people during this most devastating time. You could hear the voices of children at play around him. "You see the children here playing among the rubble--they find a cheerfulness even in the most dire circumstances. They trust that things will be better."
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

Just thinking how blessed I am to be able to teach such as these!

Shirts for Shoes...

There is an amazing ministry headed up by President, Tom Davis, out of Colorado Springs, entitled Children's Hopechest. You can follow the link below and choose from several T-shirts, designed by Kari Gibson, to purchase for you and/or someone you love for Valentine's Day. They are sincerely cool, and one hundred percent of the proceeds will go to providing shoes for children in Ethiopia. What a blessing..both ways! There's nothing better than helping children in great need...kids are the best part of this world...check it out!
http://www.mycrazyadoption.org/one-stop-shop/shirts-for-shoes-hopechest-project

Table Talk

It's cold outside--very bleak and dreary. I miss my husband when he is gone, and I so wish the sun would break through today. I often try to remember what I was doing on this same day last year, or five years ago, or ten. Ten years ago our two boys were just 19 and 13 years old: one in college, the other in middle school. Just ten years ago I would have been racing home from teaching to find our middle-schooler in his room--doing home work, snarfing down a snack in the kitchen, or getting ready for soccer or basketball practice. I'd give him a hug, ask how his day had gone, get into my favorite pair of sweats, and begin preparations for dinner. I'd call our oldest son in his dorm room( remember, this is way before cell phones!) and listen intently as he talked about his week, and coming home for spring break. I'd throw in a load of laundry, set the table, and look forward to sitting down to dinner. Do families even sit down for dinner together any more?
Well we did, and I miss setting a table for four, sometimes five or six or seven! I miss the conversation around the dinner table, the plethora of activities and the constant hum. Those days are gone in a moment, so seize each day you have with your kids while they are still kids! Sit down with them at dinner and cherish those conversations. Dinner was my favorite time during the week, even if it was hurried and brief. I wouldn't have had it any other way!
Right now, I'd settle for dinner for two!

Now this is Colorado!

This morning as I drove back from an appointment, I couldn't believe how clear the view was of the Rocky Mountains! The sun was shining, and the temp. on my car dash said 57%! After a month of freezing temperatures( so un-Colorado like) it was back to Colorado as usual!
As a kid growing up in this state, I remember spending so many late fall/winter days outside, building snowmen and throwing snowballs with the sun blazing down from our high altitude blue sky. I've always loved the smell of the air on a crisp Colorado day, and breathing it in today flooded my head with great memories. Colorado was much less populated back then. You never realize what you had until you no longer have it...it was a simpler time. We entertained ourselves--no videos, DVD's or PC's to distract imaginative play. No childhood obesity problems back then...we couldn't wait to get outside after school, and hated to be called in for dinner! Today I was yearning for those simpler days...

Unexpected surprises!

I had such a super time at the CBD bookstore/coffee house & gift boutique last night! I was invited to do a book signing there, and fell in love with the people & the town of Fort Lupton. I grew up in a small town, and it was a breath of fresh air to find kids, teens, moms, and dads so grounded in Jesus; in what's truly important in this life we live.
If you ever get the opportunity to visit this wonderful book nook on Denver Avenue off of Hwy 85, you won't regret it. The lattes & company are the best, and you just can't leave without purchasing the Tart Cherry Scones mix by Sticky Fingers Bakery. They are the most delicious scones I've ever tasted...
What an unexpected surprise!!

Beulah days...

Our time in Beulah was so nice! Having our family together for a long weekend was more than great..wish we could do it more often. The valley was super green from all the rain, and it's amazing to be in a place where nothing much changes (kind of like being in Mayberry with Andy and Barnie!) The Beulah store is an historic landmark, and we loved browsing the Uncommon Market for some uncommon finds! The fly fishing wasn't great, but the company was first-rate!
There's nothing better than being with the people you love most in life. Simpler is better...I could get used to this!

Summer is here! I love my morning walks, sitting on the porch sipping tea and reading under the Aspens. I can't imagine summer any where else. I appreciate the slower pace as the hectic rhythm of Monday morning is always lurking, but for now I can savor time alone, soak in all God's goodness, reflecting on all He's given, and be thankful.
Just a few more minutes, and then full speed ahead!