Living Out Her Passions

My daughter has a passion.

It is not an all consuming passion, but it is a deep seated enjoyment of horses!

I don't know how it all started. Perhaps is was her first viewing of Black Beauty... or just falling in love with the beauty of a horse in the pasture...yearning for a horse of her own.

The reality is, a horse of her own, is most likely not in her near future. Yet, we encouraged our daughter to pray and to wait. As life has unfolded we have encountered many opportunities to enjoy and be around horses. God has a way of answering little girls prayers...

Sarah using "Princess" to demonstrate the importance of grooming

One of these opportunities has been involving our family in 4H.

This past month, Sarah has devoted herself to researching, preparing and writing an oral presentation for the Ada County 4H Horse Illustrated Talk/Demonstration contest. This year she chose the topic of "General Horse Care". As always, she is full to the brim with fresh knowledge and eager to share with others all she has learned. She prepared an 8 minute illustrated talk and did a fabulous job presenting her information!




What a joy to see her confidently speaking in public at such a young age.

Sarah received a 2nd Place Ribbon for her efforts!

Love as Art

A gift of love...
hours of time poured out
back aching work
each stitch prayed over
each piece perfectly matched
she breaths life into her work
and her love
becomes
A work of art.

To be cherished and treasured always...

I have been pondering for weeks where to hang this gorgeous quilt my mother created for me. Today, inspiration moved me and I found the perfect place to display it...

Some Thoughts on Love

Sarah and Thomas, Valentines Day 2004

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

1Corinthians 13:4-8
The Message

Another Surprise

As I reflected on the wonderful birthday my family had gifted me with, my husband reminded me that he had not given me his present yet. I looked at him and could not imagine what could make this day more wonderful...

He shared with me that he was taking me away on a trip, and, would not tell me any more but to pack and be ready by the morning. I had been surprised yet again!

I began to wonder how I would survive this trip, not feeling in the best of health, but I packed my bags and we set off on our adventure. My wonderful mother was left for the weekend with the children to love and care for them. I had nothing to worry about.

As we began our journey, I learned we were headed to San Jose, to embark on a long weekend of California coastal living...

My husband rented a convertible for the weekend... in hopes of sunny weather. We did enjoy the top down several times... very fun!

We found our hotel just outside of Santa Cruz and after we got settled, we enjoyed a lovely drive up California's famous coastal highway 1 and found the Ritz Carlton just south of Half Moon Bay. Of course, we pulled up like we owned the place and stopped for a drink to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Off Highway 1 North of Santa Cruz

My husband checking out the tide pools...
(He fell in just after this.)

The next morning we spent time exploring the southern end of Santa Cruz, a little town called Capitola. We found this town to be just the perfect place to sit, sip coffee and watch the ocean, the surfers and the locals enjoying the beach...

The bright colored houses of Capitola reminded us of the Mediterranean

After a long morning of exploring Capitola, we headed back up into the mountains to drive the winding roads of the Red Woods. On our journey we found an interesting covered bridge in Felton.

We also happened upon Beauregard Vineyards Winery in Bonny Doon. We took the opportunity to stretch our legs and enjoyed a tasting...

On our way back through Santa Cruz, we took some time to explore some of it's famous sights. One of our favorite spots was West Cliff Drive, with a walking path running right along the coast line, up high on a cliff.

Natural Bridges, State Beach

Flowers in January are just wonderful to behold!

Walking along West Cliff Drive

We were here together!

Our last stop was the old Mission where there is a remaining adobe structure that was used to house Native Indians Neophytes (new Catholic converts) in the early 1800's. We toured the buildings and learned a great deal about the History of the Mission Santa Cruz.


Our last day of sightseeing was a bit overshadowed by a large storm that was coming in off of the Coast... we did not let that stop us from enjoying the beautiful Big Sur Coastline just south of Carmel. We braved the winding Highway 1 down the coast for the afternoon. The surf was amazing as the storm churned the water below.

Bixby Bridge

View From our Lunch Table

What a lovely weekend to remember my 40th Birthday!

40 Years!

Today I turn 40 years old.

It seems strange to identify with that number and realize...
I am in my 40th year of life!


I am so blessed and thankful, recognizing that each day is truly a miracle, a gift from God.

God has been growing and stretching me over the past few years... I am hopeful that this decade will be no different... but, perhaps that I can learn from lessons past and find joy in ALL circumstances... not just the smooth sailing moments of life... finding more moments of faith when I am weak... recognizing that the tapestry of life is sewn with threads of both joy and adversity... I am still climbing uphill, learning more each day.

In spite of a nasty case of bronchitis, which has rendered me voiceless for over a week now, (whispered words still flow...), this has been a memorable Birthday...

A gift from the Lord, the sun came out for me (the first time in days, its seems)... the air was warm enough to open a few windows...

I was gifted with the presence of my very own mother! My husband surprised me with a visit. It's a good thing the guest bed was ready and waiting... She just walked in the door and I was completely surprised.

The Best Surprise, My Mother...

I was gifted with lovely books as well as a beautiful serenade on my front porch last night by precious and dear friends who came to cheer and love me even with my sickness threatening...

The simple things that cheer one's soul and warm the heart...

The things he does to get me to laugh!

Phone calls, e-mails and cards in the mail from dear ones far... reminding me that they remembered my special day and honored me with their thoughtfulness...

My sweet family gifted me with a beautiful new bird feeder to enjoy in the garden.

Another week and the birds should find out we have the best bird seed in town!

My Mother made me a beautiful quilt...


It is a labor of love and an heirloom to be treasured...


I feel blessed beyond words...

Going Through the Motions

This week has been pitiful!

My children were recovering from a virus that took us by storm after Christmas, and then I fell ill just as the week was picking up steam...

All my plans for putting a strong foot forward in the New Year, faded away as my brain was dull with congestion and pain. I did not want to get up...I felt like just being in a quiet room, alone...

Yet, life must go forward... food needs to be prepared, horses need to be fed and watered (a mile away), laundry must be done... schooling must go on. So, we went through the motions as best as we could... a lot of things did not get done.

No big deal... It just always makes me a bit downhearted, when I know exactly what I want to give, the needs I want to fulfill, the character I am purposefully challenged to shape on a daily basis, and... I am unable to give because I am weak. It is troublesome for me when we just go through the motions... I get a bit discouraged.

Yet, God is much greater than all of this... I remember this as the night grows quiet...yet there is a struggle in my heart...even that wonderful soft pillow does not take away the worry...worry that I have not been a good mother today...that I have failed. Yet, I remember that God is greater than all of my effort. He reminds me, He can, and will, shape the character of my children. He will fulfill each and every need... even when I fail... and am too weak to be of any good to anybody.

But he said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Yes, the gift, of grace, and the ability to be used to honor Him is sweet.

I rest in His sovereignty and wait.

A new week is before me... I will try again to be thankful for what each day brings... good or bad, it really is not about me and what I want, but rather it is all for the Glory of God.

"And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28

Happy New Year!

I always try to begin the New Year with cleaning...

I clean up the Christmas decorations... and spend the day vacuuming and dusting and re-arranging furniture in attempt to create a fresh new start!

This is my own way of preparing my heart and clearing my head...

As it is a New Year, I have been reflecting...

On Christmas day we spent some time talking about giving. Yes, Christmas is truly a time or "season" of giving... but we discussed the idea that the "spirit of Christmas" (or message of Christ) should be spread throughout the entire year. The poor need to be fed... the sick need to be healed... the lonely need to be comforted every day of the year.

We started thinking about how we as a family could be even more giving. We talked about giving as more than just gifts purchased at a store...or money given to the church...or mission organization, but also gifts could include our free time and resources... it is sacrificing what we could have, or want for our selves, for others. It means thinking outside of ourselves instead of focusing inward.

We are waiting to see how God uses our willingness to look around and meet more needs as a family.

This year will be filled with lots of activity, stress, travel, and more... but we are hoping that we can see with eyes of giving this year as we live out each day...

Christmas Memories

Our waiting is finished!

Thomas and Sarah creating our traditional
Gingerbread Houses on Christmas Eve

Finishing touches...

We celebrated our Christmas Eve by candle-light.

Sarah dressed in her new Christmas Dress
given by her Grandma and Grandpa Coose

Five candles lit...

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and the most important Christ!

We read the story of Christ and of His saving grace...

Grandma and Grandpa Coose
Sarah and Thomas listening to our Christmas Devotional

We silently remembered that night long ago...
when there was no room in the Inn.

We we sang and praised the birth of Christ!

Uncle Jonathan and Sarah playing Silent Night

The children awoke the next morning with glee and anticipation...

Thomas and Sarah opening their stockings!

This day is a day of celebration!

The children received an abundance of gifts
from loved ones and friends...
we feel very blessed to have such
love and generosity shown to us in our lives...


A particularly special gift of love from Mommy and Daddy,
a new horse bridal for Sarah...

and for Thomas... a Train!

A Very Merry Christmas...

Advent, A Time of Waiting

Advent is waiting; a contemplative heart preparation; a looking forward to; a longing for the coming day of the Messiah.

As we celebrate Advent this week, we light the candles of Hope, Peace and Joy...

Throughout the month we have been studying the history and heritage of Christ and the people of Israel. In the time before Christ was born, the Jewish people were suffering under the harsh burden of Caesar. Yet, they dwelt in Hope... knowing that there was a promise of a Messiah who would deliver them. Many believed and waited and shared their Hope with their children Joyfully... it was their tradition to tell the stories of the history of their people (many can be found in the Old Testament) to keep their Faith alive...


In the same way, this is the reason we celebrate Christmas... it is a time to share our Hope and the reason for our Joy, with our children... One day, Peace will reign on this earth. Our Messiah will return...this baby that was born to be a King... not only for the rich and mighty... but a king for the poor and humble, will come again!

This is truly a Gift to be treasured and waited for.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his governments and peace
there will be no end..."

Isaiah 9:6-7a

Let It Snow...

What do little boys do at the first sight of snow?

They become giddy with joy and
must go out and experience it first hand!

Thomas enjoying our first day of snow...

What do Mothers do to help warm little hands???

Have lots of Hot Chocolate on hand!

Seeing Through A Child's Eyes

This weekend I was unpacking our Christmas boxes with my son. Actually, Thomas excitedly unpacked the boxes and I contained the clutter as paper was flying everywhere!

We found the Nativity and put the boxes aside for opening later in the evening together as a family. I actually have two Nativity sets. One is an incomplete version that I have had since before Sarah was born. The other is new... and, complete. I enthusiastically chose to put up the new and beautiful gift of last year (that was given to me by my Mother and Grandmother), as we celebrated the first night of Advent together.


As I unwrapped the individual pieces, my son grabbed the one with Mary and Baby Jesus and looked in horror and then welled up with tears... "Baby Jesus has no eyes, Mommy. Where is my baby Jesus with eyes?" We were in the midst of reading our Advent Devotional... and, I finished setting up the Nativity we had started, with the promise of, "tomorrow we will unpack the other Nativity". He was not happy, but accepted my consolation for the moment.

The older nativity is porcelain and has a very life like looking baby Jesus that comes out of the manger for little hands to love and hold. (It is a miracle that the figure is not broken to pieces after years of both little Sarah and now Thomas loving him so dearly).


As soon as we awoke the next morning, my son was at my side leading me to the box to free the true "baby Jesus with the eyes"!


I sat with him and we opened the box... and Thomas breathed a sigh of relief as he held his treasure in his little hands... I pray that baby Jesus becomes his heart's treasure all his life.

She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins."
Matthew 1:21

Traditions

Christmas is the time of year I just can't help reflecting on the importance of tradition...

This week we light the Candle of Hope

My Grandmother Thomas loved the Christmas Holiday and I recall, as a small child, delighting in her white flocked trees in many rooms of the home (living in Southern California... her Kentucky heart yearned for snow). She lovingly filled the beautiful trees with red cardinals and white doves... She was joyous and excited to share the birth of Christ with everyone she had the opportunity to have a conversation with (especially with her grandchildren!). I remember sitting along side her many a Christmas Season... as she wrapped her arms around me and shared the meaning of her Christmas Tree...She was a great story teller, her eyes full of sparkle and her words would always keep us wrapped in attention. She explained... that Christ came to be my savior. She would tell me the tree represented the cross... the white doves represented the purity of Christ and the red represented the blood of Christ shed for my sin. I always felt loved and special in her arms. And, I understood the reason why we celebrate with such joy, the birth of Christ!

As a mother of my own children... the tradition of the tree lives on.

Thomas hanging his new ornament
that his Grandma lovingly gives him each year!

I have a special joy in my heart at this special time of year, when I pull out my Christmas decorations and slowly unwrap each ornament I've collected over almost 20 years of marriage. I have slowly built traditions in my own home which reflect the same message of Christ... Instead of red cardinals, I choose deep burgundy balls... they represent the blood of Christ on our green tree... with white lights. Jesus is both pure and the light of our world... "in Him there is no darkness"... I tell my children.

White lights are the representation of Christ,
both Holy and "the light of the world";
Red is the blood of Christ shed for us (the reason he came);
the Tree is the representation of the Trinity,
(as it is in the shape of a triangle with three points),
The Father, Son and Spirit; and
Evergreen represents eternal life ...He came to bring us.

And so the traditions are shared and the message of Christ is told to the young, and rekindled alive in the old, as we look forward to this season and remember Christ came to fulfill the promise of a Savior...

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son
and they will call him Immanuel" -
which means, "God with us".
Mathew 1:22-23