Eagles

Today as I was sitting in my Jeep after I got out of work, I was enjoying the sunshine and comfortable temperatures, eating some cool watermelon that was leftover from my lunch, and just generally basking in my freedom. It's the simple things that I find myself gravitating towards and appreciating so much more in the past few years as I alluded to when I began my Joy Journal page (I know, I know, it needs to be updated).

Anyways, where I park my vehicle in the lot most days (my unofficial parking spot as we all seem to have), I have a surprisingly good view for birdwatching, even though I don't work in the middle of a forest, there are many younger trees planted in our newish business park and birds that have decided to make their homes there. So, I love watching them when I am sitting outside on my break or after work when I'm not rushing off somewhere. They peck at the ground or chase bugs. They swoop low to the ground and back up in the air, or just hop along. I have found lately that it's amazing when you take a moment to slow down and observe the world around you, what you'll see.

But today there was a very large bird, probably just a big hawk, but it was so beautiful as it had outstretched wings and glided high above the buildings, the dark blue sky and sunshine as a picture perfect backdrop. I watched the large bird for several minutes as it flew in a circle, once in a while flapping its wings and then gliding again. Sometimes I think it would be so cool to be a bird and just fly away (Psalm 55:6), high above the cares and worries of this world. To just glide though the air enjoying the breeze, what a thrill that would be! The beauty of the moment brought a few tears to my eyes and I was reminded of how God used the Eagle as a metaphor in Isaiah 40:31:

"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."

source

So, until I can truly fly through the heavens, I will cling to that verse and thank God for the beautiful reminders of his love that he places in my path daily.

....Another Butterfly Day

Last Sunday I took my camera to my parent's house and went for a walk around their property, capturing some of the beautiful images that can be found within their 2 acres (where I grew up). I was lucky to get to add to my butterfly photo collection with a couple shots...

“I tell of hearts and souls and dances...
Butterflies and second chances;
Desperate ones and dreamers bound,
Seeking life from barren ground,
Who suffer on in earthly fate
The bitter pain of agony hate,
Might but they stop and here forgive
Would break the bonds to breathe and live
And find that God in goodness brings
A chance for change, the hope of wings
To rest in Him, and self to die
And so become a butterfly.”

Karen Kingsbury

(from Ocean's Apart)

Girl's Nite

We try for one Saturday a month. The girls on my mom's side of the family (my aunts, cousins, and sister, sometimes grandma) meet at someones house and have fun eating good food, watching a movie, and laughing. A lot. I am so thankful for my aunt suggesting that we start this tradition a few years ago. With the busyness of life, it is nice to slow down and gather together around a table for a meal. And did I mention laughter?!

Here are a few pictures:

my homemade guacamole

 our dinner spread

 my sister's awesome cake balls

all of us girls :)  (me on the far right)

P.S. I have added more to my Joy Journal.

New Blog Pages Added!

I just wanted to point out that I have added a few new pages to my blog (you will see the tabs across the top, under the blog title):

• The "Story of Us" - a page to give those who read my blog a glimpse of who I am.
• Joy Journal - a new page that I will add pictures to periodically of things that bring me joy.
• Recipes - a new page where I will put the links to the recipes I post, which I plan to start doing more of again.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!