God, Give this Child a Good Heart

Below is a short video I put together using pictures of our children sleeping.

The backgound music is from Ernie Haase and Signature Sound.

A Good Heart

An upside-down day

So we were riding along the other day and a little 8 year old voice pipes up from the back and says, "Did you know that an ordinary, lower case 'i' can become something very exciting just by turning it upside down?"

It took me just a few tenths of a second to figure out where she was going with this one, but I get the picture.

I also love her choice of wording--lower case, rather than small or little.

Ever since, I have been thinking about the lesson here. Sometimes it feels like life has taken and turned you upside-down. You don't understand why things happen the way they do. Why people say the things they say. Why our plans don't turn out the way we planned. I've been reminded though, that, "All things work together for good to them that love Him." That, "What others meant against me, God used for my good." That, "He has a plan for my life--to give me peace and an expected end."

I paraphrased all the above scriptures, but I think they are familiar to you.

I was also reminded that the ordinary "lower-case" days are the ones that I ought to treasure. The bumped heads and runny noses, and laundry are special and exciting "exclamation points" if you will.

"Despise not small things!"

Little 'lower-case eyes' are watching me, and I will leave a permanent ink 'exclamation mark' on their lives.

Post Valentine Briefing

Hubby sent me these beautiful roses. Speaking of flowers, I have noticed a disturbing trend--an idea that sending flowers is old fashioned or un-fashionable--that being romantic is out of date. I disagree. No, I don't get flowers every year, and I don't have to, to know that he loves me. At the same time, I think a true gentleman will (at least occasionally) go out of his way to express to his lady her value to him.
We humans are so strange. Too often we wait until it's "too late". Personally, I don't see the point of flowers covering my casket, if they were trivial or too expensive while I was alive.
I LOVE the vase he chose. Believe me, it will come out of storage every year to join my valentine decor.

Having girls is so much fun! Here we were having a bit of fun with our hair.
We really came up with some doozey's! :)

These little sweeties rank right up there with the best of my valentines ever! I made Kammy's little valentine t-shirt dress. You know it had to be horses!

I saw this quote the other day and loved it, so I added it to a picture including my valentine vase.

16 years ago, I got roses from the same man. He was a lot younger then, but I guess I was too. Actually, I don't really find it fair. Men seem to age so gracefully. The gray streaks in their hair looks distinguised and the wrinkles speak of maturity and wisdom. :)

Maybe you remember my thrift store treasure frame? I'm waiting until after our trip to Europe for something permanant, but I did add a few lovey-dovies for the time being.

I thought this 'pencil sketch' of my babycakes was pretty cute.

"Oh love of God! How rich and pure! How measureless, and strong! It shall forever more endure, the saints and angel's song!"

We had a special valentine banquet at home last night, with the kids! I made beef roast with mashed potatoes and gravy. We also had steamed veggies and fresh hot rolls. For dessert, I made the hubbies fav. Coffee & cream brownies!

"There is no such thing as love;

Only proofs of love." ~Jean Cocteau

He saw me plunged in deep distress
And flew to my relief;
For me He bore the shameful cross
And carried all my grief,
And carried all my grief.

Since from His bounty I receive
Such proofs of love divine,
Had I a thousand hearts to give,
Lord, they should all be Thine,
Lord, they should all be Thine.