Cultivating the Hearts of the Next Generation

Spring unfolds her verdant banner early in southern Alabama, inviting us to linger outside. As my little daughter and I enjoyed the backyard I noticed that a large pot, brought from my grandmother's house after she died last year, was coming to life. The hydrangea inside is pushing out fresh green leaves and on one of the vines, winding it's way to rest on the shoulder of an angel, also from her yard, was a dainty purple blossom. I didn't realize last year when I brought the faded green pot home what kind of vine was planted along with the hydrangea, but I was so tickled to discover it was the beautiful purple flowering one.

Today in the backyard my grandmother's flowers, and her grandchild, are blooming.

Grandma's green thumb was more of a green hand. She nurtured and cared for her beloved flowers and yard. Seeing her plants, now alive in my yard, alongside of her vivacious granddaughter, reminded me of our responsibility to tend and pass down truth. How are we investing in the next generation?

Life goes on. We tend and nurture, plant and plan, and then we're gone. What do we leave? It matters. Is it lasting, does it effect generations for God's glory, is what we leave behind of eternal consequence? One day the the little purple flower will fade and die but the little girl with bouncing curls, spinning and singing, I trust, will never truly die.

"He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands." Psalm 78:5-7

How we tend little hearts matters. They will not grow straight and strong on their own. Healthy hearts require nurturing. How are you investing in the future generation?

Women Who Inspire ~ The Sisterhood

(I wrote this post eighteen months ago but when I came across it today I had to share it again. I had completely forgotten this moment of seeing beauty. I hope it touches your heart as much as it did mine!)

Sister - (from dictionary.com)
adjective
12. being or considered a sister; related by or as if by sisterhood: sister ships.13. having a close relationship with another because of shared interests, problems, or the like.

I have been undeniably blessed by precious women in my life. Some close family, some that lived before my time, some have rubbed me hard smoothing away jagged edges, some young, some old,some who know my heart deeply and still love me, some I've never met. But all sharing a common relation, fellowship birthed from the blood of Jesus. Sweet family, a gift. These women have so energized my Christian walk I just had to introduce some of them to you. (I hope you will post a comment and tell me about the women who have blessed your life.)

This week's sister:

I didn't have time to get my regular Tuesday post up. Initially I was just going to let it pass and pick back up next week. And then I saw her. My heart was moved, throat constricted, eyes puddled. I had to name her beauty, I wish I had a picture to show you. Instead I'll use my words.

Our family was sitting at a table in the mall food court happily munching Chick-fil-a, our Tuesday night ritual. When she walked up, or should I say stumbled, small hand clasped by her daddy's larger one. She must have been about eight or nine. Two tight plastic braces encased her legs up to the knee and disappeared into blue sneakers. They sat at an adjacent table, backs to us. Her honey colored braids perched high on her head, one with a pink band the other green. A pair of little glasses were set on her small nose, held in place by a strap.

She looked at him sideways for help and conversation, sometimes with a sweet smile. A smile that made my heart ache. My completely perfect daughter, with ringlet hair, strong legs, brilliant blue eyes, saw her. Her little hand pointed, "Look at that friend mommy, she's so pretty!" I could contain it no longer, the tears fell, out of compassion for one girl and pride in another. One beautiful and the other recognizing it!

They finished their meal and her daddy pulled her up with his strong hand and helped her walk. I watched them leave, her golden braids swinging with her lopsided lope. My heart breathed a prayer. "Father, sing a song of beauty over her life. When other's taunt or jeer, protect her fragile heart and the beauty hidden inside by your love." Today I saw beauty in her eyes and I'm better because of it. But what delights me most is so did my daughter.

Have you seen beauty in unexpected people lately?

Beauty Through My Eyes ~ The Rainy Day

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's 

handwriting." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Taking time for beauty makes us better; whether observing the beauty of creation, being moved by great music, seeing the world through poetry or being transported by a painting. There is joy to be found in the organic rhythm of beauty all around us. The more we open ourselves to appreciating beauty the more we will see it. Let me share with you a taste of the beautiful, I hope it will touch and enrich your heart.

The Rainy Day

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;

It rains, and the wind is never weary;

The vine still clings to the moldering wall,

But at every gust the dead leaves fall,

And the day is dark and dreary.

My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;

It rains, and the wind is never weary;

My thoughts still cling to the moldering Past,

But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast

And the days are dark and dreary.

Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;

Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;

Thy fate is the common fate of all,

Into each life some rain must fall,

Some days must be dark and dreary.

Nothing goes with a melancholy mood like the words of my favorite poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Just the right mixture of wistful sorrow touched by hope. I'm thankful for beautiful words that give shape to emotion and thought.

Do you have a favorite poet, perhaps one you turn to when you're searching for words?

A Spontaneous Hallelujah!

I feel the need today to shout out a Hallelujah to the God who makes zinnias grow in November, who doesn't laugh at a girl who wants to go to Serbia, who gives out gifts like every day is Christmas, who makes flesh and blood strangers sisters of the heart, who causes four year old laughter to sound like sunshine, who lets us rest our faith on his ability to be faithful. To that God, the living one, I have to give a shout out!

I'm thankful for a husband who has gotten used to my idiosyncrasies and doesn't make me feel bad for them but doesn't feel the need to follow suit either, he just lets me be me.

I'm thankful for color. That instead of black and white, or shades of blue, God splashed the world with a pallet that defies description. For orange butterflies sipping nectar daintily in the November sun.

I'm thankful for a little boy filled with curiosity, wearing a coon skin cap. For a little boy who's sensitive and sorry when he does what's wrong. Who loves his little sister and thinks she's cute, and mostly not annoying.

I'm thankful that when I need mercy and call out for it that it's never lacking. That knowledge gives me courage to go big and not be afraid to fail because mercy is what I'll get every time!

It's good to say thank you, to shout out praise, and name some gifts! How about you what's got your heart jumping and your face smiling lately?

Reflecting on Beauty

 "Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's 

handwriting." Ralph Waldo Emerson

My summer has been saturated with moments of beauty. After some difficult days, I'm reminding myself of the generous way God has splashed tangible glimpses of his creativity and grace throughout my life.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

    The skies display his craftsmanship.

² 

Day after day they continue to speak;

    night after night they make him known.

³ 

They speak without a sound or word;

    their voice is never heard.

⁴ 

Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,

    and their words to all the world.
Psalm 19

How has God displayed his beauty in your life?

Use Your Pain

What do you do with pain in your life? Once the wound has stopped throbbing and a thin layer of pink skin has formed are you ready to use your experiences in another persons life? Whether we're writers, teachers, parents, or a whole host of professions or roles, I believe our painful experiences have power when used generously in another persons life.

Today I'm sharing about making our painful moments meaningful over at The Write Practice. Stop over and learn about using your painful moments for good!

A Visit from a Squidgy Neighbor

Yesterday I tackled the weeds that had taken over my garden. Only a few herbs and marigolds remained. I was thinking of winter squash, pumpkins, lettuce, spinach, and broccoli as I set to work.

My garden had succumbed to a weed takeover 

I shoved my fingers down into dark, warm soil. Wiggled them around and felt the life. Yanking on weeds I fought and reclaimed land for planting. Pumpkins, big and orange, were filling my mind when a fat body hopped, plop, in front of me. Stifling  a little squeal, it quick became a chuckle as I leaned down to examine the fine fellow I had startled.

His bulgy, toady eyes blinked at me. Stretching out a finger I stroked his plump body painted a clever brown camouflage. He eyed me suspiciously and wiggled down into the dirt. Maybe he hoped to blend in so the lady with the big grin, standing too close, would go away.

Hip, hop, plop, blup went his squidgy, muddy feet through the garden soil. He had had enough of my curiosity. I set my jaw to liberating the rectangle of earth from invading weeds. Toad found a happy spot under a nearby rosemary bush to make himself a hole. Nestling down the sides of his big belly flopped over his back feet and he snuggled contentedly in the loam. 

Handsome fellow

Working steadily, sun beating down on my brow, crick in my back, I kept one eye on my new friend. Laughter rang out and, "Mommy!" pulling me away from my chore. Children and friend mingled. Four little pairs of hands and four sets of eyes circled up to see the plump little treasure. "Ooh, aahh, he's so cute," exclaimed four sets of voices admiring his lovely skin.

"Isn't  God clever to make such a wonderful creature?" I teach. "Yes he is." Off they scamper in every direction, like puppy's frolicking and tumbling. Back to work. As the sun gets sleepy I finish my assault on the weed invasion. A  plot of freshly turned dark soil stretches before me, fresh, ready to bear new life. A few remaining herbs stand at attention keeping watch. And my fat little friend sleeps tucked in a blanket of dirt.

The garden plot has been reclaimed

Beauty Calls

Sometimes life pounds hard, zips past, and makes demands. Even if it's just the simple routine of work and dishes and bills. And sometimes, really all the time if we're listening, beauty calls out. Her voice isn't demanding though. It's gentle as a mother's, salty as an ocean breeze; full of nuance and flavor, whispering of rest, joy and healing. Beauty is a gift. God's gift, an intimate part of his created order. I wonder if enjoying his gift of beauty is a form of worship, an expression of thanks.

This Sunday, after the work and privilege of worshiping God, our family took time for the work and privilege of enjoying beauty, together. It was hot and we (okay me) snapped once or twice, but it was lovely and satisfying to be together. It's a whole other experience living near water, one that we're discovering the joys of bit by bit. These pictures were all taken in Pensacola, Florida, enjoy.

Our lunch view at The Fish House, best grits EVER!

My sassy southern belle!

I loved the artistry of this charming old church.

A peak inside.

Live oaks! Living poetry in a park.

Live oaks are prone to long limbs that break.
I love their solution to offering the trees support!

My water baby enjoying the splash of a pretty fountain.

Southern architecture delights my senses.
I love the balance and decorum of this house with it's cheery mustard walls.

Beauty makes us better. Where have you seen beauty lately? Won't you share with us how you answer beauty's call?

Mountain Retreat

What goes well with pictures from a lovely mountain retreat? The poetry of Emily Dickinson of course! My family's time at my parents mountain cabin was refreshing and sweet. I hope you find a moment of quiet repose in these images and words.

XXI

Emily Dickenson

The grass so little has to do, -

A sphere of simple green,

With only butterflies to brood,

And bees to entertain

And stir all day to pretty tunes

The breezes fetch along,

And hold the sunshine in its lap

And bow to everything;

Crowning the hill

A glimpse of home

Quiet beckons

Proudly posing blue beauty

Little fingers collecting summer time treasures

Blackberries not yet black guarded by a sentinel daisy

Walks with a friend are always the best

Summer donned her lacy gown

A creative display of grasses

Goodbye!

  And thread the dews all night, like pearls,

And make itself so fine, -

A duchess were too common

For such a noticing.

And even when it dies, to pass

In odors so divine,

As lowly spices gone to sleep,

 Or amulets of pine.

And then to dwell in sovereign barns,

And dream the days away, -

The grass so little has to do,

I wish I were the hay!

A Garden of Love

For many years ministry has taken me far away from my Georgia roots, our last ministry was in the wilderness of Wyoming. In the last twelve years I've missed my grandfather and two cousin's funerals not to mention a handful of weddings. The distance has dulled relationships and each gathering missed was itself a grief.

But this week was different. In this season of life God has graciously placed me closer to family. I traveled from the Alabama coast and wound my way through Georgia pines to say goodbye. My last grandparent is gone. Grand, columned houses and orange country roads flashed past on my way home.

It was a comfort, a joy, to celebrate my grandma's life, her legacy, and her home-going, with my family. After the beautiful funeral and memorial service, conversations and hugs, my parents, sister, and I stopped by Grandma's empty house one last time.

Grandma was a gardener with a green hand. Every inch of her back yard was filled with life, at one time it had been a show place, but in recent years it had begun to reflect the life of it's aging owner. As we entered the metal gate and walked around the tiered yard I felt like I was entering the secret garden. Roses still bloomed, hydrangeas showed off their color, lilies had faithfully made their appearance but all amidst a tangle. 

I think families are a bit like the garden. Sometimes messy, in need of pruning, maybe some thorns and work to be done. But always with flowers blooming and a few quiet places of rest, beauty and potential. The question is will we enter in and participate. Engaging takes courage.

God is purposeful. He doesn't make mistakes when he crafts a family. We can embrace the gift of family, with it's challenges and joys, overcoming fear and pride for the sake of love. I'm learning that participating with God is always more productive than resisting him, that's true in our family relationships as well. What blooms when we do is a thing of beauty.

I'm thankful for the variety of relationships I've been blessed with, they shape and refine me and bring my life meaning. Is there a relationship you resist because of fear or hurt, maybe difference or time separate you. How can we engage and allow those relationships to be transformed by grace, blessing both people?

I brought a plant and angel home from my grandma's garden as a reminder that beauty lies locked inside the heart of every relationship.

Beauty Through My Eyes

 "Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's 

handwriting." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Taking time for beauty makes us better; whether observing the beauty of creation, being moved by great music, seeing the world through poetry or being transported by a painting. There is joy to be found in the organic rhythm of beauty all around us. The more we open ourselves to appreciating beauty the more we will see it. Let me share with you a taste of the beautiful, I hope it will touch and enrich your heart.

The Return of Spring

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Now Time throws off his cloak again
Of ermined frost, and wind, and rain,
And clothes him in the embroidery
Of glittering sun and clear blue sky.

With beast and bird the forest rings,
Each in his jargon cries or sings;
And Time throws off his cloak again.
Of ermined frost, and wind, and rain.

River, and fount, and tinkling brook
Wear in their dainty livery
Drops of silver jewelry;
In new-made suit they merry look;

And Time throws off his cloak again
Of ermined frost, and wind, and rain. 

Longfellow has long been one of my favorites. Whenever I turn to him I can always count on 

being transported. In southern Alabama we're in the throws of summer but I appreciated this colorful description of earth transformed. Wherever you are this week, I hope you experience your own metamorphosis, a waking up of joy and casting off of the old!

Beauty Through my Eyes: If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking by Emily Dickinson

 "Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting."Ralph Waldo Emerson

Taking time for beauty makes us better; whether observing the beauty of creation, being moved by great music, seeing the world through poetry or being transported by a painting. There is joy to be found in the organic rhythm of beauty all around us. The more we open ourselves to appreciating beauty the more we will see it. Let me share with you a taste of the beautiful, I hope it will touch and enrich your heart.

  If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

by Emily Dickinson

Searching for Beauty

 

My husband, Chris, and I spent several days in Alabama interviewing for a job recently. While we were there we spent an afternoon at the beach. It was a beautiful day. I loved the colors, sounds and smells. The beach is a short drive from our new home, I'm looking forward to spending time soaking up beach days with my children in the near future.

"O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide teeming with life of every kind, both large and small." Psalm 104:24-25

I appreciate the variety of creation. Where would you go to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors? 

I'm linking up with Shanda at A Pause on the Path in searching for beauty.