The view from there...

This is what happens when a five year old and her 1 year old sister get an okay-ed escapade with the family camera...

Hmm, now wasn't that exciting!?
...it's interesting the things that stick out to kids, on their level.

Now if only I could see and understand everything the way that they do...

Chocolate Cake

This cake is genius.

Amazing melt-in-your-mouth richness.

Absolutely delightful alongside some fresh espresso.

I did substitute brown sugar for the Muscovado, a lime in place of the lemon and half and half whole wheat and white flour for the Spelt purely because I didn't have them on hand.

While waiting for our cake to bake to perfection, my son kept me entertained with his facial contortions.

Okay, time to check on our yummy delicacy...

A few more minutes in the oven...

His sad face.

I believe I under baked the cake ever so slightly, but it was still heavenly. I love half-baked desserts, so we scarfed this one down managing to share a little with friends before only crumbs remained.

You can't go wrong with chocolate!



Random Conscious Thoughts Thursday

Life has been contentedly full and blessed!

I am amazed at how the days pass by so quickly...

I have been wanting to indulge in purchasing some beautiful briar.claire hats, bows and leg warmers.

I am not sure when or if I will, but with four young girls in the house, they would surely be put to good use!

My husband and I along with a dozen friends or so recently ran and finished a half marathon!

I finished 3rd in my age group at a time of 1:57:17 and he in 4th at 1:37:30.

The experience is indescribable.
BUT you know me, I'll try...

I would encourage everyone to choose a goal, be disciplined and see it through to the end.
I worked at it with all of my heart as if I was doing it for the Lord.

I had no other choice, it was more than I could do otherwise.
It's an amazing euphoric feeling to have finished the race.
I was completely awestruck as the finish line came into view, I had really just ran 13.1 miles!

Running through the physical pain, the mental battle of concentration and looking ahead to the finish line..

before it is even in sight;

this reminds me of our Christian walk... running in that race has spurred me on in my Christian walk.

 It's a smaller scale physical picture to be sure,

but that story of endurance can be likened to our spiritual walk here on earth...
I prepared for this race in every way possible, from the socks and shoes on my feet,
to the food I ate the day before.

There we're moments in the midst of the race where I felt free as a bird as my feet propelled me forward, downhill;

I was light hearted and relaxed.

There we're times, exhausted and in pain I would look up to the Heavens for strength;

as the next uphill battle loomed in the distance.

But in the end, with strength from above, I finished.  I had nothing left to give, but all of me...

Wow, amazing experience. 

God is so good to use life experiences to grow us spiritually, and I look at everything as an opportunity for spiritual growth.

I am still reeling and blissfully floating on air from recent life "lovelies",

as I prepare for our annual Women's retreat.

I am excited to set aside the fun busyness our life has afforded us this upcoming weekend,

and retreat to the beautiful tree lined mountains, crisp mornings and the mirrored ripples of the lake...

being bathed in sweet Scripture and fellowship.

I long to go this year more than ever before...

probably due to life being fuller than ever before.

Our entry remodel aptly labeled "Project Water Diversion" is just about halfway finished.

My husband took a few days off of work to get as much done as he has.

We hope to get the rest done before winter hits with it's mighty force!
My kids are sweethearts.
I adore being their mommy.
My husband is amazingly wonderful, gifted and compelled.
I do not deserve his every moment of kindness and love!
God is always faithful to give us more and less than we would deserve.
School, library and major house cleaning and organizing (trust me YOU would be embarrassed at how far it has been let go this week!) on the agenda for today... that is after I finish my oatmeal, tea and coffee this fine morning.
I need that double dose of caffeine today!
Bible studies are going great.
Pursuing real friendships---> check.
Feeding my "white dog" this morning.
Practicing kindness and walking in joy...
Not: getting stressed, uneasy, discontent and confrontational...
No, resting, praying, loving and living
for Him.
Keep smiling my friends and work as unto the Lord today, for He delights in you and your heart of worship and praise unto Him for all things.
Even the little things.

Jude 1
But you, beloved,
building yourselves up on your most holy faith,
praying in the Holy Spirit,
 keep yourselves in the love of God,
looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
And on some have compassion,
making a distinction;
but others save with fear,
pulling them out of the fire,
hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
Glory to God!
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen.

The fruit of the Spirit is... kindness.

The Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their own sinful selves. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit. We must not be proud or make trouble with each other or be jealous of each other.

-Galatians 5:22-26

~

We're called to kindness...

Excerpts, Bible verses and thoughts from and based on the

book A Woman's Walk With God and embellished by me.

 When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. And do not make the Holy Spirit sad. The Spirit is God's proof that you belong to him. God gave you the Spirit to show that God will make you free when the final day comes. Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.

-Ephesians 4:29-32

~

Defining kindness...

Kindness actively plans to do something, now. Kindness is: loving others more than ourselves, caring for the comfort and welfare of others more than our own, considering others more important than ourselves, and forgoes arguing.

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, a good teacher, and patient.

-2 Timothy 2:24

~

When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.

-Philippians 2:3-4

~

Cultivating Kindness...

          Caring is part of kindness!

          Thinking is part of kindness!

          Noticing is part of kindness!

          Touching is part of kindness!

         

Kindness is the next step we are to take after we have practiced patience when wronged!  How many times my natural response to some one who has just hurt me is to react  and decide, "Well, you're off my list!  I don't have to put up with that kind of treatment!  I'll just withhold my love from you!"  But moments like these are precisely when our faith and love for others is being tested and we can have a spiritual victory simply by making a choice to do the opposite of what our flesh desires, a choice to be kind.

Kindness is supernatural, especially to those who have hurt us and it requires God, the holy Spirit, filling us with HIS loving kindness. So we can be overflowing with perfect Him instead of flawed us.

Wordless Wednesday-flashback to 2008