Living in the South you learn that saying very quickly! For those of you unfortunate souls that don't live here, let me explain.
When something unfortunate happens or is projected to happen, any good southern woman worth her salt will say, "Well, bless their hearts..." This is normally followed by the down casting of eyes and a long, slow shake of the head. Picture this occurring when a teenage would normally say "Nun-uh" or "No way" followed by a gaping mouth! Got the picture?
So today I ran across this blog - Cake Wrecks. All I can say about it is "Bless their hearts..."
Hop over and browse the photos. You'll see why! Oh, and bless your hearts, too!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Down time
What do you do in your "down time"? Sometimes I pick up a book, go for a walk or bike ride, and occasionally turn on a movie.
This past month, as part of an intensive bible study program, I was to have a Spring Retreat and devote 12-24 hours to my relationship with God. They recommend that you do this somewhere other than home, somewhere that you feel closer to God. As I'm low on funds, traveling was out of the question. But, honestly, there are few other places that I feel closer to God than my own home. It's kind of like my own personal sanctuary.
With the other plans that I'd already had in place, carving out such a large chunk of time was difficult. Although I did manage to find 8 hours this past Sunday. The rest was spent in hour chunks here and there. (That's where I found the Red Umbrella story from earlier this week!)
Sunday I vegged out on the couch and indulged in some movie watching - 3 to be exact!
The first was a Jane Goodall movie, Reason for Hope. Ya'll know Jane, right? She's the "monkey lady" who lived in the jungles in Africa for many years studying the primates. Mrs. Goodall is considered responsible for much of the knowledge we now have available on animal life, in general, but specifically primates. Her story is amazing. The strength and courage she has to carry on...well, rent the movie!
Next was The Other Side of Heaven. John Groberg was a farm kid from Idaho. He is of the Mormon faith and was headed to the wilds of Tonga to serve his missionary time. The story takes you from Idaho, through the trip to Tonga, and shows the trials John had while serving God. This movie is based on the actual occurrences that John wrote about in his book, In the Eye of the Storm. This is one of the best, clean, action movies I've seen in a LONG time.
The last and most thought provoking was about Mother Teresa. Over my life Mother Teresa was consistently in the news. I knew that she was a Catholic nun living in India. My mother had explained that she had dedicated her life to caring for the sick there. I had no idea what that meant and to what extent she sacrificed until I saw this movie. Don't rent this movie - BUY IT!
The reoccurring theme in all of these movies was faith, selfless servitude, and appreciating the little things in life. While all of these people clearly had choices to live in comfort, they chose to step out and live by faith alone. They listened to their inner voice and followed it faithfully. Great things came from these decisions.
Be inspired to live lives of faith!
This past month, as part of an intensive bible study program, I was to have a Spring Retreat and devote 12-24 hours to my relationship with God. They recommend that you do this somewhere other than home, somewhere that you feel closer to God. As I'm low on funds, traveling was out of the question. But, honestly, there are few other places that I feel closer to God than my own home. It's kind of like my own personal sanctuary.
With the other plans that I'd already had in place, carving out such a large chunk of time was difficult. Although I did manage to find 8 hours this past Sunday. The rest was spent in hour chunks here and there. (That's where I found the Red Umbrella story from earlier this week!)
When I was trying to narrow down how I should spend my time with God during this Spring Retreat I knew that my mind was too active with real life concerns to spend it quietly. While browsing through the movie section at the local library in search of good curriculum companions the thought came to me that a few faith movies may be just what I needed. Actually, I was searching for a Jane Goodall movie and when found the title led me to the rest!
Sunday I vegged out on the couch and indulged in some movie watching - 3 to be exact!
The first was a Jane Goodall movie, Reason for Hope. Ya'll know Jane, right? She's the "monkey lady" who lived in the jungles in Africa for many years studying the primates. Mrs. Goodall is considered responsible for much of the knowledge we now have available on animal life, in general, but specifically primates. Her story is amazing. The strength and courage she has to carry on...well, rent the movie!
Next was The Other Side of Heaven. John Groberg was a farm kid from Idaho. He is of the Mormon faith and was headed to the wilds of Tonga to serve his missionary time. The story takes you from Idaho, through the trip to Tonga, and shows the trials John had while serving God. This movie is based on the actual occurrences that John wrote about in his book, In the Eye of the Storm. This is one of the best, clean, action movies I've seen in a LONG time.
The last and most thought provoking was about Mother Teresa. Over my life Mother Teresa was consistently in the news. I knew that she was a Catholic nun living in India. My mother had explained that she had dedicated her life to caring for the sick there. I had no idea what that meant and to what extent she sacrificed until I saw this movie. Don't rent this movie - BUY IT!
******
The reoccurring theme in all of these movies was faith, selfless servitude, and appreciating the little things in life. While all of these people clearly had choices to live in comfort, they chose to step out and live by faith alone. They listened to their inner voice and followed it faithfully. Great things came from these decisions.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Now showing in the garden...
Purple Clematis
Thought I'd share some garden photos with you. Most are of the rose garden at the back of our cottage...aren't roses just the loveliest flowers??? I wish you could scratch and sniff. The light fruity aroma that greets me every day is heavenly!
A quick check out front tells me that I'll have some peace to snap some photos.
Part of the Rose Garden
See... I told you they were all droopy!
Coral Rose
Light Pink, David Austin Old English Rose Bud
Light Pink, David Austin Old English Rose, Open
Hot Pink Falstaff Rose
Pat Austin, Peachy Yellow Old English Rose
Pink, Peach, Cream Hybrid Tea Bud
Pink, Peach, Cream Hybrid Tea, open
My chives from last year...
And the weed growing beside it!
Didn't I tell you I have weeds???
Uh oh, I'm in trouble now...I got caught taking pictures!
Mom, what are you doing?
Did you honestly think you could get away without giving me some lovin'?
Is this what I got up from my nap for???
(Mnummnumnum...oooohhhh, stretch!)
REALLY, Mom? Is it really all I got up for???
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
