Gag at a gnat

Have you ever pondered how flowers grow?

When you plant that little seed in the dirt, you never know how it's going to grow exactly, but if you plant it in rich soil,  you nourish it, pamper it, and feed it....it usually turns out beautiful now doesn't it?

I had a conversation with a few friends this past week and our words got me to thinking.  If you surround yourself with negativity, that's what will be in your life.  If you are looking for perfection, you'll never get it because we all know nothing is perfect on this earth and no human has ever been perfect other than Jesus.

The King James Bible tells us to study to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15), to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)....those scriptures are pretty self explanatory to me.  

I also love the scripture that says Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.  (Matthew 23:24)

We make it so hard on ourselves when it really is so simple to serve God and to have good lives.  We will still face hard times because it says That ye be children of your  Father which is in Heaven: for he maketh the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and unjust.  (Mathew 5:45)  So being a child of God doesn't state we will not go through trials, but that in all things work together for the good to them that love God. (Romans 8:28)  But there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:  but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able; but will with temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may  be able to bear it.  (1 Corinthians 10:13) 

With all of the scripture throughout the Bible, the stories we read, why do we make things so complicated on ourselves?  Because it has been in man since the eating of the apple which brought forth sin which was pride, that we know all, see all and hear all.  Everyone wants to be the head, the leader, the one in the spotlight.  They want to call the shots and not be submissive.   

Now if weeds get into the soil that you planted your seed in, then they will choke out the flower.  Study for yourself, don't listen to man solely.  If they can't give you scripture, then don't listen to them.  

Stand for God!

 I am standing for God and if I die today, I am a winner.  If I live, I am a winner....with God in my heart, I am and always be a winner no matter if I stand alone or with many.

I remember....

My mother loves to write...she has a way with putting words together that make you swoon.  I am a picture person...that is my tale to tell.  I've always loved looking at pictures.  I remember as a little girl, studying photos, down to every last detail.  My husband says I am a very detailed person, lol...guess that's why.

I went out the other evening as the sun was going down.  Everything was so pretty, the birds nestling in for the night, the crickets singing, the honeysuckle smell in the warm summer breeze....I want my photos to make you feel that.  Like I do when I see and hear it all.

As I looked around, I began to think of all of the memories that have been made here.  Maybe I need to pair up with my Mother and write a book...her words and my photos.

That road.....

How many years I've traveled this road.  Sometimes flying like a speed queen and others taking my good ole time.  Watching my oldest daughter come around the bend after getting her drivers license.  How relieved I was to see her in that white car of hers.  Many family members and friends coming to visit....some good visits and others not so good.   Watching the school bus bring my babies home to me. 

This gate....

Pulling into the graveled driveway, listening to the crunch under my wheels.  Seeing that house and knowing I was home.  This gate could tell a few stories...one about when my husbands truck went backwards out of the driveway and hit this gate then went into the creek.  I will never forget watching him run as fast as he could trying to catch it all the while I was praying the truck wouldn't destroy our newly installed gate. 

(that prayer was answered)

That fence....

We've always had a pool.  When our girls got a bit older, we had boys and men drive by glaring at them as they sunbathed and swam.  So the fence went up!  I've watched the wood age to the most beautiful silver color.  Much like grey hair.  How many times I've had a paint brush in hand but have stopped...I am so glad I've never painted it.  Can you believe I am saying that?!

The fire pit...

All of those rocks were carried by my husband and I.  The sweat, the body scrapes and aches!  All for something that we could all sit around and share.  The tall tales that have been told, the laughter, the tears....it's a sight that I cherish as I look out onto our yard.  

The hand made swing set....
Oh how our daughters spent hours and hours playing here.  The slicky slide, the swings, all long since gone.  But their laughter and smiles live on  in my heart.

This mountain....

Through every season, I've always loved this view!  How many have looked at this very mountain through the years and remembered like me?

And the gorgeous sky!  I remember as a wee little girl, riding with my aunt and her asking me what color I thought God's favorite was?  I said blue because of the sky.  I've always loved looking up and imagining God looking down at me.  I've had many talks with him while looking at the sky.

I guess what I am trying to say is that all of the memories I have and have made, will they carry on like mine have with someone?  I hold so many sweet memories in my head and heart.  That's what I love about blogging...being able to share my life.  And maybe,  one day after I'm dead and gone, my photos will still be here along with a piece of my heart.