Collage

 

Here is a collection of the memories we 

made with our loved 

ones at the beginning of the month.  Not only did we love sharing the time but also a piece of our lives here. Thank you for making the long trip, guys!!  I think you'll agree... the pictures tell it was worth it!

Photo opps at one of my favorite places.  The plant life was not up to par, but despite the fact that we are not yet into spring and the new growing season, the coast did not disappoint! It was a gorgeous day!

Lots of smiles.....

company is always fun to have, and Ethan is always sure there's plenty of time spent laughing. 

Taking in the sun and scenery isn't such a bad thing either!

We so enjoyed your company! 

     

Hope

"In all my perplexities and distresses, 

the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength."  

General Robert E. Lee

Sweet Song

Shhhh....  Listen....

It could be heard all throughout the valley tonight.  

I had to stop and take it in.  Anyone who crossed my path was asked to do the same.  We heard their beautiful melody in the still of the night. 

Frogs!  

In abundance.  The much needed rain has brought the Eco system to life in a way quite unfamiliar to us in this place.   And yet, what a very familiar sound.... 

The sounds of home, back in our beautiful forest.  It was difficult to miss the first songs of the Spring Peepers each April in Ohio.  Almost as deafening as the locust in August.  

As I worked on my project this evening, I intentionally left the patio door open, allowing this very wonderful melody to enter and fill the room like a beautiful fragrance. 

No wonder I love frogs.  Tonight they sang to the music of my heart. 

Hiccups and Rainbows

My Uncle Tom once told me this is the land of never ending scenery.  

He was right....

These amazing oaks grace our front yard. 

Even "inclement weather" has a beauty all it's own.

Different micro climates can be viewed due to varying elevations.  

I saw three different rainbows at different times, all in one day last week.  

That was also a day for hiccups... 

wonder what that relationship was all about?

I snapped this shot while on the phone with Lynne. 

Since I mentioned it, thought you'd like to see it friend!

Soldier Boy

Zach made his mother proud as he "broke a leg" in his 

first ever drama performance back in December.  

He played G.I. Joe in a short skit which was performed on the 

big stage, complete with professional lighting and makeup!!  

Nice job Sergent!

Quote

"Mature faith does not live by answers to prayer, but by prayer."  

R.E.O. White

Groupies

These are the faces of our crazy Life Group friends!  

Here we are on our way to see an amazing display of 

Christmas lights back in December.  Taking a bus ride together 

made for great fun as we sang carols, ate shared goodies, 

and had snowball fights made of paper balls, 

complete with lots of laughter.

Coast to Coast

Parts of my wonderful in-law family is here with us this week.  Bill's Dad and sister Heidi along with her friend John ventured from one sunny spot to another - literally coast to coast from Florida to California.  It's too short a visit to have traveled nearly a whole day only to be over so quickly.  They will be headed back to the other sunny part of the country on Friday, and while the time has flown by, we sure have loved every minute with them. It's such a blessing to share the beauty of this place with those we hold so dear!  

Belonging

Sunday morning.   As I sat in church today, twice I felt the hand of a new friend upon my shoulder.  I wish I could adequately describe what a touch like this means to me.  I don't believe I can.  

I suppose it might be because I am a person who endears touch, perhaps even more than I realize.  When I am the recipient as I was today, I find myself pondering over the emotion and speechless by the impact such an encounter has on me.    

It is in gestures such as this that I sense the love of my Savior for me.   Ever needed a hug, and when a true friend comes along and gives you one an amazing love comes over you?  I experienced something like that today.  I felt loved.  

I am so grateful that God sees fit to connect us with wonderful people wherever we are, if we would only see the potential in others and just put ourselves out there by being vulnerable and transparent.  In my opinion, that's really where belonging begins.