I love these things

This has always been one of my favorite 'personality tests' that I ran across a few years ago. It's more fun to take (there are quite a few of them).

You are highly perceptive with a strong intuition and tend to be led by the heart. You are especially drawn to any new and unusual ideas and experiences. You tend to enjoy quiet introspection and like the idea of self-development. You have a very creative mind. But sometimes you need to be disciplined to avoid getting distracted, especially if you're working at home.

Enthusiastic and imaginative, you enjoy work that involves experimentation and variety. You value taking time for yourself. You are naturally quite measured. Sometimes taking time to write things down helps you to connect to your innermost feelings.

You can be both calm and peaceful, and you like to feel free to explore your environment. You can be a little nostalgic and you love revisiting familiar places and memories. When it comes to art you appreciate precision and hard work. Nothing is more impressive than real craftsmanship. You like how music helps you unwind, switch off. Music transports you far away from the everyday grind.

For you friendship is all about being there for one another. It's so precious to know that there are a few special people in the world that you can always rely on. When you think of freedom - you think of being in charge of your direction. The open road and a full tank can take you pretty much anywhere.

Check it out at: Http://DNA.imagini.net/friends

Oasis Ahead!

It's Friday already.

Yeah. Took me by surprise too.

(Can I just say how excited I am for this weekend? So excited.)

Thank goodness for our presidents!

Why can't all weekends be three days?
It was glorious. Simply, splendidly, wonderful.
I haven't baked this much in quite a while, nor cleaned this much either. It's fabulous to have so many people around, so much laughter. So much sunshine in my heart.

Friday favorites:
* Enchilada Pie
* friends abundant
* marshmallow fight
* learning to make sopapillas (so delicious)
* The Shining
* Salt and Pepper candles
* Much laughter

Saturday ("L is for love, because what is life without love?"):
* bus rides telletubby style
* Watching He's Just Not That Into You with friends
* Hamburgers, turkey burgers, chicken and Harry Potter V
* Throwing garlic all over the floor
* Google Maps
* Napping on the couch
* Much more laughter

Sunday:
* Gwinn brunch
* catching up with friends
* baking funfetti heart cupcakes
* Spaghetti squash with salad and garlic french bread
* Madagascar 2 (Lion King meets Lost)
* Bread from The Essential Baking Company (yummm)
* Rachel and Amy laughs

Monday Messes:
* 6 loads of laundry later...
* homework homework homework(which I haven't really started)
* balanced checkbook (on the first try)
* clean room and a cup of tea.

Blessings are abundant. I am so very thankful.

This I Pray

My heart is heavy tonight.

I revisited an email I received a while ago and it's the only thing I can think to hold onto:

"Ephesians 5:15 encourages us to 'be very careful how you live, making the most of your time.' Each and every one of us is going through tough times right now, but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith.
Prayer is one of the best gifts we receive.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards.
Let's continue to pray for one another.

Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those that I care deeply for. Show them a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings.
In Jesus' precious name. Amen."

Sometimes all that's left to do is pray.

10::10 - Hooray I remembered!!!

My day in 10 pictures (10::10 = 10 pictures on the 10th of the month)

7:15am 9:20am

10:30am

1:00pm

1:45pm
5:00pm

6:25pm

8:00pm

10:00pm

SOON....

Travel bug...

It was just raining ice. Like the kind of ice I prefer in my drink, little pebble sized chunks that are easy to chew. But I don't like it so much when it's pelting me on the head.

I'm procrastinating again.

On a more exciting note... I got my passport today!!! I feel so... sophisticated? Even though my book is blank (not for long) I feel like I can go ANYWHERE because I can! except for the whole money = travel thing. So, now my passport is just itching to be used... Canada anyone??

The sunrises have been amazing the past couple of days. Here's one of my favorites from last week:

Weary Walking

This week has been rough.

Stress is high.

Blood pressure I'm sure is high.

Tears abundant.

Eyelids heavy.

Heart weary.

God is faithful. Through His strength and the blessings He sends me I can make it. As I write that Dr. Newby's song is running through my head:

Those that wait on the Lord

shall renew their strength

they shall not be weary o-ooh

wait on Him, wait on Him...

You can make it, Hold to His hand, God's unchanging hand.

Earlier this week (at least I think it was this week...that's how befuddled my mind is) I took a walk with two wonderful friends who continue to renew me and remind me how joyful life is...this walk really was an oasis from the heat of the unending desert I seem to have found myself. These are some of my favorite pictures.

Our adventure begins.

Gwen and I picked out our favorite hidden treasures...this yard was one of mine.

There's so much beauty. Friends laughter and smiles, sunny days, long walks, good conversation. Sometimes I just forget about them, but they always show up at the perfect time.