A Faith Builder

This past summer out family camped alongside a couple other families in our area

It was hot, buggy, and a blast!

One story that came out of the weekend I will never forget. It built my faith.

At one point when we were at the beach, one of the older kids lost a ring, a special keepsake that belonged to his grandfather. I could tell right away that this was really hard for him. It seemed hopeless to dig around in the sand to look for this small treasure.  But he did look and a few of us helped. We prayed too and the kid's mom and dad tried to encourage him to not be so upset, but to let it go.

The next day I went to the beach to read my book and watch the girls swim. I went back to the spot where the ring was lost. A man was in the exact spot laying on a large towel. I was moved to just walk towards that spot and ever so discreetly pray and walk through the sand hoping to find the ring. I knew that it meant a lot to this kid. I really wanted to find it.

I told the Lord that I didn't want to leave the beach that day without the ring. I prayed in faith, confident that it would be found one way or another before we left.

Then, I let it go myself. I enjoyed my book and conversation with the other adults while we watched our kids.

A couple hours went by.

It was nearing the end of our time at the beach.

Ben walked towards the water to give the kids the "10 minute warning" that we would leave to go home.

He came back and sat down and casually said, "Look what I found."

The ring!

He didn't even know whose it was. He had no idea any of us had been looking for it or what our prayer was.

In a moment of utter amazement I told him who it belonged to and what my prayer had been.

It was one of those genuine "Thank You, God" moments. God, you answered a simple, but important prayer.

We returned the ring to its rightful owner. I was grateful he got it back. He had his keepsake once again.

And maybe his faith was built up too.

I know mine was.

Good Husband, Great Marriage

Ben read it, I am starting it. I think it will be transforming.

It is a no nonsense-speaks-directly-to-men-book. Doesn't beat about the bush. Doesn't mince words. You get the idea.

Wives should read it too.

We found our copy at Half Price Books.

More later.

Six!

In a lot of ways, this captures the epitome of our life now.

(Somewhere behind those boxes on the dresser is my bed.)

But in the grand scheme of things, there are always better and more beautiful images to gaze at.

Like these.

I'm loving the matching color of the carrot and finger nail polish.

And the imagination inside that head that continues to inspire sand art.

 And the absolute glee over this ear of corn.

And the joy that exudes in her gorgeous face.  (Maybe because she turned six today!)

She's Off - For Real This Time

Six years ago I was dropping my first off at school and this lovely girl was one week away from being born.

Each year at this time this little gal dons her sisters' uniforms and backpacks and plays school. Finally its her turn.

She was eager, up early, took charge of her getting ready and happily waved (and hugged, with my prompting) me out of the classroom.

Okay, I get the hint. You are ready.  You have been ready for years now.

So, what did I choose to do today?

I walked around Lake Harriet.  First exercise for me since last May.  It felt good to go for a brisk walk with the breeze off the lake, the sun shining, and "Get On Your Boots" in my ears.

I shopped. I planned meals for the week. I locked myself out of the house with a load of groceries in 90 degree heat.  I was resourceful and got back in.  I'm not telling how.

I missed the little gal today, she is a great buddy. (She would have been holding the door for me that I let shut accidentally.) But she will absolutely flourish at school.

Can't wait to hear of her adventures in learning.

The Scarf

We've seen it with jeans, pants, skirts, dresses, coats, blazers, short sleeves, long sleeves, t-shirts, tank tops you name it.  I have a couple of sisters-in-law who wear scarves beautifully.

My friend found this video showing 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf.

I am fond of the "Celebrity" and "DIY Infinity".  Saw the "Braid" a couple years ago and like that one too.

Pick a scarf this season that you really, really, really, like and wear it all kinds of different ways with just about anything. Your wardrobe will get an instant boost.

P.S.  The "European loop" was in full swing in Paris in 1999, years before it hit our fashion market here.  Those Parisians know what they are doing. With clothes anyway. And architecture. And coffee. And cheese.