Brandon's Descriptive Paragraph

In my backyard, nothing is rushed, and everything is calm.The oak, maple, and dogwood trees scattered around the perimeter of the yard, quietly drop a multitude of bright radiant leaves. My tired, yellow Labrador, sleeping peacefully under the old oak, leisurely soaks up the warmth of the autumn sun. He detects an interesting scent in the air and lifts his inquisitive nose for a moment to look around. The pool's cascading waterfall, hidden by tall, striped zebra grasses and other colorful, hearty perennials, make a steady rushing sound. Asters, mums, and winter pansies, in assorted terra cotta pots, give off a pleasant, sweet aroma. A nearby herb garden scents the air with fragrant parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Many birds soar so high above that only silhouettes appear. Their flights are graceful and elegant. It's mid-afternoon. A single cricket chirps. A few ravens call. In the distance, a woodpecker rhythmically taps on a tree. These delightful sights, pleasant scent, and enchanting sounds affirm that there is no place like home.

Good Morning Lord!

I love mornings. Especially when I wake up early....5-ish....and I'm the only one up. I come down and start brewing a pot of Maxwell House Lite. The dog, the kitty, the fish all need me, and they let me know......Copper barks, Kitty James loudly meows and the Beta, Mr. Beardy gets his little fins goin'. Patience, patience, little ones! I tend to them.
Finally, I pour my coffee, 2 sugars and some fat free half 'n half, in a Grab 'n Go cup, and retreat into the study.
Today the sun is just coming up. Look at the beautiful colors in a sunrise sometime. They are the same colors in a a rainbow. I find this intriguing.
Over the years, rainbows have become quite significant to me. I view them as God's signature. To me, rainbows are hugs from Him. Since there is always a rainbow happening somewhere on the earth at all times....seems to me that God is always hugging us. We sometimes just forget to notice......So thank you God! Help me to notice your daily presence and hugs.
The window seat in the study, overlooking the sunrise, is my morning prayer place. And I reaffirm my love for Him there. He mercifully renews my mind through His Word. And I surrender all....or do I really? I need to and I want to. Lord, help me. Take the veil from my eyes. Everything is clouded.
Today my eyes fall on some verses turned into prayers in Kenneth Boa's Face To Face book.....

Jesus, may I walk in Your steps, withdrawing to lonely places and praying to the Father. (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16)

I notice I had written Aug'05 next to it. I spend some time praying this again. Perhaps this explains why I have been feeling lonely and not connected to too many people, even believers for the last 8 months. God is giving me an opportunity to retreat to some lonely places, just with Him. Am I taking the time to really do that? I need to reconsider. I want to follow in Your steps, Lord. May I do what is right in your sight. Give me a tender and responsive heart. Help me to be a true worshipper, delighting in you all day long! You are truely my dwelling place!
Hugs and rainbows, Lynn

Went shopping with mom yesterday. Alex needed school clothes. He was pretty much down to 2 pairs of jeans and 3 shirts....how did THAT happen? I found a nice selection of tops and one pair of jeans for him.

Mom and I looked for ourselves, too. Even though I was trying not to shop-except for groceries for a whole month. I'm pretty sure I almost reached my goal.

We were cracking up, because I was finding stuff for her and she was finding stuff for me. Browsing, we came to the Alfred Dunner section and she was saying it was just 'too old' for her and I agreed. I commented that I would never buy anything with the Sag Harbor label. I just can't bear to put the word Sag on my body....I mean, give me a break! Let's not rub it in.

I Corinthians 13 (A Mother's Version)

If I correct your manners at the dinner table, but do not have love, I am only a clanging dinner bell. If I take you for your annual's doctor's visit and to story time at the library, and if I stop off at the mall to buy you new shoes, but I have not love, I am nothing. If I give you clean laundry every day and keep the house perfectly straight, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love kisses the boo-boo before scolding about running in the house. Love encourages creativity instead of worrying about the possible mess. Love carefully disciplines and always forgives. Love doesn't sweat the small stuff. Love smiles and hugs. Love takes the time to look you in the eyes and listen to your side of the story.

The Sweet Life of Andy and Al

Alex's favorite joke: Why did the hen cross the road?
To prove he wasn't chicken.
Andy's favorite joke: What did the mountain climber name his son?
Cliff.

Happy Valentine's Day

Here's my guy. Trey. We've been married 19 years. Isn't he cute? A friend and I just happened to stop in at his church for their evening service one Sunday in August '86. Trey noticed me :) and later called to see if I'd go out. We had a great time chip 'n putt golfing and then stopped for some pizza.

He was in his last year of med school and I had been teaching elementary school for four years. We got married the following summer, June 6, '87, and moved to Denver, because Trey was in the army.

We've had many great times together and some neat life experiences. I hope to tell you about some of them. I am thankful for how God has helped us to stick together and also to mature as believers through marriage.

Marriage is sometimes hard, but very worth it! Love ya, Trey!

The kindest and happiest pair

Will find occasion to forbear;

And something, every day they live,

To pity, and perhaps forgive.

--William Cowper

"A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers"....Robert Quillen

Hugs and Rainbows, Lynn

Hello to all of those who used to read Lynn's Lines. I've now gone techno-savvy. LOL.

Where have all of the years gone? Courtney is now a senior in high school. Brandon is in 8th grade. Alex is in 3rd and Andrew is 4 and in preschool.

Today the kids came home early because of snow. We had a very mild winter and it's already February. Had the kids do a few chores and now they are in the basement hanging out. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Trey and I may go out tonight for dinner.

I'm currently doing a Bible study on my own....Heaven by Randy Alcorn. I'm also reading John Piper's Desiring God for the 2nd time. Do you spend much time in the green pastures? What are you reading by the quiet waters? Do tell.

Hugs 'n rainbows, Lynn