Dependent

I heard a funny story on my way to the store this morning that I wanted to share with you. It actually made me laugh out loud.

‘If you have dependent children off to college (or even high schoolers) who are refusing to stay in touch, you can remedy that situation by changing the password to their electronic devices or streams they and the family watch. That will get their attention.’

The saddest part of this is how dependent we all are on electronic devices. Ten year old kids are demanding their own cell phones. My biggest concern when I was ten was concern if rain showed up not letting me be outside. Although that could sometimes be fun as well.

Whatever we do, we must make sure our children know the value of family and how much they are loved. Yes, during their wing stretching times, they will forget it but they usually will always return to remembered hugs of family.

Remember to share kindness as a family. Its a great way to spread the healing of a nation.

***Always pass kindness down to the next generation.***

FOTD, August 10, Daisy Dew

The fun we have with flowers, whether we are picking them or photographing them, we are always enjoying them. Cee’s Flower of the Day is a great way to share them around the world.

Early this morning the dew point was heavy and it rested thickly on the petals of my red daisy.

There is always something beautiful to catch you eye if you just look. While you are looking remember even flowers understand kindness.

Purposeful Pain

Weird title, I know. But its true. There are acceptable pains we create on purpose – things we do anyway knowing we will pay for it later. Like going on a long hike to see nature, knowing you will have medicine and cold packs in bed with you that night.

Today its a different type of pain – its food related. Sketty. Most people with higher culinary talents call it spaghetti. While this is a common delicious dish, to those of us who have issues with tomato acid – its a night…and the following morning…of uncomfortable times. But sometimes you plan ahead, knowing what its going to do because you just have to have that taste.

Once the veggies are sautéed, you brown the meatballs in that remaining juice. Its add extra flavor to the meat.

Then you take the remaining pound of ground beef – (yes I use two pounds. If you are gonna hurt you gotta make it worth your while) and sauté it with fresh garlic – so yummy.

You add in your sauces, pour in your sautéed veggies and meatballs then let it simmer slowly for about 5 hours. The large green chunks are big pieces of celery. My daughter says celery is awful, and makes things taste bad. So I cook them in large chunks and remove them when ready to serve. What she doesn’t know wont hurt her. Yes that sounds sneaky but she loves eating my sketty, so…

Thank you for joining in on my delicious and possible uncomfortable dish. You know we all do this.

Remember to always share kindness when you can. It will put a bright spot in their day.

FOTD – August 9 -S’room

Cee always asks us to play with FOTD anyway that makes us smile or can make anyone else smile. I give you the perfect umbrella for the passing frog.

This also shows that if we don’t get some dry weather soon, the grass will be taller than the S’room. Remember that regardless of any situation, you can still be kind.

The Sunday Moon

Sundays during the summer are busy for me as I help with the riverfront concerts. We only have one left for the summer as school starts soon but this Sunday I was reminded of a childhood poem.

It was a still windless night but the sky was amazing. I was reminded of a silly poem from childhood about “I see the moon and the moon see me” but I don’t remember the rest.

If we take the time, we can really see how beautiful nature can be if we will just look. Have a great week and remember to always be kind.

Weekend Encouragement

The weekend is a time we try to unwind and rest from the hectic week we just had or possibly still reeling from. My devotion this morning reminded me of some of the walks I use to have when I lived in the North Carolina mountains. Since I am 1,000 miles from there now I have to go there in my mind. Come walk with me and I will take you there with words.

Its early morning. The morning fog still clings to trees around you. It’s peacefully quiet except for the few birds fluttering in the trees. It’s the perfect time to be alone with God and feel His peace.

Picture yourself by a small stream. Its deep enough where it doesn’t babble over rocks, yet it moves slowly. Its surface is smooth as glass and reflects the beauty of the forest around you. Sit here and rest in God’s love that He has just for you. Give all worries and concerns to Him and let Him carry them for you. His shoulders are much stronger than yours.

When we are calm and relaxed, it is then that the blessings of God are most beneficial because we remember who we are. We are children of God.

Always remember He is walking beside you and if needed…He will carry you. So lift praises to Him and He will cover you in peace as you walk the day together.

And in closing I remind you of the positive power of kindness. Not only does it encourage others, it encourages the beauty that is within you.

FOTD, August 6, Wildflower

Todays Flower of the Day is coming again from the mystery seeds that were embedded in a roll up of a ‘perfect garden starter’. I am afraid they are more weed than flower but weeds create flowers as well so it’s still up for debate.

The flower is quite small, about 1.5 inch in diameter and looks to be a multi-petaled flower.

But the macro shows that each one of the ‘petals’ is actually a tiny tube type flower. So the flower is a cluster of tiny flowers around a central pistil.

The amazing beauty of tiny flowers that you get to zoom in and see all the delicate parts of it shows you the unimaginable beauty of creation.

Lets remember to show kindness and create our own type of beauty.

Laziness vs. Determination

In a world of confusion and mixed ideas of laziness vs work ethic, I think we can all take a cue from the animal kingdom. They have one goal in mind – take care of family and make sure there is enough food for everyone.

As I was out today taking pictures of the giant 12′ sunflower at the church’s community garden…

And the 10′ giants…

I noticed an extremely determined bee, trying to get to the richest part of the nectar of a misplaced marigold flower, with it’s head buried deep in the flower with a back leg sticking straight up in air for balance.

The bee was enjoying this accidental planting inside the raised tomato planter and I was able to snatch a timely macro photo.

Nature can teach us a lot about life is we stop long enough to see its beauty. And with all of the beauty you may or may not see, I remind you to share kindness in all that you do so that others see the beauty in you.

CMMC August Close-Up & Macro

Cees’ Close Up challenge is always a reason for me to play with my camera and try to figure out what I am doing. Now that August is upon us, the bee are closing in on the end of summer rush to gain as much nectar as possible.

I am always fascinated at the details that come through with the macro lens. Its amazing how fuzzy bees are…and how they let me get that close.

Here is a reminder to always be kind. You can even be the fuzzy kind, up close and personal. but not for a macro amount. Be kind in a big way.

A Morning Encouragement

I enjoyed my devotion from Quiet Times with God this morning as it reminded me of how very unique each of us are. We have a tendency when seeing someone gaining success in their life to either imitate them or give up because we could never be like them. Scripture reminds us just how special we are and how each individual was purposefully made.

The more we try to be like someone else, the less we show how beautifully God created us, hindering the ability to share the gifts He gave each of us. We are handcrafted for a purpose.

We all have different shapes, different colors, different gifts…but the same God. He has poured Himself into each of us for us to be able to share His love. He created special plans for each of us so we must allow Him to use us in the ways that are uniquely us.

The things in your life that make you different are assets. Joyce Meyer

Stay encouraged in your uniqueness and let His love reflect from you to others. And remember to share kindness in all that you do. It shows the true warmth and love of God.