Yes!  These are now showing!  Botanical Gardens in St. Louis.  What a beautiful time of year to take this walk!!

My mom I have learned much about strength, independence and accomplishment from my mom.  She is a natural leader and always kept things in motion in our home.  She is creative and has a natural knack for using a combination of skills and materials on hand, and carries a continuous "make-it-work with what we have" attitude!  She can bring the sparkle out of scraps!  When mom has an idea, nothing can stop her in finding a way to bring it to fruition...even if the materials are not available!  We were never wealthy people, but it sometimes seemed like we were better off than we might have been, simply because mom made a lot out of a little!  

Holidays and birthdays were a special time when she often got very creative in order to make memories with our family.  There were games, gifts, food and fun during those events and without fail included something home-made that made us smile.  To this day, she continues the traditions of games, gifts, and interesting activities that bring the family into a one-room circle and include intermittent laughter!  There are almost always prizes -and surprises!

Mom led an upright life, with an emphasis on righteous living, honesty and living by the rules.  We always knew that if there was trouble anywhere but home with us kids, then there would surely be more when we got home!  She was not shy about "swinging a spoon - or flyswatter" when we got out of line!  As a result, I grew to know and respect authority - and I am thankful for that!  

We were raised in a little church in a small town where the Sunday School teachers, including she, taught me as much about the Bible and it's stories as anyone could have.  Applying it, of course, became the job of each student, but she was very diligent to tell the stories each week in ways that our young and busy minds could absorb.  There were typically challenging charts with opportunities to earn stickers and prizes, flannel graph stories, and hands-on activities for us visual learners, and so I (and the others) always enjoyed her classes.

My mom was quite a seamstress and made most of our clothes when we were young - and even as we grew into our teen years, she would somehow manage to put together everything from costumes, to outfits to prom dresses!  Her sewing skills didn't end with clothing...she has made quilts, afghans, curtains, table cloths, and many other crafty items for decoration or to sell at various craft events.  

This lady is a fisherman!  Our family has spent countless hours on the banks of rivers, creeks, lakes and streams in the southeastern parts of Missouri and surrounding states!  Her joy would be to pull in the biggest catfish or bass on a given trip - and it wasn't uncommon that she would do just that!  These days it also isn't uncommon for her to get up at the break of dawn, drive to Meramec Springs and catch her allotted number of trout in an hour or so and then drive home before noon!  

Though dad has been the hunter for the most part, mom, in the recent few years has brought home a few prizes herself, hunting deer and turkey!  She is an outdoors person and knows much about how to utilize things of nature.  I remember our family mushroom hunting, digging worms for fishing bait, squirrel and rabbit hunting, picking things like poke weed, persimmons, sassafras roots, and blackberries to bring home for meals and treats!  Mom was perfectly capable of doing all the above, keeping the grocery spending low and the menu full of variety!

Mom has always been involved to some extent with the community, volunteering to lead our 4-H club, entering things in the judging contests at the county fair and seeing to it that we too would have some things made, baked or put together in order to win a ribbon or even some dollars!  Of course as we grew into Jr. High and High School, she was there to make sure our band uniform was clean and our cheer-leading outfits were made with letters sewn on!  There were the class parties, parades, and plays that typically needed her backing, sewing, and constant "taxi" service!  She was there, and she and dad, without fail, sat through games, concerts, recitals, musicals, and various school and sports activities cheering us on!

My mom, Elsie Cooper These days mom volunteers at the Senior Center in town, cleaning, preparing craft activities, putting parties and programs together, meeting with the Red Hat Club and just being available to serve in whatever way she can.  She has helped many years at the voting polls and rarely misses a blood drive.  This lady comes complete with a friendly heart and a willingness to offer her best.  You can count on her to be loyal, prompt, hard-working and true to whatever cause she might be pursuing.  She does not compromise in believing in her God and is committed to serve and obey Him and the truths presented in the Bible with her best efforts.

I am blessed to have a mother who values good and eternal things - one who loves God and knows what treasures lie in following His commands.  I pray that these years will indeed be golden for her and that she will find much of the joy she has sought to provide for others returned and residing in her own heart!  My prayers also include health and happiness for her as she recognizes the "wealth" to which she has and continues to contribute - in her own family and with her friends. 

Happy Birthday, momma!

I took these photos of "our" momma robin a couple of years ago after she had so painstakingly built a nest in the sill of our bathroom window.  I was thrilled to see it happening and could hardly wait to photograph it all, since it was so "up close" and accessible to watch!  She sat on that nest diligently with a cautious, watchful eye each moment - for what seemed like forever! 

I first snapped the pics through the window screen because I thought I might scare her, but soon, when she was "out" for a few moments, I quickly removed it and began "journaling" with my camera each day.  This is a short version of the sweet miracles that occurred.

How nature tells stories that we can all relate to!!  The progress from the nest building - to laying the eggs - to the hatching - to hungry little mouths reaching helplessly upward every hour was but a taste of the chaos and joy we too experience as we raise families and become absorbed in the daily routine of life and provision.

Sometimes it was quiet and peaceful and sometimes it was busy and very loud as momma robin did her best to get a worm from the ground below to each demanding baby beak!  I am sure those little birds had no idea just how hard their care taker was working and to what extent she was guarding her little darlings!

These babies couldn't even see for quite a number of days!  They were helpless and frail, barely able to raise their heads unless they sensed their meal-bearer was near!  Then they would throw their heads back and beaks up with every ounce of energy they could "muster" and bellow shrill peeps as if to insist that their mouth would be the first to get the meaty earthworm!

Huddled amongst pieces of sky blue egg shell, still visible after hatching, these pink and mostly naked newborns could only depend on their source!  So when I would make even the slightest noise or movement, they began tossing about and slightly lifting their bright yellow beaks - just in case it were to be the one who filled their tummies!

I was fascinated at the time the momma spent making sure everything was done for those babies.  She must have been exhausted!  I remember feeling that way while raising my family!  Sometimes it were as if I would never have an adult moment again!  She sat with these little ones like her life depended on it.  

I also remember feeling the protective instincts with my own children - particularly if their were any chance of danger.  My feathers could definitely ruffle if their were a bully or threat to their well-being.  Momma robin would also puff herself to almost twice her size if I were to move too close for her comfort!

I find it so fascinating that we have such built-in instincts and needs!  There is most definitely a design to life - both in humanity and in nature in general.  We were created to need food and warmth and other lives.  We were made in such a way that we even "know" to care for others - especially our own who we bring into the world, or are responsible for.  There are no accidents about how God so amazingly created life!

Watching this little "family" of birds made me smile and it kept my mind on the simplicity of it all.  Yet I know that only a Master Designer could come up with something that in reality is deeply complex and complicated!  My own ability or understanding is not capable of designing anything so incredible!  I can only stand in awe, not only at birds - but at the very thought of how He might have breathed life into a human being!  

Consider the universe!  Vast galaxies, enormous mountains, and deep oceans that could only exist because there is an incredibly BIG God!  How can we not stand back and admit we are but a grain of sand on endless stretches of shorelines where the waves rise and fall with the pull of the heavens!  

It is an indescribable God who creates indescribable things!  Things that breathe and move and have being!!  

One day our life here on earth will end.  He has ordered a number of days for each of us.  Should He tarry, they will one day come to completion. 

The good news is that He has promised more for each who choose to trust that the Potter's hand loves the clay that He molds!  He desires the companionship and love of His own.  Just as a mother loves her children, He, all the more loves those who He has so beautifully made and redeemed.

​He has actually offered the most precious sacrifice of His only Son so that we might continue to belong to Him throughout eternity.  There is an enemy - a bully - a threat to our well-being.  Our God works diligently on our behalf to protect, save and keep His treasured children close to His side. 

If we but choose to accept His loving Father-hood and plan of redemption, and obey the instructions He provides us, our future, even beyond this life, will be secure.  He worked out a plan that defied even our worst enemy!  

Jesus was the price that was paid for our safety and redemption.  He endured all (and more) than we could ever endure, and was victorious through life and death so that through His wonderful offering, we could be free to also have a victorious and eternal life.

Realize you need Him.  Recognize the price He paid as our God and Father.  Accept what He has offered.  Know that we are sinners and need forgiveness -  and a life-preserver (Jesus) to have the assurance of eternity!  Let the incredible Maker of the universe embrace you and give you the blessed assurance of life forever with Him.

Golden moments.  

What are yours?  

Keep them close.  

Remind yourself daily. 

"For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations."  Psalm 100:5

There is a tale about how the dogwood flower represents Jesus.  The four petals symbolize the cross with the middle mirror the crown of thorns that He was painfully forced to wear.  Each petal has a stain on the edge representing the blood stains Jesus took to the cross.  It is white - as we can be - when we "put on" the sacrifice and salvation that was bought for us through Jesus.  I love the reminder and have contemplated the likenesses reminding me of my precious Jesus.  

This photo was taken in the rain!  The drop of water, so clear and so fresh also reminds me of the washing that He can do in our heart when we simply ask Him to forgive our sins!  It requires surrender.  When I decided to give my life to the Him, I was at a church camp where everyone was singing the old hymn, "I Surrender All".  I remember suddenly realizing that I needed - and wanted - that cleansing!  I freely gave my heart to Him in a single moment and was able to lift my hands and sing, "All to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all!"

My life has never been the same!  I will ever joy in the blessed hope I received that night - and I invite you to do the same, if you need to be washed and free!!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."  John 3:16

It's been a week!  A lost dog, preparing to lead the worship/music for a women's retreat, a hubby still job hunting, a daughter still sick and hobbling, still dealing with some auto-immune issues and still trying to sell our house.  I spent a couple of days making and posting fliers all over the neighborhood and making phone calls and media posts to find our dog.  Getting music ready takes some concentration and prayer time as do the other life challenges we have here.  

But I have to say that God out-did Himself these past couple of days!  

On Thursday evening, we received a call after my daughter had posted our dog's information on Craig's List.  A man two blocks away had found our Minnie!  We were out and so my daughter met the man and Minnie at our house.  Apparently this pooch was doing a happy dance as she leapt into the front door doing circles and hopping at the same time!!  When we got home, she ran to meet us as well, and then quickly curled up on her little couch and was content for the rest of the night!  We all smiled and sighed recognizing that though many dangerous things could have happened to her, they didn't.  Though there are cars and dog stealers and very real threats, especially since she had no collar or ID, she came back safely and happy.  I believe God heard our prayers.  I don't know why prayers don't always seem to be answered in the way we might ask, but He had reasons to give her back to us and we are very thankful!

My husband heard from his 4th interview with a new company for a job.  They seemed to really like him and the interview went well.  It feels good to be in this place rather than still be hoping for a "bite".  It is good to see Scott encouraged and it brings hope to our rather weary hearts in this season!  

Bethany isn't well - yet - but her leg is slowly healing.  There is still a lot of work to do each day getting her meals, showers, and helping with her needs, but it is good to be headed toward the other side of a broken leg.  Getting her closer to some semblance of independence brings some relief.

The retreat?  It was rich and powerful.  The weather was beautiful and allowed for some time for a prayer walk on the property in rural Dittmer, Missouri.  Birds, velvety green pastures, contrasting with pink tree buds and a rippling pond made for a much needed therapy session for me!  I enjoyed the other ladies, and the dear one who shared with us was brimming with radiant encouragements.  They were coupled with humor and real life stories of her own that revealed a warm heart full of the same Jesus I so love and admire.  The music seemed to flow with a sweet kiss of the Holy Spirit, and the response was nothing short of refreshing and cleansing.  I walked away with a lighter step and more purposeful challenges.  It seemed I was not the only one, and for that I am thankful!!

Those are weekends to remember, and times when we are reminded to hand the heaviness over to the One who is capable of carrying them!  Lord, remind me more often!!  

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30

Life without a dog?  Pretty doggone awful.  Our Minnie escaped yesterday - from the deck where the gate that appeared to be latched - wasn't.  It was shut, but apparently not secure enough that she couldn't paw it open.  Silly poochie....I have worked so hard to keep this little lady contained.  Minnie loves to meander off....curious, nose down, not all so aware that there are dangers out there.  She never goes out in the yard without being attached to a long leash for that reason!  I feel pretty crummy that I did not see that the latch wasn't secure, but even more crummy that I don't know where she is or what is happening to her.  I so wish I could go back to yesterday and better check the gate....but, that, of course is not possible.

Today I am learning yet another lesson about heartache - and trust.  I know God knows where she is.  Perhaps she will come waltzing back into the yard.  Maybe someone will call who has seen or found her.  That all remains unanswered as of this moment.  But here I sit again - writing - tired of being tired.  Exhausted with this Job-like season we have lived in for quite a long time now.  I am turning, once again, to the One who knows the unknown.  I do not doubt His love for us and steadfastly believe that He wants good for those who "diligently seek Him."  However, I am tired.  Lord, give me strength.  Give me hope.  Bring us out of these tough times and help us better see Your light.  And while You are at it, please heal our daughter, Bethany, find Scott a job, help us to sell this house...and bring us to a new and even better situation!  God-sized issues in which I am sure He has God-sized answers!!

"Is My hand so short that it cannot save?  Or have I no power to deliver"  Isaiah 50:2

BTW:  If you happen to read this and have a lead for us as to her whereabouts, please call 314-477-3435.  Every clue is worth a call!  Thanks all!!  

"For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." 

 2 Corinthians 2:15

May it be, O Lord!