I Found The Fountain of Youth

This week we took a trip to St. Augustine, FL, in search of something new.

We came to find the Fountain of Youth, as many often do.

We wandered around the intracoastal city, marveling at its past,

Until we the spotted notorious, ancient landmarks at last!

We discovered Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest fort around.

But this wasn't the only piece of history we found.

An 18th-century schoolhouse, hand-crafted out of wood.

A lighthouse with a breathtaking view from the top where we stood.

Then to St. Augustine Beach, to sink our toesies in the sand,

and cherish the sun and surf, hoping to get tanned.

I found the Fountain of Youth, fascinating as it was back then.

But, it was the searching for it with my family that made me feel young again!

{I am on blog leave through Sunday night. Enjoying sunny Florida!

See you on Monday!}

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In My Living Room

If you came to my home and knocked on the door,
I'd let you in (only if you brought chocolate with you, for me),
and I'd give you a hug (whether you liked it or not).

I'd ask you to take your shoes off,
(cause we just had the carpet cleaned so you'd feel more comfortable)
come on in and have a sit down in my living room
and put your feet up (yes, on the coffee table)!

I'd head into the kitchen and yell to you,
"Would you like a glass of water? Or a cup of coffee? Or tea?
Are you hungry? Want some goldfish or gingersnaps?
I'd offer you some scones, but my husband ate them all."

Then, I'd sit across from you on the sofa so we could look each other in the eye 

(looking each other in both eyes might be a little less creepy, however).

Let's do that, instead.

I'd ask you how you were and what you've been up to.

"I've been busy, too! But, I am so glad it's finally Spring, aren't you?"

I'd listen as you told me all you knew. 

You'd tell me about

things you were planning once summer gets here, 

people and family you'd seen and spent time with,

places you'd found some bargains 

and a restaurant that was yummy and that I should try it.

Then you'd ask how my Weight Watchers plan has been going.

I'd tell you I've lost 5 pounds, and still have 12 pounds to go.

Then, thanking you for the prompting, I'd ask you, 

"Are you hungry again? Where's that chocolate you brought? 

Wanna split it? It's 12:04, lunchtime."

Chocolate is healthy! It's a bean and that's a vegetable, right?

"Okay, let's have a salad, too, then in a bit, m'kay?"

Then I'd tell you all I knew, and at 12:07, 

I'd ask you how this new season of Spring has been so far.

Have you been busy Spring cleaning?

Thinking about it?

"Me, too."

Too much to do, and not enough daytime to do it in?

"Yeah, I hear ya!"

Those pictures behind the sofa, where were they taken?

"Guess."

I dunno. Um, Paris?

"Nope.

I took them during a stay in Charleston, SC a few years ago as I was walking around.

Have you ever been there? If not, you NEED to go!

It's a relaxed town and it feels like you are stepping back in time."

(But, don't go in July or August because it's too hot.)

Then, I'd ask you what you've been discovering about life lately.

What have you been learning lately from your reactions to situations 

and how's your heart toward your husband or family?

I'd tell you that I have been learning 

that I am not very patient and need to offer more grace more often.

That too many times, I am more selfish than I thought I was.

I'd tell you that I wished I'd remember more often,

the wonder of all that God has done for me, and in so doing, 

I could share His saving truth more with others.

I wish I'd rest in Him, then respond with His heart.

You'd nod as I wished out loud to NOT be too busy 

to give special, regular time to be with Jesus, in His Word.

I wished that I wouldn't allow matters I considered urgent, that demanded my attention, 

like the laundry, the phone, or the cleaning to crowd out my quiet times with Him.

I wonder if you'd agree, and tell me that you struggled with this, too.

We'd admit that Christ cherishes us so much,

that He waits for us, and it warms His heart just to have us look into His face,

just like we were looking into each other's.

Just as delightful as the conversation is between friends,

is the solace we find when we confide in Him.

Taking the time to spend with our Saviour is as simple

as sitting with someone you trust, sharing each tidbit of your life.

As simple as a visit in my living room.

~

So today, sweet friend, I pray that you will open the door,

invite Christ into your heart and home and welcome Him there to live.

~

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Celebrating Spring Mantels here:
The Stories of A to Z

The Same Day as Hope

The day

 the Lord

created hope

was probably

the same day

 he created

Spring.

  

~Bern Williams

Image Credits: My home and God, the Creator

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Can I be Trusted?

As I was spending time in the book of Jonah this morning,

I knew I was to go read Proverbs 31, too.

So, I did.

Verse 11 stopped me in its tracks.

Her husband can trust her, 

and she will greatly enrich his life.

Trust.

My husband should trust me.
Trust ME.

Wow. It's something I never really pondered very often.

I mean, we HAVE been married 22 years,

I have never cheated on him.

We have 2 daughters,

I make sure that they are dropped off/picked up at school every day.

I am not always the best cook, the most prompt laundry lady,

or even the nicest person (especially if I'm PMSing),

but I'm here when someone needs a hug or a smile.

Sure.

I guess I can be trusted.

I mean, I am home every day, and I don't go out partying with my girlfriends, 

I don't smoke or get drunk.

I go to church, sing with the praise band, read my Bible, pray for Mark every day.

I try to keep the house presentable.

Somewhat. Usually.

I am cordial to his relatives, 
accommodating to his friends.

Hey! 
I even send goodies along to work with him 

so the other guys at the office know that he has a sweet wife.

Yeah, but...really,

Do I waste time on the internet and Face Book

when I should be doing something that Mark asked me to do, again?

Do I anticipate my family's needs and have their clothes, toilet paper, 
and good food on hand when they need it?

Instead of making sure dinner is ready,

am I at a friend's house helping her by moving furniture around?

Do I lie or embellish the truth when he asks me 
how much I spent on something

and I'd rather not tell him?

Do I use the last morsel of the food money 

for the week to buy a tchotchke for the house?

Am I budgeting the paycheck, he works very hard for,

on things he would approve of?

When that not-necessarily-handsome, but overly-attentive guy
at the gym smiles and chats with me, do I give him cause to think
I'm not committed to my own marriage?


After he's walked away, do I give that guy a second thought?


Even if Mark and I are not getting along that day?

When my daughters and I are the only ones in the house:


~am I the same penitent woman then, 
as when I am nodding in humbled agreement with the sermon at church?


~is my management of our home worth imitating?


~are they being taught commendable womanly traits?


~am I honoring their father with words of devotion and appreciation?

The second half of Proverbs 31:11 says, if I am trustworthy,

I will greatly enrich his life.

Enrich   -verb

1. to supply with riches, wealth, abundant or valuable possessions, etc.

2. to supply with abundance of anything desirable.

3. to add greater value or significance to.

4. to adorn or decorate.

5. to make finer in quality, as by supplying desirable elements or ingredients.

Lord, I want to supply my husband with abundance.

I desire to add value to his life.

Let my life be a decoration for his soul.

Use me to supply the missing elements in my husband's heart.

Make me trustworthy.

For more encouragement, come meet other home makers at the party at
Raising Homemakers.