Secret Longings...

I didn't even realize how much my soul needed this weekend. I'm not talkin about the surface heart stuff...but deep within my soul. It secretly longs for these interactions and feels starved at times. This weekend fed my soul and filled the so called void. Mom & I hosted Joseph & Marte Camara. They run the IBR (Institute Biblique Reed) in Bougouni...my home for so many years. My parents taught at that same school back in the day and I spent many of my growing up years there. When I think of my childhood "home" this is the place I picture with its rustic buildings, abundance of mango and cashew trees and church. Talking & laughing, drinking Arabic tea and discussing the progress of the church was so memorable. I am so proud of the work my parents did while there. They helped train Joseph & Marte and now to see them in such a position of leadership today is a beautiful thing. Totally makes all the challenges worth it! No regrets here!!!!! I'm wondering...what are the secret longings of your heart that are needed to feed your soul for Kingdom work?

Sunshine and Shadows...

After a particularly discouraging day this week, I decided I couldn't handle the stress of traffic or impatient drivers and opted for a much more scenic route. It was amazing to slow down and soak in all of the texturs and landscapes around me. While I'm sure it wasn't "safe" to be taking pictures while driving...I couldn't resist snapping a few shots to document God's amazing artwork. My frazzled heart and emotions were stilled and for a brief moment, the ugly voices of doubt, fear and discouragement were silenced. Ah.... stillness.....the quietness my soul longs for.

Light dancing on snow covered fields...




The sun fades and I feel the anxiousness creep back in...I cling to the hope that dawn will birth light again and dance an encore tomorrow.

I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand-- I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.' "

A girl can dream....

It's -25 windchill and I'm craving some much needed SUNSHINE! A girl can dream right?

What's not to love about a hammock slung between two palm trees, beautiful blue water, and a sky full of sunshine. Just thinking about what book I would love to read in that hammock makes me happy. Sand between my toes, taking a deep breath and breathing in the warm salty air...ahhhhh. This is what I was made for (I'm sure of it)

Blizzard of Oz...

I've heard it called "Snow-pocalypse", Blizzard of Oz (my personal fav), Snow-MG, the blizzard that was "fast and flurious" etc. Whatever you wanna call it...this infamous blizzard dumped a foot of snow, 30 to 40 mph winds and brutally cold mercury readings. Oh, and how could I forget 3 MORE snow days! I've resigned myself to being ok with it since there's really not a whole lot I can do about it. Might as well embrace the dayS and enjoy them. I've slept in, stayed in my jammies til late afternoon, ditched the makeup and hair products, organized my office/bills, watched a few movies, started a new book, sent emails, chatted with friends on the phone, cleared the snow from behind my car (with my black boot..who knew it could be so useful?!) and drank more coffee than I should probably admit. Thank you Blizzard of Oz for allowing me these luxuries! I'm happy.