I sent her Cartwheel Shorts

It was a short tease, not having seen her since last summer.
So I have watched it over and over and over . . .
willing it to continue.

Light Gives Vision

The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.

Psalm 19:8b

For with you is the fountain of life,
in your light we see light.

Psalm 36:9

As my thoughts focus on the impact of light in our lives, I can't help but note that, just as in the physical realm light enters the eye for sight, the light of God's Word enters our mind for spiritual insight. And what is insight?  Insight is about discernment and understanding or wisdom on how to live. When we think about it, so many of our moral laws are rooted and based on what God's Word already tells us. Without the light shed by His commands we would be walking in spiritual darkness or blindness.

It should, therefore, not be surprising to hear an expression such as  "enlighten me," and know that the person is waiting for an explanation or clarification. When someone "sheds some light" on a given situation we come to understand it better. Light exposes and  removes confusion. This is how God's Word is. It gives light to our inner being, sometimes so much so, that it hurts because we don't wish our hearts to be exposed. And yet, there is healing in coming clean before the God who knows us,  loves us, and has given us His light to guide us.

Lunchtime

Have you had this?

It was a photo that inspired me to try it.

A slice of whole wheat bread, toasted

avocado, mashed with fork

fried egg, easy over - or however you like it

salt and pepper

It's become a favorite quick lunch around here!

Gathering up my Treasures

A gift I wish to remember this year is

the uniqueness of being able to celebrate Easter with our family . . .

even while strewn about in three different countries.

Before we left on vacation, we had an Easter bag hunt in our back yard 

with the "near-by" kids.

Lately, even though I see them often, I'm still surprised to see how they are growing!

At the same time we had dinner and Paska cupcakes with candles

celebrating Natalie's ninth Birthday! 

Next, we skyped with our Indonesia family on Saturday night, 

which was their Sunday afternoon.

It meant a lot to me that the parcel I had carefully packed to its ideal weight

and sent in February, finally arrived on the Thursday before Good Friday!

Imagining a parcel arriving there is always a way of feeling like we are visiting.

It's hard to put that connection into words.

Another way of visiting these days was in sharing their  excitement

at the arrival of their crate. 

For several days, we were getting pictures of the

rooms acquiring their own unique character and beauty 

with framed pictures, shelves and rugs. 

Now it looks like their home!

And last, but not least, we got to see our Prairie kids

while in California!

Of course, the basket hunt was on, even here!

The setting is minimal, in comparison to the joy of seeing their faces light up

as they examine the contents right then and there.

And a very special basket to treasure was our youngest sweetie . . .

sleeping in a suitcase in the closet, for such a time as this.

It's in these separate experiences that I've delighted in 

knowing that what really matters is something 

that distance and time can't take away.

My heart is filled with thanks! 

Home

While we were away, 

our back yard erupted in green foliage and flowering bushes, a welcome sight! 

It's Monday, early evening.

I just took the laundry off the clothes line and the lawnmower is humming as I type. 

The steaks are marinating and I cannot help but give thanks 

for the beauty, the sounds and the scents that include the privileges 

of where we live and how we live! 

Ben and Kari flew down from Saskatoon two days before we had to leave

so we could spend some time together yet.

It was so good to see the girls, not having seen them for over 2 months,

and taking note of how they keep growing!

There was a whole lot more activity at the pool now . . .

I'm quite sure even baby Jade loved it!

After the pool, we fit in a mini golf, dinner and ice cream date . . .

then put them to bed before mom and dad got back from their date with Jade.

Sweet time!

It did not take long for Ben to figure out their own way to pick those lemons

and today I got a call asking how to make that lemonade!

It's fun to envision their days before they head back home.

Andreas Canyon

Andreas Canyon is one of about fifteen beautiful hiking trails hidden within the Indian Canyon.

One morning we decided to walk this short trail that took us through scenic rock formations

and groves of skirted palms.

The  stream flowing through this canyon, almost gives one a feeling 

of walking through a lush jungle

its gurgling sound seeming out of place, yet very welcome.

The path leads uphill through a bit of underbrush

and you want to keep an eye out for crawly things on the ground

while looking up at the rock formations.

The upper view is not so lush, but so beautiful in its own way.

I could tell that another season would have shown off some desert flowers.

Again, we were startled when a strange sound warned  us to back off.

We did  . . . giving the rattler the right of way as she crossed the path.

It was just a quick little hike, with a beauty all it's own . . .
and unlike anything we'd find at home.