Playing at the Park

I know most everyone has those memories of going to the park as kids. Your mom pulls up to the curb and parks and you can barely wait to jump out of the car and go down the slide. My personal favorite was always the swings. the fact that you feel like your flying has always been something I just love.

I still love playing at the park. I've been made fun of multiple times in my life because people will say "What do you want to do?" and I'll say "Oooh! Lets go to the park!" :) I don't know why I love it so much. I am still a kid inside, and always will be. I don't believe I'll ever get tired of going down the slide, swinging, or crawling over the monkey bars.

And you know, being like a child is really not bad. As a matter of fact, when the disciples were trying to keep children from coming to Jesus, Jesus told them "Let the children alone, don't prevent them from coming to me. God's kingdom is made up of people like these." (Matthew 19:14, Message Version)

What does He mean when He said that "God's kingdom is made up of these"? Think about it.

What are the differences between children and adults? Children are innocent, young, curious, and trusting. They are satisfied with the simplest things. And just really enjoy spending time with those they love most. It seems that as most people grow older they seem to lose these traits. We've seen, heard, and done things that slowly chip away our innocence. Our bodies grow weak, tired, and stress can tear us down. We no longer are interested in the things around us, but only focused on the goals or tasks we have in front of us. And one thing that seems to be with so many, is we stop trusting others.... and God.

God created us to have a relationship with Him. He's our Daddy, He wants us to know that no matter what seems to be going on He'll keep a roof over our head, keep us clothed, and keep us fed. If we let him. If a child runs away from their parents house they are no longer under the care of the parents. Even if the parents so badly want them. The child has sacrificed their security. Are you living under your Daddy's roof?

I said that most adults lose childish traits because I know thats not the case with everyone. I truly believe that I still obtain most of the childish traits. Why? Because I trust my Father whole-heartedly. I know He has this all taken care of. I will continue to do as He asks me to do and know that He only has His best interests for me. I will play at the park (literally, and in life) knowing that I've not a care in the world because my Daddy has it all under control.

The First Snowfall

What is it about that first snow fall?

I'm not the biggest fan of snow... not after Christmas... but before Christmas? Yes. After living in a state where the snow seemed to fall a few days before Christmas came I now truly appreciate snow. It gets me in the Christmas spirit!

One of my favorite feelings after that first snow is the desire to curl up in a warm blanket in front of the fireplace with a book. Unfortunately, I've never lived anywhere that was actually possible. But now I am so excited because the house that my husband and I are moving into has a fireplace. My winter fantasy can come true!

I am sure that not everyone agrees with my thoughts on snow... but I really do think it is one of the most beautiful things. The fact that snow flakes are all different shapes, sizes, and designs... just amazes me. Our God is so cool. He puts so much thought into every snowflake, knowing that as soon as it hits the ground it will melt or freeze onto another one, losing all the beauty and wonder it holds.

The fact that He designs each one so special just makes me smile. Why? Because I know that I was designed special too. I have things that no one else has, I might have some personality traits that some others have, but mine are mixed with some that those same people don't have. I was designed for a specific purpose that no one else can do. I'm to be me. And even if its for a split second of beauty or wonder, it will all be for the glory of God. And that, my friends, is what my life is about.

Have a wonderful day. And enjoy looking at all the little things in life.

The Joy Comes With the Morning

*I obviously didn't take these today, I photographed these early October*

 I love noticing the little things. It always amazes me how the most simple things are usually the most beautiful things. One morning, when I went to take Joel to work I saw these leaves on the ground. It was one of the first frosts of the season and it was melting as soon as the sun began to rise. So as you can see, there are some droplets and some bits of frost.

Something that this reminded me of is that one worship song with the line "Though the sorrow may last for the night, the joy comes with the morning!"

Sometimes we go through hard things in life. Things seem cold, there seems to be something keeping us from getting warm, the life that we have seems to be running on low. But we can always know that the sun is coming up.

When the sun comes up the frost melts away. Our skin becomes warm and the frost can no longer cling to us. When we allow God to be our sun, to give us light, to give us direction, take care of us, and keep us warm the frost can't stay. I don't think people understand that there is no actual way for the frost to continue clinging if you're warm. 

Are you allowing God to warm you? To give you life? Are you letting Him be the sun in your life? I know you'll go through hard times, everybody does! But its your decision to continue being cold, frigid, and left in the dark... or look toward God and let Him melt the frost.

Have a great night! I'll be keeping up with this much more now.

:)

Tea Party!

It has been awhile... I know... but here we go! Things have been a little crazy lately! I don't have much time so I'm just gonna post these pictures from a tea party with my wonderful friend Sarah. Needed to take a little break from editing everything else. 

Have a wonderful night everyone!