I'm trying to learn how to use the "macro" setting on my camera.
Hmmm…seems like my focus is a bit skewed,
Sorta like my internal focus sometimes…
Only seeing clearly the dried, dying, ugly parts of my life…
Somehow overlooking the new, vibrant bits of color that are popping up all over.
I need to appreciate the new growth, the new beauty…
Inspite of the barren background.
What are you focused on today?
Blessings to you,
Alesha
I've been spending some time outdoors each morning, when I take the dogs out for their morning exercise. We've had some absolutely beautiful weather, and I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts.
The last few days, along with Kepler, I've had another friend join me in the backyard. Can you see him?
He's a cute little red-headed woodpecker!
Some days he fusses at us, but other days he has a little breakfast while we watch.
I had no idea that they drilled right into the fruit!
He was not bashful at all, as he enjoyed his daily dose of vitamin C!
I was talking with my dad today about growing some vegetables in the backyard this spring.
I sure hope our little friend will not be peck-peck-pecking into my tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers!!!
Hmmm…I might need to do a little "googling" about what woodpeckers eat and then we could plant something especially for him.
Do you plan to do any gardening this spring? Have you started your preparations yet? I'd love to hear what you have planned!
Blessings,
Alesha
hot
overwhelming
yummmmy
perky
unusual
mediocre
ingenious
cushiony
long-awaited
favorite
decadent
impressive
We ate.
We walked.
We laughed.
We laughed ALOT!
It was an exceptional day to be together.
The best adjective to describe it:
Blessed.
Our church's Junior Week of Camp was this week. The tabernacle was fabulously decorated for their theme of "Knights of Nobility, Knights of Knowledge." I wasn't able to go out (Isaac's wheelchair does not exactly roll in Florida sand! lol!); but my cousin Joy did a post about it. You can check it out here: Case Crossings.
This is the same camp where I spent a few weeks every summer as a child, a teen and, later, as a counselor. Camp Glory holds many precious memories for me, especially memories of seeing God's hand at work among us while we were there. This week was no exception – with boys and girls being saved and learning about the Lord and His Word.
I had lovely lunch out with Doug and Isaac yesterday (after a doctor's visit for Isaac), and this yummy peach tea was SO tasty after being out in the near-100* temperatures.
I've been having some issues with my internet access this week. We're trying to determine if it is the modem, or if it is our router. I hope to have those issues settled by next week. 🙂
I pray you have a good weekend, and that, if you are able, you spend time in God's church, worshipping with your fellow believers. I promise it will be a blessing to you to assemble yourself together with others who know the Lord and are seeking to please Him, too.
Blessings,
Alesha
Hmph!
I did not do much "managing" yesterday…the day sort of just ran away from me!
And it was Monday…
All. Day. Long.
(Eventually I headed to bed – out of sheer self-preservation.)
~~~~~
Today is looking a little better.
I am hopeful, any way! 🙂
~~~~~
I would appreciate your prayers: yesterday, our truck died. My dad tried to resurrect it, but was unsuccessful. Today it was towed to Johnny's Automotive and Tire Service where we are hoping they can perform their usual miracles.
The real issue at hand, though, is that we are in need of a "new" vehicle. Isaac is almost too big for Doug to get him into his special carseat in the backseat of our Explorer. He's just so long now, and of course, can't help with the process at all.
We could use a vehicle that we can roll Isaac's wheelchair up into, with him safely strapped in the chair. That would be a real blessing to us.
We have felt for months now that our getting a new vehicle was a true "need." However, since God has promised to supply our needs, and He has not yet supplied a new vehicle, I guess it really isn't a true need…Yet!
However, since the towtruck arrived this morning to take Bessie to the truck hospital, I do believe that day is fast approaching!
If you think of it, we would really appreciate your prayers for a vehicle for Isaac.
Blessings to you today,
Alesha
P.S. It is super cold here today! We actually had to bring in the plants last night, so they wouldn't freeze! It actually feels like Christmas outside! Yay!
Good morning, friends!
Isaac'c cough is still quite formidable, but he is definitely feeling better! Praise the Lord for that! Yesterday, he had lots of giggles and belly laughs, and was content and happy all day. That is such a blessing to see after so many days of his being miserable with fever.
Doug and I both feel like we are trying to fight something off, so we are being faithful to drink our veggie juice and to take our vitamins, and we're also avoiding sugar. We know those things will help. I am using my netipot, too, but Doug is just not as fond of that device as I am. 😉
(Well, to be completely honest, I am having a little bit of sugar. Doug found my favorite seasonal creamer at the grocery store last week — "Gingerbread Latte". Oooooo…I just love that flavor!)
The flowers in yesterday's blog were from my sweet husband over the weekend. They are still so pretty today. I appreciated them so much, and am realizing again, just how important beauty is to us as women.
I forget how it lifts my spirit sometimes just to look at something gorgeous. Since I am inside most of the time, I miss so much of the beauty of nature. Now that it is cooling off some here, maybe I will be able to get outside more often.
We have an unexpected "day off" today, as we decided to not take Isaac to therapy today. Our caregiver doesn't come on Tuesdays, so that makes it "just us three" here today. Maybe we can mark something off the never-ending "honey-do" list today! :) Or maybe we can just watch a movie or play a game — we definitely want to do something "fun" on this impromptu holiday. 🙂
Well, I suppose that is all I have to say this morning. I hope you have a good day.
Alesha
I spent the day with my hubby today. He was manning a booth at an educational conference, and I was able to go along with him.
What a blessing to leave my house, very calm and not worried, knowing that Isaac would be cared for so well!
I am so grateful for our caregiver!!!
It was fun to see what my hubby does when he attends these conferences, and to help him out (a little) at his booth. I was also able to connect with a few old friends I had not seen in person for quite a while. It's encouraging to see that they are still involved in Christian education, teaching children about the Lord!
Doug and I had a lovely lunch, although we will probably not choose to return to that particular chain restaurant. We were just not impressed, even though they sent us out the door with free muffins because it was our first visit there! We were, however, together, and that was the important focus of this day.
Our gorgeous fall weather has finally arrived – which means the temps are in the low-80s during the day; and I am looking forward to a good weekend.
Blessings to you,
Alesha
P.S. I am planning to have a big sale in my jewelry shop in the month of November…be sure to stay tuned for the details! 🙂
Obtaining Mercy 