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Hello August

  We’re smack in the middle of summer but I will pause and count my blessings this season.   Our arid Arizona days have turned into monsoon rains and we are refreshed.   Triple digits are put on hold for a while and cooler desert mornings  allow me longer hours of yard work, especially after the messy, wild storms.   We’ve always grown hollyhocks, but for some reason, they went dormant the last two years.   I remember Tom on his sickbed reminding me to water the seeds he planted near the fence and, like a crazy lady, I watered what seemed like empty dirt all last year.   Was he confused, maybe?   Come spring I saw the fluffy, green leaves sprout all along the fence line.   I got excited when the different colored flowers opened.  You never know what you're going to get! As I watered, I thought of the Scripture verse about “calling forth that which is not as though it was.”   Hmm, I should apply that one to several areas of my life!   I spent last week with family in Tucson.  
Recent posts

Remembering

  A gal at church asked me how I feel about Memorial Day coming up earmarking the first year of my husband’s death.   “Oh, I don’t know how I’ll feel,” I responded.    Grief is funny that way.   It’s hard to predict with its pattern of strong days vs. fragile days, but I felt touched by her concern.   In fact, my take-a-way of this past year, when I think about it, is feeling deeply loved.   Family and friends have been so encouraging. The kids and I continue to carry on their father’s passionate legacy of love of God, country and family.   Our flag waves tall in our front yard with colorful flowers planted beneath it just as he designed.   He feels near.   Happy Memorial Day, dear ones, and stay safe this weekend.   May we always remember those who gave their lives for our freedom in this great country.

Book Review: Homespun Devotions Volume Two

I thoroughly enjoyed Volume Two of Homespun Devotions by Author Cheryl E. Smith.  It is refreshing to read about Cheryl's faith expressed through her family relationships with her husband, Kevin, and son, Zach.  Stories of growing up in a home with wise Christian parents teach us principles which never lose value and are much needed in our present world. I especially liked the old-fashioned country charm seen and felt in Cheryl's words which grace the pages of  compiled stories of her life. Cheryl is the author of Biblical Minimalism: Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life.  She also writes devotionals at http://www.homespundevotions.com and plays guitar and sings on You Tube Channel, Mountain Hope Band.  

Hitting the Road

  My friend, Cindy, offered great advice at the onset of widowhood.   “When friends or family afar invite you to visit them, be sure to accept.”   Cindy was right.   People like to help, to nurture in times of grief.   During Tom’s memorial last November, his cousin extended an invitation to me and my girls to visit them and spend a few days.   The time for that special road trip to Las Cruces, N.M., arrived and we couldn’t be more excited to get away together and leave our responsibilities behind.   We loaded up the car with snacks and Starbucks gift cards, along with the fun conversation game, “Talking Point.”   We enjoyed four hours of catching up on everything, listening to Oldies and laughing. Our family welcomed us at their lovely ranch home which afforded us private rooms to enjoy much rest.   Its fun to stay at another woman’s home and use her hair and shower products, isn’t it?   Excellent homemade cooking blessed our tummies and it felt wonderful to be served.   We hike