Enchanting Moments

My little guy came running in the house, "Mommy, Mommy you have to come here, quick!"  I was in the middle of something and not eager to the beckoning because he usually says this several times a day.  I reluctantly went outside and followed him up to our neighbor's house.  They have over 100 rose bushes in their yard and take pride in their many beautiful flowers.  He bypassed all of that and went over to the cherry tree that was raining down blossoms.  It was truly like pink snow fluttering in the air.  It was a precious moment that he wanted to share with me and I was enchanted with the pink petals floating about (especially since pink is my signature color!).  I love that little man of mine; he is so affectionate and loves to share the wonders around him!
I have been to D.C. to see the all 3,020 cherry trees in bloom.  What makes the cherry blossoms of Washington D.C. so special? They were given as a gift of friendship from the Japanese people to the people of United States in March 27, 1912. They are scattered around the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial towards the East Potomac Park and it is a feast for the senses.  To the Japanese, cherry blossoms are the symbol of the evanescence of human life.
As much as I was inspired to be amongst all that beauty, I am still fonder of the cherry tree that grew in my grandparents' backyard.  I would climb that tree and pick the cherries and my granddad even put a tire swing from one the mighty branches.  Such sweet memories.  And now I get to add another favorite tree to that list and that is the one my son shared with me.  Childhood is truly an evanescence (can't scrabble that word Heather) in our journey, a vapor to be captured and tucked away as a treasured memory.  I am grateful, really grateful for the beauty the Lord surrounds us with, in our children as well as nature.

Song of Solomon 2:12 NIV

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come...

Blessings,
E.W.

Sunshine Pancakes

Every week we make a triple batch of these yummy pancakes.  I will give you the recipe for a single batch.

1 1/2 cups wheat flour
2 T sugar
pinch of salt
1 t. baking soda
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. cinnamon
2 eggs
3T. vege oil
1 1/2 milk (moo or rice or almond)
1T. apple cider vinegar
1 t. vanilla

In large bowl add milk and vinegar and let sit while you gather dry ingredients (it makes a buttermilk consistancy)  Mix dry ingredients in a seperate bowl. In the milk bowl, beat the eggs and add the oil, and vanilla.  Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir till just combined.
On hot griddle, drop 1/4 cup of batter set on medium-high.  When you see the pancake bubble in the center, flip.  Cook 1 more minute till golden brown.

Any left-overs I pop in a plastic bag and toast the pancakes till they are all gone.
Enjoy!
E.W.

One Day Her Prince Will Come

A year ago, my daughter and I started a mother-daughter journal.  We write back and forth to each other asking questions, dreaming dreams or just throwing-out a random thought.  It is a safe place for her and I to "talk" and then have a chance to think about our responses.  In the very back page of the journal is a list a character qualities we are praying for over her future husband.  Some of the things I have written include: 

• has a deep, growing relationship with Christ
• knows his God-given purpose
• is able to make decisions
• makes her laugh
• cleaves to her alone, always

Sissy's additions entail:

• handsome
• strong enough to work with horses
• prays for me (oh Yeah!)
• likes horses
• has money to own and care for horses

Oh, I added one more...lives no more than 5 miles from us!!!
As I go through the bible and look at the men God favors I want to take special note to add these qualities to her future man.  What ever God favors, that is good enough for me!

Abel:  Abel was the second child born into the world, but the first one to obey God.  He presented a pleasing sacrifice to God.  Abel trusted God and kept his priorities in order.
Noah:  Noah made a long-term commitment to a project.  He lived in acceptance of God's grace for an entire lifetime of obedience and gratitude.
Abraham:  His faith pleased God.  He was respected by others and was courageous in defending his family at any cost.  He was not only a caring father to his own family, but also practiced hospitality to others.  He was a successful and wealthy rancher :)
Joseph:  Joseph was known for his personal integrity.  He was a man of spiritual sensitivity.
Judah:  Judah was a natural leader-he was very decisive.  He thought clearly and took action in high-pressure situations.  He was willing to stand by his word and put himself on the line when necessary.
Moses:  In Moses, we see an outstanding personality shaped by God.  Understanding that God did not change who Moses was; he did not give Moses new abilities and strengths.  Instead, he took Moses' characteristics and molded them until they were suited to his purposes.  I would love to see this in Sissy's beau.
Joshua:  Joshua was faithful in asking God's direction in the challenges he faced.
Samson.....naaaah-a bit too buff, you know what I'm sayin...
BOAZ:  Oh how I love Boaz!!  Boaz was sensitive in his dealings with other people.  He not only did what was right: he also did it RIGHT AWAY!!!  God calls him: "A man of ACTION!!!!!!!"  He was a man of his word!  He had a keen sense of responsibility and integrity, and he was a successful businessman.  NOT to mention he took good care of his mother-in-law (that's me :).
David:  A man after God's own heart.  Warrior!  David had an unchangeable belief in the faithful and forgiving nature of God.  He was a man who lived with great zest (dancing naked is great zest!).  He was genuine.
Job:  sorry, no.
Ezra:  Ezra (my nephew's name is Ezra...what a sweetie!)  He committed to study, follow, and teach God's Word.  Ezra achieved great things and made a significant impact because he had the right starting place for his actions and his life:  God's Word.
Daniel:  Chapter 5:12 says, "Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel..."  Sums it up nicely, works for me!

I could go on, but this is a fabulous start.  These guys get close to painting a picture of the Ultimate Prince, but He does not walk on this turf in the flesh because just like these men we are all very flawed.  Now if she finds a guy that walks on water, we will talk more...I'm kidding!  I pray ALL these qualities these men exhibited for my future son-in-law.  I pray too that my boys would fall under these guidelines and qualities.  I want someone to compliment her gift set and encourage her to draw closer to the Lord.  I want God's very best for her.  So while she dreams and waits for that special day her prince will come, I will be praying!

Blessings,

E.W.

Enchanted with Questions

There is a pattern I have come to recognize with how God handles his children.  I will give you a few examples.  After the whole apple in the garden episode, the two darlings were hiding-- you know the story.  Now this is just a hunch but I suspect that God is REALLY good at hide-and-seek!  Nevertheless, being the gentleman and wise parent, he asks, "Where are you?"  He is giving them an opportunity to show themselves instead of an 'aha-gotcha!'  Next, he asks, "Who told you that you were naked?  Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?"  Then asking Eve, "What is this you have done?"  He asks questions.  He gives them a chance to confess and explain, knowing the answers all the while.  Hmmm, that is a really great technique for parenting.  I tend to jump to conclusions or only have part of the information and fill in the unsaid parts.  Asking questions takes time.  Sometimes I just want the noise to stop and send everyone to their rooms, I don't even want information, I just want peace!
Another story I like is when Jesus is resurrected.  First, he appeared to Mary Magdalene at the tomb and asked, "Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you seeking?"  There He stands to comfort her and redirect her focus.  Doesn't that make you cry even more when someone asks, 'are you alright,' as your crying?  Asking is a gentle way of bridging communication and opening up the conversation (as long as it is not accusing and putting the other person on the defensive).  Next, I love the 2 guys walking 7 miles to Emmaus.  They were scratching their heads and discussing the crucifixion.  Jesus suddenly joins them and asks, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?"  Cleopas is like, 'Dude, like what planet have you been living on that you are the only one who doesn't know what just took place in Jerusalem?" (E.W. revised).  Jesus replies, "What things?"  His point of view is so far greater than ours.  These guys are staring at the circumstances and not wrestling with the truth they had been told, by Jesus, about what to expect next.  Answering questions help us to articulate our thoughts and feelings. 
Be prepared in that sometimes when you open with a question you might get more than you expected.  Asking a question like, "Is there anything you would like to tell me about _______." , you might be surprised about what comes out.  That is okay though; God says in his word that "You may be sure that your sin will find you out..."(Numbers 32:23).  So as a fellow warrior, pray that God would reveal all things in your children's lives, and that includes what they might be hiding or just keeping a secret.
I commit to this form of parenting.  I need to take the time to gather all the information in order to proceed with the next necessary steps.  There is always more than one side to a story, but in the end we always hold that story up to God's truth and let that be our guide.  Be quick to listen, slow to speak... I think I am getting the message Houston!!!  One mouth, two ears, do we really need a diagram?   SHHHEEESH!
Blessings,
E.W.

The Perfect Will of God

In the perfect will of God my soul is resting;

I need fear no ill, though round me billows roll;

Ever safe am I when in Him I'm abiding.

There no tempest e'er can reach my soul.

To the perfect will of God I now surrender,

For His plan, divine, is best for me I know;

Never failing Guide, His blessed hand will hold me,

And His will shall ever sweeter grow.

In the perfect will of God is blest communion,
Ne'er a shadow mars the beauty of His face;
And the riches of His grace I find enduring,

For each change, sufficient is His grace.

One of the sympathy cards we recieved had this beautiful poem, handwritten, tucked inside the card.  This is exactly what a hurting loved one needs to hear during a deep valley.  I thought I would share it with you if you ever need the words to bestow with someone else. 

Micah 7:7  "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."

Thank you Mrs. Barrett for shining truth upon us.

Blessings,

E.W.