Have you ever noticed that it can be hard to live right now? It's difficult to exist in full awareness of the moment. Perhaps we get overwhelmed sometimes and think it's easier to tune out most of life. However, I'm finding that being fully present in each moment is where the joy is.

We all want to find peace, happiness, joy, purpose, meaning and contentment. I'm pretty sure I haven't found any of those things when I'm tuning out reality. Sounds funny to say doesn't it? Nobody wants to admit they check out of reality. That makes you sound like a bit of a psychology case, but we all do it.

However, every time I just soak up life around me, I'm overjoyed or overwhelmed to the point I pray with more gumption than I knew I had and then God gives me joy in even terrible looking circumstances.

I'm learning to live right here, right now. Little moments and big moments make up my life. I don't want to miss them anymore.

I snapped this shot because I thought the tree looked like the shape of the Scottish Spires and I liked it.

Labels: everyday art, San Marcos

Today I found myself headed out of town on a joyful retreat to College Station, TX. I've been considering lately what constitutes a good day. Is it getting all my work done? Is it having everything neat and tidy? I think perhaps a good day is one in which I feel really right. Not right in the sense of I've found all the important rules and followed them, but right in the sense of my soul is at rest. Some days my soul is most at rest working really hard. On some good days I run and take pictures and give hugs. Sometimes on good days I'm all alone with the Word or even reading my favorite blogs. Some good days happen on vacation, sometimes vacations result in bad days. I guess you can't by them or force them or fake them. However you can practice them. I think you can practice happiness as my friend Abby and I discussed today. Sometimes you have to work to maintain what you know is good. Take time to stick your feet in the stream and feel the cold. I actually felt the cold all day as the hem of my jeans got soaked. It's made the memory last a bit longer.
Enjoy today. Make it a good day. Relax in the Lord. He will satisfy you with good things.

Today was a good day as I shared a lovely sunshiny afternoon with a dear dear friend.

The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
Psalm 145:15-17

Hark where the night is falling
hark hear the pipes a calling
Loudly and proudly calling down thru the glen
There where the hills are sleeping
Now feel the blood a leaping
High as the spirits of the old highland men
Towering in gallant fame
Scotland my mountain hame
High may your proud standards gloriously wave
Land of my high endeavor
Land of the shining river
Land of my heart forever, Scotland the Brave


High in the misty mountains
Out by the purple highlands
Brave are the hearts that beat beneath Scottish skies
Wild are the winds to meet you
Staunch are the friends that greet you
Kind as the love that shines from fair maidens eyes

Labels: Scotland

I have returned to the states. I am a bit sad but I must go ooooooon.

Seriously, the trip was delightful. Scottish people are the greatest, the sights were magnificent, the church was alive and kicking. Enjoy a sneak peak of my photos from the trip. Don't worry, there will be more Scottish posting.

Labels: Scotland

Well, I've been knitting again with a specific source of inspiration this time. I was thinking to myself...hmm, I need a hat to stay warm in Scotland. I didn't find much motivation to go buy a made in china hat at Target when maybe I could make a cooler one myself. So, I searched my favorite blog soulemama.typepad.com and found this pattern.

If you are interested in knitting it yourself, Soulemama has a very simple pattern clearly explained on her blog. http://soulemama.typepad.com/soulemama/2005/11/my_hat_of_choic.html

So here I am all ready to go...not quite! I have the usual packing and printing of the boarding pass left to do. Nevertheless, on Sunday afternoon I will be on my first plane to Europe! I can't quite believe it. I'll be back in a week to share my Scotland adventures.

Labels: Knitting, Scotland