When we get home from hospital stays I have a tendency to move at a frantic pace trying to get lots of things done. Bills, laundry, dishes, email, cleaning, ... whatever. I don't know why. Maybe it's feeling like I need to accomplish a whole bunch of things ...in case we have to go back right away. Maybe it's feeling the need to "catch-up" on things I wasn't able to do while we were gone. Maybe it's because I'm a task-oriented person. (hehehe)

For whatever reason, when we got back today... I didn't feel the need. Rest. Relax. That's all I wanted to do.

After taking a quick shower and eating lunch I watched some of the bicycle race on TV. I camped out on the couch and watched Rendition and napped.

I made some pichi-pichi for a snack/dessert for us.

I plan to watch National Treasure 2 tonight and maybe do some reading.



Ok, I did do a load of laundry. Sometimes it just has to be done... especially when you're down to the last of your underwear. (heheh!)

This is a spot in our yard that I've been trying to prepare to fix up. It used to be a vegetable garden but we've had too many encounters with the local wildlife. So, we're planning to make this a flower garden.

THIS is my inspiration. This is the "Healing Garden" at Saint Mary. I've not actually been in it. I've only seen it from the upstairs or on the way to the cafeteria downstairs. I would love to create a place in our backyard that is just... serenity.

However, there's a "heat wave" here in the northeast and they say the air quality is poor -- to stay inside. So, I guess the yardwork will have to wait... okay by me! The couch, a nap and some movies wait for me! :)

Hahaha... I'll take any excuse to veg for the day :)

I saw this book at Sam's Club. I've seen this book before and had considered reading it at other times. I guess I never really wanted it enough to actually get it though.

Possibly because of where my life is right now, when I saw it on the rack, I immediately grabbed it.

"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life"

I've been going through it slowly -- when waiting at the doctor's office with my mom, reading a chapter here and there... just nibbling at it really.

Small bites to share with you...

Discouragement can drain us of all hope, of all vision, of all our tomorrows and dreams. It certainly did that for Elijah.

But I love the tender picture of 1 Kings 19:5-7, for it hints at the
tenderness available to us in our own discouragement. Remember what happened? God sent an angel to bring food to his downhearted prophet. "Get up and eat," the angel told Elijah, "for the journey is too much for you." Then the angel stood guard as Elijah fell back asleep.

When we're distracted and discouraged, tired and overwhelmed, there is no better place to go than to our Father. He alone has what we need. Don't stand under a broom tree. Don't hide in a broom closet. Go to the Lord and let him
sweep away your discouragement.

As you do, you'll find healing for your hurting heart.

Even when it can't help but doubt.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." - Deuteronomy 31:8

I've been gradually facing the reality that my life as I've planned and expected ... isn't. And, I've been gradually realizing that it is at times disappointing and it is at times discouraging.

I want to fight the discouragement. I want to cling to hope. I want to continue to believe and trust in my Father. I want to be aware of the moments of His tenderness.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." - Deuteronomy 31:8