Big Fat Birthday Love

Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?

This was one of those nights that caught me completely off guard.

I was treated to a birthday extravaganza that blew my mind and filled up my cup to a gushing overflow!!

Usually when I visit Dawn and Amber we sit on the driveway and enjoy special drinks, each other's company and some prayer.

This is our view, here below.

Not bad at all, right?

But when they found out I was willing to let Josh drag me up the steps for a real visit they pulled out all the stops and made the evening all about me.

I got to admire the amazing reno that they did on their place and Amber treated me to a very delicious fluffy sweet drink, just the way I like it!!

Actually, anything would taste delicious when served by someone as sweet and lovely as Amber.

Look at that smile... oh my word how I love AMBER!

I've known her since before she was born!!

The evening just kept getting better and better... Sweet Thea showed up from downstairs where they live and I got to enjoy their sweet friendly baby boy.

Everyone was dressed to match, it seemed. (Except me - I don't think I got the memo but I'm not in the picture so it's all good.)

They ordered the most delicious meal from the Cactus place and rounded out the meal with this outrageously lovely and delicious cake.

I know - I"m sounding a little over the top, but the evening was just that!!

I was feeling the love in a big fat way...

Sadly I forgot to take a picture of the gifts... an outdoor spice garden box and the loveliest earring that match my eyes, but the biggest gift was being blessed with the presence and love of this dear bunch of beautiful people.

We met back in the 80's at a New Life Mini-Church and we've been grafted together ever since.

Circles of Goodness

 Lately my world feels like a long circle of sweetness and goodness.  The rhythms of caring for mom and then resting or playing are a very good place to be.  

There are thorny areas that are harder to traverse: but on this marvellous day of sunshine, flowers, puppies and aloe juice I am settled.  

The house is still, my window frames new maple leaves, deep blue sky and apple trees just breaking into blossom.

The winter is past.  

I sigh deeply.

  I don't know how to adequately enjoy the raptures of Spring but I listen to the joyful birdsongs and watch the greening world with eager eyes. 

I give thanks.

So grateful for the gentle rhythms and people that have made up my life in these last two and a half years..  

There are heart places and situations that are unfinished but GOD is always at work. 

So I rest in that.  

Understanding a little more now what it is to "enter into His rest".   

Knowing it has taken work to get to a place of rest and it will continue to take effort, but it is available and not so difficult.  

And in this particular moment I know and feel that all is well.  

The mountains are shaking, there is increasing unrest, grief, injustice and pain in the world but I know the end of the story. 

 I train my eyes and my heart to be careful.  

I must walk in the light that is before me.  

His Word. 

Increasingly beautiful and rich.

I leave the places of mystery, and they are many, for another time.

This path of trust winds on and He provides refreshment on the journey. 

I will drink in the beauty and goodness of God that is always available.