Random Thoughts

Well, I've been busy today... thinking, well, more like brainstorming. I am doing the children's services for our church camp. I felt like I was hitting a wall - no inspiration. This was one of my main prayers for myself during revival last week. Anyway, the Lord really helped me and led me to just the right places online. I now feel inspired!! :) And I feel like I can maybe get it pulled together: Philippians 4:13 (and a little help from Mom)!! To see what I came up with, come to camp!! (or just wait until afterwards for me to post about it!) :)

In other random thoughts:
Mark and I watched the Jeff Allen Banana's dvd tonight. Something he said really stood out to me. Basically, he said if people could chose to be happy, than everyone would always be happy, but happiness has to come from a Source outside of ourselves and manifest itself in service to others. Why is that so hard for so many people to understand? I mean, who would actually chose to be miserable, if they could help it? I guess that's why we, as Christians, have such an important job: to show others what true happiness really is and Who it comes from!

Crayons and Playdough

Today I babysat for a friend. I always have so much fun with Gracey, (2 yrs) and Faithie (4 mns)! It is a blast watching Gracey learn and explore, and Faithie is just so huggable and cuddly!! :) Gracey loved the table that was "just my size!" It was mine when I was little... I highly recommend Little Tikes toys - they last forever! :)

Gracey practicing her "A's"...

Making playdough... Great recipe from Mr. Bob!
(1 cup flour, 1/3 cup salt, 1/3 to 1/2 cup water, a few drops of vegetable oil, and a little food coloring, mix until you have the right consistency.) Of course, a lot of the fun and learning is getting to mix it herself.

And Faithie modeling the hat I made for her... it's already too small!!
I guess I have more work to do (especially if she is going to wear it next fall)!! :)

Happy Easter...

Or is it Christmas??? It's snowing in Texas!!!! I was looking out at the cardinal at my birdfeeder and noticed some white stuff floating down. Texas weather is so unpredictable... Easter is colder than Christmas was! :) Have a Happy Easter! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

The Legend of the Dogwood

In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.

'Twas strong & firm it's branches interwoven
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.

Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:

"Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so

Slender & twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.

As blood stains the petals marked in brown
The blossom's center wears a thorny crown.

All who see it will remember me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.

Cherished and protected this tree shall be
A reminder to all of my agony."

~Author Unknown

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

Isaiah 53:5

Today in History

Those that know me well, know of my interest in history, especially the history of old folk songs. (big paper topic a year ago!) Here is a little bit of history for today:

Today in 1859, Dixie was first performed by the Bryant's Minstrels in New York City. Written by Daniel Decatur Emmett for the minstrel show, it quickly became a popular tune throughout the United States at the dawning of the War Between the States. By the end of the war, it was most identified with the southern states, much to Emmett's chagrin. Emmett also wrote such popular songs as Old Dan Tucker and Turkey in the Straw.


Talk about irony! Do all the great southerners who stand in honor of this song, know that it was written by a Yankee in Yankeeland??