Story Time with Barkley

Coming Soon

Now what?

Apple Picking

No Words . . .

I don’t have much to say, but I do have plenty of pictures to share.  Welcome to a wordless week.

Cool?

Cool.

A 3-D Movie is better if you wear the glasses

We surprised Matthan Sunday evening with his very first trip to the movie theater.  He’s been lovin’ Buzz Lightyear lately so Toy Story 1 and 2 were the perfect choice.  We weren’t sure that he would make it through both movies, but he was absolutely mesmerized and loved every minute of them.  He did not love the glasses so he watched both movies without them, which I’m pretty sure made them somewhat blurred.  I think he was too excited to care though.

A Kitchen Question

I’ve been doing a bit of baking lately and I’ve been reminded of how much I enjoy making yummy treats.  I love trying new recipes, decorating cookies or cupcakes, tasting the batter, etc.  Baking is fun, enjoyable and not stressful at all for me.  On the other hand though, it reminds me of how much I don’t like cooking – like actual meals.  Ugh!  I’m not good at it, it’s not fun for me and I really can’t stand the smells of chicken or beef that linger after cooking.  I do it (once in a while) but don’t enjoy it like I enjoy baking.  So, what about you?  Which would you rather be doing in the kitchen?

The teacher in me loves this

Earlier this year, I shared a funny homework story that My Robin shared with me.  Well, she did it again and this one cracks me up too.  I taught 1st and 2nd grade for the majority of my ten years in teaching and saw many pieces of writing like this one that just made me laugh.  If only the kids realized what they were saying! : )

A Cord of Three Strands

A couple of weeks ago, in our home group, we were discussing marriage and Ecclesiastes 4:12,

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (NIV)

In the context of marriage we quickly come to the conclusion that the three strands equal, the husband, the wife and God at the center, holding it all together.  I don’t think that’s wrong, I’ve heard this analogy used in weddings and I agree, a marriage with Christ at the center is going to be a stronger, healthier and happier marriage than one without.  But, even as we were discussing, I couldn’t help but think that there was more to that verse (I didn’t say anything ’cause I get nervous and it takes me a while to process, but here I am two weeks later still thinking about it) . . .

I am a very strong believer in authentic, real friendships.  I would rather have a handful of good friends that I can be myself with than know the whole town, but have no one to confide in.

Three strands,

three strands,

three strands . . .

couldn’t put it out of my mind . . .

We need others, not around us, but involved in our lives – intertwined, connected, close.  We are stronger and better when we have someone alongside of us to challenge us, encourage us, pray with us and for us, speak truth to us.  We are not meant to go through this life alone – in marriage or in singleness – we need friends to walk alongside us.  Being completely real and open with others can be scary, embarrassing at times, messy, but oh so rewarding in the end (if you find the right people).

I looked up Ecclesiastes 4:12 this morning again, this time in The Message and this is what it says, I love it,

“By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.”

That’s all it takes, at least three – three friends, three couples, three people along side of you.  Ones you can be completely open, honest and real with – ones that will stand along side of you in the good times, but most importantly when you are facing the worst.  Think of how different our impact would be, as believers, if we didn’t try to go through life alone.  If we gave each other permission to share and be real – we could overcome so much, break away from strongholds and make such an amazing impact in our communities.  So, do you have THREE?  If you don’t, I encourage you to take that step, as scary as it may be, to find someone who you can trust and share with openly  and do life together.

Could this have been his lucky day?

Matthan has been talking about “his lucky day” since Saturday.  I’m wondering now, if heading to the Historic Racing Festival (AND a visit from Nana and Papa) had anything to do with his new little saying.

The boy loves race cars and big mascots – he wouldn’t leave The Pig alone! This definitely was an absolute blast of a day for him.  Or in his words, “my lucky day!”