excellence vs perfection

I have to be careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business.

We say we'll talk the talk and walk the walk, but sometimes we forget to be a good Christian, talking and walking is in the daily living we do. May we strive for excellence for him, daily.

Excellence in Lauren's photography-above!

Happiness

Happiness is watching Mark "dance."

Midnight Hour

I love writing in the middle of the night. The house is quiet (except for Mark snoring-loudly), and there is something very restful about the way our heavenly Father takes care of our days.

I talked to my sister today. She is wonderful, but not very healthy right now. She will have a second surgery next week. Hard times have brought her closer in her walk, though. I talked to mom, too. She's starting to forget things. That's scary.

I've been reading "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." It is the time in my time, I suppose, but the author describes her mother's childhood. It has made me want to question my mom more about her life with her siblings, about her favorite childhood treat, the depression...and so many other things. I wish I had asked years ago. Why do we have to be older for our parents past to be so treasured?

Mark, girls, I love you!

SUMMER!!!!!

For 19 years, as a teacher, I was always so excited for summer vacation. It was a time to regroup, rest, and play. Now that I am not working, you'd think I'd not see this time of year as any different than any other. NOT SO!! I still absolutely love summer!

I love the kids on bikes all over the place, the noisiness of the neighborhood pools, and the vacations of our family. I went to Virginia last month, but will get to enjoy the company of Jess and Lauren when we return next month. We all love the easy, laid back life there with all our extended family. Mark and I will go on vacation later, when he's not so busy. San Destin Hilton sounds great. We'll probably do a few days at the Hill Country Hyatt for a short r and r.

I had Lauren home for a few days, with Pip. I always love that. I always love when Jess and Roy come too.(hint, hint)

As a mom, I'll end by saying that there is no greater joy in life than leading, loving and praying for your children, no matter what their age. I loved the thought of having kids, being pregnant, and raising them. There are truly blessings from God. Mark and I have loved watching our girls grow up and become strong women of God. And I am the mom who says always, hurt me...but do not mess with my children! Once, I even argued with a district policeman who I felt wronged one of my girls. I believe and have taught my girls to "know what to fall on the sword for"...there are some things in life that there can be no compromise on. Thank you, God, that you are that one thing.
Now that I have begun blogging, I'm liking it!!!!!!