I remember it wasn't too long ago when Dave posted "Sissy's Song" and dedicated it to all of his sisters and he listed each of our names. I can't listen to it now but I'll listen extra carefully as soon as I can. I'm at his house and he cannot tolerate loud music so it is pretty quiet as we sit here with Pattie. She loves that we are here with her as he sleeps almost all of the time.

This feels way too familiar.  It's precious time, but so uncomfortable at the same time and times goes ever so slowly.

I really want to write the dream I had last night, but don't have the energy or focus right now.  It's still crystal clear in my head though.

Missing Mom One Year Later...

Mom

It's with a heavy heart that I gave myself permission to grieve tonight. I will burn a candle for her and start another gratitude list in the morning.

With love,
Annie

I wish someone could read my mind and find me a song with the words I can't seem to find tonight. Is that asking too much? :)

Our Name "Karnowski"

I love being a Karnowski.

Patricia * David * Angela * Mary * DeNaze * Christopher

Your Name

You got it from your father,
t'was the best he had to give,
And right gladly he bestowed it
It's yours, the while you live.

You may lose the watch he gave you
and another you may claim,
But remember, when you're tempted,
to be careful of his name.

It was fair the day you got it,
and a worthy name to bear,
When he took it from his father
there was no dishonor there.

Through the years he proudly wore it,
to his father he was true,
And that name was clean and spotless
when he passed it on to you.

Oh there's much that he has given
that he values not at all,
He has watched you break your playthings
in the days when you were small.

You have lost the knife he gave you
and you've scattered many a game,
But you'll never hurt your father
if you're careful with his name.

It is yours to wear forever,
yours to wear the while you live,
Yours, perhaps some distant morn,
another boy to give.

And you'll smile as did your father,
with a smile that all can share,
If a clean name and a good name
you are giving him to wear.

- Edgar A. Guest

On being intentional

A letter from the "Provider of tents."

O MR. TENTMAKER

It was nice living in this tent when it was strong and secure and the sun was shining and the air was warm.

Mr.Tentmaker, it's scary now.

You see, my tent is acting like it is not going to hold together. The poles seem weak and they shift with the wind.  A couple of stakes have wiggled loose from the sand; and  worst of all, the canvas has a rip. It no longer protects me from beating rain or stinging fly.

It's scary in here, Mr. Tentmaker.

Last week I went to the repair shop and some repairman tried to patch the rip in my canvas.  It didn't help much, though, because the patch pulled away from the edges and now the tear is worse.

What troubled me most, Mr. Tentmaker, is that the repairman didn't even seem to notice that I was still in the tent.  He just worked on the canvas while I was inside.  I cried out once, but no one heard me.

I guess my first real question is: Why did you give me such a flimsy tent?  I can see by looking around the campground that some of the tents are much stronger and more stable than mine.  Why, Mr. Tentmaker, did you pick a tent of such  poor quality for me?  And even more important, what do you intend to do about it?

* * * * *

O little tent dweller, as the Creator and Provider of tents, I know all about you and your tent, and I love you both.

I made a tent for myself once, and lived in it on your campground.  My tent was vulnerable, too, and some vicious attackers ripped it to pieces while I was still in it.

It was a terrible experience, but you will be glad to know they couldn't hurt me.  In fact, the whole occurrence was a tremendous advantage because it is this very victory over my enemy that frees me to be a present help to you.

O little tent dweller, I am now prepared to come and live in your tent with you, if you'll invite me.  You'll learn as we dwell together that real security comes from my being in your tent with you.  When the storms come, you can huddle in my arms and I'll hold you.  When the canvas rips, we'll go to the repair shop together.

Some day, little tent dweller, some day your tent is going to collapse.  You see, I've designed it only for temporary use.  But when it does, you and I are going to leave together.  I promise not to leave before you do.  And then, free of all that would hinder or restrict, we will move to our permanent home and together forever, we will rejoice and be glad..
~Anonymous




Thank you, Lord for bringing this poem to my attention this morning. Once again, Your timing is perfect. 

((HUGS))

 God's beautiful artwork.

Group Hug ... Annie, Naze, Dave & Patricia

Dave, Pattie, Joe, Naze, Bekka, Jake & Patricia watching the rainbow.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." ~Phil 4:8

I'm learning to appreciate God's beauty more and more each day. We saw a full rainbow above my sister's home last night. None of us know what the future holds and we wish things were different but for today... I'm Praising Him for this beautiful show. I'm thankful that Ibuprofen helped my brother, Dave have a good day for Naze's birthday celebration and I'm grateful that I own a nice camera to snap a few of these precious memories.

*pretending to be a photographer

I picked these raspberries. First attempt at jam. Thumbs up! 

I love this one.

Lincoln's favorite.

Cool, eh? :)

Lincoln took this one (obviously). Notice how nice and straight it is. 

The perfectionist in me is very bothered that this isn't straight. Ugh!!!

Lincoln took this one and I'm super jealous it wasn't my idea. I'm so competitive!

My favorite (My screen saver right now.)

Passion for Glory

I don't even like boxing, but watching my brother suffer with cancer is starting to make me MAD! He doesn't deserve to be in this kind of pain 24/7. It's hard to just sit here doing nothing. I'm thankful that I know the way the story ends, but it's so hard to watch.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith". ~2 Timothy 4:7

Lord, I know that I know that I know You are in the midst of this fight. Keep our eyes focused on You. Please remind him that You suffered too and that it is all worth it in the end. You are with him as he carries his cross. Teach me how to carry his burden and give him comfort. Hold him close and help us keep the faith when we feel helpless.

By faith,
Angie

All things...

 "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Cor 13:7)


This morning I was reminded of a portion of His Word that I was privileged to read at my sister's funeral. I will never forget that day at St. John's Catholic Church where you could hear a pin drop. She planned her own funeral during those months before she died. We never talked about it. I can still see her unique left-handed writing where she wrote it all out. She was a list maker. I may just take a risk and have a conversation with someone else I dearly love.

Thank You, Holy Spirit for gently whispering these Words in my ears today.






In His Love & By Faith...
Angie