Katie's Homecoming

This past weekend was super exciting for my sister and her family. My niece, Katie was chosen to be on the Queen's Court for Homecoming at her high school. I drove down to North Carolina with my older sister, Patricia to be a part of it. Katie was so sweet to ask her little brother to be her escort. This girl is amazing! Her brother has had so much (unwanted) attention lately, so she has taken a back seat. To say life has been hard on her is an understatement. Watching her handle him with so much love and grace brings me to tears. I could go on and on here, but I mainly just want to share that my sister's house was full of smiles all around and it was such a treat be able to share this time with them.

[caption id="attachment_1535" align="alignnone" width="682"] The Lamb Family[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1536" align="alignnone" width="682"] Katie was nominated to be on the Queen's court and she asked her brother to be her escort.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1537" align="alignnone" width="890"] Katie & Zack[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1538" align="alignnone" width="890"] Zack is in the Pit and if you knew all he's been through lately you'd think this is as amazing as I do![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1539" align="alignnone" width="682"] I was so impressed by his ability to do this with absolutely no assistance. :)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1540" align="alignnone" width="890"] A proud mother and her daughter! xo[/caption]

What's your Contribution?

This week this 50-something is changing her words... "My Purpose" to "My Contribution." When all is said and done, what do I hope to contribute to this beautiful world before my days are done? It is a game-changer and a very important question. I am sure it can only be done by being intentional.

True Beauty

If you want to know how I'm really doing, all you have to do is open my purse and have a peek inside. If there are receipts everywhere and it's a mess, you'll know the truth: I'm not in the greatest place.

I was so honored that my sister let me in her life this past week. When she was gone (to the hospital for her son's surgery) I walked around her house all by myself and quickly realized things may or may not be as they appear to the outside world. I wanted to sit and sob for her. I immediately felt compassion for what she is really going through. I also quickly learned that it was obvious that my sister has her priorities in the right order, and I love that she is in touch with all that really matters.

I have to tell you that she and I couldn't be any more different when it comes to crafts. For some reason I did not get the gene. You should see her paintings! She is channeling her stress in a positive way by painting the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. I am so glad she knows how to comfort herself in the midst of a very hard life.

I admire her for being herself and for accepting all people; she never ever judges them. We had several conversations about "constructive criticism" (Is there really such a thing?) and she was hurt to the core recently. I have so many reasons to respect my sister, but the one that stands out most these days is the fact that she is the most accepting person I know.

When I looked around her house when no one else was there I felt like I was looking at the truth of what felt like a messy purse to me. When they came home and I saw her family in action, I realized the love inside that place is bigger than anything I can ever explain on a blog post. That family loves with what I call, "reckless abandon." Everyone should be able to experience that kind of precious love!

This song is dedicated to you, my beautiful sister. You make me so proud on so many levels! Thank you for letting me in your life. I will come back again real soon!
I love you so much! ... xoxo

http://youtu.be/xxiqslWvgTI

And she went to a Dude Ranch

Just like winning the trip to South Africa for an African Safari, I never would have had a Dude Ranch on my bucket list. I would have listed 100 different places first, but I had a blast a couple of weeks ago when I went with some dear friends to Arizona to celebrate my friend's birthday. Kathie and Marty made a big deal about my 50th, so I thought I should join them if at all possible. I had some frequent flyer miles and it was very affordable! I am in no way a horse person and I've always been afraid of them; but recently I had a patient tell me something I haven't been able to get out of my mind.

"Being comfortable is like being in prison."

For some reason that statement resonated with me immediately! I'm not sure if it's because I have lost so many loved ones in recent years, but I decided to make it my goal to do as many things out of my comfort zone as possible.



Since the rest of the group had either gone to a Dude Ranch prior or owned horses of their own, I was the only true "beginner." I loved the slow rides, especially up the rocky mountains, but honestly I thought it might get a bit boring, riding so slow for five days. The rest of the group was anxious to take a fast ride and I didn't want to miss out, so I took a lesson to learn to trot and lope on my horse. It was mandatory to take a test before going on the fast ride. I found it difficult, but I sort of caught on that it was all about getting into a rhythm. They told us to have our pockets down and zipper up and slide on the saddle. It was so cool when I did it right. Somehow the guy passed me!

Loping (running on my horse) was the one of the scariest, most exhilarating things I have ever done. I know it sounds lame to most people, but my heart was beating out of my chest when the horse began to run. I didn't want him (Jackson) to know I was scared, because I heard they sense fear and could freak out. Anyway...I did it!

My poor horse ended up being sick. He was breathing very heavily, broke his stride and came to a dead stop a few times. I thought it was my fault because I did something wrong. Since I was a beginner they gave me a slow horse. The wrangler kept telling me to hit him with the stick to get him going because he was "lazy." It turns out he was really hurt. I feel badly that I made him take me up the mountain a few times while injured. On the last day they gave me a new beautiful horse (Trigger, pictured above) to ride and I felt a lot more confident.

At the end of each day we were hot, exhausted and very dirty! A shower and a glass of wine never felt or tasted better. Oh, and the food was incredible! After dinner each night they had activities. My least favorite was the art project where we had to do a water color paining of a horse and dessert. Anyone who knows me knows crafts are not my strong suit. You will notice I did not add a photo of it in this post!

I am definitely anxious to go on another trip in the future (maybe to Wyoming). I would love to ride in the lush green mountains and ride through rivers. I am really glad I decided to get out of my comfort zone and do something I never dreamt I would enjoy. I highly recommend you do something totally crazy. You won't regret it and you may just have the time of your life!

http://youtu.be/ZSYPNiK7fXE

What are you looking at?

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." ~Matt 7:3-5

We certainly don't like it when people point out our faults or judge us for how we are handling a situation. I cannot call myself a Christ-follower if I continually judge others. I am considering putting this picture on my fridge as a reminder. I should also put it on my mirror in my bathroom and on a sticky note in my car. It should be the screen saver on my computer and the wallpaper on my phone.

Remembering

Last night God reminded me that lately I have been forgetting.

I've been forgetting to remember what He has done for me since He first touched my life on a deeper level. He and I have been through a lot together and I can't believe I could have so easily forgotten.

I wish I didn't have the block that has caused me to lose my fire and blog about what He is currently doing in my life. I was in such a better place when I started my day with God and ended it thanking Him for being with me every step of the way. I have been focusing on what isn't instead of what is; and He is enough.

I started today in His Word and I already feel better!

"Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me." ~Psalm 103:2 NLT



Love,
xx

Ultimate Prayer Time

Trust Brings Peace

In the Details

Acceptance

These two photos remind me that although I'm still trying to adjust to my daughter living as far west as she could, I'm happy for her. She told me this week that it's time I accept the fact that she likes it there, and that this is probably not a temporary living situation. It's time I embrace her new life and encourage her to make a life out there.

When I really consider what's underneath it all for me, I don't want her to think I'm just OK and just fine with her there. I want her to know the depth of my love for her and that I would love for her to live closer, so I could see her more often; but more than that, I want her to be happy; I want her truly happy. I think this conversation had to take place so she can finally be open to new relationships.



I pray she finds someone special there... soon.
With love and an authentic smile... :)

my very wise friend, Lisa

 

wise friend

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." ~Proverbs 13:20





Lord, I can't thank You enough for my friend, Lisa who is a true gift from You alone. It was no accident that we met way back when we went on our very first Mission Trip. I treasure our friendship so much!

Power of the tongue

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." ~Proverbs 18:21

Under it All

Darling Ducky

Only in Michigan

First Sunday of February

All-Time Favorite Candle from Megzies

Overflowing with Gratitude

"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Col 2:7