Road Trip? YAY!

"I am leaving at 6:00AM on September 12th." Of course, that meant sleep would evade me on the 11th. Isn't that always the way?
My goal- Liberty, MO......
My fun stop- Baxter Springs, KS

Read about that next.....just know the Cruiser and I are rolling and happy together.

And Let There Be Trees

Who could tell this house started as a slab just a few months ago? And now there are trees, shrubs, and miscellaneous plantings. When Mary Helen gets her hands in the dirt, there will be color galore.

In about three weeks, she and Smith will pack up their temporary residence and settle into the new house. Step by step this process has taught us all what building a dream entails.

Years ago my across the street neighbors planted a stick in their front yard. While we were busy with life, that tree grew and grew into something magnificent. Mary Helen's trees will bring shade, softness, and texture to their front yard.....and they will grow and grow.

We are to be like trees ----planted by streams of water. Not a bad assignment!

Secret Place

"Come see the secret place ---- it's my clubhouse!" Bree Anna excitedly welcomed her friends to the house, rushing them under the stairs and into her private world.

As I walked by, I could see rays of light from three flashlights peeking out of the darkened sanctuary. She decorated it with her drawings and furnished it with two large lounging pillows ---- a perfect hideaway from big brother.

All my life I wanted a secret room. Undoubtedly, I am way too big for Bree Anna's place under the stairway. But, I still dream of turning a bookcase and discovering a tucked away room known only to me.

For a year or so this one will intrigue her as she creates a world of her own, but soon she will outgrow the space and have to duck to enter. Yet, for right now --- it is a magical place where little girls can giggle, tell scary stories, and pretend to be all by themselves in the house.

Last week the verses about "you are my hiding place" came to mind as I thought about some difficult situations. He shelters us, protects us, wraps His arms around us much like Bree Anna's little room does for her. She feels safe in there; I feel safe in Jesus.

I love her happiness as she explores the possibilities of her room. Next time I am sure we will eliminate even more of the clutter to enlarge her domain. After all, this is no longer a storage closet--- it is the private world of Bree Anna Richardson. And how thankful I am for her and her room.

As she grows up, I want her to know she will always have a special place in the arms of Jesus. He will always be her hiding place.

Colorful Carry-Ons

"Traveling light" doesn't apply to babies! The great array of paraphenlia almost boggles the mind. In our day, we put down the station wagon seats, covered the surface with an air mattress, loaded in the toys, and off we went. Who knew we were forever endangering life and limb?

Today's children travel in great style --- and with much flair.

By the time Anne loaded Jack into his assigned space, the entire vehicle was loaded stem to stern with his equipment....all of which adds color and function.

Each loaded piece returned the log house to its sedate palette. and now nothing but empty floor exists where blankets, play areas, and bumbos once sat. My Mom used to try and keep "our smells" in the house after we left. With three children, I was just happy to get us altogether in once place and moving....no time to appreciate what she meant. NOW I do. I have walked around today hearing Jack's sounds, enjoying the laughter between Jeff and Anne, replaying conversations that challenged my thinking and touched my heart.

The visit is over, but the impact will never end. Hopefully, our lives are all like that. When we leave, there should be a residue of love. Dad used to say certain people left a "benediction in the plaster" as they departed. I know the Horch family from Nashville, TN, did that, and it is an encouragement to me.

Piney Woods Fresh

"Hey, Gram! I just took my bath and look how cute I am.. Mommy thinks I am just the best ever!"

I could not imagine having Jack (and his parents Jeff and Anne) here in the piney woods with me...until last week's announcement of a Texas vacation based at my house. Happy, happy, happy.

There will be more pics of "Just Jack," but this one was just too cute to save.

Come On In

The Jackson, MS Junior League produces a cookbook titled, "Come On In." The southern recipes welcome the reader into the world of gentility and charm.

As Mary Helen stood at her island on my weekly visit, I was struck with the sense of hospitality and warmth the house exudes. There she stood, ready to cook for us all!

I don't know if hospitality is officially one of the New Testament's spiritual gifts, but it is certainly the hallmark of Christian love. I am pretty sure I have never, ever entertained angels, but I can tell you with great certainty I have enjoyed the company of many whose hearts were sold out for Jesus.

Mary Helen can envision where all the Thanksgiving dishes will sit. She can see the family gathered together. She knows the day will soon come when we will noisily greet one another and celebrate the new house.

The day is coming when all believers will gather around a table unrivaled by any on earth. We will "sing and shout the victory." I look forward to that. How about you?

Deerly Beloved

"This package is deer resistant. You will really enjoy the carefree nature of this 'conservation model.'" Thus, I signed on the dotted line, paid many dollars, and entered into the world of wildflower-ness.

Oh, that the story ended there.

If you look closely enough, you will see a lone sprinkler in the center of this picture. For three hours 2x a week, I move sprinklers from place to place, watering these carefree wildflowers.

Then, just as they are getting a hold, the deer send out an email throughout the woods, "Salad bar at 1510 W. Holly Trail!" Deer resistant, are you kidding me? Judging by the response, they have the allure of a five star restaurant. Literally dozens of deer line up morning and night to munch down on my "conservation model."

Holly Lake Ranch protects its wildlife and clearly frowns on any efforts to discourage the deer. But, I feel like my yard is becoming Brenda-resistant to them. THEY ARE IN CHARGE.

If you love Bambi, come visit me. But don't expect any oohs and aahs from me at this point. GIVE ME BACK MY WILDFLOWERS is more my response these days.

Deerly beloved, go chomp somewhere else. I wish you well ---- and I wish you great traveling mercies.