Sunsets and Stars

I used to frequently do "Silent Sundays" which was posting pictures instead of writing, so you keep your focus and energy on worshipping God on Sundays, and NOT on worrying about getting your post in for the day. I still like to do it but the blogger that ran it no longer does. So instead I want to post some pics but also tell you shortly about my wonderful evening!

This was the beautiful sunset - and I just took these a couple hours ago so no they have not been digitally altered in any way - that is the real color! lol...this was also taken right from my driveway looking through the neighbors tree looking in the direction of the lake.

I know this next picture LOOKS like water but it actually the pavement of our neighborhood road, hehe! I got down close to the pavement for the shot and my husband as soon as he saw it said, "That LOOKS like it is water!"

These next few pics were of us hanging out on the blanket I layed out in our front yard so we could wait for the stars to appear. I got to lay next to my daughter and explain to her that God made those stars and I asked her, "Wasn't that nice of God to make those stars so pretty and put them in the sky for us?" To which a smiling girl replied in a high pitched excited voice, "Yea".

It was a beautiful evening and I'm so glad I enjoyed it with my family, in the peace and quiet so I could truly enjoy the moment. What have you done to slow down and just "enjoy" recently???

Food for Thought

I had the great privilege to attend an incredible Leadership Summit this past week! God gave me a special blessing because it was by far the BEST leadership anything I have ever been to - and I've been to quite a few (for my age at least)! During lunch the last day, a church had gathered their group together to allow any of them to share about their experience or what they had gotten out of this summit. A particular man stood up to comment on what had especially resonated in his heart and in the midst of speaking he said the following statement: "I think to be a good leader you MUST be a good person as well, you would have to be." Immediately my curious brain posed the question: "What about Hitler?"

I even leaned over and whispered my question to my new found friend from the conference, who raised her eyebrows at my question and with a friendly nudge to my arm said "Ha, good question!" I just couldn't quite nod my head and say oh yes, preach on brother, because I kindly begged to differ. There have been several great leaders that were greatly evil and had no good intentions yet thousands followed them reverentially! So what is your opinion? Do you think that in order to be considered a TRUE good leader you must have also been a good person, or do you think that a person can in fact be a good leader and just be good at being bad? And for that matter what then do you define as a leader? (That was the first question I wanted to ask this stranger - and almost did except someone grabbed his attention to talk afterwards...of course to be followed with - What about Hitler?) haha...so what are your thoughts? I would love to hear them.

Silent Sundays - Princess Day at the Library

At one of our local libraries they hosted a "Princess Tea Party" with Belle as the storyteller! They read about 5 cute Princess books including Gracie's favorite - "Fancy Nancy" and then had jewelry and snacks, crafts, and photo op time with Belle. My daughter had the best time and we have recently gone back for their DINOSAUR themed Family Story Time as well. If your local library has anything like this I strongly encourage you to check it out with your kids. Mine love it and we have already brought home a TON of books to read and enjoy - and then return for new ones!

My latest readings...

I know I haven't updated my blog in awhile and that the last few have been pretty political so I thought I would do a laid back post today with simply my latest reading! I am an avid reader and wish I could sit for about 4 hours every day to just cuddle up with a good book, although most days do not afford me that pleasure. Any who here is what has graced my book shelf and worn out my bookmarks lately:

1. "The Healer" by Dee Henderson

The 5th book in the O'Malley Series and takes you through the emotions of dealing with a sister that is fighting cancer and believing God for a miracle every day of her fight.

2. "The Rescuer" by Dee Henderson

The 6th and final book the the O'Malley Series. This one finds a young man who's instinct is to run from death and things that just seem overwhelming in life. Will he ever come back? Will he find the peace he is searching for? This one has an end that will leave any mother in tears and laughter at the same time!

3. "Me, Myself, and Lies" by Jennifer Rothschild

This is actually a bible study that Beth Moore is sort of leading through her online blog, LPM blog. It is the "Summer Siesta Bible Study" and yes she knows that "siesta" is the Spanish word for nap! Check out her blog - it's a hoot! Anyways about the study -it takes an up close and personal look at your own "thought closet". It makes you realize what you are speaking to your soul on a daily basis. GREAT study to align your thoughts with God's truths over your life!

4. "The Laws of Prosperity" by Kenneth Copeland

From the back of the book: "True prosperity is the ability to apply the power of God to meet any need - spiritual, mental, and physical. In this book Kenneth Copeland shares the revelation of spiritual laws that govern prosperity. The Laws of Prosperity is written to teach you how to apply these laws in your own life so that you can begin to enjoy the great abundant life that only God can provide."

So what have you been digesting in your memory bank this summer?