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 Hi!  We're home again!  I liked the bed we slept in while we were in California and I spent a lot of time sitting on it playing around with my new iPad.  We walked a loooooooong way to Disneyland every day.  My feet are tired.

 The flowers in California are a sight to behold!

 My favorite images are definitely the charming nooks and crannies at Disneyland.   I sort of forgot that there are always HUGE CROWDS of people there during spring break.  

 Guess what bloomed in the garden while we were away?  

 Sara and I met by a fountain in Downtown Disney and then scurried to the Storybook Inn for lunch.  We talked and talked, just like old friends.  It was FUN!

I'm not sure why I am waving at the camera, but I do know that I need a haircut.  

I'm happy to be home.  I saw three sweet little granddaughters this morning.  I went to the grocery store for supplies.  I'll have more to say later.  I missed you!

Not Much of a Pause

 I don't feel very "pause-ish" so I am simply giving you some springtime photos.  The carrot/rabbit was for sale at the grocery store last year.  Darling, huh?

 Here's a color pop of tulip beauty.  

 And I'd like you to have some eggs.  

The grass is greening up and I sat outside in the sunshine today.  Mmmmmmm. Warm.
We're getting up early to zip to the airport. I hope you have a light-hearted week.  I shall say hello to Mickey Mouse for you.
I'll be back soon!

Fun Artwork

 Happy Friday!  Yahoo for SPRING break!  
I have a new to me The Wind in the Willows illustrated by Tasha Tudor.  Beautiful!  I saw a copy at the antique mall but it was too expensive (40 dollars!  Yikes!) so I ordered this copy for under ten dollars (yahoo for Amazon!)

 Look at the sweet expression on  Mole's face.  He's so nice.

 Mr. Toad looks so silly in a washer woman's dress!

 This is my favorite!  I like to close my eyes and see the small dock for Ratty's boat.  The Willow boys are in Ireland at the moment and shall soon set forth for England.

 Lisa at Pen and Ink sent me this sketchbook.  I've been using it.

 Does this guy scare you?  I cut off his speech bubble because he says REAL bossy things.  I didn't want you to think he was saying this particular bossy thing to you.

 Can you see my sweet BP journal?  I have collected four of Beatrix's original tales, too.

 This is an Amelia leftover from our Jenny.  Do you know about Amelia's journals?  So cute! This face reminds me of yesterday when all the sixth graders were super hyped up for a reading event taking place in the library.  It was a very mixed up day and stressful.  Sixth graders need structured predictable days.  Whew.  I think they also need a week off!  Me, too!

I am so excited to go to California.  I am going to meet up with Sara from Come Away With Me.  We are going to sit together for lunch and enjoy each others' company!  Wahoo!
I hope this good day warms your bones and gives you an extra boost.  Thank you so much for coming by to say hello!  (BIG HUG!)

Painted Sky

 I'm gleeful this morning because the morning held images of His majesty, colored pink and blue.  It's the time of the painted sky just now and He is quite liberal with His perfect gifts. 

 The words I read this morning were intensely soothing, too.  From I Thessalonians 4:11
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands . . . "

 I've been reading Lark Rise to Candleford again.  Flora Thompson draws me in with her accounting of hamlet life.  I find the simplicity so stirring even though I know life was difficult and hard.  The women had trying times feeding their big families and were always in need of just a little more money.  I do resonate with the way they shared with one another, the way they gave their lives to each other and confided in one another.  Work is a gift.  Work substitutes and competes with gluttony.  Making a bed, scrubbing a floor, wiping off the counter top, and clearing the garden are signifcant ways to give our time and our energy.  Do you know people who are always there to give?  I like them so much.  Somehow they know how to ask, "What do you need?  What can I do for you?" in just the right way.  We believe them.  They mean it.
When I didn't have so many distractions, I gave my time away more liberally.  I think I've become a bit stingy.  I'm glad He is not stingy with his rich belongings.  He who washed the disciples' feet will show  me how I can give my life away each day.

Pop over to Floss's spot and click through the bloggers who join her for A Pause in Lent.

God be with you.

Tulip Views

 Tulips in a pitcher, bargain tulips (2 bunches for 6 dollars!), are singing SPRING to me. Don't you love the design of tulips?  A color cup on a juicy green stem, surrounded by pointed waxy leaves!  Simply beautiful.

The kids at school are angel pies.  They really are.  We're getting along perfectly and the sun is shining outside.  I've been dancing almost every day!  Yippee!  I still haven't bought my kite.  I will!
Please say a prayer for our Kelli.  She stepped off a curb and broke a skinny bone on her foot.  She is wearing one of those boots, but I'm sure clomping around is going to get old REAL fast.  She won't be able to dance with me for six weeks.  Drat.
March came in like a lamb.  Uh oh!  If she plans on going out like a lion, I'm glad we'll be in sunny California!
Thank you for calling in.  Please have a tulip-cup of dew, good fairy.
Bye bye!

God Be Merciful

 Quite some time ago I read an article in Christian History magazine about Harold John Ockenga.  Ockenga was a great influence on Billy Graham. The article said that when Rev. Ockenga was on his death bed many of his confidants were around him giving him encouragement concerning his life of ministry.  He did not respond (he was barely conscious) to the offerings of encouragement and the compliments concerning his life's work.  Here is an excerpt from the article telling about what words DID cause Ockenga to respond.



 "Although Ockenga was too weak to respond, none of the comments seemed to be bringing him the peace and comfort the elders hoped they might be able to convey. Then one of the elders leaned forward and quietly commented, "Well, Harold, I suggest that when you see the Master, just say, 'God be merciful to me a sinner.'" Tears began to flow down Ockenga's cheeks."
Here's the link to the article in Christian History.

 Why do we struggle so as we try to determine our own significance?  We are all sinners.  Our Jesus understands our "sheep-ness" and has great mercy upon us.  I am so moved by the truth told in Ockenga's response.  After all his serving and working for the Lord, as he struggles with the end of his life, weak and tired, he knows the truth.  He needs the mercy of the Grace Giver. 

 (photo from Debbie at Artful Aspirations)

 Jesus said we should become like children, small and helpless, sure that we are in great need of the Savior.  Blessed are the poor in spirit.

I'm joining Floss and her friends for A Pause in Lent.  Pop over and treat yourself to some challenging thoughts, if you'd like.
Thank you so much for peeking in on me today.