Ripples of Joy

When I was young I liked to go out to our middle pond and throw rocks in the water and watch the circle of ripples grow.  Big rocks made a huge splash and a lot of ripples, but even the smallest pebble would make a ripple that would expand.  Some people are like that.

This weekend I spent time with one of my "Armchair Artist" friends.  She loves to make greeting cards--up to 100 of the same one--for all the holidays.  She now is working on cards for Halloween.  She buys paper by the bunch, designs the cards, and then sends them to people who need a little cheer in their lives.  She also crochets and knits making shawls, hats, dish towels and dish clothes by the dozens--all to give away.  She said that not only does she get joy from making all these, but also the joy of giving, so she is twice blessed.  Then there is the joy that the receiver experiences--another ripple.

This inspires me to try to make ripples of joy.

Early Morning Treasured

Early this morning, just as dawn was breaking, I was leaving for work, and right outside my front door I noticed this cactus in bloom. Note that there is a bee already gathering its food. As soon as the sun comes up this flower will close. It may only bloom for a day or two. Such a beautiful sight. This picture teaches us a lesson-- look for beauty, look for opportunity when we see it. It may not be there for long and we may miss our chance to do something wonderful.

Till next time -- AM

An Inspiring Story

I just finished reading "same kind of different as me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. This is the moving story of how the vision and faith of a woman effects a transient Louisiana share-cropper and her rich art dealer husband to bring change to the Fort Worth homeless and their city. The book reminded me that one person can make a difference with God's direction. Read it and let me know what you think.

Hello World

As the time ticks down to retirement, and I am embarking on another adventure, I want to record all the things going on in my world. A new adventure always has its ups and downs, and I want to share these, and other things, too.