Along The Trail

getting out :: getting inspired

Have you heard of Katie Davis? She's got a book out now! We made it to the city yesterday, which for us always includes a stop at our favorite book store! I saw her book and began flipping through it. How I wished I could bring it home with me, but in just the few minutes I stood and scanned through it, my heart was pierced by Katie's raw and simple devotion and love for Christ. For a girl who, at 19, left everything to serve as Mommy to numerous children at an orphanage in Uganda, her story is inspiring. And if I were honest, it convicts me.

The Whisper Mountain Staff is currently en route to a missions conference in Florida. We are excited to gather with other missionaries from around the globe. We are excited to connect with fellow sharers of the Gospel. We are excited to share our story and the work God is doing at Whisper Mountain. We are excited to reignite our passion to continue the ministry of Proclaiming Christ! No, we don't share the same conditions or struggles as Katie, but we do share a love for God and a desire to share that with others. Aren't we are each privileged with this work, wherever we are, if we choose to accept it? yes...privileged.

Be looking for postcards from our time in Florida. Now, go watch Katie's story and be inspired! Good day to you friends!

Lesson from the Birdfeeder

Recently, Tegan and I were filling our birdfeeder out back. He loves to dig into the bag of seed with his chubby hand, grab a fistful and then slowly let it fall from his fingers into the feeder. I completely understand his love of this process. The tiny little pieces of seed just feel good in the hand! But, this can become quite a slow process when considering the size of the feeder and the size of his hand and the rate at which he lets it leave his hand!While he was chatting, my thoughts went south for a minute! This would be so much quicker if I would just do it. Dump. Hang. Done. That's when a welcome intrusion joined the conversation. I heard God whisper, I can accomplish a whole lot more and quicker without you also, but I enjoy doing My work with you. I want you a part of what I'm doing. Heart Humble.God doesn't need us to do His work anymore than I needed Tegan to help fill the feeder. Because He's a God of love and relationship, he wants to have me be a part. Just as much as I truly enjoy having my little man be a part of filling the feeder. Watching Tegan's delight, listening to his thoughts, engaging Him in caring, pointing out God's creation...this must be how God enjoys His children.

I'm thankful to call Him Daddy.  

in my bubble *[avocado facial]*

When I'm in my bubble, my girls know that it's the time to let me have a few minutes to myself. Questions are on hold, *emergencies* (those drama moments!) can wait, world problems won't be getting solved. The bubble around me (they like to pretend they are popping it!) lets me escape for just a little so I can regroup or refresh or refuel.

I thought it would be fun to insert some weekend girl time...some *in the bubble* time...on the blog every now and then! Whether it's pampering ideas or crafty fun. Just a spot to share and maybe inspire some of your own bubble moments! (while much of this would be fun with the girls in your days, it's okay to just refresh yourself too!) This is where you male readers (who may currently be rolling their eyes) can *x* out of the blog and go about your better things! No offense taken!

Sooo, girls. Let's get a facial!

I recently read somewhere (can't remember where) that avocados are a great way to treat dry skin. With winter (even a mild one) my face is dry. I put on a moisturizer, but it never seems to do enough and then I get blemishes (gasp). A recent sale on avocados at the grocery store seemed a perfect time to test this out!

I cut an avocado in half with my handy tool (which I use often!), slid out the meat and diced it into chunks. Then mashed it and mashed it until all my aggressions most lumps were out! I got too impatient to get them all out. Pureeing them in my amaZING machine would have worked too. But then the fun of mashing would've been out the window.

I then rubbed it all over my face! The cool green goopiness felt amazing on my skin. I could feel the oils seeping in. (warning: you may get questions with attitude...what are you doing?...or mocked by family members. just ignore. totally worth it!)

After about 15 minutes (and snacking on the rest of the avocado!), I rinsed with warm water and patted my face dry! The effects are still felt days later! And look how rosy my cheeks became! I especially loved how it turned the corners of my mouth up!

Give it a whirl. If nothing else, it feels good to do something for yourself! Something that is all too rare if you are anything like me!

What's your favorite way to pamper your skin?

when my gears slip

The whole *be intentional* thing has been going pretty good. So good, in fact, that I've begun to realize when the Dailies are starting to make me feel like I'm spinning out of control. When my gears are trying to slip into survive rather than remaining in thrive.   In those moments when the gears slip, I'm grumpy. My hatred of my Grumpies is my signal to run. Run to Him. Whether it's stepping outside to enjoy a slice of sunshine. Or creating a little something with my hands. Or hiding in my closet to tell God my woes...which turns into Him lifting my eyes to His goodness. Or reading His letters to me. Or finding new perspective through my camera's lense. These simple ways are ways I meet my God...encountering His beauty, creativity, simplicity. And somehow these encounters right all the wrongs. 

And I slip back into the place of thriving...a happy spot...as I journey with Him.