Exhaust Fumes, Spiderwebs, and a Jeep Jalopy

Last night I found myself secluded in my sanctuary (locked in my bathroom in my steaming hot garden tub) when suddenly there came a knock on my bedroom door. Awakened from my few moments of bliss I heard a familiar sound, "Mooooooom!"

"I'm in the tub!"

"Mom, hurry! We want to show you something," my seven year old continued.

"Show me what?"

"We want you to see the jeep and go for a ride! It's so cool!"

There are some moments you would rather say no but you know you have to say yes.

Even if it means getting out of the bath smelling like mango coconut and into a dirty jeep reaking of exhaust fumes.

This was that exact moment.

The boys (my hubby and our two sons, 15 and 7) recently acquired an old 1975 Jeep (jalopy) 4X4 and dubbed it their deer lease/mud buggy project.

Last night, of all nights, they managed to get it to run for more than 30 seconds. We live on acreage with dirt roads and four-wheeler trails leading to a river at the back of our property (yes, I'm a country girl, born and raised) and they just had to take me for a ride to show off their mechanical skills.

At 9:45 PM.

The precise moment I was soaking in my tub.

So I said yes. 

I dried off from my bath, threw on some clothes, hopped in the jeep, and held on tightly (the brakes, they informed me after I got in, weren't working all that well).

As we rode I dodged spiderwebs and limbs and gasped for fresh air between puffs of exhaust fumes (seriously, no mosquitos here).

And about half way to the river we noticed the moon.

The beautiful, bright, full moon shining down on us as we sat in our rusted out jalopy of a jeep in the middle of the woods.

As I grabbed the cell phone to take a picture of the moon between the trees, I knew in that moment I was capturing more than a photo.

Suddenly the small frustrations disappeared and the inconveniences no longer mattered.

Joy and thankfulness flooded my being.

This frame of time with my family wouldn't last forever but it would be forever etched in my heart.

Sometimes we find beauty and joy and love overflowing in the most unexpected places.

Sometimes saying yes when we would rather say no uncovers blessings wrapped in strange packages.

Summer is sure to provide a host of opportunities to find these little moments with your family.

Will you be brave and say yes?

You never know what's waiting past the exhaust fumes and spiderwebs.

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Today I am linking with Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood. Will you follow me there to join the party?

Time is a Gift

I am preparing for the P31 She Speaks Conference so thought I would re-post something I had already written.  I would appreciate and cherish your prayers as I continue making preparations.  :)  Time is truly a gift....

Today I Lingered in the Moment

There I stood, walking from my mother's house to my own, a small trail between the two. My eyes forward, I watched my six year old bouncing toward me with his arms spread as wide as the landscape. Suddenly my heart pounded and I was flooded with memories and the realization that this place in time won't last forever.

I found myself breathing deeply, lingering in the moment, reluctant to let go just yet.

I took a picture in my mind, etching every detail of his smile, his face, his arms, his eyes bright with joy and innocence....recording his laugh and his six year old voice.

Though a new day, still, I have been here before.

Watching my daughter twirl and skip, laughter erupting from deep within. She is now 18.

Watching my other son proudly ride his new bike. "Watch me, Mom!" He is now 14.

We blink, and in an instant a moment passes before us, recaptured only in the memories and mental files we have stored away for safe keeping.

Today, like many others, I dig through those files, visiting another time and place.

I am thankful for moments that have come and gone.

And for those moments, those gifts, waiting in my tomorrow.

Both time and my children are a gift from God and I look forward to the morning in great anticipation.

For tomorrow, I have more pictures to take. More files to open.

My cup runneth over...

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. ~ Psalm 127:3

Lord, make me to know my end and [to appreciate] the measure of my days--what it is; let me know and realize how frail I am [how transient is my stay here]. Behold, You have made my days as [short as] handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Truly every man at his best is merely a breath! Selah ~Psalm 39:4-5 (Amplified Bible)

Once again I am linking up with Jen for Soli Deo Gloria.  Click on the picture below to visit her blog for some encouraging words from other writers.

Today I Lingered in the Moment...

There I stood, walking from my mother's house to my own, a small trail between the two.  My eyes forward, I watched my six year old bouncing toward me with his arms spread as wide as the landscape. Suddenly my heart pounded and I was flooded with memories and the realization that this place in time won't last forever.


I found myself breathing deeply, lingering in the moment, reluctant to let go just yet.


I took a picture in my mind, etching every detail of his smile, his face, his arms, his eyes bright with joy and innocence....recording his laugh and his six year old voice.

Though a new day, still, I have been here before.

Watching my daughter twirl and skip, laughter erupting from deep within.  She is now 18.

Watching my other son proudly ride his new bike.  "Watch me, Mom!"  He is now 14.


We blink, and in an instant a moment passes before us, recaptured only in the memories and mental files we have stored away for safe keeping. 

Today, like many others, I dig through those files, visiting another time and place.


I am thankful for moments that have come and gone. 

And for those moments, those gifts, waiting in my tomorrow.

Both time and my children are a gift from God and I look forward to the morning in great anticipation. 

For tomorrow, I have more pictures to take.  More files to open. 

My cup runneth over...

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. ~ Psalm 127:3


Lord, make me to know my end and [to appreciate] the measure of my days--what it is; let me know and realize how frail I am [how transient is my stay here].  Behold, You have made my days as [short as] handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Truly every man at his best is merely a breath! Selah ~Psalm 39:4-5 (Amplified Bible)