Mom's Day

One weekend in August last summer my mother came for a visit. We'd planned for her to come and stay a few days different times over the summer, but it never worked out. It was as if Someone knew there was a better timing just around the corner. And there was!  The weekend was perfect in every way. The weather cooperated splendidly -- it was not too hot, not too cold, but just right -- for sitting in our garden for hours on end, for watching the birds to-ing and fro-ing, for reading, even for posing in patches of giant sunflowers.....

We went out for lunch and sat on shady patios eating amazing pizza (check out post here). We took in our library's annual book sale where Mom and I enjoyed a delightful time browsing tables laden with reading possibilities. And, when we arrived home, there was that sheer joy of opening our bags and thumbing through the piles as we decided which book to start with first.

As you can see, I come by my love of books and reading naturally!

All too soon, it was time to pack up the car with mom's suitcase and bag of books, and take her home. When I went back into her bedroom later that afternoon, I experienced a sudden wave of homesickness. I keenly felt the empty space in our house where just hours before Mom had been sitting and laughing and joshing us, especially with Rick -- they both give as good as they take.

I was homesick for her and I wanted to turn the car around and bring her back. For, I'd caught a glimpse of what life would feel like without her presence in our lives. It was just a split second, but I felt it like a sharp knife. The moment passed and life went back to 'normal', but I've never forgotten that moment -- and today I'm reminded again not to take for granted that there's all the time in the world for sharing and loving and memory-making with my own dear mom.

I'm so grateful for my mom. I'm grateful for her love over my lifetime. She's been a rock and faithful to her call as a mom -- she's shown her kids how to be faithful, loyal and compassionate to others. Today I'm ever so grateful that I have this precious opportunity to celebrate another Mother's Day with her.

To all my beautiful friends, may you enjoy your mom today. Whether in person, by phone or by Skype. Or, for those of you whose Mommas are no longer with you, may there be memories that come to bring joy and comfort on this 2015 edition of Mother's Day.

Sending you hugs and a gentle kiss atop thy head, 

Brenda

xox

Tulips Are Happy Things

On a recent visit to the local conservatory we were delighted to find the pavilions in full Spring bloom. It no longer mattered that it was still cool outside -- we'd been transported into a fragrant, cheery place -- maybe even heaven.

The seasonal pavilion was filled with tulips of all colours; I was smitten with these purpley-red exotic versions. And I couldn't get enough of the pink fringed variety. I just loved how some tulips opened their petals with such wild abandon. What loveliness to see them so freely unfurled... allowing us glimpses into their very hearts.

Makes me wonder if I were to open my own heart to let in Love that way if my life wouldn't blossom as beautifully. It's too bad that fear tends to holds us in. It's also sad there are those who have no qualms about treading on trusting hearts and dreams, which is why many of us keep hearts hidden in the first place. Yet....

I do allow myself to imagine what it might feel like to be that free, that bold. In a world perfected by Love, where fear and cruelty hurled far from our presence, allows us to blossom into our truest selves. Surely, we'd be as happy as these flowers seem to be.

One day we shall be free to do so. In the meantime, we marvel at these pretty petaled ones who remind us to be less inhibited and more open to receive His Light and Life and Love today.

Here's wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places,

Brenda

xox

We All Matter - Guest Poem by Janet Martin

Today I'm pleased to share a poem I first read at Another Porch. Janet Martin, who authors ever so many beautiful and thought-provoking poems on her own blog, has kindly given permission for me to share this one with you today.

I hope you enjoy it so much that you'll visit Janet's blog for more... she is a gifted poet.

Kindly, Because We All Matter

 

Sometimes we forget

Like a secret well-kept

In a jar we dare not shatter

That, whether rich or poor

All we’re looking for

Is to be treated like we matter

So then, in the rush

Of tug and push

And coming-going clatter

We should endeavor

To treat each other

Kindly, because we all matter

© Janet Martin

Isn't this just beautiful? A lovely reminder for us to walk kindly towards one other as the week unfolds.

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

xox

Celebrating

Woke early this morning to the sound of birds. It was lovely as the daylight started breaking through. For me, it felt as my corner of the world was celebrating on the outside what I was celebrating on the inside... our risen Savior, Jesus the Christ. Because He lives, I can face all my tomorrows with hope, joy, and confidence.

Today I'm sharing links to a couple of posts I wrote as Easter meditations in previous years. I pray their timeless message still gives a moment's reading pleasure today.

The Song Breaks In

For The Joy Set Before Him

Sending hugs and wishes to you for a beautiful day.

Brenda

xox

 

  

Dutch Apple Skillet Pancake

If you are planning an Easter Brunch celebration this coming weekend, you might want to add the Dutch Apple Skillet Pancake to your menu.

The ingredients are simple to put together. It makes a great brunch dish or a simple breakfast, and it's lovely with a splash of maple syrup or a generous scoop of fruit sauce. Bacon as a side really goes well too.

I found the recipe a long time ago -- so I no longer have any idea where it originated, but now my copy permanently lives in my recipe binder of favourite dishes. You'd probably even find a stain of cinnamon dust or flour on it, which I never mind as it's a nice reminder of past delightful cooking experiences.

If you decide you want the recipe, you should be able to right click on it and save to your computer as 'Save image as...' and then print it out. 

Enjoy and be happy,

Brenda

xox