Our Own Journey

New Hope....

Sometimes we get so caught up in the day to day that we forget how blessed we truly are.  Usually when tragedy strikes within our own lives or the lives of others our eyes are opened.  Is this the reason that there is suffering in the world?  To ground us, to bring us closer to those around us, to instill within us gratitude and humility....I really don't know, but lately this is something I have been faced with. 

It's hard for me to comprehend what is going on in Haiti right now, the aftermath of a tragic earthquake that's consumed hundreds of thousands of living souls.  It's like there's a giant black cloud of suffering hovering over their country right now.  A burden so deep, a weight so heavy, the whole world is being drawn in.  Yet through this drawing, this coming together, a new spirit is emerging.   It's like a new hope bubbling forth from the hearts of a people that have suffered more that any of us will probably ever know.  Not only are the people of Haiti coming together sharing and serving one another out of necessity, but it seems that their hope is being renewed.  Did anyone else see the parade of people dancing and singing in the streets?   This is the beauty of the human spirit.  This is what we need to latch on to, to take in and share with all those around us. 

Joy can be found in sadness.  Love can be shared and compassion spring forth when tragedy strikes.  Through the tears that I cry as I visualize the lost children, the grieving mothers, and the shattered families, I reach down into my soul.  I stretch my hand past my self-centeredness, my material desires, and all that keeps my focus on myself, and I grasp hold of that one pivotal piece of who I am, what God has placed inside all of us.  This is my compassion, my unconditional love for my fellow man, no matter who they are or how far they are from me and my life, I will weep for them.  I will pray for them and I will do all within my means to help them.

I will also solemnly thank my Creator for the silent reminder of just how good my life is...How blessed I am...How grateful I am to be alive...

Please pray for the survivors of this terrible disaster, that they will not only have their immediate medical and material needs met, but that they will have hope.  

Please consider donating to a worth charitable cause that is on the ground in Haiti like Doctors Without Borders

God bless you all, dear friends. 

Harvest Fun..

When I was a child I was never allowed to celebrate Halloween.  I grew up in a religious family and this holiday was considered a pagan festival that was forbidden.  I remember sitting at the top of the and watching as the kids would trick or treat at our door.  Honestly, I felt left out.  As I grew older my mom loosened the belt a bit I was allowed to go out trick or treating a few times and boy did I indulge.  I remember running from door to door  with my girl friend trying to cover as much ground as we could in a few hours time. Then the excitement of dumping our pillowcases out on the floor to compare stashes. 

Now that I'm a parent I too have grown to despise Halloween, but not because it was originated by pagans.  I mean really if we held a grudge on that respect we might as well throw Christmas and Easter out the window too.  Maybe I should clarify.  It's not Halloween as a holiday that I despise, what I can't stand is the commercialism and focus on consumption of mass candy.  I took my kids to a "harvest festival" in our neighboring town and it was simply a place to eat junk and pay to play cheap little games and win worthless trinkets that would break in a few minutes. The kids were running around in their Made in China, bought at Walmart (probably picked out by whining,  "I want this one!") costumes, and this is TRADITION? Thankfully I left my checkbook at home so I didn't have to worry about getting manipulated into spending money on junk.  I suppose I abhor Christmas in similar ways in that the focus has changed steadily from giving to getting and who's gift has a higher price tag.

Not wanting to rain on my kids' parade yet at the same time not wanting to get sucked into the usual "celebration" I opted for a different approach.  (Now that my rant is over, on to the good stuff!) I made the children's costumes this year, didn't buy any candy, made hot soup and went over to grandma's for cookies and games.  Our dear friends came over and we had a simple meal and enjoyed each others' company.  We did trick or treat to 3 houses, and at one we were fed apple crisp! We live in a small rural community and many are health conscious here.  It was a great experience.  Hosanna was a flower fairy...

I found a whole bag of Hawaiian leis at the local thrift store and took them apart to decorate some wings we already had in our dress up stash. 

David's been all about Robin Hood since my dad lent us the classic oldie with Errol Flynn.  He can take two of anything and turn it into a bow and arrow.  The final costume was pulled together with a brown felt tunic and brown tights, but those pics are on Grandma's camera.

The weather has been so beautiful lately!  I feel so grateful to be celebrating in such warmth and color.  The cold weather hasn't come full force, so many of the trees are still lit with the fire of autumn.

So lovely...

 

I hope to post again tomorrow.  I have a very lovely Thanksgiving craft that I would like to share with you in time for you to get your own family creating.

Blessings to you all!