Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly....

Casting Crown has a song "Courageous" with a line from Micah "Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God".  I wish it were that easy.

Scripture reference:  "He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Act justly:  What does is mean to act justly?  Maybe it means to listen...no to hear what God is trying to tell us and not jump to conclusions?  The Merriam-Webster dictionary lists the definition of justly (just) as: having a basis in or conforming to fact or reason: reasonable.

Reasonable?  Using reason to communicate your ideas rather than allowing emotion to rule.  I will admit that lately I have allowed emotion to rule rather than reason and it's brought me nothing but heartache.  Why?  Because I don't have the right answers.  My emotions stem from the sin nature of humankind.  I'm hurt; I want to lash out; I want someone to feel as wounded and vulnerable as me.  That's not God's idea.  I believe God wants us to allow Him to take control of any situation and allow Him to work.  He knows best.  He placed the stars and formed mountains.  He created oceans and every living thing, so why is it so hard to give all our problems over to Him?  Someone, please tell me! I really want to know why I give Him a portion of the problem then take it back because I think I can handle the situation so much better.  I'm an idiot, that's why!

Love Mercy:  Mercy....compassion....forbearance.   Showing compassion when others don't deserve it was one of the greatest gifts of Jesus.  I want to be compassionate.  I want to understand and give comfort....then the sin nature steps in and while I still want to be compassionate I also want them to know how much they are hurting me.  Wrong answer.  That just blows compassion out of the water.  I pray that the LORD will help me conquer the side of me that always wants to be right and replace it with compassion for others.

Walk humbly:  This is a really tough one for me.  It's so hard for me to allow myself to be vulnerable.  It's so hard to accept humbleness and humility because so many see it as a sign of weakness, but it is actually the greatest outward showing of strength.  Jesus walked humbly on the earth.  He could have made himself a vast kingdom.  He could have done any number of things yet He chose to live a humble, gentle life.  When satan tempted Him He demonstrated strength and became an example of faith because he refused to cave to temptation.  I don't know if I could have done that.  My prideful self would have wanted to say, "Okay, satan old boy, watch this!"  then perform some astounding feat (like flying off the top of the temple and dive bombing satan) just to shut him up!   That's why I'm not Jesus....not even remotely close, but it is my desire to become more Christlike.  It's what I struggle with daily and often fail miserably.

I have failed miserably in the last week.  I do not take criticism well, especially when it is seasoned with anger.  I have a temper; I'm not proud of that, but that's me.  I'm working on controlling it, but like so many other things, I often fail miserably there, too.  To make peace with God and to allow Him to work in my life, I have to listen....to hear....what He is telling me.  I have to learn to keep my mouth shut, and anyone who knows me knows that's something that is very hard for me to do.

I need to remember the old proverb "Lord, fill my mind with righteous stuff and shut my mouth when I've said enough."

Casting Crowns - Courageous [Official Music Video - HD]

What influences you?

Think honestly about the last few jokes you heard or TV shows you watched; were they something you would let your small children listen to or watch?  It is up to us to set examples for our children and to model godly behavior.

Card:  "I will not tolerate evil influences in myself or my home but will embrace a life of purity."
Scripture reference:  "I will be careful to live a blameless life...I will lead a life of integrity in my own home."  Psalm 101:2 (NLT)

Tonight I again wanted to know more about the background verses, so I turned to my Bible and, once again, found highlighted with notes in the margin.  My notes pointed to this verse and read "the outward expression of a faithful person."  It's true.  What we model in our lives says so much more about our character than what we say.  Actions do speak louder than words, and lately I'm not so proud of my actions.  I could have handled so many situations so differently, yet I didn't.  I did not model faithful behavior.  I let the world influence my behavior.  Wrong move on my part!

I will admit, I do watch some shows that are sort of like watching a train wreck, it's so bad you just can't look away (Dance Moms, Big Rich Atlanta...Ax Men - though that is not by choice, it's by who has control of the remote).  These people get into fights, yell, scream, cuss, and call each other horrible names and mainstream media calls it entertainment!  Dance Moms does have some redeeming qualities when the girls are actually shown dancing.  These kids have so much talent!  It's too bad the attention is focused more on how the moms can't get along with the psycho dance teacher on a power trip.

Watch just about any television show and you see so many things that go against Biblical principles.  This, folks, is what is influencing the future generations!  They think it's okay to slap someone and yank out her extensions just because she called you fat.  It's NOT okay!   Let's bring back The Walton's or Andy Griffith, or Little House on the Prairie!  Shows that put family first.  Shows where problems are solved reasonably rather than violently.

It's hard.  I know.  It's a daily struggle not to laugh at an off color remark or joke.  It's a daily struggle to pattern our lives based on godly principles.  Even the psalmist didn't have it all together.  Kind David was messed up!  He went through times when he was not a godly example, but God never gave up on him, just like He will never give up on us.  We can be redeemed, but we have to want it.  We have to try.  Yes, we may stumble and fall, but with help from God, we can persevere.

On a final note, this has been a really tough day for me and tomorrow doesn't look too promising, either.  I covet your prayers.

Working on ourselves....

Playing catchup again....

 Card #1 (top)  I will be quick to listen, slow to speak, and esteem others more highly than myself.

Scripture reference:  "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."  Philippians 2: 3-4

There's an old song thats says, "Oh, Lord it's hard to be humble..."  I know it's just a silly song, but it does have some truth to it.  It is tough to humble ourselves, not before God, but before other people.  It's our human nature to want to "impress others", but at what cost?  When you start trying to impress others you get into a game of "one-upmanship".  Sadly, this is all too common.  I overheard some teenagers talking one day about when they become engaged, and one you lady said, "If I don't get at least a carat solitaire I'm not going to marry him."  When has the size of an engagement ring become more important than the sentiment behind it?   Our society is quickly become selfish, thinking only of what I can get that is better than so-and-so's and make them jealous.  We have become a society that looks at possessions instead of people.  I don't know about you, but I want to be more interested in the people.  

I'm in a habit of highlighting scriptures and making notes in my Bible when something really speaks to me.   This particular passage in Philippians held some importance....I had notes in the margin.  There were words "Imitating Christ's Humility" and "Jesus came to seek and serve".  Jesus, who could have used all his infinite power to rule the world as a king instead chose to humble himself.  A man who would save the world was not too proud to wash the dirty feet of a fisherman....a very humbling gesture.  Why, then, are we so prideful of ourselves? I fall into that trap.  I'm prideful, especially toward certain ones.  I shouldn't be.  I am working on myself in this area, too.  I want to be able to be happy for  others and whatever blessings they are given.  I don't want to be jealous and boastful.

Card #2  I will forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.

Scripture reference: "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.  Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."  Colossians 3:13

I have one word for this one....OUCH!  Talk about stepping on my toes!  Forgiveness is completely letting go of all the wrong things, big or petty, that others have done to you.  I have forgiven people for really, really hurtful things they did to me.  Even though the hurt and the pain of the incident is still there, the anger I felt toward them is gone.  It heals the soul to forgive.  Though I have forgiven some, there are others for whom I still harbor much anger and bitterness, and while I may say I want to forgive them a little part of me just isn't ready to let go.  I know this isn't the best thing.  I know I'm only causing myself more pain and grief by hanging on to the crap; why can't I just let it go?   Another question, why do some people forgive so much easier than others?  I've been told I forgive people too easily, but so did Jesus, and shouldn't our main goal be to be more like Him?  More work for me to do on myself.  I can't change others, but I can change myself.

Oh, and if that scripture stepped on your toes as much as it did mine, then maybe our feet are in the wrong place....

This is a tough one...

I had good intentions and determinations when I started this little series Sunday night, but I've been blindsided by a few things this week.  I feel as though satan doesn't want these one here, so I'm going to be that much more determined to get this out!  Prayers would be appreciated...lots of prayers.

I don't know if you can read these, since I'm 3 days behind I decided not to flood the blog with pictures, but combine 3 days into one photo...but, I also took a photo of the backs which have the scriptures on them.  I have one that will be going on my bathroom mirror very soon.  I need some encouragement right now.

Top to bottom:  "I will champion God's model for womanhood and teach it to my children"  the scripture reference:  "Your beauty should come from within you- the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God."  1 Peter 3:4

Card #2:  "I will live as a woman answerable to God and faithfully committed to His Word"

scripture reference:  "I have rejoiced in Your laws as much as in riches.  I will study Your commandments and reflect on Your ways.  I will delight in Your decrees and not forget Your word."  Psalm 119:14

Card #3:  "I will seek to devote the best of myself to the primary roles God has entrusted to me."

scripture reference:  "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."  Colossians 3:17

When I started working on this post several hours ago I thought I knew what I wanted to write...now I'm at a loss for words.  My heart is hurting.  In the last few days I have spent more time on my knees than I have in the last few months.  I'm ashamed of that.  Maybe if I would have spent more time in prayer things wouldn't be so....I can't even find an adjective that accurately describes how I'm feeling at this moment.  

I am to blame.  I strayed from God's instructions to becoming a godly woman, wife, and mother.  I thought I had it all together.  I don't.  I have realized that no matter what may come I can always rely of the faithfulness of God.  He has promised never to leave or forsake us.  As I posted on Facebook a day or so ago, there is a song that has been in my head constantly.  At times when I'm ready to break down completely I hear the song "Not for a Moment (After All) by Meredith Andrews.  God speaks to me through music.  Even though it seems like I'm being slammed from every direction, I know He will never leave me.  He will be my strength and if I continue to lean on the LORD, and have faith that He will use whatever may come to His glory, we will be okay.  My Mama Hopper used to tell us that God wouldn't put on us more than we can handle.  It may seem cliche to some, but I know she was right.  He is refining me like silver and won't let me out of the fire until He can see His reflection in me.  I'm just a slow learner.  I'm working on that.

Please click here and take the time to listen to Meredith Andrews "Not For A Moment"

Uniquely You - Resolutions, day 2

The scripture to go along with today's card is from Jeremiah and is one of my favorites:  "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb.  Before you were born I set you apart."  Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT)

Wow!  I don't claim to be a Bible scholar, far from it, but I believe when you allow God to speak to you He will share His infinite wisdom and reveal treasure after treasure.   It's comforting to know that God had a plan for us from the beginning of time.  No one is on this earth by accident!  Though there are some who may try to convince us of that, they are wrong.  (don't argue)  God DOES NOT make mistakes.  He has never made a mistake, and He has placed each and every person here for a reason.   You have a purpose, what are you going to do about it?  Are you going to use your talents or lose your talents?

So many times we allow ourselves to be held back by fear.  I know I have.  I'm often afraid to put myself out there because I don't want to fail.  Many times I feel like there are people just waiting and watching for me to mess up....and I often don't disappoint them, but I can't let the opinions of others hold be back from a blessing.  (I'm preaching to myself here)

Now, let's talk about talents.  Aren't you glad we don't all have the same talent?  This world would be a boring place if we all did the same thing.  There would be no uniqueness.  I'm still trying to figure out exactly what my talents are (at 46 I'm a slow learner), and to put those talents to good use.  I don't know if you could call it a talent, but I love to sing.  The Bible does, after all, tell us to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" it does not say "...and in the right key at all times"  (whew, I'm so glad!)  Music isn't the only talent, though.  There are those who teach, and preach, and encourage (like the card lady at our church).  There are people who are wonderful organizers (like my mother, but that gene never developed in me, darn it!), and writers, and bus drivers, and people who are fantastic with children!  We have people in our church who can cook (and that's a handy skill to have in a Baptist church.....the Baptists will know what I mean) who feed Awana kids every Wednesday night.  There are great builders, carpenters, and wood workers, and electricians, and masons...  The list goes on and on.  Just because your talent (skill or ability) isn't one of those seen by everyone in the congregation doesn't mean that you aren't an important asset to the Kingdom of heaven.  Every single person contributes in his or her own way to make the church grow.  Without you something would be missing.  YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD! (yes, you!)  Embrace your gifts!

Now it's time to get real.  Look at the last part of the devotion card "and celebrate the distinctions He has placed in others."  Honestly, there are times when that's a little hard to do.  There are times when I'm envious of another person's gifts.  I find myself wishing I could sing like her, or speak like him, (or organize like my mamma) and I start trying to find ways to tear that person down. (yeah, she can sing, but those shoes are tacky!)  Don't say you haven't done it, too.  We all have, it's our sin nature.  If I catch myself doing this I have to quickly ask God to change my heart, because the problem isn't with someone else, it's me.  I am learning to use my gifts (or will when I find them) and delight in the gifts of others.  We can be a blessing to one another just as God intended us to be. (just my 2 cents)

One last thought...  Over the last year or two I have had the opportunity to sing with 3 amazing ladies.  Pam, Kathy, and Kelly have become good friends and we have formed a little quartet  "4 His Praise" (Kathy's mom came up with that....I just decorated it).  It is when I sing with those girls that I feel such a renewing of my spirit because I know they have such hearts for the Lord and we all have a common goal, to give Him the glory and the praise, and maybe touch a heart that really needs Him.  You never know how God will reach a person, so use your talents.

There is a quote I have hanging in my classroom: "Use what talents you possess; the woods would be quiet if the only birds who sang were those who sang best." Eleanor Roosevelt.  

I would be thrilled if you have made it all the way to the end of this post and would share your talents, ideas, or encouragement.   We are all working toward a common goal, spreading the gospel, so let's share some joy for the journey.

Oh yeah, if you want us to sing for you just let me know. :)  (shameless plug for our quartet, just in case you didn't get that.)

Resolutions

A few months ago I picked up a little box of cards at the Lifeway Store.  The cards go along with the movie Courageous and are resolution cards for women.  This has been a really crappy week (or six) and after John's sermon series this morning on new beginnings, I was happy to find these little devotional cards.  It's part of my new beginning and I am going to do my best to blog each of the 40 days of devotions along with my personal feelings for that particular card/devotion.  

If I needed further proof that God knows exactly where I am, this little card was it.  Honestly, it made me nervous.  I wanted to stick this card in the middle of the deck and deal with it another day, but this is the one I need right this moment.

Memory Verse:  "True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth."  1 Timothy 6:6

I read the card and said, "Really?"  Why do I want to celebrate this season of life when it's one of the crappy ones?  Right now there is NOTHING I feel like celebrating.  I feel like a pressure cooker ready to blow, seriously!  I don't dare ask God what else because I'm afraid there will be something else!  This is going to be really hard for me to celebrate, but I am trying to see the positives.  Although, if someone tells me, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger!" may find out exactly how strong a right hook I have.    I'm looking for something profound and spiritual to say right now, but I've got nothing.  I know I should embrace the trials; I know the Puritans thought the worse the trials the more honor, but I'm not a Puritan...I'm a Baptist and I don't like struggles and trials.  I want things to go smoothly.  I want the house to be filled with joy, and love, and laughter....but that isn't the season we're in right now.  Right now it's stress, and silence, and fear....and I don't know what to do to fix it.  

All I know to do at this season of life is pray.  I pray that I will hear God's voice, and I will listen to His wisdom, and He will make it better and carry us into a season of joy.

My Valentine - week 1

Need a challenge that is really worthwhile?  Here's one, the "Be My Valentine Marriage Challenge".  You'll find all the details on the Women Living Well blog (go here  http://womenlivingwell.org  )  This challenge doesn't seem hard, but speaking from experience, it just might be.....

Allow me to explain...  Often we allow our busy lives to get in the way.  Those jobs, kids, housework, cattle (we live on a small farm), and numerous other things just make us....TIRED!  We put everything else ahead of couple time when we should really invest time in us.  That is why I am determined to take this challenge.  I want that hard-workin' man of mine to know just how much I appreciate him and everything he does for me and for our family.  There are days when he comes home cold, tired, and hurting (the knee surgery year before last is not helping, anymore) and I know all he wants to do is crash, but he doesn't.  He is the chief laundry elf around the house (I love him even more for that!)

I am so thankful God brought him into my life, though times may get a little tense, and I often don't seem grateful, I really am.  I love you, Chris Jennings, March 22 will be our 10th anniversary and I'm even more blessed now than I was 10 years ago.

Ties that bind....

It's important to remember our heritage.  It's important to know our roots.  It's important to remember from where we came, at least it is to me.

Chris received one of the neatest gifts for Christmas.  No, it wasn't incredibly expensive, but it is priceless.  His mom and sister-in-law found some very important pieces of American history and put them in shadow boxes....WWI ration stamps and books.  

World War I ration stamps & book.  In the lower right corner is a photo of Chris's great-grandad, Homer Jennings.

I had never seen a ration book.  I've heard about them and read about them, but to actually see them made history even more tangible.  So...real.

A few weeks ago I mentioned on Facebook that my grandmother said she looked like her grandmother when she saw a photo of herself.  Thanks to a cousin, I now have a picture of my great, great grandmother Holliday.  It's a treasure.

Logan & Mammaw, December 2012.

My great-great-grandmother, Polly Holliday

Because family history is important to me, over the next few weeks I will be digging through some old family photos and posting a little about my family history...and hopefully some of Chris's family history, as well.

A different Christmas night.

I think we had a pretty tree this year, even if it was a little unusual it was a good representation of who we are. . . well, maybe what we like. . . okay, what I like since the boys could care less if the tree even had ornaments and Casey wasn't here to help decorate it this year.

Just for the record, that ornament with the Longhorn is in support of the VIOLA Longhorns, not Texas.  I'd hate for the Razorback ornaments to turn in shame if they thought it was a Texas Longhorn. :) 

Our eclectic traditional/cowboy/Cardinals/Longhorns/Razorback/fishing/hunting Christmas tree.

Our Christmas tradition has been the same for several years, Christmas morning Austin usually reads us the Christmas Story from Luke 2, but this year Logan got a new Bible and he wanted read it to us.  It was precious to me to hear my sweet 8 year old reading his new Bible.  After our gifts at home were open we head to Chris's parents for lunch and to spend the early afternoon, then Christmas evening we go to my aunt & uncle's house with Mom's side of the family.  I always look forward to a busy Christmas day and enjoy the time with family.  However, God had different plans for us this year.

Logan reading us the passage in Luke 2 about the birth or Christ.

A white Christmas was in the forecast, so we kept a close eye on the weather.  Casey had a 3 hour drive home Christmas night because she had to work the next day.  I really didn't want her getting stranded somewhere between here and there.  When a friend texted and told her it was sleeting she made the decision to head home.  With a care package from Granny of homemade hot rolls and chocolate dessert, she loaded up and headed southwest.  When we got word it was sleeting closer to us we opted to skip the Christmas tradition and spend the evening at home.

We settled in as the snow started to fall and Chris and the boys put together Logan's new Lego set, then we broke out Austin's new "Whitetailopoly" game.  He beat me....not surprising.

Whitetailopoly, pretty fun game.

Lego time!

While I really missed seeing my family, I'm thankful for the time with my boys, and after Casey called to tell me she made it home safely I was even more thankful! (It only took her 4 1/2 hours to make a normal 3 hour trip....I think she was as glad to be home as I was for her to be home!)

December 26th, he couldn't wait to get outside!

Yes, I was driving, but I was holding the steering wheel which is why the photo is a little tilted.  Some of the drifts touched the running boards of my Yukon.

I am sure the Lord was watching over us all.  We weren't out on the roads during bad weather, which would have only added to the stress of the season, and there is plenty of that without taking crazy chances.  I hope you all had a Merry Christmas.

Art History can be fun!

I found this link on a friend's Facebook page.  It's so great I had to share.  This is the history of Art condensed to 3 minutes set to the music of Bohemian Rhapsody!  Love!

Click and enjoy!

iPad blogging

So this post is a little test just to see if I can really blog from the iPad. If it works as easily as I hope I should post a little more often.....wonder how to post photos? Hey, I think I figured it out, cool!

Photo A Day project.

Here's a little challenge for you.  Grab your camera and . . . USE IT!  Participate in Photo A Day; it causes you to really look, in a fresh and creative way, at your surroundings.

I love this idea.  I love using me camera as a tool for catching small pieces of everyday life that we normally take for granted.  I love using my camera....period!  It's a cool camera... I think it loves me, too...I would rescue it from a burning building (okay maybe not a BURNING building...perhaps a smouldering building... which wouldn't be smouldering if I opened the door to run in because the oxygen would hit the smoulder area and cause it to burst into flames thus ruining my camera and making me smell like a freshly branded cow....did I mention the ADD is really bad tonight?  Where was I??) Oh, yeah, rescuing my camera....I think I'll just keep it with me at all times actively reducing the threat of having to run into a burning building to rescue my camera.  I love it when I solve a problem that I hope may never, ever happen; it's just good to be prepared.

Back tot his photo thing.  Here are the rules:  Look at the list, find the appropriate number that coincides with today's date and take a photo of the thing on the list.  Easy breezy! (beautiful Covergirl)  Did I mention I have the attention span of a gnat?   I would set up a linky thing on here, but I don't know how and I'd probably just be embarrassed because only 3 people read my blog and I would feel really goofy if no one posted anything.

Just in case you are having trouble reading the list, I'll post it...because I'm just generous that way.

1.  Peace                                                            17.  Snack
2. Skyline                                                          18.  Something you made
3. Something you wore today                           19.  A favorite place
4.  Fun                                                               20.  Something you can't live without.
5.  Bird                                                              21.  Where you stand
6.  You                                                              22.   Pink
7.  Something that inspires you                        23.  Technology
8  A smell you adore                                        24.  Something new
9.  Something you do everyday                        25. unusual
10.  A favorite word                                         26.  12 O'Clock
11.  Kitchen                                                     27.   Something Sweet
12.  Something that makes you happy             28.  Tbe weather today
13.  Mum                                                         29.   A number
14   Grass                                                         30.   The weather today 
15   Love                                                          31.  Something beautiful
16.  What you're reading

There is your list, now GET BUSY!   (Shhhhhhh!  I'll post mine in a couple of days....)

Joy & Angst....

This is normally a source of joy....at least for me....my family might disagree....

I don't play very well; I don't read music very well; and I can only play in 3 keys (probably goes back to that not reading music thing).  My mom's side of the family is very musical, they can all play instruments and play them well.  I wish I had gotten more of that gene. 

But today.....(there's that but)....this lovely little Baldwin beauty has become a source of my angst...along with that wonderful little dark blue songbook perched precariously on the music stand. (Don't you just love the Heavenly Highways Hymnal?  I do...usually)  Why are these normally wonderful things a source of angst?  Because I have to play the piano, out of that songbook, in front of people Sunday morning.  My palms are already sweaty.  (Can you short out an electric piano with the sweat from your palms?)  

It's Phyllis's fault, but I still love her....maybe. (wink)   Phyllis is our church pianist.  She plays by the notes (I wish I could do that).  We have a young man in the church (really young, like 13 or 14) who wants to play his mandolin, so he is playing Sunday morning, a medley from the Heavenly Highways.... "I'll Have a New Life", "When We All Get To Heaven" and "I'll Fly Away".  If you look in the songbook you will see that the first 2 are written in the key of C, if you look at page 54 you will notice that "I'll Fly Away" isn't.  The problem, our mandolin player can only play in C, our pianist can only play by the notes.  She asked me if I could play it in C (which I can, because that's one of the 3 keys I can pick out), and show her the notes.  After showing her the notes she decided I needed to "expand my God-given talents" and play it Sunday morning instead of her. 

Gasp!  I'm having heart palpitations....seriously.   We practiced tonight and our music director (James) is playing the guitar which sounds great, and Cameron is playing is mandolin; which sounds great, and I'm going to attempt to play the piano...which doesn't sound so great.

Pray for me, especially at 11am central daylight time on Sunday morning.  The congregation will thank you.  I will probably be hyperventillating into a paper bag around that time. 

My family will be so glad when Sunday morning is over....I think they are already tired of these 3 songs.

Ahhh, that sweet dismissal bell...tone...noise...whatever.

Today was a good day.

The boys got around early this morning, and they didn't fight...well, maybe a couple of cross words, but I can deal with that.

My hair looked pretty good in spite of the rain.

My kids at school were well behaved. 

The BETA Club, FCCLA, & FBLA clubs provided lunch for the teachers for teacher appreciation. 

The sun came out, so I walked to the post office right after lunch (my conference hour),

and look what was waiting for me there!

I think I squealed in the post office.  Thankfully we are in a very, very small town and no one was in there....except the postmaster....but we grew up together so he knows to overlook me.

My last 2 classes of the day only had 5 students each.

The final bell (beep...buzzer...tone...whatever it's called) rang at 3:07, and.........................................

I'M OFFICIALLY ON SPRING BREAK UNTIL MARCH 26TH!   (Oh yeah, it's ma birthday, it's ma birthday....well, not really, but I feel like it.) 

Thanks to Pinterest I have many, many projects planned for this next week.  I'll try to remember to share.

I love sunshine!

 It seems like my efforts to be a better blogger always fall a little short as life gets busier and busier.  Someday I'll have a chance to blog often . . . . maybe.

So here's what we've been up to the last few days (because there have been so many days since I last blogged I don't remember them all)

Thursday it was unseasonably warm.  We're talking 76 degrees on February 23rd.  I thought I was dreaming and we were really in Florida instead of Arkansas.  Just for you skeptics, here's the proof!



February 23, 2012

The last week has been really nice.  We missed two days of school on February 13&14 because of snow, but the days before and the days following the snow have been sunny and warm.  We came around our corner (on the dirt road) and noticed the jonquils were in bloom, so Logan and I decided to take a little walk after school.  Charly (Austin's little Australian Shepherd) went with us, too.  She's such a pretty, sweet little girl...if she would just quit digging up the yard trying to catch a mole.  Maybe I should wish her luck and after she catches the mole our troubles will be over.  I love that dog!  I'll have some pictures of her later.


This sweet boy decided I needed a big boquet of sunshine.  We're really enjoying them! 



I love this sweet boy!



Finally, I've been working on the creative mojo, and I think it's coming back!  I haven't drawn in so long I didn't even know if I could do it anymore, but I did these 2 drawings fairly quickly.  They're just done of 9 x 12 sketchbook paper....scratch that, the horse was done on a drawing paper scrap from school, it's about a 10 x 12.  Both are done with pencil (regular old #2 drawing pencil). 

I've rediscovered my love of pencil.

I think I'll be drawing more since I remembered how to do it.



Drawn from a snapshot I took of Logan.  I think he was 2.  My baby is growing up too fast.
I promise if you see the drawing in person he really doesn't look cross-eyed!



Drawn from a snapshot I took of Casey and her old horse, Dusty. 
She was only about 14 at the time.  I need to work on the face a little, it
just doesn't look exactly right to me, but I'll get it right....eventually.

That's it for now.  I need to get some pictures uploaded from my camera before I do another blog post so it may be a while.  Until then.  May you be blessed, and have a wonderful spring.  I'm calling it spring.  I don't want more cold.

Crystal Bridges & the Native American Museum

Better late than never, right?  Here is just a small sampling of the shots I took last Thursday at the Native American Museum and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  Both are located in Bentonville, AR, and both are definitely worth checking out. 

Now let's go native!
There was something representing each nation, but I don't remember exactly which headdresses were which, but they were all absolutely amazing!  The craftsmanship and detail are just beautiful beyond words!

Take a really close look at this hat and necklace.  The hat is made from a bear paw and the necklace is a bearclaw necklace....looks like a piece of the bear's paw, too.  Now I know why the Apache were considered a very strong, fearless nation....anyone who kills a bear with a bow and arrow deserves respect!

This case was filled with ceremonial dance fans and were awesomely gorgeous just like the headdresses.  I wanted the peacock one on the left...but I think the museum people would have frowned on that so I took a picture instead.

Hey, there's my Mamma in a tee-pee.....

 There were so many things at the Native American Museum, you should go and check it out yourself.  I fell in love with the textiles and pottery.

Our next stop was Crystal Bridges.  If you don't know anything about this place you need to change that...soon.  To help further your education here's a link to Crystal Bridges. If I ever see Alice Walton I'm going to hug her neck for creating this wonderful, magical place.....but she would probably just call security because she would wonder who was this strange, crazy woman trying to choke her....

We were treated to a box lunch (which was very good, and the same can be purchased in the museum cafe) then a tour guide came to take our group through the galleries. (yes, gallerIES plural, it's fabulous...I could live there....but then there's that whole security thing)

The galleries are seperated by chronological order, so the older American art was the first we passed through.  We didn't slow down much because our tour guide was on a mission.  She led us directly to this...

 A painting by Asher B. Durand entitled "Kindred Spirits".  Durand was one of the members of the Hudson River School of artists who really focused on nature and landscapes.  Google Hudson River School...that's your homework for today....there might be a quiz.

On to the next gallery and I seriously started having heart palpitations.  There was a MARY CASSATT painting!  Gasp!  The ONLY American to exhibit with Claude Monet and Pierre Auguste Renoir... Do you think either of those men touched this painting?

Some of you may not be experiencing the awe and joy as me, but let me tell you, for an Art teacher this was better than an Elvis!

Now, no self-respecting, world-class exhibit of American Art could ever be complete without a little Norman Rockwell, and who better to represent the American people but "Rosie the Riveter" herself.  Yes ma'am, there she is, halo and all...and her foot is placed not-so-delicately upon a copy of Hitler's "Meine Kampf".  Take that, mustache boy!  Look at those guns on Rosie, she could give you a whippin' and make you like it! 

Would you like to guess what was on the wall adjacent to Rosie?  A self portrait by Grant Wood!  Oh yes, THE Grant Wood who painted American Gothic (with the little old couple, a pitchfork, and a gothic window)  I'm pretty sure by this time Mom had bruises on her arm from me digging my fingers in while saying, "Look!  Look!  There's a Grant Wood......."

Oh look, Pinocchio was there, too....I think he was working security.

Continuing through the galleries, you will eventually come to the 20th century rooms, and there you will find Andy Warhol's "Dolly Parton" 

And you will also find a Roy Lichtenstein sculpture.  I took several of this one because I really think the hubs can make me one of these....the man's a master with a welder! 

So, there's your brief tour.  I have tons more photos, but Blogger was being a little cranky tonight and I couldn't get them to load.  I may have to add those later.

photography

I found this on Facebook and discovered you can't pin to Pinterest from Facebook.  GASP!  So I decided to "borrow" it and post it here so I can put it on Pinterest.   I think I have a slight addiction to Pinterest.  I may need a support group.

Is this not one of the sweetest shots you've ever seen?!!  Lindsay, guess what I want to do with you, Lance, and Bennett (when he gets here).  I think we can add Landon's little hands in there somewhere, too.

Crystal Bridges

I'm so excited, tomorrow I'm going here....Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

I am so excited about this trip. I've read as many articles on the place as I can find.  It is a great Museum founded by AliceWalton (daughter of Mr.Wal-Mart himself) and contains her expansive and expensive collection of American Art. What makes this place unique is the fact there is no admission. Wal-Mart donated something like 20 million dollars to cover admission fees forever....or at least for a very long time.

I also found out I can take my camera in the museum, so the big Nikon is charged and rearin' to go...okay, maybe it's just ready and I'm rearin'

While I had planned a witty post for tonight about the goings on the Jennings clan, my eyes have other plans. For some reason they just won't stay open.....I shall succumb to the Sandman.  In the meantime, check back in sometime and, with a little luck and a few cups of coffee, see the photos I'll have.

You'll probably want to add Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas to your bucket list.