Call it the blog blahs. Though I know each day is filled with the work and blessing of God, there are days that my limited words can't express my heart's gratitude.
As words fail, let the pictures speak.
Beauty
Togetherness
Friendship
Love
Detail
Joy
Trust
Renewal
Creation
Rescue
Affection
Adventure
Companionship 
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
-Romans 12:9-10
Baby cheetahs pictured at Masai Mara in Kenya
In yesterday's post "Pillow Fight: A Shared Blog" I shared the purpose in beauty. Though I used decorative pillows to show that purpose, I know full well that true and lasting beauty comes from within. The pillows I've used to adorn my home will quickly grow ragged and dull. But there is God created beauty all around you; beauty that remains. It is when we attempt to create beauty with our own hands that we find beauty unlasting.
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. -Proverbs 31:30
It is when we live in awe of almighty God that we truly become beautiful. It is when we know Him that we have a beauty that remains.
But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. -1 Peter 3:4
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Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, not on earthly things................
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
- Colossians 3:1,12-14
Thankful for peaceful days; days watching the kids enjoy each other. Thankful for sisters having "sleepovers" with each other. Thankful for Hayden and Hallie learning the joy that comes from working together. Thankful for more hours of daylight-lengthened evenings to spend with Dad. Thankful for the temporary ceasing of practices. Thankful for summer.
A picture is worth a thousand words. I've added a few....
Prayer is the evidence that I am spiritually concentrated on God.
-Oswald Chambers
Pictured above: I took this picture of a dragonfly on a picnic with Jason at the Marina on Lake Livingston.
This week, and last week for some of you, is a week filled with emotion. - A feeling of 
anticipation and pride mixed with some sorrow. I know Rylie is only graduating from Kindergarten, but I feel Jason and I are starting to experience the First- of THE LASTS. We have passed the chapter of rocking little ones to sleep. Rylie has lost all of her front teeth. I took pictures of the last toothless smile as those "big girl" teeth are growing in. Hallie has said goodbye to elementary; Hayden to junior high -just last year. I gave Rylie her last Kindergaten kiss this morning.
Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words. - 2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT
Congratulations:
Graduating Seniors -Friends from FBC Nederland, Trinity Friends, other friends and my second grade students from Chilton
Graduating Kindergarteners (including our Rylie)
and College Graduates: Jacob Allen and Noah Brown
Prayers for you and your families as you seek God's will in this new chapter of life.
Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows.
-James 1:17
Thankful for the gift of a long weekend. Thankful for the reason we celebrate this weekend.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:6-7
Pictured above is my niece Jessica. She and her husband Jacob, a couple dear to my heart, have had an incredible first year of marriage. Though Jacob suffered a life-threatening injury in September, he graduated from Hardin Simmons University this month starting a new chapter in their life. One year ago I had the privilege to witness the vow made to devote themselves to a lifetime together; a vow that was made unbeknownst to what the future holds. Guided and upheld by the hand of God I have watched a peace that passes understanding unfold in their lives. They are a testimony to a love inspired by the power of prayer and to the work of a loving God.
As we faithfully close our eyes in prayer for marriages, both our own and others', may our eyes be opened- revealing the beautiful work of the same God.
Happy Anniversary Jacob and Jessica, May 21
We finally made it to Shangri La Botanical Gardens. I’ve been wanting to go since we moved to Nederland. The kids will be out of school in days so Jason and I thought we’d 
better steal away a date while we had the chance. We started our tour about ten steps in front of three bus loads of kids and another bus from Houston. As we approached the information center, the guide suggested we wait for the group (of two-hundred kids) before we watch an eight minute informational video and read literature explaining all that we were about to see. I gave Jason the look, then he gave me the look-mine meaning “no way” followed by his agreement.
As we completely skipped our educational introduction into the gardens I brought up a valid point. In bold letters wrapped around the entry way of the Education Center Gazebo are these words:
Drink in the beauty…and wonder at the meaning of what you see. 
Words quite contrary to an educational center I argued. I love learning just as much as the next guy, but I thought skipping the crash course in botanicals might prove beneficial in this case.
I’m pretty sure we made an excellent choice. We walked the gravel road alone shrouded in the mystery of God’s creation. We couldn’t name most of the plants we saw, but that was ok. We saw a roseate spoonbill (see I did learn something), but I feel sure if I hadn’t known its name, it wouldn’t have been any less beautiful. We saw. We wondered. We marveled.
I believe the same is so with God. I yearn to learn why God does what he does. How God does what he does. Learning is good, but there is beauty in mystery. We won’t completely know God on this side of eternity as is his plan. There’s something about being surrounded by the unknown that makes a person feel small and humble and swallowed up by beauty and majesty.
Check out these photos and wonder in wordless awe.
