~breathing deep

Relaxing, letting down and breathing deep...

do you know those feelings?

Listening for the sounds of all...

the bullfrogs croak

and the crickets chirp

Our awareness awakened

(making) taking the time to escape

Remembering TIME is in HIS hands

from the rising to the setting

the lungs are filled

no shallow or fast breaths

no hurried feelings

Amazed by HIS gifts

God's color wheel is so much more vivid

color coordinated :)

relaxing and resting

in HIS beauty

brings refreshment

to the soul and body

"need to get away"

this phrase is used by all

living in this world of fastness

our bodies know

We were made for a "getaway" with

Our Creator.

We are freshened in HIS goodness.

We become fixed on God.

We leave focused on HIM.

These shots were taken one evening back in March,

my husband and I slipped away to chase a sunset

and we stayed way to late...

but, it was so worth it.

Today, as I began putting this post together

the LORD used these captures again to remind

HE is desiring a "getaway" with me.

~~~

Just a personal update.  It has been quite some time

since I posted.  My family was "sweet" to me and

were able to "make do" without me for almost a

week, as I visited with my mother and mother-in-law.

Time slipped by as I prepared for the visit

and when I returned life was busy.

~from decorating for a bridal shower to sitting in a dentist chair

and a few other things in between~ :)

My mother has remodeled her home and I helped

put things back in place. A dear friend of

mine came over one day and we had a fun time

decorating. I know I'm bad, (I did not take any pics),

 but when I return, I promise I will!

She is enjoying all the work and it looks really great.

Prayer request to all my blogging friends.

  Please pray for my mother, she is having

health problems.  She has lost alot of weight and is

continuing to lose, the doctors have found a bacteria

in her stomach along with a lung condition.  She

will be having a biopsy on her lungs next week.

I am overloading you with updates,

but one last thing, that I am so excited about!

My sweet mother-in-law and I are planning

to attend a weekend retreat at the Potter's House.

Nancy and Pat have created

a weekend "getaway" for ladies to spend

time with the Lord in the mountains of North Carolina.

Click on Potter's House and read more about

this great place.  I can't wait to meet them

and see what God has in store, while we are there.

I will share when we return~

Karen

weekends are for growing friends...

hearts are meshed into one

those you are comfortable with

 even in long pauses of conversation

intently listening

one who feels "heard" seeks out

 his friendly listener again

and counts him a great friend

relational from inside to out

Interpersonal relationships neglected

leaves us to fall apart

too busy -  doing good things

to build relationships

brings emptiness

A life of fullness



~sharing our heart and home with others

building relationships with friends and family.

~~~

Two are better than one; because they have

a good reward for their labour. 

For if they fall, the one will lift up  his fellow.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 KJV

sharing weekends,

Karen

p.s. Thank you all for your encouraging comments and e-mails

the past few days. The home-going service for my dear friend

was special and the abundance of flowers were beautiful.

~new gardner in Heaven

~One of Hers

Almost a year ago I shared someone special with you. 

I gave the post the title of "neighbors".

  Be sure to click and read my heart.

Today she is busy I'm sure

 ~ checking out all the flowers and visiting.

  She went to be with the Lord this morning.

My heart is broken, because of the loss.

I will see her again.

Trying to find comfort in knowing she has her new body

and busy as ever sharing her stories.

Please pray for comfort & peace.

~Karen

~fruit of the labor

Enjoying the fruit of my labor, (for a day).

The girls at the Hair Salon asked if I would
 "trick up" something

for the front door of the salon.

This morning after digging through boxes of fall decorations

and adding burlap ribbon from a recent purchase,

this is the end result.

I will be delivering it tomorrow.

Hope they enjoy!

~be nice & share

Remember those words "be nice and share".

Well, that is just what I'm doing today!

~~~

It's not too often that I get to visit (face to face) with a blogging buddy.
 How about you?

But, I'm given the privilege with this girl. :)

  She and I attend the same church.

We get to visit and chat about the blogging world.

  We both agree, that people who do not blog think
 "we are crazy".

  But hey, as she and I both have come to the conclusion

 "it is ther-a-peu-tic"!

Just wonder how many of you will agree?

~~~

These are the words she has chosen to describe herself:

I'm a huntin & fishin, TOMS wearing, photo takin',
 southern talking, God-loving, loud laughing,
 American supportin',

 red-headed, freckle-faced Mississippian
 who adores her family & friends! 

My description:  She's a sweetie!

You must stop by and pay a visit.

 And while you are there,
get in on her great giveaway.
Here's her address:  http://shutteredsmiles.blogspot.com/2011/05/giveaway.html

Hey, I will let you in on something,
 one of her great photos was chosen on
 Pioneer Woman Photography's Contest.

Click & visit, you will be glad you did!