a new day dawning

Sunrise in my backyard

I heard a quote from Craig Groeschel this week, "Just because God is silent does not mean He is absent." I've been feeling like He has been a little lot out of the picture lately, or perhaps like me, you relate more to the well-known, "Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?"

Good people have passed away unexpectedly.
Good people have been the recipients of really bad news.
Good people have been the victims of others' misguided, unjustified anger.

I've been praying, but He does not seem to be answering.
I've been seeking Him, but He doesn't not seem to be found.

God, where are You?

Then I hear the still, small voice remind me so gently and lovingly. "I will never leave you." The words echo through my mind. "You are not alone."

Just like the sun, the clouds of life may roll in and cover its brilliance. The grey may hide the glory for a time. For a season. But not forever.

The other morning as I was schlepping kids to school, the sun was finally making a highly desired appearance, sandwiched between two layers of dark clouds. I basked in it as well as I could while still driving safely, but after only a few minutes of solar bliss, the bright orb disappeared behind the smoky masses and seemed to fade away like a flashlight on its last few drops of battery juice. 

The thought occurred to me. Just because I can’t see the sun, do I ever doubt its existence? Have I ever doubted its existence? Of course not. Obviously, I would like it to shine more brightly and more often in my world, but it is still at work somewhere, shining on someone! And like God, just because I can’t see Him or even feel Him, does not mean He isn’t there. That He doesn't hear me. That He doesn't care.

So I put on my armor and fight the good fight one more day.

I revel in the blessings all around me and ask for my eyes to be opened to even more I may not see.

I wait.
I wonder.
I cling to Hope
Because Hope is all I have.
And Hope does not disappoint.

to top it all off

I can't think of a better way to enjoy candy cane love without all of the Christmas hoohah. The crushing of the canes is my favorite part. What's not to love about pulverizing hard candy with a rolling pin? It works out any aggression, frustration, or stress (not that I ever experience any of that!) and leaves me totally at peace to enjoy the sweet whipped topping goodness. And just when I thought that coffee could not be improved upon.

better with sprinkles

Butter + Flour + Sugar + Sprinkles = Love

If you know me, then you know that I love any and all kinds of desserts. I truly live a sweet life. The only thing I love more than dessert is when someone else makes it for me. Food ALWAYS tastes better when someone makes it for you. All the glory, none of the cleanup!

Welcome, Shortbread Cookies. I hungrily open my arms to you and soon my mouth too!

These cookies arrived via my son in honor of my 40th birthday. (I know your mouth is gaping wide open as you are doing crazy math thinking, "How can that be?") Yes, I cried just a little on the inside too. They were so beautiful. They tasted like Heaven and they now reside somewhere on my hips...and I also can't believe that I entered another decade of life. I have to remember to check that weird box on surveys now when they ask my age range. But I digress and there could be worse fates. I could lose all my taste buds and that would be near disastrous. Stick a fork in me; I'm done!

My awesome friend got mine signed

For my Christmas I received some wonderful baking tins and a killer book dedicated to the art of making my mouth water, so this girl is going to be heatin' up her kitchen to produce some delectable masterpieces of her own. One small disclaimer: lots and lots of peanuts will be injured the making of these creations. There is a happy place in my brain that lights up when I eat peanut butter. There is another happy place that lights up when I eat chocolate (I am a woman after all). But when I eat both at the same time: Mind blown.

Cheers, my friends! Here's to whatever sweet adventure comes your way next!

be inspired

I just can't stop smiling!

As I venture into another year, I have decided to do life a little differently than the previous 39 that I have lived on this planet.

I'm going to start blogging again and doing heavy journaling and other personal writing. I have all of these ideas locked up inside my head just begging to escape the insanity and materialize for all the world to see.

I know you are wondering who this dapper fellow is to the right. Believe it or not, he is my muse. When there is a story that needs to be told, he is the only one that can do it with gusto and humor. He doesn't fear rejection and he isn't shy. He knows he's hot stuff, super likeable and undeniably adorable. 

So let's go on a journey together this year. 

I hope to make you laugh more than cry. Entertain and enlighten. Inspire and motivate. Wonder and ponder. Dream and imagine. 

And since everything is better with chocolate and jewelry, I may also post pictures of my creations of sweet indulgences for the belly and the eyes!

Thanks for coming along with me!