Blue Skies and Gentle Breeze - Renewing of Heart and Soul

For those who don't know it - Mike and I are RVers. We have a small RV that we like to take out to get away from it all.  We belong to a camping club that tries to go out once a month to relax and renew.  This was the weekend.

We went to Coushatte RV in between Bellville and Sealy - not real sure which town it belongs to, because it is just about smack dab in the middle.

This was one of the perfect weekends - as Goldilocks would say - not too hot, not too cold, but just right.  A gentle breeze and blue skies.  We were able to sit outside and visit with the camping club and others who live at Coushatte.  The people at Coushatte are mostly retired folks.  Some are "snow birds" who live here for 6 months and up north for 6 months.  Some are permanent retirees at Coushatte and live either in their RVs or in mobile homes.  The nice thing about this is they care for each other - and look out for each other.

That is what brings me to the renewing of heart and soul. 

It is hard when a child grows up - and any parent who tells you otherwise is wrong in my opinion.  Not only do I have one son getting married - I have two getting married within 2 weeks of each other.  The young ladies they have chosen as their brides are good matches for them.  They love my sons and have their best interest at heart.

The renewing of my heart is learning to let go of them - to let them grow up and be the men they have been raised to be.  As a dear friend said - you've got to cut the apron strings.  It is hard, because you love them and as a parent, you absolutely know what is best for them.  This is where the people I visited with come in.  They care for each other, they love each other, they take care of each other - but they also know when to step back.  I am learning how to do that.

Now for the renewing of my soul - to learn to love and give my love unconditionally to Kara and KayDee.  To give to them that outpouring of love that I freely give to Brian and Aaron.  To let my soul open to the love these young men and women give to each other and by extension - me.

Blue skies from above with a gentle breeze that stirs your soul. 

Love, forever and a day



Have You Ever Had One of "THOSE DAYS"

Today was day my to have one of "THOSE DAYS".  Yes, I woke up in a bad mood and it continued from there.  It was like everything was foggy - where you can't get to the reason of what is causing everything

Didn't like the clothes in my closet - although I'm not sure why.  I definitely have enough for me and several other people - so I am blessed in that regard.

Walked out the front door and noticed the glass is cracked.  Irritating - not sure why, because the door is still standing to protect the house.  Also, as a dear friend reminded me - I have a house to go home to and there are 33 miners who have been away from home for 69 days.

Trashmen didn't pick up our trash, because a neighbor parked their car too close to the trash cans.  GRRRRR - this one I know why, but didn't like it just the same.

Pulled the trashcans back to the garage and tripped on a portion of the driveway that is broken.  Again irritating, but I have a driveway to put my car in.

After the "trip", found out a shoe was broken.  That was not a good thing either - but I still had more shoes I could wear.  I know there are people who don't.

and the list could go on............

So, I let several small things turn into big things - but didn't rely on the ONE big thing in my life.  Yes, that is right - God.  For each of the small things - he showed me why I should be thankful - I have clothes and shoes to wear, I have a household that creates trash to throw away, I have a driveway to place my car in - of which I have a car to drive.  And for the other things that I am letting bother me - I shouldn't.

So - to those of you who like me have one of "THOSE DAYS" - remember, there is someone bigger out there who can take your irritations and hurts and make them better.

I'm going to try to remember this - and if you were in the pathway of Hurricane Dawn today - I apologize.  God is showing me through my irritations that it is not that bad - I just need to remember what I have and what others may not have and be thankful.

Love, forever and a day

New Seasons, New Chapters, New Beginnings

I started writing because I wanted to capture the new season in my life. While thinking about that, I have realized that I am not the only one with a new beginning.

First - there is Stevi and Brandon, not to forget Gigi! Tomorrow begins a very exciting season in their lives. Stevi and Brandon, well actually Stevi, will give birth to their first child - Brazos. A most unique name for what I'm sure will be a most unique little boy. They begin the chapter of being new parents. I wish them love and blessing and little blue socks! Gigi, aka Gina, I can't forget you. I know you will love and hug and oooh and coo all over this little boy.

To Natalie and Meghan - who are in their junior year of high school. They are beginning to become independent young women. These two young ladies have been raised by Godly parents and exhibit that love that has been bestowed upon them.

To Natalie and Meghan's parents - you are beginning a season of letting go. Embrace it - love it - cherish it. Your daughters reflect the teachings and love you have given them. You are blessed!

To the Wild West Household (and extended family) - you are beginning a new life together. This is your time to love and be loved. Enjoy the promise that weddings bring - happily forever after.

To Danielle who is working hard at making us work hard! She keeps us moving and enjoying exercise (who would have thought that exercise is enjoyable?!). Her new business is succeeding and I wish her many years of success!

To Rick and Adam on their move west (go west young men, go west). While we hate to see you leave, family calls. Know that wherever you are, your BW3 buds are here for you. This season of your life will prove most interesting for you I'm sure. Explore and enjoy - and make sure you tell the world all about it!

There are many that I'm leaving out - these are just a few of those that are writing their own new chapters in life. Birth, Wedding, new business, growing up, moves. It is amazing what we do in our lives every day.

While thinking about the new chapters we begin - I realize that it is not just one that takes place, but multitudes of them every day, all day. While my new chapter is "The Boys" getting married - this is just a small part of it. I've grown more introspective, I've realized more and more how much God has directed and been a part of my life, I'm learning that it can't be done by just me and that prayers work wonders.

To all of you who have started that new season, that new chapter and new beginning - take if for all it is. Embrace the opportunities that come your way and let the Footsteps from above guide you.

Love, forever and a day

Tomorrow morning, if you wake up

And the future is unclear

I will be here

Just as sure as seasons were made for change

Our lifetimes were made for these years

So I will be here

"I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman