The song of geese may not appeal to everyone's ear, whether due to the calling of the onset of a harsh and barrenly frigid winter on the horizon, or due to their intrusive honk.

I hear a chorus.  A song. The song of a Faithful Season changing. The song of a entrance, of exit, of new and old mingling in the in between, waiting with reverence and revelry for what is yet to be seen.

I hear praise.

I hear glory.

I hear faithfulness.

I hear, I AM WITH YOU, STILL.

Wow, it's been a season, friends. It's been up and down and a lot of dark, blindfold walking, bumping into walls, tentative steps that tear at our toes, and harsh and weary words that tear apart instead of build up, as a good neighbor is called to do.

It's been a season. 

And the honking of the goose song echoes that and ushers in a new one, that can bring hope, promise, reveal faithfulness and love.

We need only look. Use our opportunities. And allow kindness. A stranger's smile. An uncertainty to offer us the opportunity to embrace courage instead of fear, grace instead of anger, and love instead of hate.

Let's use the time we have to be better, create better, and pick up the weary when we ourselves feel lost.

Praise the Father,

Praise the Son,

Praise the Spirit Three In One.

https://youtu.be/Of5IcFWiEpg

Tobias Jesso Jr. - How Could You Babe

 Well it's been a while.  A good long while, in fact.  I am undecided about this little space to be honest, but I heard this and it felt right to share.
  So here is a little number that frankly, just made me smile.  We all need a smile now and then and music has a way of creeping and seeping into the cracks that need filling.  So here you are!
  A new song to call your mid-week delight!  Check this guy out, his album is released next week.

Cheers! 

Thankfulness

  There is so much to be thankful for it almost seems impossible to know where to begin, but I will try.

1~ I am thankful for my family.  Regardless of circumstance, distance or difference, I am so thankful to be a part of such a special group of people.  You teach me, you encourage me, challenge me, listen to me, and so much more.  I am thankful that on occasion I have the opportunity to do the same for you.  
2~ I am thankful my children are healthy.  It is something so simple and yet so big.
3~ I am thankful for opportunities to love others who are put in my path.
4~ I am thankful for the simple, yet dependable, in my life.  The change of seasons, the rising and setting sun, even the migration of the geese.  They are all faithful in their duty and are representatives of a Greater Hand at work.
5~ I am thankful for food, (pie especially)! 
6~ My husband is special.  He sees me at my worst, he hears the ridiculous that spews from my mouth.  He understands when I need a hand or an encouraging word often before I do. He lets me hug him, for a long time, when necessary. Even if his meeting has to wait.  He is special, and I am a better me because of him.
7~ I am thankful for how the last few years have grown and stretched me.  I have gone to places I would never have dreamed and seen more than I would have imagined for myself. There has been struggle, as there is with all change, but it has been special and a path I would choose again and again.  I also look forward to the changes that are ahead!
8~ I am thankful that our family has had the time to sit down and eat together recently.  We have gathered together around our table more in the last month than we have in the past 2 years.  It is special, and one of my favorite things!
9~ I am thankful for the women in my life.  Woman can be tricky, so this is a big deal for me.  Some of you have had a key role in my life; like the babysitter I had as a girl who I am able to hold as a dear friend today.  Or the dear friend, whom I never see, who taught me what it means to sparkle, to work hard; she taught me what it means to be not only a woman, but a strong woman in all the roles my life requires.  The ladies I have been blessed to laugh with in sport, the girls who send me songs to expand my musical palate.  I am thankful for my niece who teaches me to hold tight to the childlike spirit in me, and yes, if that means dancing circles in a tutu, how could I not step up to the plate for that one!  You are all so special!
10~ I am thankful that my Creator hasn't given up on me, because let's be honest, I am a disaster and a cracked pot at best.  


  My life is full.  I am one of the lucky ones, I know that well enough.  Our family laid low this weekend, we had very little to do, and conveniently the sun was shining so there was lots of outdoor play.  I have so much to be thankful for and I know how special that is.
   Make your own list of all those special things.  After a weekend of giving thanks, it shouldn't be too hard!

James Bay 'Running' [Audio]

 Happy Monday, folks!
 Hmmm, so lovely.  I'm loving this guy's whole EP, it's simply beautiful!  Have a listen and be swept away; what better start to the week could you ask for?

For Your Monday

  I stumbled across this beautiful piece of work recently.  It grabbed tightly and wrapped its gentle threads around my heart.  There is something about the tenderness underlying the strength in the words, or perhaps, it's the way my heart seems desperate to cling to the promise inside of them that has me returning my thoughts frequently, seeking comfort, encouragement, and the obvious; hope.

"Hope" is the thing of feathers 

"Hope" is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops—at all—

And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard—
And sore must be the storm—
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm—

I've heard it in the chillest land—
And on the strangest Sea—
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb—of Me.

- Emily Dickinson  

 Top Ten

1~ The final weeks of rustling leaves as they turn all shades of cozy.
2~ The sound of laughter ringing through my house.  Oh what pure, sweet, delight from
      whichever mouth they spill!
3~ Girl time, because my goodness in my life filled with boys, I need it!
4~ The return of blessed routine.
5~ The meager but delicious harvest from my garden.
6~ Coffee with a friend.
7~ The hope that soon I will be all caught up and can sit down with my computer and get
      my thoughts down on paper.
8~ The smell of cookies in my kitchen, happily whipped up by none other than my giant 
      child!
9~ The Pretty Room and how it wraps me in girly, sunshine filled, indulgence!
10~ The flag in my backyard. My father-in-law hung it for me a few weeks ago, and still,    
       each time I spot it my heart is warmed and I know whether to add another layer by how 
       it flaps in the wind.

  So much to be thankful for.  It's a good reminder to count your blessings and be thankful, and what a day to do it than today. Don't delay!
  

Tim McGraw - Meanwhile Back At Mama’s ft. Faith Hill

 Morning!

  I feel like we did a whole lot of driving this summer and this was one of those songs that we always tuned in to.  My sweetheart was an immediate fan and brought it to my attention, though if I'm honest, I was a little hesitant because it is usually the other way around for us.  
  I loved it immediately; the inviting sound, the story in the lyrics, the truth in the words.  It's one of those songs that catches your heart, and there is something about it that had the ability to slow me enough to enjoy the moment.
Have a listen and enjoy this sunny Monday morning ... I know I will!