Passionate Perseverance: the rhythm of home ~ prepare...

It's a beautiful brisk day. The wind is whipping through sheets hanging on the line. They'll dry quickly today that's for sure. It's chilly especially with the wind so coats are still needed. What I love the most is the sunshine. After a weekend of rain, rain, rain it's lovely to see the sun once more.

an audio book on my iPod as I get ready to make dinner. "Knit Two" by Kate Jacobs. It's the sequel to her "Friday Night Knitting Club" which I really enjoyed. It's a relationship tale picking up where the first book left off, following the seven woman of the Friday Night Knitting Club as they deal with Georgia's death from cancer. So far, so good.

#186 - #200:

* sheets hanging on the line flapping in the wind

*spices that inspire and flavor our family meal

*a menu plan that releases the stress form my daily dinner hour

*Babies and baptisms, tow of my favorite things on the planet

*a husband who is patient and willing to compromise when it comes to budgets and household responsibilities

*the season of Lent: time to focus on God's enduring love and endless mercy

*steaming green tea with lemon and honey to start my day

*Food Network: a great companion on a Saturday while ironing

*sweet smiles from my favorite girl that just make my heart sing

*homemade cinnamon buns by my favorite 13 year old

*lambs wool that is equally soft and warm

*condiments that cover my culinary mistakes

*quiet time talking to my Creator

*listening to that still small voice

*encouraging words sent across cyberspace

I am Pondering ~

“I have an ever deeper and firmer belief that nothing is merely an accident when seen in the light of God—that my whole life, down to the smallest details, has been marked out for me in the plan of divine Providence and has a completely coherent meaning in God’s all-seeing eyes.”

St. Edith Stein

“I am personally convinced that one person can be a change catalyst, a "transformer" in any situation, any organization. Such an individual is yeast that can leaven an entire loaf. It requires vision, initiative, patience, respect, persistence, courage, and faith to be a transforming leader.”

Stephen R. Covey

This week Lent begins. SO there is a Spring Cleaning schedule to create and put into action, menus to create and execute for my "Soup and Scripture" Lenten challenge. I am also creating a master list for every single household project that needs to be done. I am now on page three. Eeek!!

Ash Wednesday, fasting and sacrifice. This week begins one of the most sacred seasons in the church. As I get older I really look forward to this time of year. It's a time for quiet contemplation and deep conversations with God. It's a time for simplicity and getting my priorities straight. I pray it will be fruitful for myself and my family.

I am Hoping and Praying for ~

*In thanksgiving for NFP and our witness talk which was recently published. God does indeed make all things new!

*Miss Courtney's care plan and new meds. May God continue to guide her doctors.

* for a return to civility with the political discourse in this country. Words have power and people need to be personally responsible for the words and deeds. "Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." Mother Teresa

* for my cousin Anne who is deployed to Afghanistan and our family friend Gerard at Marine Boot Camp in Paris Island. May God protect all those who serve this wonderful nation.

*for Jerry's Dad who is recovering from surgery on his foot. My God grant patience to my mother-in-law and peaceful healing to Don. It's going to be a long two months I think.

* for my sister-in-law Nancy who is expecting my new niece or nephew in October. That God may protect both Momma and little one.

*for Caleb and his Momma and Daddy. That they may feel hope once more in the midst of great sacrifice.

* for those who are searching for their purpose in this world. That God may grant them a passionate perseverance to discover His plan for them.

*for Suzanne at church who prays for my girl, just because

*for a dear friend who is undergoing treatment. That her physical strength remains strong and her spirits high.

*in thanksgiving for my two godchildren Peter and Lilly who turn four in the next few weeks. I am so honored to be your Godmother.

*for Lachlan and his Mommy and Daddy. May God guide the doctors giving them wisdom and perseverance in treating this little miracle.

*for the six woman I have prayed with weekly for over 10 years now. That God may guide their daily paths as family needs and obligations prevent us from being physically present to one another at this time. May God shelter them and the ones they hold closest to their hearts.

*for a special intention

There are green leaves once again on the azaleas and this weekend I put the veggie seeds in little pods so they are ready to go into the ground in May. So excited to see if I can do this. One seed at a time.

"Soup and Scripture" begins Wednesday. Woohoo! I am excited to embrace simplicity in the kitchen this Lenten season. I am so glad your coming along for the ride. It's going to be awesome!

7 and 9 p.m. We'll take it over 3 to 4 throughout the day. She is staying awake all day long, laughing and taking part in school and interacting with people once more. Makes my heart so happy. Still working with the doctors on her meds and waiting to hear the results of her big test to see if we can determine why she has seizures. After 18 years, I'm a little curious. Can you blame me?