Artist in Me

I might not paint a picture or create a magnificent sculpture, but I've realized there is an artist in me. My artistic expression is putting together outfits, decorating, arranging flowers, taking pictures, or just enjoying anything aesthetically pleasing. Window shopping can be fun and being in a naturally beautiful setting is thrilling. Making something in my home more interesting and artistically pleasing is such a simple little pleasure. I find that I love being surrounding by beauty, and I appreciate that artistic expression at a whole new level. The older I get the more I realize how much there is to enjoy, and the importance of giving myself the time and permission to truly experience it all. Gone is the self-sacrificing martyr that was afraid to really let myself enjoy what is available to me. I no longer believe it is worldly to enjoy anything that is artistically pleasing and expressive for me. 

God Bless the USA

I just spent an amazing two weeks in Egypt, Israel, and Jordan with Kev and all of our kids and two of our daughter-in-laws seeing two wonders of the world and walking where Jesus walked. We saw and did some incredible things, but I have to say, however, that I have a new appreciation for the bathrooms in the USA. We are spoiled. Coming home and using a clean bathroom with an ample supply of toilet paper seemed like a new wonder of the world and is something I hope I won't take for granted again. If I start not being as appreciative as I should be then I will plan another trip overseas. It's a small sacrifice to keep me grateful.