a heartfelt thank you

When my eyes popped open this morning, I had to turn on the TV to be sure it was official... our referendum passed... with an unheard of 79% of the vote! I am thrilled... and I am thankful... so thankful. I don't think anyone thought that our little group of six could actually accomplish this... but then our group began to grow, and with our wonderful volunteers, a very small bank account, and certainly no experience, we proved that a group of Moms, and a Dad, could rally a community and make a difference. A big difference.

I have learned more about myself in the past few months than I ever knew. I have overcome fears... I have had to put on my "big girl shoes" and just leap into a situation where I have been uncomfortable. And you know what? I have enjoyed it. Shy little 'ole me has enjoyed talking to people, starting conversations... I need to remember this... that it is never too late to learn more about who you are... or who you can be.

I have received quite a few congratulations phone calls and e-mails this morning... and the biggest bouquet of yellow flowers I have ever seen (thanks, Mom!) but I keep thinking about everyone who helped along the way...

If you voted for this referendum, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
If you forwarded my e-mail on to your friends, thank you.
If you passed out a flyer, thanks.
If you posted a sign in your yard, thanks.
If you wore a button, held a sign, or wore a bright yellow tee-shirt in the parade, thank you.
If you talked about the referendum while you were in line to vote, thank you.
If you held out hope, or if you sent a good thought our way, thank you.
If you prayed for me or encouraged me along the way, thanks.
I really needed it.

You made a difference. A difference that kids all over our county
will benefit from.
Today is a beautiful day.
Thank you.

the vote

I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior...

One of my very favorite songs begins with these lyrics. It speaks to my heart. It reminds me that tomorrow is a mystery... to us, but not to Him. It reminds me that I am not in control, nor should I be... it makes me happy... content to know I don't have to be. These words remind me that I serve a powerful God... and if I knew His plan, or understood it, it would make Him somehow less. I do not need to know now... I will know when the time is right.

I have cast my ballot... I have had my say. And now, I can do no more... just sit... and wait... and pray. I pray that the most Godly man wins this election. I pray that the most righteous man wins this election. I pray that our country wins... whoever wins. I had my say... it is God's turn.

morning splendor

He has been looking forward to this morning all week... his first outing with the Young Birders Club. We woke before dawn, dressed in layers, and headed out on our way, full of anticipation... with hot chocolate to sustain us.


The morning sun skittered about the leaves... the shrill sounds of the slough came alive... the twittering birds said good morning. In every direction, there was beauty. Who but You could fill our senses with such amazement...

...Falling in love with the Earth is one of life's great adventures.
- Steve van Matre

just to be

Yesterday, after doing everything a mother does all day... and doing the things that a Mother hasn't done for weeks... and then adding in a few other things like voting, and pumpkins, and Halloween... and trying to make it all fun and not yell at anyone, I was finally sitting... in the stands at the football game... early to save our seats. It was quiet... the breeze was rushing at me, and I was breathing it in... and it felt good... really good. My Mom leaned over to me, looked into my eyes, and simply said For the next three hours you don't have anything to do- just sit here. I put my arms around her, and she held me the way a Mom holds a daughter who needs a hug... and my eyes filled with tears... and I finally let just a few escape.