A Banner of Crimson

All These Years II

Autumn had already laid its cool hands on the fevered earth, and lent a coolness to the air, the day we celebrated Mother's birthday.

We drank in the goodness of it, and spent all day outside.

There were garlic marinated burgers, served on freshly baked hamburger buns, and oven roasted vegetables; a blend of sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, zucchini, squash, and onions. We filled our glasses to the brim with Apple Spice Green Tea.

We shared gifts and conversation under the evening trees, then German Chocolate Cake and hand-churned Chocolate ice cream...

Celebrating Mom's 50 years, blessed by the goodness of God's gift to all of us.

Laughter came next, in the form of the two most adorable clowns, dancing comics on the lawn, performing magic tricks, and ending our evening with smiles across every face.

All These Years

This is Momma's birthday breakfast :)

Yes. This photo is real.

I can't hide it, I am so proud of cooking my first omelet!

7:00 on Sunday morning found us 4 sisters in the kitchen,
chopping veggies, mincing garlic, preparing herbs,
and whisking eggs to the sound of
Nat King Cole singing from Emma's laptop.

... it was still early for some :)

We then paraded over to the Little House where Mom and Dad were deep in a planning session for Mom's long dreamed-of landscaping on our farm.

THEN, came the birthday party... stay tuned for part II!!

On the Inside

Dear Father in Heaven, must life be so hard? Must every step I take be riddled with challenges? Must every hope, every dream, every whisper of happy things, be marred by old pain and older despair? What is it You are saying? What is the cry of Your heart?

I am listening. You have my attention.

And I hear it, in the stillness of the tears that are balling up in my throat, I hear His words, simple, unchanging....

Press forward. Don't despair.