April 30, 2010

Weekend Fun: Blooming buds, books, snack bags and basket raffles

Posted by ShariCakes under Life, Weekend Fun | Tags: , , , , , , , |
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Simple joy, simple treasures

Okay so life has been just too serious and too stressful as of late. Details are really not necessary just know that life, as we know it, can get in the way of our joy and our graces. Previously, I talked about how the winter seasons and life’s quirky situations leave us feeling lost and weary – Springs bright colors and new life brings the joy and hope back into our lives. And our God does NOT forget about us, but shows us how to be at peace and joyful. I thought after all the stresses of the past weeks it was time for a fun post about a great day of simple fun with friends :-).

Simple Joy
So my friends Amy and Sarah and I, decided to head to the local Emmaus Book Sale. We weren’t expecting an overly fun filled day but were looking for some time away from tasks, chores and “life”. The first thing we hopped upon were the flowers outside of the LMMS (Lower Macungie Middle School). We were probable the only ones who stopped to “smell the roses” or look at the tulips – but they were so bright red and attractive to the eye and why not enjoy them. Besides, Steve, gave me this awesome camera for Christmas and why not photograph the things I see – capture the moments, laugh, reminisce and (blog :-))

Simple Pleasures
So we headed into the book sale, not too sure what we’d expect – I mean a lot of kids and books I guess. See the Friends of the Emmaus Public Library was having a book sale. So we headed in to see what we could find. Well we discovered that not only did they have some great books on sale but some awesome nutritious lunches, snacks and beverages.  We browsed around a bit, gathered together, laughed, ate, drank and were, “merry”. I was even more merry at the sight of the bean bag veggies and the Veggie Toss Game. I am a (former and hopefully again) preschool teacher so I love kids games, books and fun. 

Simple Treasures
In any event, were totally psyched about the neat event that was put together. We were able to find a few cool books, a pizza lunch, refreshing iced tea, ice pops, ice cream and snacks – I even scored a sample of thie awesome chicken corn soup and the recipe. After which I played and lost the veggie bean bag toss game and entered a “BASKET RAFFLE” maybe one of us will win. But all in all the afternoon was a great get away. Laughter and friends some great prizes and snacks.

No one was worried about the stresses of our life outside of the book sale. No one was worried about the stack of mail waiting on the desk back at home, no one was worried about the challenges that awaited us after. No. No God allowed us these simple moments of peace, joy and harmony. He allowed us the opportunity to gain a bit of ourselves back in this crazy turmoil that has been tearing away at our joyful souls. We basked in his beauty of nature, his fellowship, community and allowed us to be kids again…

A photo opp. with foodie friends :-)

A photo opp. with foodie friends 🙂

 

April 18, 2010

Shades of Spring

Posted by ShariCakes under Life | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |
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Spring is upon us, yes and the weather is still quirky, but all around the signs of spring are showing their colors.

This year it seemed that Easter came and went, just too fast. Saint Patrick’s Day was barely over and the bunnies hopped in and out like jack rabbits. Easter was gone, the candy remained in the baskets and the leftover ham still lingered in the refrigerator. The signs of Easter were all around. However, the signs of life are continuing to show themselves.

For many people the bleak blank sights of winter have a way of affecting mood, balance and motivation. We all need color in our lives, we all appreciate color in some form – my favorite color is blue – shades of blue, blue greens, teals, purple blues etc. I truly believe that one needs the soft pastels of spring to lighten the mood and show that hope and life are not dead.

 Just when it seems that the blank, cold gray will never end suddenly the flowers begin to bud and show their beauty. One of my favorite times to enjoy is when the soft little petals blow in the spring breeze – like a spring snow shower – it’s not damp, cold or plain. It’s soft, warm and peaceful. Suddenly, the sun is shining, the birds chirp with joy, the green returns to the grass and the colors of the earth break forth with gladness.  It seems that Easter comes just when we need it. When we just can’t take the darkness anymore and the cold, bitter winter seems relentless, our time of joyful celebration arrives. There is nothing like the sun shine on an Easter Sunday to remind us of the risen Christ.  In our humanness we need the cycles of life and seasons to remember, reflect and reconcile our lives and minds to our Lord. Easter and spring is just the right time and place to remind us of the hope that we still have in Christ.

I could never understand the views of anyone who didn’t believe that flowers and trees were not created by God. No man could create life in its most intricate details and design. Even with our medical science, biological knowledge and botany technology – life and the human body continue to amaze us. Well, I continue to be amazed at how we have been designed and the awe I see in creation. I know that our Lord created us with a purpose and he continues to show himself, however complicated and complex.

 Our Creator God, is not simple, but is complex and our life in a relationship with the Lord seems complicated. HE askes nothing of us except devotion, love and trust – we however are self-driven, self-reliant and at the mercy of the world’s schedule and timing. It was not in God’s design for us to be tied down to the worlds demands. He never meant for us to live in a world with so much pain and saddness, dilemma and confusion. He allows us freedom to choose and asks for our trust – and yet we still take it all upon ourselves in the hope of finding that joy. Time and time again, season after season we are reminded that the true joy, hope and Love reside with Him. He sent us his hope and mercy, when he sent Jesus. We are never forgotten by our Lord, he is faithful through it all. We were never promised perfection, but peace. Peace of mind knowing that our stuggles will be half as hard and life will be twice as good when we are in communion with him. He will take care of all of the struggles if we just let him – if we just let go. He reminds of this in Matthew 6:26. Our heavenly Father cares for us and sends us hope each day and season. So this season, this spring – as you see the beauty in the shades of spring, remember the hope that we have as we continue on life’s journey. Never forget but be reminded of the promise and the hope that is with us always.