Thankful For These People!

My Dad keeps getting more and more elaborate with his Christmas lights each year! I think half the fun for him is watching his grandkids' eyes light up. And Mom's inside lights and decorations bring the fun right on through the front door. Omi and Opa's house looks like Santa and Mrs. Clause home! :) Since, as they say, a picture is worth 1000 words, I'll let the pictures do the talking as to Brasher activities this Thanksgiving. We're excited about the Isaacs' and Nanny and Poppy coming in to town this weekend.

I'm sorry Sharkey, I couldn't resist! 

Mom and Dad - busy bees in the kitchen!

Watching football together!

Ramble in the Woods

A few weeks ago we took off to explore Dupont State Forest and waterfalls. It's near Hendersonville, NC - and the pictures definitely don't do it justice (it was mid afternoon before we got started and early evening by the time we were done....not an optimal time to take pictures in a forest! :) )

Definitely worth exploring some more - the hikes are fairly easy even with a baby on the back (the kids described it more as a long, steep walk.....I like Anne of Green Gables word - ramble in the woods! :).

The drive there is as pleasant as the walk/hike!

I Have Time for You

The other day I texted my sister and asked what she was up to. She replied soon after with "waiting for you to come visit!" Do you think I felt welcome to her home? :)

When was the last time someone looked you in the eye and simply said: "I have time for you."

When was the last time you looked someone else in the eye and simply said: "I have time for you."

A few weeks ago in church the pastor asked a question I've been chewing on ever since.  When did business become a badge of honor?

I normally think a whole lot about how not to be so busy, how to simplify life. But there's another puzzle part....that part where we are called to love. And to truly love well, well that takes time.

I have some friends who start off our conversations by pulling out their cellphones and turning them off. It speaks volumes to me and is a very simple way to say "I have time for you. You have my full attention."

In this social media saturated world where everyone has a voice and no one is heard, the ability or willingness to truly listen to others seems to have virtually vanished, while the need to be truly heard has exploded exponentially.

Children often ask to be heard in ugly ways ....ways I sometimes don't recognize....with sullenness or that "leave-me-alone" body language. I need to pay better attention! It all requires a lot of grace....grace to hear those subtle and not so subtle requests to be heard. Grace to know when to say "yes" (because every "yes" carries 100's of little "no's" to other things with it).

Today, who in your life needs to hear the words "I have time for you!" ?

Maybe you need to hear those words from someone. Maybe you've needed to hear them from me in the past. I'm really sorry! I fail at that a lot, do you? I'm thankful that Jesus ALWAYS says to me "I have time for you!"

Cruso, Camo and Other Weekend Things

A weekend in NC with Nanny (now re-named Nini by Lillian) and Poppy was filled with the good stuff life is made out of....conversations about all the Jesus is doing, much good food, lot's of laughter, hugs and kisses, puppies and, of course, target practice. Even the rainy weather couldn't dampen our spirits and we got to sit outside and get in a good porch conversation (complete with warm sweaters! How I've missed sweater weather!). The drive home over the Blue Ridge Parkway was still beautiful even in November. Unfortunately my auto focus went bust on my camera and I'm having trouble manually focusing (obviously!). Several people were a little camera shy, but here are a few sweet moments and sweet people from the weekend.
Lots to be thankful for this November! May you too see the gifts the Father of Lights bestows on His children!

Life Messages

Ever notice how everyone seems to have a "life message?" You know, that topic a person keeps coming back to every time you have an extended conversation or hear them speak. Perhaps it's the area we know deep down we struggle with the most?

Seems it really starts taking shape in our late 20's and 30's and grows deeper from there with our life experiences.

It's obvious in our book choices and the things that animate us in conversation. I've noticed this in pastors, authors, bloggers, and speakers particularly (probably because they're the ones that so publicly articulate themselves! :).  It always make me chuckle when I hear an advertisement for a "new book" or a "fresh thought".... it's almost always the same message with new wrapping. Nothing wrong with that. It's just the way we are wired.

As believers, we'll find it's always ultimately Jesus (and I don't say that lightly!) -  but it works itself out practically in a myriad of different ways.

I have a friend whose life message is very obviously centered on health and healing. Another who always talks about our identity in Jesus. I think mine is finding (for myself) and pointing others to rest, peace, contentment, and joy in the ordinary, every day. Pilgrimage. Perseverance.

What's yours?