We are fortunate in Northwest Arkansas to have so many great attractions. One of the most unique is the Crystal Bridges Art Museum. Nestled in the woods just north of the Bentonville city square is a mecca for art enthusiasts. Last time I visited, Harrison Ford was there. WHAT??!!!?
Aside from the amazing collection of art on exhitbit, my favorite aspect of this experience is enjoying the shear beauty of the architecture. There is just too much to take in on one visit!
Last weekend the weather was absolutely perfect! When we woke up on Saturday, we packed a cooler and a picnic lunch and headed out on a day trip to Devil’s Den State Park. We hiked the Devil’s Den trail. The last time we took this particular trail our son was in a backpack carrier. Even though he is only 3 and 1/2, he is extremely athletic. He loved this 1.5 mile trail through the Ozark Mountains.
Growing up, my mom and her sisters had a set menu for every holiday. Among the many southern casseroles which were staples, I always looked forward to Aunt Susie’s Cherry Cream Pie (a no-bake cheesecake). She knew I liked it so much that she would make an extra for me to take one home.
Since I have been married, I now take it with me to all my in-law gatherings, because it isn’t a holiday without this blissful dessert!
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2
If we are all honest, we would admit that we struggle with the issue of pride in one way or another. I remember in college sitting with one of my Bible professors, Dr. Ken Neller, and asking him if I would get over my struggle with pride. Fast forward 15 years and I am still wondering the same thing.
As I have walked through Beth Moore’s book Praying God’s Word: Breaking Free from Spriritual Strongholds, I have learned so much about pride.
When I walked into Braum’s, I saw her sitting in the corner. She had that familiar look on her face. You probably know the one I’m talking about. Desperation had lead her to indulge her kids with a sweet treat of ice cream just so she could sit in crowded solitude for the five minutes it took them to eat it.
I have been there too!
The momma heart in me wanted to run over, hand her a $100 bill that I didn’t have, and tell her I would watch her kids while she went out and got a massage.
Last week I told you about my new favorite book Surprised By Motherhood: Everything I never expected about being a mom by Lisa-Jo Baker.
In the book she talks about losing her mother at the age of 18. She reflects on different parts of her childhood as she tries to “piece together scraps” and parent her own children through memories.
One memory was of her mom showing up late to pick her up from school. She said that she could “smell the popcorn on her breath” and that she knew that her mother had been to the movies. Lisa went on to say:
Sweet Friend,
I need a cup of coffee today with you!
I just need a moment to exhale…
Parenting is hard!
I never would have imagined the amount of physical and emotional energy it takes to raise a child. The one thing that was really surprising to me was the spiritual aspect of it all. The burden I have to lead my child to the LORD is overwhelming.
Sometimes I spend hours on one post. Perfection is a must. Sometimes I just want to write and embrace imperfection. I love Five Minute Fridays. The challenge is to focus on a one word prompt and to limit myself to only five minutes with no major editing.
This week the prompt is writer.
Set the timer…ready…set…GO!
Saving Grace is a local non-profit that is near and dear to my heart. It has been amazing to watch this ministry unfold. Becky Shaffer, the founder and CEO, grew up in the foster system and children’s homes. The LORD has had a calling on her life. He was able to take a broken past, completely redeem it for his glory, and has provided a future for many.
There is a reality show on Discovery called Clash of the Ozarks. Have you seen it? It is about two feuding families in a small town in north central Arkansas called Hardy. This happens to be my hometown. Well, I am technically from the next town over, but everybody knows everybody in Sharp County. My family has been in that area as long as the Russells and the Evanses.