On Rebounding

Around here, we've got these annoying little "stink" bugs that have been showing up a whole lot lately.  I think they're technically squash bugs, but we know not to squash them because they stink.

I was in the kitchen when I noticed a little brown offender edging perseverantly over the oranges in my fruit bowl.  I poised my fingers and effortlessly and vengefully flicked him out of my kitchen.

He executed a perfect landing on the back of my couch.

In amazement I thought, "I wish I would land on my feet that quickly."

This life has ups and downs.
Our days have highs and lows.
We have triumphs and we have failures.
We take opportunities and we miss opportunities.
We love and we hurt.
We give and lose.
We rise and we fall.

But do we land on our feet quickly?

When it's bad, do we grab onto the grace of God, dig deep into His presence and stand up to try again?

Dominique

Help for the Stomach

A few weeks ago, when one of mine wasn't feeling so great, they were complaining of a stomach ache.  Not wanting to brew peppermint tea in the middle of the night, but desirous of offering a form of relief, I suddenly asked, "Would you like a peppermint Altoid?"

Because these mints contain some peppermint oil, they actually offered a bit of relief.  I already keep them in my purse for breath-freshening and in each vehicle, in case of car sickness.  Now I'll remember to keep them around in case of stomach aches!

Dominique

A Moment for Icing

Remember what I said about hand-me-downs?  Well, the other day a friend handed me this brand new long black kimono while another friend exclaimed nearby, "That is SO Dominique!"  I just beamed and said, "WOW, thanks!"



I thoroughly enjoyed selecting items from my closet to fashion a whole new outfit.  It really only takes a few more moments to gather those fun finishing touches.

Kimono: Hand-me-down gift

Shirt, jeans, boots, brooch: Thrift store

Bracelet and Earrings: Gift

(I always like to share that information because I want everyone to know that it costs very little to look well-put-together!!)

Next time you get dressed, take a moment to select a few basic pieces from your closet.  Then, choose a piece or two of jewelry that is complimentary and go for it!  It's worth those extra moments to put the "icing" on the cake!

Dominique

A Note to You

Dear friend,

Do you have a regular time alone with God?  The peace that comes from this time is priceless.  The perspective that bursts forth from this time each day is essential.  I find I cannot live without it.  Getting to know God is definitely the best part of it.

Where to start?  Gather your device, your "cuppa" of something hot and park yourself in your favorite chair.  I like the youversion app for my reading.  I mostly read the Bible in the New Living Translation right now.  I really love reading in a translation that uses our language.  Then, my heart can't hide being Old English words that mean nothing to me!

If you've never read a book of the Bible the whole way through, why not start in the book of Luke?  It's a great book of stories about Jesus' life.  Start somewhere and keep reading.  Stop when something strikes you.  Ask yourself questions.  Look for the answers.  Mull over it.  Write down a thought or two.  Pray about it then and there.  Read.  Pray.  Read.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand.

I don't like telling myself I have to read so many chapters a day.  Some days I read two verses.  Some day I read three chapters.  It all depends on what seems to jump out at me.  No matter how much or how little I read, I'm available for God to speak to me and teach me.  I believe that He will and He does.  He'll speak to you and teach you too.

I'm so excited for you to draw closer to Him.  I'm so excited for you to learn more and more about His words.

Thinking of you,

Dominique

Snow, Trees and Lately

Have I done something nice for my husband lately?  

Have I said yes to the Blossoms lately?

Have I stepped out on the porch and took deep breaths of fresh air lately?

Have I slowed down my mind and listened lately?

Sometimes I have to remind myself of these things.  How about you?

Dominique

Photo credit to Blossom2