Recent Hiking

Recently I had the opportunity to take a hike with a friend.  It was just the two of us, without any of the seven children that we have between our families.  

We've hiked together before, conquering a mountain and searching out ruins of an old building, all with seven plus children trotting behind us (mostly) willingly or riding on our backs.

Those excursions were fun, but this hike was a very special treat!

I admire this gal's adventurous spirit and her willingness to think outside the box.  I also admire how she perseveres every day in her life and walk with God.  It was nice to spend some uninterrupted time with her, as we adventured together.  

We drove to the trail head, through beautiful, idyllic countryside, rolling hills and picturesque farms.  

Before long we were chugging along at our own speed, chatting the trail away.  It was only about an hour of hiking until we reached the Falls.  

The Falls were splendid and beautiful!  We sat amidst their noise, munching our wraps and snacks, whilst the mist fell over us in refreshing waves.  

I bathed my face in the waters, feeling refreshed in more ways than one!

The trail ended and began with a kind of a boardwalk over a long marshy area, which I found charming!  Water crossings come in all shapes and sizes!  These are the unique things that seal each hike in my memory.

I'm truly thankful for time with a good friend, adventuring together.  

#mamalifehack

Friends,

Are you busy with family and friends this weekend?  We've been soaking up sunshine and savoring rain drops on the porch roof together.  These last few days have been full of large quantities of quality time with each other.  From mulching the flower beds to riding amusement park rides, connecting with each other is a joy!

On a recent outing the other day, I asked the Rugged Mountain Man what he thought of having the Blossoms wear their water backpacks for our all day adventure.  Normally this is something they'd wear when we're out hiking, but what about gallivanting across an amusement park?  Why have I never thought of this?

As it turns out, combined with our usual all orange shirts regimen, the water backpacks were fantastic!  Everybody stayed hydrated!  Sure, the Rugged Mountain Man and I had to hold them while they rode some rides, but having them all carry their own water was SOOOOO SMART and much easier on the wallet!

Maybe this #mamalifehack will help you in your Memorial Day plans tomorrow or consider using it in your upcoming summer plans.

Enjoy celebrating the Red, White and Blue tomorrow!  We'll be throwing candy in our favorite small town parade!  Look for us there.

Dominique

What is Doubt?

"Doubt means to be divided in two.  

True faith is single-mindedly focused on Jesus."

Tyndale Commentary on Matthew 14:28-31

I'm reminding myself to be single-mindedly focused on Jesus today.

Dominique

Practicing This

I was talking to one of the Blossoms about the things that worry us in our days.  Kids have things that weigh on their minds.  Those worries seem small in the scheme of what adults deal with, but they are big to them.  

As we grow up, we need to practice trusting God with the little things AND the things that seem big to us.  It's really just practice, because as we grow, there are always things that concern us.  There are always unknowns.  

There are always situations that we don't know how they will play out.  Let's remember to help our children trust God with their little stuff and their big stuff.  

Trusting God in each and every situation is truly a life skill.

A Note For You

Dear Friends,

Thanks for reading.

Thanks for taking a few minutes to listen to the words I share.

Thanks for letting me speak my thoughts.

Thanks for musing over the sentences you find here.

I am grateful that you choose to spend a few of your precious spare minutes here.

I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you.

With all my love,

Dominique