Words … 15 minutes ...

time ...  L I F E

We have 15 minutes travel time -- should be en route to the car ... Mom's waiting to drive him -- where is her son?

Jason:    half dressed after a shower ...  rushes down the hall – into living room…

                        stops at the desk to pick up paper and pen …  

                  sits down on the couch, where he puts on one shoe – a shirt –  then

                        curiously sinks into deep thought  as he begins to scribble ...

                 with two feet in shoes he stops once again to put to pen a few lines --

                        a momentary glance toward ceiling ... brow is crinkled – eyes focused  …

                his arms somehow find his coat sleeves ...  words written a few at a time -- 

                          walks toward door – still pressing pen across paper - words in motion

               

Mom:   No  hurry - i’m just the chauffeur - simply hoping son  managed to get completely dressed before leaving ~  "check"

Jason:      furiously writing while Mom drives . . . no conversation, no stereo, no ear buds, no texting or iTouch ... only pen - paper- words - phrases... 

    

   Jason:    a mile before we get to church...   "I promised Pastor Caleb I would write him a poem for youth group - thanks for waiting, Mom.   You wanna hear it?"

Feeling alone is a lie

God will never just stand by.

Everything that happens is in His plan alone

Nothing we have or do is really our own

Because He loves us, He lets us win.

We shouldn't be alive because of our sins.

We make mistakes in every way

but He will always forgive us, each and every day.

Others may live for satisfaction and greed

but for us ... Jesus is all we need.

We are his children, his little girls and boys

That's why He give us His peace, patience and joy.

Just like Jesus who died on the cross

We need to live His word, every one of us.

Christianity is hard and it's no game

But was worth Jesus' life - His suffering and pain

I want it to be easy to see

how much His love has changed me

We are able to split the Red Sea

all we need to do is open our eyes and believe.

2.20.13     ~ by  Jason Lyon

God's gift to my son ... words!

 God's gift to me ...  Jason!

     H o n u  g i r l                         

Sometimes its hard ...

to trust.

I know this personally...  its at those times when you feel like you are limited to "what statistics say" or what history proves or ... sometimes its just the painful truth that there's nothing you can do to change the circumstances.

But no matter what, there is one thing I know I CAN do that WILL make a difference.

   P R A  Y

    I KNOW that God answers prayer and ...
    that FAITH is the key that opens the door

Last week we prayed every night for family/friends.  This week we are saying thanks for numerous answers to those prayers.

Back to the trust, though...  there are times when the need seems SO great that I know I'm praying for nothing less than a MIRACLE... yet I pray ...  I believe ... and I know that all things work together for good ...


it's all I can do to 

 

For King G ...  


                  I am praying ~


                              I am believing ~ 
  
                                                I am ...

     H o n u  g i r l                         

Uncle!! ...

 if you're on your knees anyway -- pray!!

He's fallen and can't get up ...                    {video link to news story}

My uncle Archie proved when you know you can't get up on your own power ... God sends along unexpected strength to lift you up outta the mud!

  

Never under estimate the power of the simple prayer ...

                            Honugirl          

Happy Easter ...

Thought I'd share this today, as it gave me chills when I listened to it -- 

may you feel blessed as you consider How Great He IS!! 

~ Happy Easter ~ 

                                        Honugirl          

Save the spray for other spots ...

everything has God's fingerprints on it!

Although it seemed like a normal morning when the alarm sounded... my pounding headache suggested that today could be "one of those days". I immediately (after the 2nd snooze) drug my body off the bed with half open eyes found my way to the kitchen drawer where the powerful gel caps for migraines/tension/stop-the-pounding-in-my-head medicine resides.

I swallowed them down rather easily, by-passing the need for my usual "control-the-gag reflex" self-talk routine necessary to consume my daily vitamins. It may even have helped that I drank an energy drink with high concentration of vitamin B and proprietary herbs... wait now, these are the healthy kind of herbs people (certainly legal in any quantity)!!

BEEEP, BEEEP, BEEEP ... Al-righty then, another alarm sounds -- time for the boys to get up. Must skip espresso routine. Notice the empty kitchen sink. Turn light on in boys room down the hall. Notice the time. Wonder how it took 30 minutes to get pain killer and go back to take a shower? Hmmm, the mysteries of a Thursday morning.

Reminder:

God's fingerprints are in the smiling kitchen sink on a 2-snooze, need pain killer, no-latte morning.

Then came breakfast... while the boys ate, I struggled to cleanly cut the Magic Cookie Bar Treats I made last night for Thursday Treats at the office.

Being a tiny bit concerned about a successful outcome, I took my sample bite (honestly, I didn't followed the recipe 'exactly' -- I "guess-ti-mated" the amount of chocolate chips and coconut to sprinkle on top.)

After eating my sample, I announced to the tall young man who was now standing over my treat dish -- "uh-oh, Jason, I think there's too much chocolate."

To which he replied: "Mom, there can never be too much chocolate!"

"True, but you deserve a taste to decide for yourself" -- I handed him a small portion and watched with interest as he portrayed all the facial expressions and mouth movements of a professional bakery taster savoring the distinctive flavors and preparing to critique the pastry chef.

"Well, I have to agree, the chocolate overpowers the flavor of the coconut; maybe you should follow the recipe next time, Mom -- there would be more balance."

I was so impressed and befuddled that I gave him another one and said -- "good plan, we'll go with that."

Reminder:

God's fingerprints are in the beauty of 'graceful suggestion' rather than critical words.

Last night Jeffrey wanted to make cupcakes (announcing his dislike for coconut in my recipe). So he gathered the cake mix, bowl, eggs and measured the ingredients. He mixed it together by hand and then with a mixer until the batter was just right. We set the temperature together and I helped with pouring and oven placement. Then he watched the timer, waiting patiently for his reward -- a beautifully browned bunch of cup cakes fresh from the oven!

"Can we eat one tonight?" he asked hopefully. As tough as it was, I said he should wait until morning and have one with breakfast instead.

Morning had come, breakfast was eaten, cleaning routine completed and he had observed his brother consume two bites of chocolate coconut treats already. A if on cue, Jeffrey requested permission to taste his own cupcake, with a nod of my head, he quickly peeled the wrapper and began to enjoy the fruits of his labor (he even offered one to his brother).

He giggled with joy after bite number two and sweetly brought his half eaten piece to me for a taste -- usually I decline cake, but he was so adorable about making it -- I couldn't refuse him the pleasure.

I made a big deal out of that bite -- and to my taste buds surprise he had secretly dropped chocolate chips into the center of each cupcake before baking!

He was so delighted with his mouth-watering goodness he announced (as proof) -- "see, Mom, there can never be too much chocolate!!!"

Reminder:

God's fingerprints are on hidden greatness in the center of something simply "good."

The work day seemed to drag on slowly. The boys will not be home until Sunday. My emails lurk with unresolved status. It's cold outside. The snow flurries are expected for this weekend.

My headache is gone. Ornaments viewed during lunch bring words of faith, hope, blessing, grace and "believe." The day seemed to end quickly. A phone call creates an unexpected opportunity to see the boys. My friends bring smiles through personal visits, email encouragement and long calls filled with laughter. What a blessed day.

Just when I think I'm in a sticky spot, needing some spray to clean up what I view as a mess; I'm reminded to stop for a second to breathe in the beauty of the moment. I begin to relax and soon I'm whispering "thanks, God for leaving your fingerprints on my day!"

Reminder:

God is the midst of every day - touching each event - leaving His fingerprints throughout moments in my world.

HonuGirl

Another Reminder...

God's been good to me!!

My boys LOVE to sing.  

I LOVE to hear them sing.

When they sing in unison my world becomes as effortless and calm as their beautiful harmony.

  

The other day while driving I was enjoying just such a moment; when Jeffrey’s voice faded from our "Love You Out Loud" ensemble.  The song ended moments after and he called out in a somewhat serious tone:  

“MOM, are you smiling?”   

[Uhh, not sure if I was… until he asked and I smiled as if it were my cue.]  So I  happily announced, “Yes, Buddy, I am!”

 

“Good.” He affirmed… “Because I have been smiling and waving at lots of drivers and only one smiled back at me.”  

 

“Mom, why don’t people smile when they are driving?”

 

Whoosh… a hurricane of thoughts began storming through my mind.  Could it be they are afraid of the nation’s economic state; or perhaps they are feeling trapped financially; or tragically sad from family problems or emotionally torn into pieces from life’s challenges… oh my how – I struggled with what to say???

 

Which is exactly why I responded with something trite about other drivers concentrating on the road AND that it's a good thing I have incredible kids in the back seat to remind me of wonderful reasons to smile.  =)

 

This smile thing reminds me of a quote from a friend of mine:  “if you’re alive … notify your face!”

We finished our trip home waving at other drivers and all of us singing blissfully & unabashedly LOUD with Keith Urban's "God's Been Good to Me!!"   Listen...  

I was SMILING out loud  "smack dab in the middle of paradise"!   

HonuGirl

Another Reminder...

God's been good to me!!

My boys LOVE to sing.  

I LOVE to hear them sing.

When they sing in unison my world becomes as effortless and calm as their beautiful harmony.

  

The other day while driving I was enjoying just such a moment; when Jeffrey’s voice faded from our "Love You Outloud" ensemble.  The song ended moments after and he called out in a somewhat serious tone:  

“MOM, are you smiling?”   

[Uhh, not sure if I was… until he asked and I smiled as if it were my cue.]  So I  happily announced, “Yes, Buddy, I am!”

 

“Good.” He affirmed… “Because I have been smiling and waving at lots of drivers and only one smiled back at me.”  

 

“Mom, why don’t people smile when they are driving?”

 

Whoosh… a hurricane of thoughts began storming through my mind.  Could it be they are afraid of the nation’s economic state; or perhaps they are feeling trapped financially; or tragically sad from family problems or emotionally torn into pieces from life’s challenges… oh my how – I struggled with what to say???

 

Which is exactly why I responded with something trite about other drivers concentrating on the road AND that it's a good thing I have incredible kids in the back seat to remind me of wonderful reasons to smile.  =)

 

This smile thing reminds me of a quote from a friend of mine:  “if you’re alive … notify your face!”

We finished our trip home waving at drivers and us all unabashedly singing LOUD and happy with Keith Urban:   "God's Been Good to Me!!"    =)

I was SMILING out loud  "smack dab in the middle of paradise"!

HonuGirl

Purging and Replacing…

I've reluctantly accepted the fact that we are in the year 2009. 

 

Acceptance of this fact, however, leads me to accomplish the year-end task of purging my 2008 filing system (don't bother being impressed; it's brown, ugly and expandable); notice – I did not say I was organizing – that is a task for those not inflicted with "distractination".

 

Ultimately, my purging is an act of preparation for the inevitable deadline in April (but who's counting… yet?). Right; I'm done talking about that – it makes me squeamish.

 

Along with the physical there is the mental and emotional purging. As part of the purging of a passing year, I take time to purge my thoughts, my heart and emotions of things that may have become buried and now is a severe disorganized pile of anger, resentment or other such unhealthy clutter.

 

I think I am allowed to be happy about the news that my insides are not as cluttered as my desk or as disorganized as my house. I have a successful internal system for purging:

 

"Let go and let God."

Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.                         1 Peter 5:7

 

 

What a blessing it is to be heard. I love my friends (you are definitely included). Since friends are tangible beings, they are easier to accept as human but I believe they are God's angels who walk with us here. Truth is, God works through and has wisely placed "incredible" friends in my life.

It is with great joy and much gratitude that I say 2008 was a fabulous year of listening, sharing, knowing, loving, caring and giving my time, my life, my boys and my heart.

 

As I am purging the clutter I am fondly replacing the empty space with blessed memories, moments, words, and imprinting my heart with the expressions of my dearly loved friends!

 

May we spend more time with "angels"  in 2009!!

HonuGirl

Starting over...

I am really quite done with feeling sick now. Ugghhh.

It's gone full circle. Today I feel as bad as I did the first day it hit me. 

I think that's a sign that it's over. That makes sense, eh?

Yet, I'm feeling

Let's see… how will I ever catch up on the days not able to blog.

Uh-huh. Right. I won't.

I will simply draw a line and start from here.

 

---

Jason's birthday was this week. We celebrated Wednesday as he was going to be with his Dad on Thursday. I had been really excited to give him his presents – one of which I bought on craigslist months ago (iPod Shuffle).  I could only hope that he would be happy.

I say that because his wish list indicated he wanted items more than 2x the budget I had available.  Isn't that always the case?  hmmm.

However, I watched his authentic expression of surprise, gratitude and love upon opening his gift. 

He then ran out the charge playing songs all day long (sharing the earphones with his brother – too kind).

There's more... he wrote me a thank you note. 

No! I did not request one (maybe years of training to write them for family; yes I admit to that)… however, I was simply blessed and amazed by the written gift of gratitude. It makes it was worth the labor pains 11 years ago – wait, I can thank him for that too… he was so anxious to arrive the labor was only 2½ hours and a then some pushes!!! =) 

Man I love that kid!

~

Alright what if I admit to being worried that I wouldn't meet his birthday "expectations" this week? 

Fearing that he would be unhappy? 

I already knew he was "lit up" over a gift he was allowed to select for himself (at the Lego store) purchased by another gift buyer … a budget higher than he was used to … I held back my anxiety in order to acknowledge his elation and joy that he would get the Lego set he wanted for his birthday. 

Perhaps my gift would pale in comparison; but I rejoiced with him and allowed him to show it to me online; talking about how great it is and how long it will take to assemble and we even watched a video of how the landing gear and wings move!!  

Oh my -- it is a fantabulous gift -- bet you can hardly wait for your birthday?

Later, when we sat together on the couch, he said something about being excited to get that present and to spend his birthday putting it together… "I wouldn't change my life here for anything. I love you, Mom."  Along with a sweet, gentle hug.

All my fears were gone.

I didn't remember how tired and sick I felt. (Or panicked when I realized he would need songs downloaded... so I stayed up until 1am to download his favorite playlist from my iTunes.)

I didn't bemoan the fact that he would not be with me for Thanksgiving/his birthday.

There was no person to out-give or birthday present more precious than that single moment in time – words can heal the soul.

Now if only I could wake up feeling healthy in the morning.

HonuGirl

Coincidence? By design...

I wrote an email few days ago... It was composed to an addressee whom I’ve never met. My email shared a brief story; I secretly hoped for a swift response. Perhaps a little information in return. I had bravely included my subtle query about a chance of our meeting and my phone number. Wednesday already; I checked email. No reply yet. ~ I gave the boys no options on church tonight. They were not so happy about that announcement! It would be their first time to a mid-week service at this church. I honestly can’t blame them for such hesitations – changing churches isn’t any easier for kids than grown ups. Well, at least as grown ups we understand why certain changes have to occur. Kids {mine anyway} are simply related to the reason for a change and now have to follow where they are led. This particular week I had made a commitment to go -- to church that is. I had a purpose and a plan; therefore, standing on principle I'm taking them to mid-week service. The drive to church tonight was shorter than on Sunday; less traffic, less frustration. That’s good – think of another positive. As I try to pretend I can’t hear them complaining in the back seat, I'm secretly praying God also is ignoring the ‘strong worded’ discussion the boys are having. Another stop sign, another intersection gives me a moment to pause; my thoughts are brief, but heavy. Am I parenting like a Sergeant today? I recall the evening events. A quick self-evaluation assures me that the answer to that is – NO! I didn’t scream, use profanity, or put them down; in fact, I didn’t even command them to go to church. Conversely, I simply stayed silent. I have learned that occasionally, if I wait long enough before speaking, a really wise statement forms, moves over my tongue and flies gracefully past my lips. Thus, when I heard their first arguments, I was quiet. I waited. Hmm. Nothing bright flashed across my brain. That brief silence was merely an opening for what I can only describe as a litany of rather skillfully, logical, well-articulated reasons why it would be “dumb” for them to go to church on a school night. Hmmm. plausibly I could only wait a or two moment longer without words. Oooh the numerous ‘not so wise’ things were making their way over my tongue toward the front of my mouth. When without warning I was startled by the sound of calm, pleasant confidence as I heard myself voice these words: “Well guys, when you’re 18 you’re welcome to decide where to drive yourself on a Wednesday night; until then, I handle the calendar; and my car will be leaving for church in 10 minutes.” Now, I realize (unsuccessfully ignoring the back seat commentators) they are rudely blaming "someone" for and discussing the details of how much unhappiness this event is bringing to their lives. I’m grateful this light is green and I can swiftly turn into the lot and park the car. ~ The walk into the building goes well - they are distracted by the Hot Wheels they brought (just in case). Each inquires as to whether classes are available or will he be ‘stuck’ sitting with me. As if that would be an option that brings me *joy* right now. Ugh. I pull it together as I am handed a flyer and pleasantly welcomed by a chipper greeter (clearly her kids are grown and she didn’t force anyone to join her tonight). I inquired about classes for the boys; to my chagrin, she shares that there are only middle school and high school classes tonight. Ohh no! No, no, no – this is not possible!! I am simply unable to believe such a thing. Will you please direct me to someone who knows for sure? I manage to temporarily maintain my resolve. Certain to not even make eye-contact with my boys. She steps away as I convince uh… remind myself that “all things work together for good.” Breathe! My migraine from earlier threatens and throbs at the base of my neck and behind my eyes. Grrrr. ~ Wait; what’s that I heard her say? who? My ears are now carefully tuning into her conversation with a tall, causally dressed, confident young guy. Did I hear her right? I step closer, proceeding to join their discussion. Nice. She is courteous and offers introductions. As I shake his hand I say my name, followed by… “I emailed you a couple days ago; these are my boys. I'm glad to meet you.” ~ Gratefully, I watch this guy, whom I've just met; engage the trust of my boys in seconds. *sigh* I breathe again. I hear him 5 feet ahead of me assuring them that tonight they will have a blast; then he guides them to the appropriate room. ~ Turns out… afterward the boys beg for this to be an every Wednesday night event – hmmm? No litany of dumb reasons for them to stay home comes to mind. So I agree they can add it to our calendar; I chuckle as I say… “but I’d better drive.” ~ There is no such thing as coincidence for me. Thank you very much! God designed this moment for my life. Peace reigns.

HonuGirl

Wednesday - Story - Part 2

Divine Day I have this habit of being irritatingly human – although secretly hoping for heroine. Uh-huh. Yeah. Actually, I’m known to be extremely distracted and a little bit snarky; newsflash – I admit to being human girl. (Read Tuesday's post... which was a belated posted as Blogger and I fought over PUBLISH and SAVE functions... GRR. I think I won, eventually!) I am a girl who believes (truly) knows that God has divinely designed and memorized the cover of the box for my personal puzzle called life; He created the puzzle, therefore, whether I see the big picture or not – I trust that through His eyes I can place the puzzle pieces as they were creatively designed to fit! ~ Today is Wednesday. Different from recent mornings, and specifically last night, Wednesday began easily. I felt fresh, aware and rested. Pressure relief valve must have been installed during sleep. Whew. It’s true – no heaviness or residual worries from Tuesday’s questions, frustrations or unaddressed decisions; no concerns for the weight of the world to-do list that nearly crushed me. A moment of thanks for relief… God is good. Remember this – you always have a choice – it is a gift. I choose life! I choose blessings. I choose gratitude. I choose a heroine attitude. I choose to accept any challenge that dare face me today!! Divine awakening. ~ Whoo Hoo!! It’s a new day, a new attitude, a new affirmation. After all, I trust God for all things in my life – they are all in His control. Heard the saying… let go, let God? I’m living it. Divide attitude. ~ My day continued… On task and on-time, I left for my workout. Bonus – I remembered, ahem, everything necessary for the day. I began driving my route to the gym. After a quick push of the radio button and a momentary wait for a song to begin… my index finger hovered over the preset buttons – just in case I felt fickle about the music, style or artist or words – I waited a moment to decide about this song. After the first stanza; I was engaged... I choose to listen:

“Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning? and Who told the ocean you can only come this far? and Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening? Whose words alone can catch a falling star?”

As her voice that rang out these words – it was as close to being with angels as I could imagine; she sang with such melodious power and grace; I allowed myself to concentrate on the words of the song. Touched to the core of my being by the words, the affirmations, the truths – I felt transported onto a glorious cloud – as if experiencing the song through soul, not ears. Incredible!! Tears trickled down my cheeks as I heard the words of the song uphold all that I believe – the decisions I have to make are miniscule compared with what it took to create my world. Oh, the power to place the universe in order… {I’m silently relieved that my instinct to change stations was reversed by my spirit’s voice – “wait for it, listen for it… peace will come.”} Divine thought. Be still and know He is God! Psalm 46:10 ~ I was still covered by goose bumps head to toe when I arrived and parked my car; I couldn’t turn it off until the last note gently returned my blessed encouraged and fulfilled soul back to my driver’s seat. Wow. Again. WOW!!! The DJ’s voice now announcing Nicole Mullen as the artist; I commit to download her song tonight. Divine song. After another genuine thank you spoken aloud to God for loving me through song… I walked inside the gym to workout, not quite the same person I was when I awoke 2 hours earlier. AND happy to be a little early! ~ Leaving the gym I drove to work (no errands today). In route, my thoughts focused on a good friend of mine… oddly enough I began an inner conversation – thinking it would be good share my latest journey; share about the song; and also ask her opinion on a few undecided things; hmm... Later though. A couple hours into my workday, where strangely, I was not alone (rudely confirmed by the excessive noise from the crew sanding in the back room). It was difficult to even hear the radio. Two of the three owners appeared and departed. Yet, I remained surprisingly focused. It seemed I would finish work early today, nice. Shortly before leaving, my phone rang – smiling as I answered; I’m not surprised that it’s the friend I was planning to call later. It’s that kind of day. Our conversation was brief. She had news to share. I talked about the song – she is close friends with the artist. I’m delighted to hear her story of Nicole. I asked my questions – received her great insight; we arranged to email on another topic and said goodbye. This was an appointment of spirit collaboration and certainly not coincidence! I needed to hear the confidence she shared in answering my questions. What blessings I’ve received today! Divine conversation. ~ Night falls. I remain amazed by Wednesday’s divine events. Briefly I recalled a number of choices that allowed for a puzzle piece of life to be discovered and placed into its divine location of life's puzzle. “As if by design,” I giggle knowing it was ALL about me today. Sometimes God hears the pray of a human girl and creates a day for a heroine. Divine relief. ~ I choose to walk courageously through life. Living in the moment, for the future. I commit to let go of the past and let God select the future piece of the puzzle for placement! Just like that sleep is close and I rest my head on my purple pillow - relieved to know that the weight of the world was not mine to carry anyway. Human girl, living heroine-like on a Divine day.

HonuGirl