Life Changing Trip to Iowa: Day 3 (finally) Sunday

Ok so we're only on day 3 of the 5 day adventure composition set in the rural mid-west (at least I think Iowa is mid-west....I just wanted to use words other than corn, farm & small town)  you get the idea though because you, my friends, are smart cookies (we balance each other quite well).

In case you're just joining us....start here if you want the story in order....or here if you want to go for the Iowa back story:P

Sunday: I knew I was going to

old post....days after daddy died...never published

I'm keeping my eyes on Jesus through all this mess! God is the Source of my strength.

more proof of my mail box fascination.....checking his mail the day ..
no answers there unfortunately

As you may or may not know my father passed away suddenly this weekend.  (January 27th 2012)

I don't know what words to put together to express ... the....

love entirely

Studying a simple flower at my Dad's memorial service in all its vibrancy framed by a rusted metal background gave me a glimpse of joy & inspiration in a moment of deep grief & hurt.  Looking back now it really amazes me what joy little things can bring into the heart of a person if that person only takes time to absorb the moment.....to experience the LOVE of God in all things, at all times.

God is the ultimate Designer to create so many different colors, shapes, sizes and forms ...even just in the flower family....think of all the other little things He created!  We always think of the sun, moon, stars and the earth...but all the little things amaze me just as much!


I was moved to create something tonight as I'm challenging myself on many fronts.  One would be to go to bed before 2am but I'll start that tomorrow:)  so I started with this simple photograph which speaks volumes to me considering the short amount of time in which God has truly healed my heart from the pain of such great loss.

By no means is this a downer post...just the opposite in fact.  In my journey, my adventure, to Live Decorated God allowed me the forward motion to capture the tiny burst of joy & magnify it to something greater than my grief.

Now all I can see is Him!

Camping stokes Memories

his last visit to our house....with Tiernan and this truck he's had since I was born

In the midst of staging my house, my sis and I are coordinating a camping adventure on Marc’s parents land for next weekend.  To include a bonfire, smore’s, canoeing, fishing, frolicking in the water with the kiddos....and oh yeah, a waterside ceremony to spread my Dad’s ashes.  I realize I haven’t shared anything lately... partly because I had to get myself together & stop crying for a bit and partly because the indescribable love of God has enveloped me... helping me get through this. 

Grieving the loss of your father is one thing but when you lose someone you love to suicide