tiny blues and links

tiny blues and links

Though, I haven't had time for my own writings (the second meaning to tiny blues!) ... here are some "objects of today" that have at least kept me reading, absorbing, and feeling challenged this week.

I like how the girl at ThisCabinLife wants to live simply ... this post she mentions how she wants to blog with humility.  Good reminder when we are sharing words to the world. (thanks for the link Calista!)

Over at the Anchor and the Bird, CC (a girl, as she so puts it, with "split personalities"!) is working on a project to do a kind deed every day and blog about it.  Look how long her hair WAS!!  She's inspired me to look for new openings to in turn be blessed from.

I really like the colors and perspective this photographer shares.  Especially the macro section.

My sister talked about being positive the other day ... thanks for the honesty and reminder to do the same, mi German(!) xo

Out of the Ordinary Dreamer seems to put words out there that my mind can flow with, "...it’s been rumbling in my heart brain..." as she shares what she is learning, seeing, and feeling.

pic pix: tiny mountain blues, Upper Spray Lakes, Canmore AB, Jul.2010

the (more than) happy hat

The other day I wore a hat ... a new hat, at that.  I am a "hat person" by nature, and love wearing them as much as I love buying them!  Even while we were at Lollapalooza last weekend (awesome!!  post coming soon!), I could not believe the amount of hats that I saw on guys and girls alike ... it was almost like looking back on the '20s (tidbit: Wall Street Journal did a piece last year about what they thought about this generation wearing hats)!  But, as present as ever, when I wore my hat just the other day, I seemed to attract a seemingly large amount attention and got a stockpile of comments just for wearing it!

It is from the men's section...but how were those onlookers supposed to know that?!  Normally, I try to smile at people when I make eye contact with them, but that day, I felt like I was smiling non-stop!  In a funny way, them seeing the hat either made them feel comfortable to talk to me or something...conversation starter, perhaps?  Whatever it was, it drew my attention to how people come to view or perceive me in a day by what I "put on".

Obviously, I'm not suggesting that you have to wear a hat to give others a good impression of yourself!  The hat only sits on the brim of it(!).  Digging deeper, I as myself, "what does everyone receive from me?  If it be a second or an hour encounter..."  You can be smiling and wearing a hat, but that means nothing when your heart is not ready to love or when it's not at peace.

In Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul warns us that everything we face here on earth is a battle, not between man to man, but against an enemy and his accomplices in the spiritual realm.  Though, usually, our outer selves represent the state of our hearts, it goes much farther than how we look outwardly.

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17

  
I encourage you, and myself, to put on your armor today.  Be confident as you walk in the protection, love, and grace of God and be ready to share why your countenance is sweet, full, and sure.

And...if you wear a cool hat, bonus!

pic pix: the happy hat, Calgary, AB Aug.2011

...reaches to the clouds

I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.  I will sing your praises among the nations.  
For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens.  Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.

Psalm 108:3-5

pic pix: yesterday morning's sky, Calgary, AB, 08.Aug.2011

the secret's out!

I let the surprise out!!  We are off to see ColdPlay at Lollapalooza in Chicago ... TONIGHT!!!  SO excited ... I could barely sleep last night!  We are just heading on the plane very soon from the good 'ol YYC.  I'm so glad Matt's pumped to go too (though I never seriously doubted, but maybe just a little!).

pic pix: me and my cousin excited at the YYZ airport, Sept.2009

s'more of the simplicity...

What a great long weekend camping in Kananaskis - Blue Rock Campground (can't believe that it's already "last weekend"!).  Away from it all...phones, internet, work, busyness.  How is it that not showering, sleeping on the ground, and making food over an open fire makes you never want to leave the mere simplicity of it?  It's when I break it down that I ask myself,"Why is it so appealing?!"

It comes down to getting back to the basics, the rawness, the foundation of who we are created to be.  Jesus even reminds us to:  

 

 Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.  

Matt 7:5-23-25

It seems way too easy, to just listen and follow ... to become strong and confident on solid ground.  Have you simply listened or obeyed today?  Today, do you abandon your complicated reasonings and seek to know Him and find His unvarnished strength and wisdom? 


Here are a few simple moments captured from this weekend:

pic pix: simple camping fun, Blue Rock Campground, Sheep River Provincial Park, AB Aug.2011

shhhhh...

A couple weeks ago, I told Matt that I had a surprise for him but he wouldn't be able to know what it is for a month.  Do you know how difficult it has been to keep this in?!?!  Aye!  It doesn't matter what we are talking about, I am literally on the verge of spilling the beans!  When he leaves the room, or is gone from the vicinity, I quickly fill in anyone around me to be a part of this little secret.  I hope he has no idea what it is ... because, it wouldn't be as fun if he just found out.  I'm glad I put a time limit on it (which could be anytime within this month!), otherwise, I might not be able to keep it in.  I am so tempted to write it here ... but do not want to chance it IF he happens to read this.  Gah!!!

Yet, on the flip side, it is SO hard to be excited about something without sharing it with him.  I can't think of anything (besides other surprises for him) that I don't share or communicate.  Actually, I probably relay a little too much sometimes!  It's an amazing thing to be able to say that I get to share this life - my thoughts, emotions, dreams, aspirations, fears, songs, etc - with him.  What a treat, what a delight ... what a blessed woman am I.    

But for the moment, I am going to keep this secret hush-hush for a little while longer ...


pic pix: some "surprises" we found in the Pacific Ocean while snorkeling on our honeymoon, Manzanillo, Mexico, 

teacup bathing + camping

I was introduced to this obsession of outdoor waterholes from a blogger friend's posts at August and After.  If it be hot or cold, she's seemed to search out the best options.  How AWESOME would it be to bath outside, in a giant teacup, with the smell of a woodstove right beside you?!!  I am now officially part of the outdoor waterhole club...thanks Cori :)

We are going camping this weekend....though a Dutchtub would be perfect to bring along, we will manage just fine (sigh!) without.  Friends are coming along.  The weather is supposed to be beautifully warm.  Yummy snacks and lazy afternoons.  Ahhh, yes, 3 FULL days without work!  Friday, why haven't you come yet...

Camping always rejuvenates something inside of me.  Maybe it's the close proximity to something raw, or the untouched beauty that surrounds me that makes me enjoy it and look forward to it so much.  Just 2 more sleeps then I'll be sleeping under the stars!

pic pix: Dutchtub's 4 person model - how I covet thee!