Our Bounty

We have arrived in California.  We rented a mustang convertible and made our way from San Francisco Airport to Sonoma.  WOW is all I can say!  This place is more beautiful in person than any picture I can show you, but of course I will any way.

Bo and I spent our evening at the Sonoma Farmers Market.  Tonight was a special night for the town and they celebrated with music, food and fun.  Chairs and blankets were spread on the park lawns, the street was blocked and families were everywhere.  The community spirit was amazing.  Wild flowers mixed with fresh fruits and veggies.  We found a photographer that had a tent set up with her work.  Bo bought me something for my new office.  THEN, our favorite part of the night, EATING!!!  We purchased some bread, cheese, grapes, nectarines, peaches and plums.

We came back to our wonderful hotel, The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.  I set up a picnic on our bed and we enjoyed our inside picnic.

Tunnel to our fun!!

The fog coming over the Golden Gate Bridge

The picture on our bed

Our Bounty

Great start to our California Adventure!

California, Here We Come!!!!

Well the time has finally come that Bo & I are getting ready to leave for California.  By the time you read this, we will be in the air or already there.  I wanted to post before we left.

I am super excited to be going away with my husband.  We have planned this trip to celebrate his 50th Birthday, which is this Sunday, August 5th.  He is such a giver to everyone he meets.  I have never seen him turn anyone away who needs help or someone who may just possibly need help.  He is a blessing to all who know him.

I asked him if he wanted a party or to go somewhere.  He chose to travel so HERE WE GO!!  We have talked about going to Sonoma & Napa Valley for years but never have taken the time to plan it or actually go.  So, I thought that his 50th Birthday was the perfect "excuse".  We are looking forward to 7 nights, just US.  To just enjoy being in love and together.

I feel totally blessed to be a part of this great man's life.  He is easy to love.  He is a HUGE part of what make my life a BLESSED LIFE.

Here's an early HAPPY BIRTHDAY BO!!!  I love you!!

I have loved this man since I was 17.  My love has only
grown in the last 24 years.

Think on these things Defense

Today I started by a writing a complaint but then I stopped myself.  Everyone has something to complain about and I refuse to be known as a complainer.  I have to stop and remind myself of the power in my words.  What I say this morning can affect my whole day.  So I will start this day by speaking positive words and looking at what is good in my life.

10 Good things to think about:
1. Got to talk to Jake & Scovia on face time with morning
2. Henry climbed into bed with me this morning and said, "My Dram (Gram)" while wrapping his little chubby hands around my face.
3.  Jake & Scovia will be coming home real soon
4. I had a wonderful Birthday yesterday
5. I leave for California tomorrow-a week alone with Bo...Oh YEAH!!!
6. I have wonderful friends
7. My children are healthy
8. My husband loves me
9. I have an amazing Church family
10. Oh yes, Jesus loves me...the Bible tells me so

I could go on and on.  Just by writing down these 10 things, I already feel better.  I can now look outside and see the sun is shining, my grandson is smiling, my heart is full.  Yes, it's going to be a good day.

If you were ever in Missionettes then you know this verse and the significance of it.  It is a protection for our minds and our lives.  If you feel depression, anxiety, anger, discontentment starting to creep into your heart or mind, repeat this scripture and remind yourself of your blessings.  You are too blessed to be depressed.  I call it the THINK ON THESE THINGS DEFENSE!!!

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things." 
                                                                                                                 Philippians 4:8 KJV

This heart was on the road outside my house.  It was like a
gift from God...I am loved

Henry's feet in the water.  This pic just makes me happy

Henry playing in the birdbath in the flower bed.  His curiosity
is life and joy to me.

Positive thinking reconnects us with our BLESSED LIFE.

Blooming Where You Are Planted

Bo called for me outside earlier this summer, "You have to come see this" he said.  So I went out to the patio and there as pretty as you please was one pink petunia growing in between the pavers on the patio.  We have for the past 2 years, planted pink petunia's in the pots on the pillars of the wall.  I guess a seed blew down or a bird dropped it from the pot.  We don't know how the seed got from the large pot into the pavers but it is obvious it did.

Bo didn't think the petunia would last very long because of foot traffic and the lack of nourishment.  But here is the single petunia now...

Tonight I was just finishing up canning another 33 quarts of tomatoes with Bo & my girls when my mind wandered to this petunia.  I decided to take my camera down to see how she was coming along.  I was amazed at how she flourished where she was planted.

Isn't that just how God shows us things?  He takes something as simple as a flower growing where it shouldn't, to prove to us that HE IS GOD.  He can take our dire circumstances and make them our greatest victories.  I am what God says that I am.  I can do what God says I can do.  I will grow where I am planted and that is good but even better, I WILL BLOOM, beautiful, glorious, colorful, fragrant blooms.  I will take a blemish and beautify it with my blossoms.  Oh the Wondrous works of my heavenly father.

"Job, are you listening?  Have you noticed all this?  Stop in your tracks!  Take in God's miracle-wonders!" Job 37:14 MSG

Be Still

Even in the winter, His light shines on ...God is God, even when we are going through difficult times

I recently wrote on the white board in my kitchen, "Be still my soul, Be Still", as a reminder that even through the difficult days, He can quiet the storm within.  It seems to be a theme in the lives of so many that I know right now.

A lesson that I learned many years ago is the power of the tongue.  Proverbs 16:21(MSG) says,  "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit-you choose."  Most of us know that we need to weigh our words when we talk to our children & to others, BUT, we need to weigh our words when we talk to ourselves.

I know we all talk to ourselves, maybe not out loud but in our mind.  Speak words of life.  "I can do this", " I am fearfully & wonderfully made", " This is just a season, things will get better"... you have that power in your own life.

Be Still My Soul, Be Still....

Spring...Life...Beauty

Photo Wednesday...Movement

In the last 3 to 4 years I have begun a love affair with photography.  It is more than just taking pictures for me...it's creativity.  I love the memories you take with you when you leave a place.

I am still just learning about the different aspects of photography.  I am going to share some photo's with you that will hopefully help convey why I love it so much.  I hope you enjoy what I now call PHOTO WEDNESDAY...

In October 2011, Bo & I travelled to Uganda, Africa for our son's wedding.  A friend of ours, Bishop Eliphaz Mauri took us to an open air theater in Kampala to watch young people share the dances of the clans of Uganda.  The photos you are going to see just give you a glimpse of what we these amazing dancers showed us.  Their talent is beyond words.

Photos can show movement...it amazes me that in these photos you can see how fast the young ladies are moving their bottoms...yes in Africa, it is all about the bottom...lol

Girls doing a clan dance in
Kampala, Uganda Africa
October 2011

Of course there is music in all the dances
Such a big part of the culture...
Sharing their stories in song & dance

You can see how fast she is moving

This is the young men & women moving all together
I love that it is blurry.  It is almost life like because this
really shows how fast they were going.  I love this
It is almost "spiritual"

Movement...dancing....connecting...community...

Photography shows all or it can show only what you want it to.  I love to take the photos, edit them and share it with others.  

So Photo Wednesday will be a staple on Blessed Life.  Because photography adds to and inventories My Blessed Life.

Mother May I???

Today I am late posting because I spent some much needed time with my Mom.  I have a very special Mom.  She has become one of my best friends in the past 20 years.  It is truly amazing when your parent goes from "the parentals" to "friends".

As many can tell you, I am just like my mother.  I talk like her, sing like her, carry myself like her, love like her, think like her.  I have never been one of those women who say, "Don't say I am like my Mom."  I take it as a compliment because I think my Mom is the best.

My Mother, Lorraine Estep, has a strength that I have not seen in many people.  She taught me how to respect & love my father.  Because of they way she has loved my father, I can love my husband and respect my husband the way God intended.  She is a safe place to run.  Even when I know I have done wrong, I can run to Mom.  Does she pat me on the back and tell me lies...NO, not at all.  She always tells me the truth is love.  Bo calls her his best friend.  Let's face it, Newlyweds are dumb.  23 years ago, I was a dumb Newlywed.  I called my husband names and treated him disrespectfully at times.  I always thought I had just cause but my Mother told me something different.  So I had to train my mouth to speak kindly and thoughtfully.  It changed our relationship.

I love to hear my Mom sing and preach.  Her understanding of the WORD amazes me.  She knows it & lives it.  Her heart is truly after God.  She is a praying woman.  I can close my eyes and go back 20-30 years when I was a young girl, listening to her pray.  Praying for all of her children, congregation, family...A Godly woman.

Mom, Kelcie, Cheryl & Me
Shopping Day 

My beautiful Mommy Laughing...
She has the best laugh in the World

Mom, Juliana & Lauren
Our shopping trip
for Juliana's wedding gown

As I was driving home today, my only thought was that I always want to be a blessing to my mother.  A blessing like she has been to me.  She sacrificed for her children and the church.  She has always been a giver and my desire is to never be a burden, but always to be a lifter of the hands.  When she is weak, I want to be strong.  To hold up her hands when she isn't able.  To take the load of her shoulders whenever possible.  I love my Mom and I admire her.  

You say I am just like my Mother...THANK YOU!!!

A woman of Grace, 

A woman of Love, 

Full of Strength that only comes from Above.

It shows in her laugh,

through the tears she cries,

Its in her song,

In her speech, 

Her walk.  

It shines through her smiley eyes.

She is a Godly Woman

Who carries His Word in her heart

Teaching her children the way of the LORD.

She is one of a kind

Our blessing from God

My Mother, My friend

My Confidant.  

A Huge Part of my BLESSED LIFE!!!

Children

As I said before, I have 3 children.  January 1990, Kenneth D VanDyke, IV "Jake" was born.  September 1991, Juliana Kimberly VanDyke entered our little family.  December 1992, Kelcie Lorraine VanDyke completed our family.  Yes, 3 kids in 3 years.  Crazy?  Yes, a little.  Not a good planner is what I say.  I wouldn't change it for the world.  I do wish I would have had more children.  Not one a year but at least a couple of more.

I have been asked what stage is the hardest.  My answer is that every stage brings it own challenges and great rewards.  Of course, when they are little it's not usually life altering challenges.  As they get into their teens and young adult life, the challenges can affect their whole future.  If I was going to give advice, I would say, ONE STEP AT A TIME.  Enjoy each stage of their lives.  Of course we all know the challenges of infancy.  No sleep, poopie diapers, spit up on everything...constant work.  As toddlers it's temper tantrums, getting into everything, exploring the world without reservations...constant work.  I love both of these stages.  We are in stage 2 with my grandson.  Henry likes to run everywhere.  He loves animals and gets very excited about them.  In this stage you get the hugs and kisses anytime you want.  He loves to color and draw.  He likes to dance and sing.  He gets excited whenever someone comes home.  Toddlers are one of my favorite stages.  Even though it is constant work, it is amazing to see them try new things and they are learning something every day.

Of course my 3 were toddlers pretty much at the same time.  It was crazy at our house in the 90's.  Quiet times just didn't exist.  It was loud, messy & fun.  Looking back, it went by so fast.

Jake enjoying is breakfast

Juliana at her 1st Birthday Party

Kelcie on a Sunny Sunday Afternoon

As I look at the faces above, my heart breaks a little.  I miss my babies being babies.  On December 31, 2012, they will all be in their 20's.  Here are some confessions from the mother of these 3 beautiful babies.

1- I wasn't patient enough

2- At different times in their lives, each one had a turn at being my favorite...it was usually the one who was being good...lol

3- I wished away a lot of their childhood

4- I LOVE BEING THEIR MOMMY!!!

5- I will always need them, they are a physical part of my body, mind, soul & spirit.

6- I still love to hear them laugh

7- Jake still has the power to make me laugh one second and mad the next...It's his special gift...lol

8- They are my Blessed LIFE

Henry, Our Next Generation
Our 1st

Just so you know, My kids are my most favorite subject.  I will be sharing a lot more about their growing up.  Like the time I told them to clean their rooms and as I was washing dishes in the kitchen, something caught my eye outside.  I walked out the kitchen door to see clothes, toys, trash, linens sailing through the air.  Jake, the leader, showed the girls how to open the window and throw everything out.  The room was clean but it looked like my house had exploded all over the yard.  Stages....challenges...stories!!!!  LIFE!!!!

Back to the basics

I will never forget the first time my husband said to me, "We are going to can some green beans tonight."  I was like, "WHAT?"  Well that was 23 years ago.  I had heard of canning and preserving and all that kind of Old lady stuff...BUT... I had never attempted it nor seen it done.

We never grew vegetables or had any kind of garden.  My mom says she possesses a black thumb.  When plants come to her house, it's a death sentence.  A friend of ours, Bro. Rozell, told her that she tortured plants.  Let them almost die and then drown them in water to bring them back only to do the same thing over again.  So the veggies we ate were from the grocery store and I was ok with that.

On July 1, 1989 I married Kenneth D. VanDyke, III (BO).  My life would never be that same.  I was 17 years old (18 in 28 days) and I couldn't do much in the kitchen.  I had to learn everything and thankfully I had and have a very patient husband.  He told me if I could read, I could cook.  I learned, with lots of mishaps that I might share at a later date.

Back to canning, we got a ton of green beans from his dad or the Amish or somebody.  First things first, Pop those beans!!  Now, Bo showed me what to do in our furnace of a kitchen with no air conditioning in the heat of the summer.  I was sweating from parts I didn't know I had...lol  Eventually I went into our little bathroom, filled the tub with cold water and just sat in it...ahhhhhh!!!!  We made memories and we prepared for the winter months.

Canning our beans, gave us something to eat when things got extremely lean in the winter.  You know newlyweds usually don't have much in the finance department, well we were no exception to that rule. So I became thankful for the sacrifice we made that one day, enduring the discomfort of heat, sweat and being tired.

Last night, Bo, Juliana, Kelcie, Jon Jon (nephew), Henry and I, canned tomatoes.  We set up on the back deck and made an assembly line.  My 23 month old grandson, Henry even joined in the fun...bringing us 1 tomato at a time to put in the pot.

Juliana & Jon working the
assembly line

Bo, Juliana & Jon

It's a work in progress

The finished project...It's a great day when everyone seals!!!

Teaching the kids to take fresh veggies and preserve them for the future, is rewarding.  Juliana is getting married in January 2013...she is a step ahead of me.  Because she helped, she gets to take some with her.

We continue to learn, to grow and to make memories no matter what our age.  Let's teach this next generation, the skills of our fathers, mothers, grandparents...Back to the basics.

Music

I think a lot in song.  Someone can say something to me and it immediately brings a song to my mind.  It is a family trait.  My mom is like the musical archives.  My father will just say a couple of words and Mom can name the song and then sing it perfectly.  It is truly amazing.

Our family is musical.  Growing up we would sing in the car or just playing around the house.  For years we sang as a family in churches all around when my father would go to preach.  We love music.  Music is our special place to go when things get rough or uncomfortable.  It is a place where we can find connections that have been strained.

My brother and sister can write beautiful songs.  I remember when Ronald told me that a true lover of music can find something good in all genres.  I believe that to be true.

When we are leading worship, I feel my connection to the LORD is so intimate.  A song can be a message in itself.  At times it is as if you are communicating the very heart of God.  When I sing I can visualize what I am singing.  It is like a music video in my head.  My imagination is very vivid so as I visualize, I feel very deeply what I am singing.

My Mom & I singing in
The Philippines

Music is used in most situations: Weddings, birthdays, church, funerals, by the pool, at the beach, driving down the road, getting a baby to sleep, letting off some steam, dancing, ball games, holidays, school...

I am so thankful for music.  It is a true blessing in my life.  

My daughter Kelcie and nephew Jon
singing at Christian & Patrick's wedding

DJ Chuck Jackson at my nephews
wedding reception

Christian, Kelcie & Mom leading worship
at CTK

Kelcie & Jake leading worship
at a youth conference in
Florida

Psalm 33:1-3

1. Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. 

2. Praise the LORD with the harp; Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.

3. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy

Feet & Sisters

Tonight my sister held a Mary Kay foot/spa party at my house.  I love a pedicure and I was in need of one.  What I like about a pedicure is that when your feet feel good, your whole body feels refreshed and renewed.

My older sister, Christian, has just started selling Mary Kay and I booked a spa party.  I never expected my feet to feel as good as they do.  I feel like I have been to the local salon.  My feet are soft and minty fresh.  Sisters know just what you need and I needed tonight.

My great niece, Presley getting
her spa treatment

I have two sisters, Christian and Cheryl.  They are two of my very best friends.  I enjoy spending as much time with them as possible.  They make me laugh and sisters understand you even when you cannot articulate what you are feeling.  Our other sister is Sarah.  She is a sister of the heart and she is my best friend.  We have known her since we have memories.  You know, we are the Pastor's kids and she is the Head Elder's kid...need I say more???

(bottom)Me, Sarah(sister of the heart)
(top)Christian left, Cheryl right
You can't see Christian's face because of the bangs...lol

Our Sisters Weekend at Cheryl's beach house 

Christian & Cheryl dancing while getting ready
for dinner

Christian, Cheryl, Sarah and I all live in the same area.  We have started a tradition of Sister's weekend twice a year.  Sunday night we will start our faux weekend (Sunday-Wednesday).  It is a time that we share our hearts, dreams, memories and we make new memories.  These three ladies are a big part of what makes my life Blessed.

Be Prepared

Every week my father in law goes to a sale/auction to buy fresh produce, boxes of kitchen gadgets, plates, really anything you can think of, they offer it.  This week he bought boxes of tomatoes, squash, green peppers & banana peppers and a huge bag of sweet corn.

Box One 

 The amazing thing is that all this food only cost us $6.00!!!!  We cooked the corn for dinner and what we didn't eat, I cut off the cob and put in 3 gallon size freezer bags.  Not bad for only paying $4.00 for the corn on the cob.  What we had for dinner was amazing.

Bo with the big box full of
Green Peppers
Box 2

After dinner I went to chopping, washing and bagging up the green peppers.  They also went into gallon size freezer bags but it took 7.  I was going to put a pic up of the chopped peppers in the bags but my wonderful husband already took them to the freezer in the garage.

I love the feeling of being prepared for winter.  We will use all these peppers and then some.  I am sure when my father in law goes to the sale next week, my Tuesday or Thursday night will be filled with chopping, washing and filling bags for the freezer.

Being blessed is not being pampered all the time (although I love to be pampered, A LOT!!).  When God provides veggies for a cheap price, when I have the ability and time to prepare for the future, I count these as blessings.  I am thankful for my father in law and his concern for our family that he goes every week to the sale and thinks of us.  Blessed is the only word I can think of.  I love my blessed life.

Two of my family blessings
Mother Joan & Poppie (Jake)
My in laws