Dear Reader:

While the Friday “Foursome” did everything (but play golf) last week I managed to pick up another bouquet of flowers on our trip to Kiawah. My justification is that January and February need  life’s little “extras” to bring the sunshine back into the day.

When I took this (title) photo the sun was streaming through the window and lighting up the vase and flowers until they glowed. A vase full of joy!

One day last week while soaking up the rays out on the deck….a thought came to me. If someone asked me to sum up my life in five words or less …what would I say? Then it hit me: Faith, Family, Friends, and Flowers.

Faith: Yesterday I attended the 10:00 Seacoast service to see Rutledge and Lachlan get “dedicated’ as children of God and of the church. It’s not considered a “baptism” yet….that happens when they get older….Mollie told me around “7’ish.” 

She also told me that Rutledge was very excited! He tells people he’s getting dedicated Sunday to “Chase Jesus.”  (Follow, Chase? Hey it works for me.) Mollie assured him that was right…and explained that he is dedicating to be Jesus’ friend forever.

It ended up with the family and grandparents all going to the front as a prayer was said especially for the children and then an open invitation to all the congregation to help in the spiritual growth of the children. It was very sweet. Here are some photos:

There is a lovely gentleman who gives out lollipops after the church service for all the children – the line forms quickly. Rutledge took his time picking out his purple (grape) sucker…, like all the other children this kind gesture made him very happy.

They each got a certificate and a Bible, along with flowers for mom.

Rutledge and I sang “Jesus Loves Me” (his version) on the way home while Lachlan hummed.

Family: On Valentines or any holiday….it’s time to reconnect with family and let them know how much we love them. Also…a tip for future grandparents….I don’t care if you live next door to your grandchildren….on special occasions…mail them their treats. Nothing is more exciting to a child than receiving a package in the mail!

Friends: Last week was filled with adventures and activities with friends….Anne, Debbie, Honey, and Gin-g. From barbecue in Summerville to burgers at Kiawah…friendship abound. Tomorrow Brooke and I are leaving for Pawleys Island to join Libby and Jackson for our annual Ya Ya mid-winter retreat. We will be there from Tuesday to Saturday.

I have decided to just do a little “vignette” or thought for the blog post daily while I am gone. A line of scripture concerning joy will kick-off the daily musings. I have so much to be joyful about….it’s time to just shout it out!

“Today Jackson gets to see her new apartment,  home and life. A tour awaits Jackson and Libby….Brooke and I can hardly wait to see her new place, also. We’re so happy for Jackson…though it will be bittersweet leaving Libby and her transient home since last October. Wow! It’s hard to believe.

Flowers: What would my life be without them? My garden and flowers are an extension of  who I am these days. They help define me and my passions in life. Mixed feelings accompanied Big Red, the hibiscus, and the poinsettias as they returned to the porch today.

Not only did they brighten my “happy room” with their presence they actually had buds that bloomed while staying indoors. Amazing. My flowers and I got to be “roomies” like Jackson and Libby.

So until tomorrow what five words or less sum up your life? Give it some thought.

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

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I had a wonderful Valentines surprise  from Honey sitting on my porch in yesterday morning’s cold temperatures-Unbelievable!….all kinds of goodies…battery candles for my terra cotta candle holders, earrings to match a precious pocketbook and sweet tea jelly. Thank you Honey….you are the Valentine for all seasons…love ya girl!

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