Delosperma ~ fire in ice

Delosperma ~ fire in ice
Originally uploaded by shelz shotz

celebrating winter to spring, ice to fire - observing the beauty, my pace to inspire. To not stop would be the waste, the crime would be in haste.
Ice plants along my walking route - I scored big! Via Flickr 'I Will Celebrate! Set

Having an ear to hear books

It's becoming known how much I like Ted Dekker's writing. When the Pastor mentions his wife's penchant for audiobooks, especially those penned by what author, and members of the body of Christ call it out ... uh oh! After 'House' (wow), I recently finished 'Obsessed' and was stirred by the unction to obsess as God obsesses - what a convention ... "like a pearl of infinite price". The husband and I are listening to a third book of the Circle Trilogy - we didn't get this 'Black' until after hearing 'Red' and 'White'.

I've also ventured into Francine Rivers' books - reading her story about the 'Prince' made the Biblical events come to life for me and more importantly perspective. As many times as I read the Bible the order and connectivity of events can get away from me, so I really enjoyed how she captured the life and loyalty of the first prince of Israel.

Meanwhile, I am 'literally' (pardon the pun) reading photography books - trying to get the concept of settings and the setting of settings to set naturally to me. Pray for me on that one.

Blogger types?

My facebook mentions an interest in the phenomenological and scientific study of mental processes and behavior; I like studying people - what makes them 'tick'. Temperaments and personalities intrigue me. As such, checking my reader, blogging temperament caught my eye.

"* NT Rationals -- tend to blog most about what they think
* NF Idealists -- tend to blog most about what they feel
* SP Artisans -- tend to blog most about what they experience
* SJ Guardians -- tend to blog most about they do"

Check it out; it's based on the Kiersey temperaments. Find out what type you are, if you haven't guessed. Find out how they figure it out.

Me, I'm a IDEALIST Healer (INFP)- welcome to my world, but don't get me started! And note, I can lean Rational when I wanna.

Let the games begin ...

Ever since the eldest and SIM introduced us to Settlers of Catan, the husband and I have been on a tangent. They having also given the youngest The Settlers of Canaan, we've acquired a taste and penchant for this type of game. Reading up on all of these games, we took a chance on Ark of the Covenant and were delighted. Ark does not have add-ons and, because of that, leaves you wanting still to play. It ends far too quickly.

We researched more and found ourselves wondering about the source game. These games were fashioned after Carcassonne, a game with many, many add-ons as is Catan. At boardgamerevolution, I found the bundle of a lifetime and the husband quickly maneuvered to get it as soon as possible - the basic game and river expansion as well as the four major expansions: Inns & Cathedrals, Traders & Builders, Princess & Dragon, and The Tower - for nearly half of the going price, needless to say far less than buying each separately. If you like board games, check Carcassone out. If you like this type of strategy game, the add-ons expands the appeal to whet many gaming appetites. We are looking into getting even more expansions. You can't beat what Boardgamerevolution offers.

The husband and I played this weekend starting with the base game and the river. Wow! We added inns and cathedrals. Woah! Then we added the princess and the dragon, and played that one with the youngest. The only one we have left to play is the tower. The game is designed for 2-6 players age eight and older. Finally so far we added traders and builders. Each expansion adds new dimension and playing time to the game. It requires intensive concentration but not beyond the abilities of an eight-year old. It has the element of chance as well as mental challenge. It whiled away hours in which I was experiencing unrelated physical discomfort. It was a delightful if not sometimes exasperating diversion. It was great to be able to put my mind on something else.

We've become passionate Carcassone addicts! We'll be playing for years to come! If I'm not blogging, answering my emails or phone, I'm probably gone ... deep into the roman and medieval southern french city of Carcassonne!

For tonight though we'll be pottering away at our Harry dvd collection. Stay tuned for the update. Toodles.

Giant Face Off

God is so so so amazing!

The ladies had an awesome evening at our study! We are still with Max and the 'Cure' - dealt with 'pausing on purpose'. I just love watching the holy spirit move through the room, on people's faces and body movements. It's wonderful to be part of such a thing. We could see our attitude about our giants - the very areas in us where God wants to do His thing. Oh my - not what it should have been.

facing the giants
the aroma of our attitudes ...
about a right spirit in not someone else, me
straight is the path ...
if God's Word say 'do not fear' 365 times, that is at least one for every day
need rain? prepare for rain!
give God your best; let God do the rest
chose not that same ol' tape we play, but to listen and believe the voice of truth

I haven't chosen a school yet, but I was led to have a meeting at Biola Monday. Elisabeth prayed and shared what Biola would be for me and what it would cost. Have to count the cost, don't we. I saw this big ol' giant begin to completely fill the room, but I could still see Elisabeth and hear her tell me about how nothing is bigger than God; that it is all possible. We prayed, and I departed not with hope; but the white towel was still in hand. I was reminded of that at our study.

I had been waiting for God to speak to me about my righteous indignation about a thing at work and how that very indignation smacks of simply feeling bad that I had been passed over. I heard myself saying, at the study when sharing it, that 'indignation that is righteous doesn't not yield in the face of appearances'. God answered me with my own mouth.

We answered these questions, which is where we spent the predominace of our night?

• what is the reason for your existence in one sentence?
• does your calender reflect it?
• if not, how do you bring change to your calendar?

This question was a little too close; we didn't like it? Many of us balked at saying what God had told us as the answer. Surprised? How many of us say God made me talented/pretty/someone people need/a gifted _____ - whatever the answer is? And we dare to speak the answer - our life lies to our calendar!

One lady who had previously felt she had no vision, shared a dream she had long had - she had acted upon it this week. How many of us have these buried treasures.

At our study we were reminded to trust and obey - that God would make us 'Hinds Feet in High Places'. And that if we trust God, there is nothing He cannot do.

I had today off and 'Facing the Giants' was on - hmmm... another Lucado item. I was reduced to tears as God showed me how to face my giants. He is doing something wonderful in my life and the lives of these ladies. So wonderful, that for a moment I saw the one who dances putting on her ballet for which I wrote somethings, and the singer sang, and the artist created the scenery, and the one who speaks to people spoke. Can you see it? He is working in us all.

Some went out, in the O.T. under Joshua, and saw giants, two came back and saw an opportunity to see God's glory.

Because when you go forth with the attitude of however it goes, 'I will still love you Lord'; anything can happen. The circumstances may not change to the naked eye; but they change nonetheless. He meets us in our circumstances, like Daniel's 3 buddies in the fiery furnace. God is answering prayer, healing physical and emotional hurts. His way. In His time. And He's using us.

Let the people see the message He gave you? How's your calendar lookin?

The youngest who was watching the movie with me asked why the people were crying; I was unable to voice the answer. He looked at me and gave me a precious hug and I smiled at him. I was crying too. My rain is coming.

Lord, I'm preparing for rain; help me face my giants! With You, nothing is impossible.

How does my garden grow?

I don't know about silver bells, cockle shells, and pretty maids, but how about these specimens. I am certainly no green thumb, but over time I have a few plants I'm proud of.

The first is my newest addition this spring. Hanging my head, I have to admit that she replaces a beautiful yellow hibiscus my dear neighbor and friend (we yell across the street to each other 'hey baby'!) gave me and it died of thirst due to neglect in my care; I was so ashamed! I should have removed it from the container and planted it in the ground.

I also have a favored orange variety - I believe the 'desert wind' (now isn't that an awesome name) that is particularly lovely, however not in bloom at the time of taking these pictures. I picked up these specimens at Trader Joes - they have a wonderful assortment of flowers and they deliver too!

Then I have my roses. This velvety orange rose I found at a nursery not far from the house. My guess is it is like the bright fire rose - A modern climber ... blooms of orange vermillion ... foliage is tough and large ... a real powerhouse of a plant. Coral or orange roses denote enthusiasm and desire. Check the link for meanings designated to the color of other roses like the pink variety below.

One of the things I like to do when I have time is support the local nurseries. While I also look in Home Depot and Target and even the floral department of Stater Bros., my favorite places to wander are Trader Joes' during the week and these local nurseries who have a far more varied selection, better than comparable prices and guess what - no sales tax. There are several in the Riverside/San Bernardino areas. I've used one just up the street. There's one in Riverside where I acquired a nice white star jasmine plant, now located under my front window so its lovely scent can come wafting through on summer breezes.

This bud, which came from another nearby nursery, becomes this georgeous bloom. I believe it is the ‘Kordes Magenta’ - a moderately vigorous shrub bearing flowers of an unusual shade of lilac-pink to mauve with a good fragrance. I also have a regal violet variety I'll share next time, also acquired nearby.

I have a favorite quote from the movie made of Alice Walker's 'The Color Purple' -

Shug: I think it pisses God off when you walk by the color purple in a field and don't notice it. More than anything God love admiration.
Celie: You saying God is vain?
Shug: No, not vain, just wanting to share a good thing. I think it pisses God off when you walk by the colour purple in a field and don't notice it.
Celie: You saying it just wanna be loved like it say in the bible?
Shug: Yeah, Celie. Everything wanna be loved. Us sing and dance, and holla just wanting to be loved. Look at them trees. Notice how the trees do everything people do to get attention... except walk?
[they laugh]
Shug: Oh, yeah, this field feels like singing!

In fact, as I recollect, in Terry McMillan's novel 'Waiting to Exhale', Savannah reveals her favorite colors are red, orange, and magenta - I so agree! In the movie, you see the ladies walking out of church, each wearing one of these colors while the fourth wears white - which is an exquisite bloom, itself.

I would not be so bold to say I'm a gardener, and I hate (while at times oddly therapuetic) weeding - its existence and removal). Upon reflection, while it's to our own therapuetic value, weeding is probably not a favorite activity of God's either. I boldy do say God has allowed me a little beauty in the garden of my corner of the earth!

lighthouses

Hace you been captivated by lighthouses too? I have always been intrigued by them - they're sometimes shrouded, but ever gleeming, always safe; they're romantic, inviting, mystically whimsical, serene, and mysterious. Even on our last vacation, we were drawn to some. It's no wonder I was captivated by these photos.

the road not taken

I'm on a new path - I'm going back to school to complete an undergraduate degree. It's been on my mind over the years, but all of the sudden the time seems right. The husband had my back which was very encouraging and re-assuring; it means a lot to me. There's a big mountain ahead pulling this altogether - something more than clicking my heels; however I'm on the yellow brick road.

Having made this decision and beginning the discovery path of getting a game plan and putting it into play, something happened. My supervisor announced her retirement - I'm in direct line for her position; but a BA is a highly weighted criterion. Well the pre-season game plan was to test the waters and get comfortable with the temperature. Now it seems that a more accelerated approach is necessary if in the process I would like to acquire this position.

I contacted a career counselor at work and she has put me in a mentoring program and provided me with intel for getting the schooling into place. The mentor who accepted taking me on as a protege was and my first choice and someone I regard highly personally and professionally. Too, the counselor confirmed my game plan and re-affirmed my choice of academic focus. I feared that I should have a bent strictly toward what would benefit the position, but she encouraged that I pursue whatever my own passion was.

Whether I get this position or not, I am well on my way into something that has been a long time coming. I'm jazzed! Now I know the yellow brick road was laden with difficulties along the way. Still the knowledge that I am on my way is quite satisfying. I feel like I just was called 'off of the bench'. Shelz, go on, get out there! Whew, there's so much to do; gotta go!

Dueling keyboards or ;-) Surrounded by Black and Whites

The husband has kept me in keyboards throughout our relationship - the first one very early on as a birthday gift. It was a Casio portable. I graduated to a Yamaha DGX205 (76-key Touch Response keyboard with 400+ voices) - what a difference in sound.

You may recall our visit with the husband's mentor. Well he had a keyboard I simply lusted after - the sounds he played were so jazzy and sweet and beyond what was in my possession. Balancing lust within contentment is a precarious occupation such that the husband decided to help me out – transpose the numbers and you get a Yamaha DGX520 (88 key portable grand)! I’m sounding better all the time - actually sounding way better than my skills; I hope to immensely improve with time!

We were able to bless the 16-year old gifted musical composer prodigy with my former keyboard. The Casio is in the youngest’s room. Next thing you know the husband was awash with lust himself – filled with a longing to master the ebonys and ivorys, having musical talent of his own! Now he is in the proud owner of a Yamaha YPT-300. We are on our way to enhancing the beautiful music we make together!