This morning we are having a sweet, sweet, springtime rain, and all are enjoying, especially these ...

We are getting close to being level with the driveway!

Some days are harder to understand than others, but God always nourishes my soul with profound thoughts to help me understand my role.

"A still pond reflects the sun perfectly. God is the sun. You are the lake. When your soul is still and clear, you reflect the truth, beauty, and goodness to everyone you encounter. As the day goes on, the wind will pick up, the lake will be full of ripples, and you will barely be able to see the sun's reflection in the water."

What wisdom do you have for us?

"The Messiah is among you..."

There was a new spirit of cooperation. The brothers praised and encouraged each other, compassion and forgiveness returned to their hearts, and they were kind to each other. These little things, these Holy Moments, breathed new life into the community.

from Holy Moments A Handbook for the Rest of Your Life by Matthew Kelly

Downtown Plainview shops have awesome photo opportunities, like this one at It's A Girl Thing. A fun time was had by all!

How Does Our Garden Grow? A Concert for Spring at The Kent R. Hance Chapel, Texas Tech University. A lovely evening of music that included two grand sisters.

And lil' brother chillaxin!

It's been a little bit since I've blogged. I've been in reflection mode, and I'm not seeing clearly yet, so, I've been quiet. I don't handle conflict well. It hurts me even when I'm not involved. It is hard to describe the internal pain of a neurodivergent to a neurotypical but trust me; the pain is real.

Our community is under a dark cloud. There will be a cleansing rain, and God will turn the darkness into light.

Hebrews 10:4, And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.

Life goes on, though. I'm so thankful for the peace that I treasure that is deeply rooted in my faith in Jesus Christ. We may have a dark cloud surrounding us, but the sunshine remains in our souls; that's how we roll.

Galatians 6:2, Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

My job, albeit non-paying, keeps me focused on people. I am so blessed to get to serve in such treasured ways. The most powerful tool I have is prayer, and I use it, I trust it, I proclaim it, and I see God perform miracles through it.

People are hurting because Satan is at work in the world. Remember, God wins!!!

You know how you see things on social media that say I was this many years old when I learned...? Well, I have been driving home the same way for a lot of years, and it was revealed today that if you turn between Prosperity and Sureway, you will have a Grandview!

Jeremiah 29:11,  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God's plan is to prosper us; he alone is the sure way. Every day with Jesus allows us a grand view! Drive it!!!

Matthews & Quebe

Today, I needed to surround myself with beautiful things, and then these came in the mail...

I'm thankful that I understand how laughter fills & heals the soul. I do the dumbest things that keep me laughing at myself. I enjoy laughing. My husband can make me laugh; one of my favorite things about him. I'm a pretty serious and straightforward person, and I work to keep smiling people around me.

I have a friend, Cathy Nelson Garner, who happens to be an amazing artist. We have several of her pieces in our gallery. Today I picked up this amazing portrait. Doesn't it just make you smile? She does me! It is so me!!!

The embroidery piece was handstitched by my mother, Lorena Dayton, and it brings me joy. The fur rose was a gift from Nan Ballinger; our kids called her Meema. She and my mother worked together. The little felted redhead was bought on a little trip to Tulia, Texas, many, many years ago. All of this grouping makes me smile!

My dad, John Dayton, was born in 1923, and if he were still living would celebrate his hundredth birthday today, May 3, 2023! Unfortunately, my father died in 1995 and was 71 years young. I was forty, so many years without him, but he ensured I was in Sunday School and church every Sunday, so I would know who my always Father was. I can never thank him enough. He was a great dad, and I wish he were here knowing his grand's children. Happy 100th, Daddy!!!

Psalm 23:4, Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

We read about discipline in this verse; loving disciple. It is good. This verse speaks to me. I go through dark valleys. I create some, and some are out of my control, but I must not be afraid, for God is with me. He disciplines my sin and lovingly leads me home every single time. I'm so thankful to have such a loving Father.

We get weathered and worn in this world, but through his rod and staff, there is new growth.