Archive | August, 2011

Years ago while studying history I learned how wine used to be made.  Lush, plump grapes would be piled high in a large vat and then people would stomp on the fruit with their bare feet.  The sweet sticky juice would burst from the skins and run all purple red liquid.  What happens when we are pressed? More importantly what happens when I am pressed?  I find that what is pressed from my life isn’t always as sweet as what comes from the grapes.  Yesterday was a good moment for me to consider my own heart.  Was it easy? No.  Was it good?  Yes.  Walking through difficult circumstances shows us what color really runs in our hearts.  Thankful that I am learning (key word learning) to trust Jesus.  With my own life and the lives of others.  What have you been learning lately?

Since we are talking about grapes this is my purple princes outfit. 😉

A very large thank you to an incredible reader, Abigail, who sent me shoes all the way from Florida!!! Amazing. 🙂  Also thank you SO much to generous Rebekah for the lovely bracelet.  One of the many items she sent me.  Totally made my day! Thank you lovely ladies!!!! 😀

{Photos by: Christa Taylor}

{Dress borrowed from Karen, Ring my brother brought back from India}

Do you ever just stop and catch your breath at what you see or learn?  When was the last time you were amazed by something?  When was the last time you didn’t just look but truly saw?  Yesterday I marveled at the cellophane type wings of a dragon fly in a photo a friend sent me.  I studied the variance of color in the meat of a deeply hued plum.  I delighted in the picture of a beautiful mommy holding her look a like baby.  Each one a stunning picture of creation in their own way.  A little girl and her brother coming up to me with hands outstretched.  Their sandwich bags held $312 dollars that they had raised at a lemon aid and cinnamon roll stand.  They are both under the age of five.  “Is this for the orphans?” I asked.  I was answered with a cheery smile and a “Yes”.  It was humbling to see these young children offer their gift.  A gift from one child here to another in India.  For the sake of love.  It left my heart all in a puddle.  They came to my church camp out so they could deliver it to me.  And it it left me amazed and grateful.  Because a sweet 4 and 3 year old raised over 300 dollars.  What will you do for the sake of love?

{Photos by: Christa Taylor}