Polished Rocks

[caption id="attachment_1911" align="alignleft" width="274"] Mixed Media
Commission 6x6[/caption]

I'm showing my age when I ask this question, but do your remember the rock polishing kit? I don't know if they still make them, but I had one when I was little. I asked for it for Christmas one year and could hardly wait to turn ordinary rocks into precious jewels. I remember opening it and taking in the pictures on the front of the box. Just as I was about to tear into the box, I heard my mama telling me to wait to open it so we wouldn't lose anything in all the ribbon and wrapping paper. "What?" "Wait?!" I've waited a month for this thing and you want me to wait?!  I probably sat there holding the box with one eye on the progress of the clean up and the other on every rock outside the window that I was going to magically transform into jewels. The minute I got the "go ahead," I  was out the door collecting rocks. Within seconds I was back loaded down with the goods and tearing into the much anticipated box. I went straight for the machine. I didn't need to read directions, I had studied the picture on the top of the box for what seemed like an eternity, and it seemed simple enough. Plug it in, drop in the rock, and voila! Polished rocks, baby!

By this time the family had gathered around to see the magic. I plugged it in, and the sound of the motor was music to my ears. I carefully chose my rock and put it in the polisher. After the longest minute of my life, I turned off the machine to unveil my jewels. As you have probably guessed, or even experienced yourself, there was no jewel, only a rock. It didn't look any different. There wasn't even one little sparkle or hint of a jewel. I turned it back on for another minute, then another minute , then another minute, then I decided it was broken. I wanted some sparkle and shine in seconds and got nothing. I think at that point I lost my audience, and somebody recommended reading the directions. I have to admit, I didn't see that coming. The hum of the motor was no longer music but an irritating noise that wouldn't go away. Mama moved the polisher into the laundry room, plugged it in, and shut the door.

I tell that story because it illustrates my heart so well. As a believer in Jesus I want to be like Him. I'll read a new book or study something fabulous and try to make all these changes in my life and be all these amazing things, and by the end of the day I'm exhausted. The point is that my heart is really like that ordinary rock off the sidewalk. My heart, like the rock, was dirty with sin, but Jesus died on the cross and His blood cleansed my heart white as snow as if I'd never sinned. Now, as I spend time with Him getting to know Him more intimately, He sands those rough spots on my heart to make me more like Him. He makes the changes in me, in my heart from the inside out. He sands and polishes until you see His sweet reflection in me. Some changes are easy and some require heavy duty sanding that really hurts. Either way, it's a process and doesn't happen in "minutes" or even over night.

As difficult as it may be to wait, it's the process that proves to be so sweet. It's in the "process" I am more aware of my sin and my weakness. It's then I can truly learn to rest and trust completely in Him. The more I trust Him, the more I fall in love with Him. The more I fall in love with Him, the more I become like Him.

I must admit, the rock polishing kit was a huge let down on Christmas day. However, after weeks of listening to the rocks go round and round and round.... it was worth the wait! Ordinary rocks were transformed into stunning jewels. In the same way, when you give your heart to Jesus, He polishes it till His reflection beautifully shines through you.

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6                      love love love Ruthie

Baby Moon

[caption id="attachment_1894" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Baby Moon with Mama Milky Way[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1895" align="alignleft" width="300"] Eddie carrying Baby Moon to the truck.[/caption]

I am so glad you stopped by! Since Mother's Day is sunday, I thought I'd introduce you to Baby Moon and her mama, Milky Way. Baby Moon was born about three weeks ago. She gave us quite the scare when she was born. She couldn't figure out the whole nursing thing. You know me, I was hoping to bring her home to the "Garage Hotel," but my sweet husband kept reminding me that the best home for her was with her cow mama.

[caption id="attachment_1896" align="alignleft" width="200"] Milky Way in the catch pen[/caption]

Milky Way was amazingly patient. We would sit in the pasture watching and hoping Baby Moon would figure out what to do. Milky Way would stand so still and nudge her and love her, but she just couldn't get it. We finally had to put Milky Way in a catch pen and teach Baby Moon to eat. A friend of Eddie's helped us that day and he taught me how to milk a cow. That was a first for me. He let the girls stay at his house for a couple of days in close quarters till Baby Moon got the hang of eating on her own. She made lots of new friends while she was there.

[caption id="attachment_1897" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A family of donkeys welcomed us as we entered the gate.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1898" align="aligncenter" width="300"] There were all kinds of dogs with lots of encouraging words.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1899" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This sweet girl didn't have much to say, but she was so pretty and stood patiently waiting to see what Baby Moon was going to do.[/caption]

After saying goodbye to all her new friends, she made a quick trip to the vet's office and then home to our pasture.

[caption id="attachment_1900" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Baby Moon was a tiny little thing when she left the farm.
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[caption id="attachment_1901" align="alignleft" width="300"] Lovey gave Luke a big kiss on the cheek.[/caption]

Last night we sat on the back of the truck in the middle of the pasture and watched her with her mama. I absolutely love watching all the babies run around playing with each other. They are precious! They bob and weave in between the mamas just mooing away. They are all so curious of us. The babies will get tight up to you and lick your hand and dart off at 100 miles an hour. However, some have figured

[caption id="attachment_1902" align="alignleft" width="300"] Getting a little love[/caption]

out if you give a big fat kiss on the cheek you'll get a little bit of food in return. Others will just lay their whole head in your lap to get a little love and scratching behind the ears.

At the end of the day, the mamas call their babies in and give them a little bit to eat and a bath. It's the sweetest thing to see those mamas love on their babies. Their massive tongues clean every square inch of those little furry bodies, and those big sweet noses snuggle and love all over them. They say their goodbyes to us and head off to bed. The mamas are so fine the way they love and nurture their babies. It's one of my favorite things!

[caption id="attachment_1903" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Milky Way and Baby Moon at bath time.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1904" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Mama Holiday lovin on Baby Rain[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1905" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Mama SnowCone and her baby Cotton[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1906" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Mama Ann Estelle and Baby Sunshine[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1907" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Last one, I promise... I just wanted to show you Baby Rain's new earrings.[/caption]

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed meeting Baby Moon as much as I enjoyed introducing her to you! Happy Mother's Day from all the girls!                                                                                                                                                             love love love Ruthie

The Quiet

[caption id="attachment_1887" align="alignleft" width="236"] "A Rainy Day" Oil on Canvas 16x20[/caption]

I am so glad you stopped by! This morning I took my baby to get her wisdom teeth taken out. we were sitting in the back waiting to see the doctor, and I was struck by how quiet the office was. I felt like my baby was a little nervous so I made mindless conversation and tried to help make her smile and feel at ease. Unable to stand it, in mid sentence I just looked at her and said "It's  so quiet I feel like I'm in the library." She agreed, and we laughed about it and continued conversation. I really don't know why the quiet bothered me so much. Typically the quiet is one of my favorite places, but not today. Today the quiet made me feel a little nervous. I could feel fear tip toeing around the corner and anxiousness right on my doorstep. The quiet made me feel small and helpless, but my baby needed me to be confident and strong. I put on a good face and did my best not to reveal my true feelings.

The Doctor arrived and sweetly gave me directions to the waiting room. When I stood to leave, I felt my heart rate begin to pick up.  I thought I might lose my breath. I swallowed hard and pushed my emotions from my throat to the pit of my stomach. I found a playful smile and cheerfully told my baby I loved her. I kissed her cheek and walked out into the hall. The only sound I heard was the door closing behind me. I stood in the stillness of the quiet for 3 or 4 seconds then made my way to the waiting room. Would you believe the waiting room was completely empty? The quiet was so quiet it was loud.

Once I sat down, my heart and my mind had a very active conversation about the intimidation of the quiet. My heart seemed to be winning the argument because it was steadily picking up in pace. Then, in the quiet, God sweetly reminded me that He loves my baby even more than I do. My heart rate started to slow down. He reminded me that at HIs command the sun rises and sets. He is God. He is mighty. A few wisdom teeth? He's got that! My emotions? He's got that too!He is my refuge and my strength. My weakness does not surprise Him. My weakness allows Him to be strong. Today, in the quiet, He held me. My fear became rest. Then, in the quiet, the door opened and my baby was fine and ready to go home. I am thankful for the quiet. I love that God was waiting on me there. I am so thankful that He is patient when my fear and my weakness cloud my heart and my mind. I love that with one breath He removes the clouds and reveals His power and sweet peace. He met me in the quiet today.                                    Love love love  Ruthie

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace; Whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in You.

 

Week One

I am so glad you stopped by! Today is May 1, so I decided to begin my 52 week creative challenge. Have you been thinking about what you might want to create? I ran into a sweet friend not to long ago, and she said she didn't consider herself to be creative. However, after reading my blog about creating one thing a week for 52 weeks, she said she looked at the world a little differently. I love that! She said she took a little more time to notice the beauty around her. She did not commit to creating "one thing a week", but she did say she would think about creating one thing a week! I heard a professional photographer speak last week and he said the first step to any project is to conceive it. The second step is to produce it, and the third is to get it out there. So I'm going to let my friend "think" about creating for a couple of weeks, and then I'm going to challenge her to "produce" it.

 For the first week my choice of projects was easy! Today is my baby's birthday, and I love a birthday! I got up early this morning and decorated the kitchen with a banner and balloons. That was my first creative thing today. I've wrapped her gifts with fabulous paper and ribbon. My second creative thing. I'm heading to her work a little later and decorate her desk with balloons and a handmade banner. My third thing. I made strawberry cupcakes with white icing and chocolate sprinkles. My fourth thing. Then, I love this, I put each cupcake into a cup and into a clear treat bag, tied it with a ribbon and placed them in a cupcake tree to take to her work! My fifth thing.  Then I will wrap this little gift I made for her and leave it on her desk. My sixth thing. This is my favorite thing I made. I made a photo copy of a photo I had and cut her out of the picture. I covered a small board with book pages and then glued her photo to the board. Then I just used decorative papers and paints and inks to create her little birthday love note. I'm going to wrap it in cellophane and put a big pink bow on it and surprise her at work. Those are all easy, fun, creative things anyone can do. It takes a little time and a little effort, but it makes a big impact! Handmade is special. It's thoughtful and it's one of a kind.

I hope this inspires you to create a little something this week! Don't just think about it, make it! I love it!                                             Love love love Ruthie

 

A Flower Operation

[caption id="attachment_1874" align="alignleft" width="241"] Oil on Canvas 16x20[/caption]

I'm so glad you stopped by. It's been a few weeks since I've taken the time to blog and I'v missed it! I've missed you! I will say that I have a million things to tell you, but I promise not to blog them all at one time.

My first blog back I wanted to challenge you to be creative. Don't tune me out. I know some of you are thinking "I'm not creative" or "I don't paint"or "I don't draw" or whatever...But it's not true! You are creative! Being creative is not just painting or drawing. Being creative can be rearranging your furniture. It can be hanging a picture. You are being creative when you take a photograph, scrapbook, garden, cook, or choosing a fabulous outfit for the day. What I'm trying to say is that YOU are creative! So, for the next 52 weeks I am challenging you and myself to be intentional about creating at least one thing a week. I probably shouldn't have used the number 52, because it sounds kind of daunting. However, it gives you a goal and a purpose and I think it makes you more aware of the beauty around you.

[caption id="attachment_1875" align="alignleft" width="224"] Paige made me cookies designed like an artist palate. Fabulous and delicious![/caption]

What have you done creative today? Don't say "Nothing." Think about it. Just the fact that you chose the shoes you are wearing or not wearing was a creative decision. Not earth shattering, but none the less, creative. I merely wanted you to see that your are creative every day. Those little things add color and fun to  our lives. When you do something as simple as wrap a gift or set the table or even rearrange furniture it is using your creativity. Even if the furniture ends up back in the same place where it started, there is something so satisfying about the process. It's feeding and filling your creative soul.

My friend Paige has creativity all over her. She is one of my friends that can do anything. Do you know what I mean? Even if it's something she's never done, she will google it and figure it out! I love that! Perfect example and hilarious story! My twins needed flowers for a dance a couple of weekends ago. They went to pick up the flowers from the florist only to find that their flowers had been sold earlier. Crazy mix up. The florist felt terrible and made a few calls and found another florist to "help" us out. Long story short, I went to pick up new flowers later that afternoon and how do I put it? They were horrible! Forty dollars later I am left holding flowers that were obviously leftovers masked with sequins, florescent ribbon and plastic jewels. Yes, they were bedazzeled! I had about one hour before the twins needed the flowers.  I sat in my car for a few minutes taking in all the glitter contemplating my options. I called Paige. I barely said "hello" before I asked her if she knew anything about flowers. I really didn't give her time to respond to the question, I was already into telling her the details of my afternoon with the florists. She laughed with me for a minute and then without hesitation offered her help.

 

[caption id="attachment_1876" align="alignleft" width="181"] Operation Paige[/caption]

I ran by my house and picked up some fresh flowers. On the way to Paige's house I ran to the store and picked up floral tape and ribbon. I arrived in the driveway with a thirty minute deadline. You should have seen Paige's kitchen counter. It looked like a corsage operating room. From the minute I called Paige to the time I arrived, she had watched a utube tutorial and gathered supplies. It blew me away! Do I even need to tell you that within  thirty minutes we had the most beautiful flowers ever? They truly were fabulous!

I started out telling that story to encourage you to be creative, but the "creative" point of that story is secondary to me. As I sit here reliving that afternoon, my heart is filled love and friendship as I think about Paige dropping everything that day to serve me with her creative gifts. She was completely invested. She jumped in with both feet and wrapped her arms around me that day. The flowers were amazing after operation Paige, but it was her sweet heart that flooded my soul.

[caption id="attachment_1877" align="alignleft" width="203"] Can you believe I don't have a better picture of the flower? We were in a hurry!! At least I got one with Fox![/caption]

This is my challenge. For the next 52 weeks, use your gifts that God has so graciously given you to glorify Him. Listen to that voice that prompts you to color with your child or take food to a friend. Bake cookies, plant flowers, write a love note, whatever you do, do it with just a little something extra. You know what I'm talking about. Keep a small journal of your 52 weeks of intentional creativity. Journal what you do, how you do it, who you do it for, and how it made your day different. Come on! Do this with me! It will be fun! More importantly, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.And love your neighbor as yourself."

Love love love Ruthie

Spring is Here!

[caption id="attachment_1869" align="alignleft" width="236"] 24x30 Oil on gallery wrapped canvas[/caption]

I'm so glad you stopped by! Spring has made a spectacular entrance into Alabama! Can you even stand it?! The blue sky, the warm sun, the perfect breeze, and breathtaking colors everywhere! I want to be outside all day! I even called my children in college yesterday and told them to get outside! And I love that it changes everyday! Always something new to see! Flowers are constantly blooming, and new green grass is peeking through the ground everyday. I adore watching all the birds on parade in their amazing coats of color. Even the ones whose colors are not as bold make up for it in sweet songs. Have you even noticed the sights and sounds of Spring? Yes, I know, pollen has painted everything bright yellow, and allergy sufferers are suffering! But have you really seen the beauty outside your front door? It is absolutely, positively fascinating! A week ago my grass was brown, the sky was gray and it was so quiet. It was like a black and white photograph. Then overnight color burst out everywhere and there was literally music in the air. Everywhere! Gorgeous!

Yesterday I was at my child's tennis match. I was so thankful to be outside! I think everybody else was too. There was a soccer match and a softball game going on at the same time as the tennis. People were everywhere. There seemed to be more talking and laughing. Games were over and people were hanging around a little longer to visit with friends. It's so much fun to be outside in the spring.

It was nearing 6:00pm as I sat watching tennis, and I hadn't given dinner for my family the first thought. I was completely lost in the warmth and beauty of the afternoon. How could anybody deny that there is a God? No human, no "explosion" can create the stunning views of this world. Are you not seriously amazed at every intricate detail in creation? We witness miracles everyday! Just the mere fact that the sun comes up every morning is a miracle! It is awesome! God is sovereign over all things! He is awesome! "IN the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 And it was good! God is great! Today when you are rushing around doing your day, promise me you will stop for just even a minute and notice the handiwork of God Almighty! Stand in awe! He is something! Enjoy Him today, and His gift to you in creation!

Enter His gates with thanksgiving! love love love Ruthie

Mother of the Bride

 I am so glad you stopped by! I could hardly wait to tell you my baby is getting married! She's been engaged exactly a week, and what a week it has been! Sweet wishes from friends have made our news extra special! It has touched my heart how excited everyone is for our baby! Truly, it has blown us away!

I can hardly believe I am the mother of the bride. I thought the mother of the bride was older. I feel like I just got married, and now my BABY is about to walk down the isle. It's really here. We feel so incredibly blessed to be growing our family and gaining such a precious Godly man. It's a sweet thing for our family!

Last weekend we had our family and his family over to celebrate the engagement and hear all about the "behind the scenes" details of the proposal. Her fiance had asked Eddie  for his permission to marry our baby three weeks prior, so we had time to plan a special night for when they returned home. I would start out talking about decorations and food and inevitably end up in "happy tears" unable to speak recalling treasured memories of our little girl. Eddie was sweet and patient as I gathered myself long enough to finish planning the night. Eddie was awesome. He never shed a tear. In fact, he was so excited about the night and I think he was more surprised at my emotional state.  He had precious thoughts and ideas that he wanted to add and share. He made planning the night really fun and easy for me! I could hardly wait!

The night finally arrived. It was fabulous. Every detail had fallen perfectly into place. All the family was there eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newly engaged couple. The minute they walked in the door, there were kisses and hugs and cheers all around! Her fiance had kept this night a surprise for her, and it was wonderful! She was the "belle of the ball" and completely surprised and in heaven! It could not have been more fun! After everybody had gotten a chance to squeeze the couple, we gathered around the dining room table for dessert. This was Eddie's cue to officially congratulate our sweet girl and her fiance and welcome him into our family.  We all kind of stood there making small talk, waiting. I glanced over at Eddie and he too is standing there, waiting. Only, he wasn't talking to anyone. He was standing there with his hands in his pockets looking around the room with this fixed smile on his face like he was having an "out of body experience." Normally, this is that moment when the host speaks up and welcomes everyone and gives directions for the food or whatever. We are all still standing and waiting, and the small talk is getting smaller. I caught eyes with Eddie and gave him a look that said "Come on baby you're up!" He just stood there, smiling and staring. Okay, now it was really awkward. I couldn't stand it any longer and I sweetly touched Eddie's shoulder and asked him if he would like to welcome everyone. I knew he did, we had planned the moment weeks in advance, but my question seemed to surprise him completely. He mumbled something that sounded like "yes" and moved closer to the table. I, on the other hand, am creating a "plan B" and frantically rehearsing a short speech in my head. Then I looked at Eddie and realized he wasn't surprised by the question at all. Instead, he was taking in all in for the first time. His sweet smile warmed the whole room and his eyes were fixed on our sweet girl. His eyes filled up with tears. He was unable to speak at that point, but his sweet heart communicated perfectly. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Our sweet baby is getting married and we couldn't be more excited! What a night!

As the mother of the bride, there is much to be done. I know. I'm looking forward to this new adventure. I'm learning from friends, and I'm asking a million questions. But at the end of the day, my desire is to pray up every day that God would be glorified and honored in every decision, conversation and detail! God is good. Thank you for traveling this new path with me. I love the company!  love love love Ruthie