End glow -

with a layer of Kim Klassen's "Appreciate" set at soft light...

Top view - with Kim Klassen's "Appreciate" and "Elevate" both set at soft light

I so wish the symbolic meaning of thistles was more positive.  I have loved the royal hues - the purples with blue AND red tints and the backdrop of golds.  There seems to be a quiet regality to them - the proud way the unique blossoms stand erect on their stalks; the crown of thorns on their heads.  Couldn't they be symbolic of Jesus, instead of the curse of sin?

  And as I typed this, I had a flash, an image...Jesus on the cross, 

fully having become sin in order to pay the price of our sin...

crowned with the symbol of the curse...perhaps this is what my spirit sees when 

thistles draw me with their beauty - it is the beauty of His sacrifice...

Joining with others at Texture Tuesday 

Here are two pictures for thought I am sharing...the trumpet vine display was the best ever this year!

FOR TODAY
April 27, 2010...

Outside my window...morning is rising!

I am thinking...that I need to get serious about exercise and eating right.

I am thankful for...the rhythm of the seasons!

From the learning rooms...doubling up on lessons in an attempt to get done with 3rd grade a little bit early.

From the kitchen...leftover birthday cake from the party on Sunday - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,Red Velvet (Angel's favorite).

I am wearing...jeans, a lime green shirt, and a denim shirt jacket over that as it is a bit cool this morning.

I am creating...a cleaner house at the moment (smiles).

I am going...to our home school group's curriculum overview tonight.

I am reading...Family Fun magazine for activity ideas as well as the CBD website for curriculum prices.

I am hoping...for the evidence of growing spiritual maturity in my children.

I am hearing...I can hear a bird calling. Her song sounds like she is saying "secret; secret; secret; secret!" I wonder if her eggs are just about to hatch and she is announcing her "secret" to the world!

Around the house...the comfortableness of quietness.

One of my favorite things...watching the flowers in the gardens take off and grow! I have always admired the "Bleeding Heart" perennials, and this year I planted some and they are doing wonderfully!




A few plans for the rest of the week: a day off from school tomorrow for Angel's 9th birthday and a trip or two to the museum before the CSI exhibit leaves (Angel's favorite)!

The Simple Woman's Daybook