This one is for you, Spa Mommies!

The following "essay" was written as a submission for a contest our local Christian radio station, KTIS FM, is hosting. Knowing how many wonderful submissions are likely to be received and therefore, the small chance of mine being chosen, I didn't want to keep this to myself. *smiles*

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How does one sum up the life-altering experience that is a wonderful group of friends? For me, a west-coast transplant to Minne-snow-ta, the ladies affectionately known as the "Mom's Spiritual Spa-at-Home" have inspired and supported me in more ways that I can count in the 4 years that we've been together. I moved to Minnesota to marry my sweetheart and raise our family. Leaving my very tight-knit and large family, knowing none of their familiar faces would be there to welcome me after the trek, this was quite a difficult move for me. I would love to share with you the women God brought into my life to fill those missed family connections, to help challenge me to grow, and ultimately became the best friends I've ever known.

Andrea has a heart of gold. "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you", must be her mantra for there is never a moment in her presence when you do not feel important and cared for. This dear woman has been gifted a listening heart. When I speak with her, I can feel her gaze taking in not only my words but the spirit in which I'm saying them. Andrea has a compassionate spirit and my interactions with her cause me to feel so very appreciated.

Angela, with her quick wit and giving spirit, has gone out of her way to share her passion of healthy cooking, that doesn't break that budget. Her encouragement has led to many happy smiles at my dinner table and a feeling that I *could* actually conquer this thing called dinnertime". As she's walked her path towards God's plan for her life, it has been a testimony to the good that comes from perserverance. This woman is on tough cookie and helps me remember that even if I can only see making it to the end of the day, God has given me plenty of blessings to get me there; with leftovers even!

Brenda has a gentle soul and a roaring passion for people. She listened so patiently as I lamented the tough path it can be to make the decisions surrounding the health and care of my children. Our resident chiropractor, Brenda was always there to share her gifts and passion for health and healing. She has since moved on to Nashville with her family and while she cannot be present for our meetings any longer, our spirits are forever joined thru the love of God we share.

Cari I consider a strong backbone of our group. Her consistant presence each Thursday morning has blessed me immensely. Not a stormy day, a runny nose, nor the absence of a shower or breakfast, keeps her from meeting with us. Not even her recent diagnosis of breast cancer or the subsequent surgeries, chemo, and radiation treatments has dampened her spirits or caused her to hide away. The dedication she offers to me and the other ladies is truly immeasureable.

Carla, the original "leader" of our group, is one of the best cheerleaders out there! She is a bold and true friend and never lets me see myself as less than blessed, even when I'm more than stressed! I am as equally blessed by her encouragement, as I am by her transparency in her own challenges. Carla is quick to see the blessings in her life and has helped me numerous times to see those in mine, as well.

Laurie is a quiet soul and full of determination. Her children are up against some pretty severe allergies and learning difficulties and yet her dedication and insistance for the right treatments is unending. Her undying commitment to their health and well-being has ministered to me in strong ways. When I see her smile and hear her looking for that often-elusive silver lining, I am reminded of how blessings often come thru the most crazy of challenges.

Libby has brought me back to earth more than once since I've known her. She is quite a pragmatic woman and has reminded me of the beauty in the simple things. To spend time in her
presence is to be reminded of the importance of family and the beauty in the sacrificial acts for those you love. To spend time in her home is to smile, laugh, and be made to consider life, for surely practicality has never equaled boredom!

Sarah is a woman after God's heart, that I know. She can't, and surely doesn't want to, hide the importance of her relationship with The Almighty Creator. When I feel unsure of my place in this world, I am often reminded of a prayer request Sarah shared several months back: "I am distracted and want more of God". Her constant effort to focus on our Giver of Life reminds me of my purpose on this earth: to know and serve our Lord and Savior. Sarah's honesty with her prayer requests has helped to straighten out my perspective time and time again.

Shannon is warm-hearted and a wonderful mother. The spirit in which she mother's her children has opened my eyes to the dynamic trait of patience. Dynamic because to have it, brings peace and a purposefulness to your actions and to minister in it, allows the true love and concern in your heart to shine. Watching Shannon with her children is inspiring and I always walk away
with a glimpse of the good I want to shower on my own kids.

Shawn, our current "leader", is as spunky as they get. I love this woman's outlook on life...I cannot remember the last time I saw her face without a smile. She has love and fun to share! God has gifted this woman with the ability to laugh at herself and at the craziness of life and that is a class we could all stand a few lessons in, I think! Her contagious smiles and laughter brighten my mornings and have helped to knock out the grumpy from many a morning.

And while all of these words have chiefly describe the support and love *I* have received, the truth is that my definition of friendship is forever deepened as I witness the "give and take" of this unconditional love and friendship, between all the ladies in our group. True, our friendship began when we all found ourselves seeking a Christian community of mothers with whom we could study God's work with, but I hope you can understand the truely profound affect these ladies have had on my life.

They are in every way, the most fragrant of flowers in the garden of my life.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The fun begins a couple of days earlier this year!

(excerpts from a Fox News.com article, entitled:
"St. Pat's Spat Pits Church vs. Cities", pub. 20 Feb 2008)

"That famous saint named Patrick will have his green-drenched party this year, but it's unclear when the guests are supposed to arrive.

For the first time since 1940, St. Patrick's Day will fall during Holy Week, the sacred seven days preceding Easter. Because of the overlap, liturgical rules dictate that no Mass in honor of the saint can be celebrated on Monday, March 17, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. But a few Roman Catholic leaders are asking for even more moderation in their dioceses: They want parades and other festivities kept out of Holy Week as well."
...

"...a calendar conflict is a rare event: Holy Week won't clash with St. Patrick's Day again until 2160."
...

"The U.S. remains one of the few countries in the world to retain any religious traces of St. Patrick's Day, (Mike) Cronin said. In Ireland, where the government sponsors the Dublin parade, the holiday has morphed into an arts festival that draws millions of people, he said. Recognizing that, bishops there have moved the feast of the nation's patron saint to March 15 this year. March 17 will remain an official Irish day off work and the Dublin parade will go on as scheduled."
...



(photo is of Faith from last year's Irish Music and Dance Celebration at St. Paul's Landmark Center...which is going on this weekend!)

Be still my beating heart...

His mind holds the wisdom of the ancients.
His heart holds compassion and love.
His arms provide security and warmth,
yet grant freedom like that of a dove.

He is as humble as a beggar on the street,
yet as noble as a Viking chief.
There is a sense of mystery about him;
but his life, he has opened for me to see.

He is truly a beautiful and amazing man;
he is the best of all my dreams.
I will love him throughout eternity...
with not part, but with all that is me.


I *love* this man!

All is right with the world

It's March 11th in MN.

It's 47 beautiful degrees.

The snow is melting.

I just took off the plastic from the windows.

And ALL those windows are wide open.

I'm heading out the door to pick up my darling daughter and hunky hubby and we are all (including Calvin) heading outside for a glorious walk by the water.

Aaaaaahhhhh...all is right with the world.

To top it all off....

We've been as busy as it gets for us these past few weeks. Between preparing our condo for sale (we're on the market again! YAY!), caring for 3yr old twins, and considering schooling and discipline options for our own two children, it feels as if we've hardly had time to take a deep breath!

So, to top it all off, guess what hubby and I found in the delicious bag of Cherry M&M's that we shared this afternoon?



Now just WHAT am I supposed to do with THAT!?