My FAVORITE Day of the Year!

Today, I am Thankful....

photo taken on a hike at Arctic Valley, there was that perfect separation between the clouds that allowed the sun a perfect display of radiance

for Jesus, and the Cross

for My Man who I'm fortunate enough to call hubby

for a day set aside with the purpose of reflecting on how blessed I am

for good friends that have become my family

for all I have been given

for all that has been taken from me, for even in those times, I can see the blessings

for the people God has surrounded me with

for the freedom to Worship my Savior openly

for creativity and my desire to play in it

for my family and their health

for my lil Miss Marianne

Because I have HOPE 

What are you thankful for?

What does your Life Painting look like?

Dove Dark Chocolates, mmm, I love them.  I love the little Dove Promises that come in the individually wrapped pieces.  Recently I unwrapped one with a thought that I have had many times in my life.

Now my thought hasn't been so much about covering the ENTIRE canvas, but more-so, What is on my canvas?   I have told friends in the past, who have been struggling with pain or trials in their lives

"When you are standing with God in Glory, and He pulls back the curtain to reveal your Painting of Life, imagine the masterpiece it will be.  Around this very time in your life, you will see the beauty that came of it and God will say 'Well done, my faithful Daughter.'"

So, I often think, what will my life painting look like?  

Will it be dark where I "put out the Spirit's fire" 1Thessalonians 5:19?

Will there be sunshine seeping through the shadowed areas because the Son was shining so bright in mine? ("But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another..." 

-1 John 1:7a)

Will there be orphans and widows smiling somewhere in my painting? ("...look after orphans and widows in their distress..." - James 1:27b)

Will I be clothed in the shimmering adornments of "...compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" Colossians 3:12?

Will there be images of the hungry who are eating?

Will my household and family show a reflection of the Proverbs 31 wife?

Will there be long swipes of ashes and sackcloth for those times I chose to continue in my sin and not trust or turn to God?

Will my feet be beautiful?  ("How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" -Romans 10:15)

Will it be thick with layers covering all that has been taken as far as the East is from the West?

"As far as the East is from the West, so far as He has removed our transgressions from us"

-Psalm 103:12

Will there be women and/or children laughing and singing in areas where my trials and pains somehow helped them? 

Will I be wearing a crown and told "Well done my faithful Daughter" when My Father pulls back the curtain to reveal my Life's Painting?

So, these are just a few of the things I wonder about my Life's Painting.   I really have to examine myself and ask 

"Am I living for Christ?"

Because certainly, my Life's Painting will reflect that....even today, and even tomorrow.....I don't need to wait for it to be revealed.

And to share someone else's perspective, my sweet Courageous friend, Traci, wrote an A-Mazing series on her blog, Studio Dialogue.  Yes, it was written a while ago, but Traci and I only came to know one another in August - BUT our connection was one that took place immediately - A friendship that could only have been given from God!  (She will definitely be in my Painting).

She added Studio Dialogue II, and Studio Dialogue III,  and Studio Dialogue IV at later times. When you have time to read them, I highly recommend it.  Her imagination is so vivid and her words so descriptive.   

What does your Life Painting look like?  

Winter Wonders, Seasons and Blessings

The past couple days, we have had a foot of snow lay gracefully around us.  The first snowfall is always fun although I would prefer it on a day when I'm not working so I can go snowshoeing!

Even though it's November now in Alaska, many were very unprepared for the snowfall this year.  Drivers and Ducks alike seemed to be a bit confused and getting off course.  On the way to work, I saw a few drivers in some situations they would have to explain away later, but my favorite (and saddest) was seeing the ducks in parking lots and snow covered lawns as if they were resting in a pond.

Aside from the ducks that have lost their way, or the drivers who will be making amends later, the snowy winter months brings a seasonal transition one can't help but sit in awe of.   I love seeing the mounds of snow rolling over fields that were once green.   The branches once covered with clapping or whispering leaves, seems snug under the white comforter of glistening fluff.   

The above photos were taken from my desk window at work.  So glad I have such a gorgeous view all day.   And while sitting out and looking at this, knowing how cold it actually is, I pour me up a big "Cup of Faith" in the form of Sweet Apple tea from Summit Spice & Tea, my favorite loose leaf tea shop.

Oh, but the BEST part of the day, was watching my Lil Miss Marianne try to get through the snow.  It was almost taller than her!

On a side note, I made a RAINBOW (shocker, eh?!) Earwarmer to keep my ears happy throughout the winter a few months ago.  When I was in Seattle, I was wearing it and a woman stopped at Pike's and asked where I purchased it.  After letting her know I made it, she gave me her number and asked me to make her one.  Then she brought me to a friend, who also asked me to make her one.  I let them know I live in Alaska, but they insisted.  So, today, I went to the yarn store for supplies to start their projects.   While there, I showed the owners a photo of my 6.5 hr beanie.  The owner asked me to write up the pattern for my beanie and earwarmer and she will buy/sell them!!!  

EEEEK!!!  OMGoodness!!!!  I couldn't believe it!!!  I was SOOOO excited, I barely made it out to my car before I called the Hubs screaming in his ear my happiness..... So, here's the rainbow wonder I knitted:

I'm not so good at self photos, so I took it from the mirror.

One day I'll learn to stop taking so many photos w/my cell phone and I'll carry a point & shoot around :)   Until then, this will have to work. 

So I have lots to get done, but definitely feel God has blessed me in the opportunities that now lie before me!

Here is one of my favorite songs, by Sarah Kelly, that has been on repeat in my mind/heart today!

xo - Secora

Daddy's Girl

Today is my Dad's Birthday!!!  

As a shout out to the best daddy a little girl could have, today's blog is all about him!

YUP - I'm a typical eye-lash battin, sweet talkin, all-American Daddy's Girl!

For all the reasons I have to be grateful for him, I will only share a few (ok 10) as not to bore you.  So, because of my Dad, I:

• love coffee and huckleberry pancakes
• am a huge fan of music
• always want a fire burning
• love popcorn
• love to hike, camp and fish (and I clean my own)
• can survive in the wilderness
• can fix my own car (if I really want to)
• can ride horses
• love a good BBQ
• most importantly, grew to understand and accept God's love for me

I always get choked up on his birthday or on Father's Day as I know that even though it's his day, it's us kids who've received the gift.  And then I have to listen to that Brad Paisley song "He Didn't Have to Be".        (sheesh, thanks Brad, <insert tears> you could've also provided a box of tissue with every CD sold on that one!)


A few photos of my Dad during my last visit home doing what we enjoy most:

At his home in one of the most beautiful cabin locations in Gibbonsville, Idaho

Fishing at Wallace Lake in Idaho

The strong hands that have loved and taught much

Enjoying the serenity of Wallace Lake in Idaho

Going for a walk about on some nice trails in Idaho

B-B-Qing at his cabin in Gibbonsville, Idaho

xo - Secora

Weextend in Seattle

This past weextend (my way of saying extended weekend), Justin and I flew to Seattle.   It was tons of fun.  My mom and I surprised my sister - my mom flew to Portland, picked her up, drove to Seattle and the next morning, I walked into their hotel room unannounced!

I can't believe my mom kept the secret for THREE MONTHS!!! (and neither could she or my sis)  It was fabulous!!!  I spent two days with them at the Women of Faith Conference.

My mom & sis during one of our breaks at the conference.

Of course, while in Seattle, one goes to Pike's!  

The smell of Pike's Market is discovered!  haha

Justin, Justin's friend and I went to a concert on Saturday night...It was a LONG night, but enjoyable.  I enjoyed the drum solo while Justin and friend enjoyed the guitar solo - haha.

Justin being tough at the concert!

Sunday, Justin and I went to a Seahawks game (vs the Bengels) - Yeah, we know, but hey, when in Rome, right?!    Poor Justin, had to explain everything to me....and I kept asking, "who are we voting for again?" oh-me-oh-mi-yo.  In which he would reply, "we're not voting until the preliminaries".

Justin and I: Pre-game warmth and snapshot!

Oh yeah, AND we had "nose bleed" seats - YES, I AM afraid of heights!

Oh, and I learned, the Seahawks take their fans pretty seriously!  The fans will get soooo loud, it causes false somethings (can't remember what is false) and that's a pretty big deal!   A local merchant will donate $500 per false-something to a specific charity.   So it's obvious this behavior is encouraged!  The fan is called The 12th Man.

 Here (in front of the red Toyota sign) is the 12th man flag that is put up at every home game.  

I tried to get a video recording of the fans yelling and screaming, but my SD card was full - dangit!  But it was entertainment for sure!



xo - Secora