Boat Trip on Pend Oreille Lake

We took a six hour boat cruise in our little boat from Farragut State Park to Clark Fork to Hope, back to Farragut (follow the arrows.)  We have never been up the Clark Fork Delta...beautiful!  Saw several eagles, osprey, deer, ducks, and a lot of people. Had a fun time!  

   

We had a hitchhiker in our boat for a few miles down the lake!

This is roughly our trip.  I didn't add arrows in where we zig zagged across the lake, in and out of bays, up and over tall waves, the areas we swerved to miss driftwood and debris left by the storm the day before.  But, it's close to our voyage. 

Anniversary

Today is my 26th wedding anniversary. I am blessed to be married to a loving man.  We share a life of faith, love, and adventures. We have stood together through some very challenging times, and we have celebrated times of joy. I deeply cherish our life together. 

Take some time today to be with those you love. Tell them why you love them. Have some fun together. Be grateful for the gift of each moment you are given. Celebrate love and life. 

Unplug and Slow Down

Take some time this weekend to relax, slow down, enjoy the sights and sounds of Summer.  When is the last time you were quiet enough to hear the birds sing? I am listening to several right now.  Stop and look at some flowers and see the intricate details woven through their petals and leaves.  Creation is filled with many wonderful gifts, open them up and enjoy the gifts you have been given.  

Yesterday, I enjoyed a slower day than what my schedule usually allows.  I thoroughly enjoyed sitting on my front porch, listening to water flow through our fountain, reading a book, sipping iced coffee, petting my dog, and looking at the flowers.  We all need to take some down time in our week and just soak life in.  Busyness tends to rob us of the simple gifts that surround us.  Taking time to unplug and unwind can calm our hearts, and help us to find joy in the simple things.  Take some time to put technology aside this weekend, and unplug.  Listen.  Relax.  See the beauty that surrounds you. Be intentional about enjoying the little things in life.  

The Legacy of A Friend

Five years ago today, a friend of mine lost her battle with cancer.  She was only in her early 30's, so her life, as we expect it to be anyway, was cut very short.  My friend taught me some amazing lessons as she fought the disease for six years.  

Don't live in the past, it's over, so let it be.  Don't live in the future because you aren't guaranteed anything more than today.  Live fully in today.  Don't waste the moments you are given, because each is precious.  Love those around.    Smile.  Even if you are struggling, care deeply about other people because everyone goes through rough patches in life.  Be an encouragement in the life you live, the words you say.  Love deeply.  Spend time with those you love and make beautiful memories, even in the simple, every day moments.  Cherish the people in your life.  Don't let tasks come before spending time with those you care about.  Tasks are just tasks, loving people is what truly matters.  Love and trust God.  Fall in love with all He is, and know He will take care of you because He loves you.  Deeply cherish your family. Speak kind and encouraging words.  Say I love you's, I appreciate you, you matter to me, and live that out. Words are just words if they are not followed by actions. Live a simple, quiet life.  Show people respect. Make sure to tell people how much they mean to you because tomorrow may be too late.  Look around you, and see the beauty of each day.  See the gifts God placed in your day, and enjoy them.  Creation is filled with His gifts.  

She didn't live like she was dying.  Cancer wasn't her focus, life was her focus.  Her family was her focus.  Living a life pleasing to God was her focus.  Encouraging and loving others was her focus.  Even though there were days that overwhelmed her with sickness and pain, she lived with a deep joy.  Her quiet life touched so many.  She is deeply missed and loved, but she left an amazing legacy in each life she touched.  We all should strive to be a little more like her, because the world would be a much better place if we lived life as she did.