Field trip + friend + coffee = FUN

Barista de casa in Liberty, MO

The other day, my friend Gina and I took a field trip to nearby Liberty, Missouri. We shopped around the town square. We ate lunch -- well, Gina ate lunch, I had breakfast for lunch -- at the local diner. Then we took in the sights downtown, which include some lovely historic buildings. 

We finished our field trip by visiting a local coffee roaster and sampling the roast of the day, "Brazilian." While at the coffee shop, we chatted with a mom who was waiting for her daughter's track meet to begin at William Jewell College. It was a wonderful day -- a day filled with lots of smiles. 

What are the things bringing a smile to your face these days?  Let me know about the "must visit" places in your town!

Peonies

This is a peony from my yard. I take pictures of them every year, sometimes daily while they are in bloom. Then I usually send them to my mom or one of the girls.  Every year--the same flowers.  I never tire of them.

Yesterday after I took the pictures I even wrote a bit in a journal about it. They are just peonies, but they take my breath away! It gives me a connection with God, our awesome Creator, that's hard for me to put into words. 

All I know is that something resonates deep in my soul and usually comes to the surface in a squeal of delight!


(This post was written by guest blogger, Julia Burbridge.)

Making memories

Colby, Me, Carly and Max (who doesn't drink coffee yet)

I'm all about making a memory. You can ask my nieces, who will confirm. 

On this very special day, Carly, Colby and I visited a local store and purchased three coffee cups. We promised that whenever we drank from our cups, we would think of each other. So, even though they live far away, I feel close to my special girls when I have a cup of coffee.

How do you make memories with your loved ones?

Worth waiting for

We celebrated the first cherry limeade of the season last Saturday!

Our lime tree lives indoors during the winter; this year, it produced two limes while residing inside. Several weeks ago, we made guacamole with the first lime. 

But on Saturday,the second lime was used for something really special. Our friends, Joby and Bill, came over to grill burgers and watch the Final Four. Joby was given the honor of picking the ripe lime for our cherry limeades. She did it with great care. We are so thankful that the cherry-limeade season is officially here. 

Recipe for the perfect Cherry Limeade:
Sonic crushed ice 
Tervis Tumbler cup
Diet 7-Up
Cherry syrup
Splash of fresh lime juice 

Stir & enjoy. Yum!

Philippians 3: In my own words

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.


For I am God's true circumcision,
I worship with my heart.
Nothing is as good as Jesus, so I will
follow and follow and follow.
If I were to gain any understanding,
it would be to know Jesus
more and more -- better and better,
until that day I see Him face-to-face.
I'll keep my feet on the ground as long as the Lord keeps me here,
but my gaze will always be heavenward...
for that is where my Savior awaits my glory.