Six Bricks High

The Summer of 7 :: The Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 01:53:00 +0000

I told you about this Summer of 7 thing I’m doing – I’m taking 7 weeks and looking straight in the face of selfishness, excess and ungratefulness. I’m asking God to show me a different way. A way that seeks Him first, a way that sees the needs of others, a way that realizes the abundance I have, a way that stretches beyond my little self and my little world.

My heart says, “Yes, exactly this!” to these words in Jen Hatmaker’s book…

“7 will be an exercise in simplicity with one goal: to create space for God’s kingdom to break through.” (7, pg. 4)

I’m pleading with myself to get-the-heck-out-of-the-way and allow God – that is it, just allow Him. Allow Him to speak, allow Him to work, allow Him to be seen, allow Him to change me.

The Summer of 7 :: Plan
(this is just my schedule, if you are joining in (which I so hope you are) you create a schedule for you)

June 1- 7 :: Stress – I will be making God my GO-TO. I will read His word before I read anything else. I will talk to Him first. I will stop and pray throughout my day. I will diligently set my mind and thoughts on Him.

June 8 – 14 :: Food – I will eat just 7 foods

June 15 – 21 :: Possessions – I will give away at least 7 items a day for 7 days

June 22 – 28 :: Clothes – I will wear just 7 articles of clothing

June 29 – July 5 :: Media – This one makes my heart palpitate – so I’ll give you the scoop later

July 6 – 12 :: Spending – I will do no spending for 7 days. (Um, I’m almost in a full blown panic attack right now so can we just talk more about this later too?)

July 13 – 19 :: Self – The book doesn’t do this particular area; instead they do Waste. But, I’ll be spending 7 days focusing on and giving to others. 7 acts of service – each day will involve some act of kindness.

If you are joining in The Summer of 7 go ahead and link up your schedule below.

The Summer of 7

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Thu, 31 May 2012 05:34:00 +0000

Have you read the book 7 by Jen Hatmaker?

If not, you so should. If you have, well you should read it again. I’m on my second time through and this book has messed with me in the best sort of way.

There’s a little something going on this summer that I’m equally scared of and excited for. I’m joining with some other bloggers, and anyone else who wants to, for The Summer of 7 project.

We’ll spend 7 weeks ridding our heart and lives of excess. This project is based on, inspired by, Jen Hatmaker’s book – but here’s the deal, you decide on your own guidelines. Because following rules and doing exactly what someone else did? Well, it kinda defeats the purpose. We’re going for heart change here.

These seven weeks aren’t about following rules; there all about taking a real good look at my life and heart and making changes in order to help others. It’s about loosening my grip on stuff and grabbing hold of the One who holds it all. It’s about less self and more love. It is all about removing the excess.

We’ll take seven weeks (you decide your own dates) and concentrate on one area of excess each week. I know, I know, Jen Hatmaker did a whole month! Baby steps, people, baby steps – we’ll just be doing a week.

Seven weeks; Seven areas of excess – food, stress, possessions, clothes, spending, media, self

I’m joining with these bloggers as we spend the summer tackling areas of excess:

Katrina from the Poorganic Life – go here for more details
Kay from Kay’s Counseling Blog
Steph from Only Here, Only Now
Melissa from MelissaJenna.com
Amy from Permission to Peruse
Alene from Positively Alene
Rachel from Occassional Boredom
Amy from Amy in Wanderland

And we’d love to have you join us! There will be link-ups and lots of great discussion.

I’m kicking off my Summer of 7 on Friday with the area of Stress. I’ll be back real soon to give you the low down on my seven summer weeks of 7. But for now, will you consider joining us?

What Happens When the Kids Grow Up

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:25:00 +0000

I’ve been married for just about 22 years now. And all those years ago when I became a Mrs. I not only committed to my man but I also committed to two adorable young girls. On that May day in the year 1990 I became a wife and a stepmom.

side note: I don’t really care for the term stepmom; it conjures up images of a wicked woman with a furrowed brow who never wears a smile (you know like Cinderella’s evil stepmother). And stepmoms don’t have to be evil – at least I tried not to be.

So here we are all these years later and those little girls have grown into beautiful young women. They are kind and generous and they follow hard after God. I’m truly thankful to be a part of their family.

We have four kids. It goes girl, girl, boy, girl. They are all grown up now. Our youngest is 19. But having grown up kids isn’t all bad – cause you know what comes with grown up kids? More kids.

Three years ago our son gave us life’s most fun title – Grandparents. It all started with the birth of an adorable little boy and ever since it has been a yearly occurrence. First, our son had a boy. Then, about a year later, our daughter had a boy. Then, about another year later, our son had a girl.

And then, just last week…

our daughter gave birth to this precious girl.

That is right, we have four grandchildren. I know you are probably thinking, “what?!?! you don’t seem old enough to be a grandma!”. I know, I know, I can hardly believe it myself!

And even though being called grandma makes me feel really old, it is one of my most favorite parts of life right now.

Five Minute Friday :: Real

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:18:00 +0000

Today I’m happily linking up with The Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday.
The rules are simple, write for just 5 minutes on the prompt she gives.
Here we go. Ready? Begin.
:::

REAL

Twenty-four years ago today my daddy died.

It is hard to believe it has been that long.

I’ve spent time remembering today. I remember my dad behind the backstop cheering me on. I picture him there on the sidelines of the soccer field.

And I remember that time we went to Taco Bell together when I was in high school.

I can’t decide if I should smile or cry when I tell my kids about my dad. I know he would have loved to cheer them on too. And my kids, they would have loved him too. I just know it.

I hate the fact that I have lived more of my life without him than I did with him. But time does that—it continues to march on. I’m grasping for it, trying my best to make it stop. It refuses. It doesn’t consider feelings.

The hurt that still lingers after all these years, it’s real. But the memories—they bring real joy too.

:::
The End.

My Girl, The Weather & Is Content Really King?

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:40:00 +0000

I realize it has been weeks since my last post and the dilemma is do I acknowledge that and give you my excuses or do I just write and pretend like I haven’t been missing around here? Not acknowledging my absence doesn’t feel quite right. But the truth is I have no real reason, and no excuses either, for neglecting this space.

It isn’t that I haven’t thought about it. I have. I’ve missed it even. I may have one million and seven draft posts written or maybe it is just three – I’m not exactly sure. But nothing has felt right. “They” say content is king. And that hangs me up. All. The. Time.

Should my writing always be something valuable before I hit the publish button? If that is true then there is a good chance the publish button will seldom be clicked. There is a lot of pressure there to write something worthwhile.

I guess the pressure mostly comes from myself (and them, whoever “they” are). Sometimes (a lot of time really) I just kinda freeze up and walk away without typing a single word.

Can I just tell you a few things? And can we just go into knowing that what I have to say may not be of much importance? Can we just be friends? Cause friends talk about the frivolous stuff too.

And since we are friends, here’s a couple things I’d like to tell you about…

It has been several weeks since my daughter had surgery on that leg of hers. Recovery is going well but oh is she eager to be walking again. She is making the most of it though - her pinterest boards have basically blown up and she has been learning to crochet. The crochet thing is something she is doing together with her grandma. She is enjoying hanging out with her grandma. And I’ve got my fingers crossed in hopes that some crocheted dish cloths will make it my way in the near future.

I have been so enjoying the sunshine lately. It wasn’t long ago I was begging for brighter days and I’m so thankful they have arrived. We have had a lovely mix of sunshine and warmth and rain and storms and plenty of wind too. Last week we had a couple really warm days with nights like this…

photo credit

These pictures weren’t taken by me, but they are pictures of my storm. They were taken by a local guy. Pretty cool, huh?

photo credit

Tell me friends, how have you been?

Counting Gifts :: {288–300}

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:49:00 +0000

My heart is full

the one who calls me grandma
he turned 3, he was full of smiles
my adorable niece, she turned 8
celebrations
family
spaghetti dinner
rainbow cupcakes
Spiderman cupcakes too
sunshine
books to read
yellow daffodils
extra beds in the house to share with those in need
every good and perfect gift that comes from Him

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Begging for Brighter Days

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:18:00 +0000

photo credit

The alarm sounds and those radio guys start talking about the weather. Rain this morning. I reach for the snooze and I can hit it fast enough. Winds up to 25 miles per hour this afternoon they go on to say. Their very words make me want to throw the clock across the room. I’ve never done anything like that before but today I really wanted to.

I’ve been begging – begging I tell you – for blue skies and sunshine. I know what they say about March; the whole in like a lion, out like a lamb thing. Well, it is about to be ushered out and I’ve seen no signs of a lamb.

Last week I thought I was at my breaking point. I was sure I couldn’t take even one more day of winds that blow and skies of gray. I informed my husband, that if it continued, we’d be moving. And would he like to look for a new city or should I?

Waking up the next morning, it felt like a disturbing episode of candid camera (you know where they play tricks on you just to see your reaction) – there was snow on the ground. Seriously? It’s the end of March! The snow didn’t last long, the wind began to blow all crazy and just like that the snow was gone.

Tell me, tell me please, where in this land does the wind not blow? Is it Texas? I’m pretty sure I’d make a good Texan. Wherever it is, get ready, there’s a new girl coming to town.

Apparently the skies aren’t the only thing cloudy around here lately. Looks like cloudy has crept in and made itself at home in my attitude and thoughts too.

:::::

I sat down to write today so I could join in with the Write it Girls and this negative weather talk is all I could come up with. I told you my thoughts were clouded – it has affected my writing. I left these words sitting on the screen for several hours, hoping and wishing new ones would come to mind. New words never came.

Tell me, how has your weather been lately? Maybe I should become your new neighbor?

Review :: You’re Already Amazing

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 17:47:00 +0000

I picture myself sitting in a charming coffee shop downtown; the kind where works of local artists mask the brick walls and you sip from stoneware mugs. And just across the table sits a sweet friend who listens as I spill my guts. She says the right words – full of encouragement and love. We laugh, and we cry, and through it all I get a glimpse of the very heartbeat of God.

Maybe I’m kinda crazy but as I was reading Holley Gerth’s book, You’re Already Amazing, in my head I imagined her sitting, and sipping, and chatting with me.

There in that coffee shop (the one totally made up in my head) I share with my friend -Holley with and ‘ey’. I tell her about insecurities, fears and even those dreams I’ve always kept hidden. I tell her about how sometimes I just don’t feel like I’m enough and how I so often compare myself to others.

Holley says, “God has a journey for your life. It looks different than anyone else’s. The road he’s carved out for you is yours alone. It’s always the road less traveled because you’re the only one who is ever going to walk it.” (pg. 79)

The words sink deep, they breathe hope to my heart.

And page after page the words of her book bring such encouragement. But Holley’s book is not a book just filled with feel good statements without any practical application. This book is full of tools that help you put to rest the lies you’ve been holding on to and instead believe God’s truths.

I give this book 5 stars, or is it 10? Whatever the highest star ranking allowed for books – I give it that. An emphatic two-thumbs-up.

:::::
DaySpring is generous and gave me this book (for free) to review; all opinions expressed are my very own.

Gray Gave Way to Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:16:00 +0000

The clouds colored the sky gray and the rain it poured. It poured so ferociously, the wipers couldn’t keep up. I was glad it wasn’t me in the driver’s seat, but my shoulders tensed anyway.

We’d driven this route before, the two-hour trek is a familiar one. But this time it felt tense. And I don’t think it was only on account of the pouring rain.

It was just three of us in the car that day – a mom, a dad, and their youngest girl. My thoughts were fixed on parenting. How did my girl grow so quickly? She’s 19 now – and how is that even possible? Did I serve her well? Did I equip her to handle this big world? Is she going to be wishing her mama would have taught her more?

We checked into the hotel and the night was restless.

At just after 5 am the three of us were ready for the walk across the street to the hospital. We paused before we hit the door – my husband and I we each put an arm around our girl and he said a prayer for her. After the ‘amen’ was said we reached in and kissed her on her head, this mama took a deep breath, and we walked over to find admitting.

I knew my girl was going to be okay, but my shoulders tensed anyway.

I didn’t leave her side that night. I made my bed in the green, vinyl, reclining chair right next to her hospital bed. The night was restless.

We watched out the hospital room window as the rain continued to fall.

But then the hours passed and the sun began to shine. We checked out and headed for home. Gray gave way to blue and the sky was beautiful.

As we approached home I whispered a prayer. I thanked God for home, my beautiful girl and His beautiful sky.

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Linking with:

Counting Gifts :: {263–287}

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 23:47:00 +0000

Some days I’m so thankful for what I have. Oh so thankful for things, like a washer and a dryer. Some days I realize that a washer and dryer that have their very own room in my house are an extravagant gift.

And then, there are days when I think about how old those appliances are, and I listen to the washer as it shakes, and the walls they vibrate as the clothes get cleaned, and then I think about how the dryer has to go through at least two cycles before the towels get dry – and on those days I forget to be thankful.

I’m kind of a mess. I’m thankful when the gifts are the ones I want. I’m grateful when the gifts come easy.

When my home is full of family and the laughter is in abundance, I’m sure to count those gifts.

When grandbabies turn 1 and 2 and we celebrate with cake and candles, my heart is thankful.

When my husband and my son sit side by side on the couch with their guitars in hand, it’s a gift that doesn’t go unnoticed.

I see the gifts when…

the sun shines bright and I get a glimpse of the spring I’m longing for,
the grandson of mine says, “throw me the ball grandma”,
our oldest daughter and her family move from across the ocean to a place closer to home and they stay at our house for the few weeks of transition time,
I see her tiny belly grow with expectancy,
I see the way she mother’s that adorable blonde boy of hers

The gifts clang loud and undeniable when kind words and many prayers come from family and friends – even those I’ve never met.

When I have time to sit in my chair, by the window on a Sunday afternoon, and immerse myself in a good book – I’m thankful for that gift.

But what about when the days are hard?

When hearts are anxious, tears roll, and nights are sleepless – I don’t see the gifts. I’m quick to wish another day into existence. Maybe tomorrow will be better, maybe tomorrow will bring more gifts?

But the truth is even the hard days bring gifts.

And today, I’m counting gifts that came on hard days too…

doctors and hospitals,
surgery that went well,
a place for this mama to sleep next to her girl,
a prayer from a daddy for his girl,
the true peace-giver,
and my girl who is trusting in Him.

Let my heart be thankful, let my eyes see the gifts, and let my mouth count the many blessings – this is my prayer.

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Linking up with: A Holy Experience – as I continue to count toward 1,000 gifts

Five Minute Friday :: BRAVE

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 04:21:00 +0000

UPDATE: We are home from the hospital and my daughter is doing well. Thank you all for your kind comments and prayers.

Today I’m happily linking up with The Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday.
The rules are simple, write for just 5 minutes on the prompt she gives.
Here we go. Ready? Begin.
:::
Brave

Being brave doesn’t always come easy – really maybe it never comes easy.

When anxiety rests heavy on your heart like a wet blanket, threatening to squelch any fire that burns, being brave doesn’t come easy then.

But the growth, the beauty, it doesn’t rise from the easy.

We press into Jesus. He guides our steps. We can be brave then – when we are trusting the One who knows the plan.

He is our brave when we are afraid.

It is the eve of my girl’s surgery and she is being brave and breathing deep and trusting Jesus. And her mama is trying to do the same.

:::
The End.

Seeking Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:07:00 +0000

I woke up while the clock was still in the fours this morning. I should have peeled myself from the bed and thanked God for the early start. But, I didn’t. Instead I lay there with eyes wide open and thoughts swirling.

I was determined to prolong the starting of the day. My thoughts felt unsettled as I turned from side to side. I muttered prayers and whispered to my husband, “are you awake too?” Turns out he was.

My daughter is having surgery on Friday. Maybe that’s the cause of my thoughts being on high alert.

She’s nervous – about the process and the recovery. She’s got a non-cancerous growth that’s given her trouble for some years now. She had surgery several years back and now that she is all done growing they will do it again. Only this time it requires fusing of bones and plates and screws and a couple months on crutches.

We’re learning about ‘casting our cares on Jesus’ – the One who cares for us. We are pressing hard into the true peace giver. We are seeking the One who says, “fear not – I’m with you”.

Would you be willing to pray for my girl this week? We’d love to pray for you too! Leave a comment letting us know how we can pray; my daughter and I would be honored to bring your name before our great big God.

Status Report

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:52:00 +0000

It has been awhile, a-long-while, since I’ve written here in this space. The words they have bubbled just under the surface and I’ve kept them there. The thoughts, the ideas, they have just been simmering but I snuff them out before they come to a full rolling boil. I put the lid on before they can form sentences and make their way to written form.

But the truth is: I’ve missed it here.

How ‘bout if we ease back in with a little update?

Here’s a list of my currents:

current drink – I’ve been drinking Green Smoothies lately and totally lovin’ ‘em.

current food – I recently discovered the fresh, uncooked tortillas that you just have to heat in the skillet. They are so yummy!

current book – You’re Already Amazing by Holley Gerth Just came in the mail, haven’t started it yet, but so looking forward to reading it.

current outfit – Right now I’m wearing some comfy pj pants, that may be Christmas themed, and a grey hoodie that belongs to my husband.

current study – I’m doing the Beth Moore James study. So good.

current annoyance – I’m annoyed with myself. Seriously. I can be a really indecisive person and it frustrates the heck out of me.

current mood – hopeful

current struggle – see current annoyance above

current overall favorite – love, love, loving spending time with family

My Thoughts on the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:32:00 +0000

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaythaney/6620763707/sizes/z/in/photostream/

2012 has ushered itself right in, I suppose there was no stopping it. I sit and reflect on the year just lived and wonder about the days ahead.

New years bring change – that is always the case. What I wonder isn’t so much what will come, but how will I respond to what lies ahead?

Christmas was nice – really nice – here at my house. It wasn’t the stuff and the things and decorations that made it so. Because stuff, things, and decorations were minimal this year. The pace, the family, the friends – I enjoyed all of it. I slowed myself down and I soaked it in.

And the New Year has started off just right. Going to church on the first day of the year, it was perfect. To worship the One who knows what this year holds, to set my heart and mind on the One who has a plan, it was exactly what my heart needed at the very start of a fresh new year.

When I say Christmas was nice and the New Year just right I don’t mean easy. There has been hard stuff for this mama heart of mine to endure. But the truth is God. He is right there with me in the very midst of it all. He isn’t distant and watching me from far off. He is walking this very path right along with me and I’ve got a promise – He will never leave me or forsake me.

As I look back over 2011 it is that very promise that has been made so real to me this year. And that is full of hope, that is nice and just right.

I’m not bounding into 2012 feverishly. I’m being slow and thoughtful, pondering the One who is the hope giver. I’m seeking the One who holds the entire year, all of its days and every-single-minute. Not always easy, but always good.

Tell me friend, how is your New Year starting out?

Notes From My Dad

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:20:00 +0000

I was just 17 when my dad died. Unexpected in the night, my daddy went to be with Jesus exactly one month before my high school graduation.

I have lived more of my life without him than I did with him. And no matter how old I get I still wish teen girls wouldn’t lose their daddies.

I have thought about him a lot this year for some reason. Maybe it is because I’m the same age now as he was when he died. Just 41. Maybe it is because I’m getting to enjoy this grandma role and I think about what a great grandpa he would have been.

Last Friday was his birthday. I always think of him on December 16.

I’ve been slowly doing some cleaning out, some simplifying, some getting rid of stuff around my house lately. A mini project purge if you will. I recently tackled my closet. And in the corner of my closet there sat a box marked '”memorabilia” - except I think I spelled it wrong on the box. I wrote that word on that box over 20 years ago and I’ve been hauling it around and letting it sit in corners of closets for all these years.

I decided it was time to go through that box of memorabilia and see what was worth keeping. There were lots of letters from my sister (which mostly made me laugh), graduation announcements, even my graduation cap, pictures of high school days and old birthday cards. And right there in between old report cards and my SAT scores I found two hand written notes.

In the handwriting I so distinctly remember this is what one said:

“Dear Jamie-
       I hope you are having a very happy birthday. My little girl is becoming a lady and you are making me very proud.
     I hope this day brings you happiness and I want you to remember that I love you.
                                                                                                    Love, Dad”

No fancy card just simple business stationary with words penned in black ink. This note given by my dad to me on my 17th birthday.

I had completely forgotten about these notes. What a treasure to uncover. A reminder of a father’s love.

The SAT scores, the report cards, the graduation cap – those were tossed. But these notes…they are gifts.

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Linking today with Tuesdays Unwrapped and On Your Heart Tuesdays

A Message of Love and Counting Gifts {236-262}

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:14:00 +0000

With a fresh week before me I sit with the glow of the tree lights and I reflect on the week just lived and I think about how I want to live the days in front of me.

The week started with a doctor appointment for my daughter. My husband, myself and my girl we headed out of town, just the three of us. There was good car conversation and a stop for lunch. The doctor he talked of surgery and 2 months of crutches. And God -- He was right there with us in the midst of it all.

The weekend days have been filled with our kids and little ones. There has been baking, and meal sharing, and lots of “watch this grandma”. The little guy he ice skates perfectly in his socks across the tile floor. And the baby she needed a nap and there is no better way to go sleep than in the arms of her grandma.

There has been reading of Christmas stories and lots of talk of baby Jesus. The house was without outside lights until our kids wanted to surprise their dad and get some lights strung. And my boy he said he always wanted to climb around on the roof. I was too nervous to watch, so I hunkered down indoors.

There has been driving to look at Christmas lights, and singing of Christmas songs. Christmas movies on Netflix, some shopping and gift wrapping too. And a special delivery of my mom’s biscotti on a Sunday afternoon. That called for a 3:00 pot of coffee and it wasn’t even de-caff.

There was Away in the Manger and Silent Night. There was worship and a message of love that stirred my heart.

Oh how I want to love. Really love. Just going through the motions it leaves me sounding like the clanking of symbols. Loving extravagantly, without thought of what is in it for me, but with a pure heart, a heart that loves Him – it is my prayer.

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. I Cor. 13:13 MSG

The house is quiet now but that hasn’t been the norm for this weekend. It has been full of loud and every bit of it a gift. And God -- He was right there in the midst.

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Linking up with:
Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday
A Holy Experience – as I continue to count toward 1,000 gifts

Five Minute Friday :: Connected

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:11:00 +0000

Today I’m happily linking up with The Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday.
The rules are simple, write for just 5 minutes on the prompt she gives.
Here we go. Ready? Begin.
:::
Connected

I’ve always been one to crave connections. Friends, family, other bloggers I’ve never met in real life, even the lady at the grocery store I want them all to like me. I want strong relationships.

Sometimes those connections come easy but not always. I find that relationships require effort and sometimes putting out the effort is tough. What if they don’t really get me? What if they have enough friends already? What if we don’t agree on something?

All the questions get my insecurities all flared up. And sometimes rather than connect I keep quiet. I’m afraid maybe rejection is waiting to pounce and instead of risking rejection I decide not to reach out.

But connection comes with the reaching out. The call, the text, the comment, the kind words, the smile – I’m sure there are others waiting and wishing for connection too.

Maybe I should be the one to take the first step?

:::
The End.

My five minutes is up, but speaking of connection, I wanted to add this…

(in)courage is hosting an (in)Real Life get together. I think it sounds like the perfect way to connect. I’ll be hosting one here in my town – check it out and find a meet-up close to you.

19 Years

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:14:00 +0000

It was 19 years ago she was born. Nineteen years she has brought joy, and love, and laughter, lots of smiles, and bundles of happiness. Her heart is big and full of compassion.

Lots of people say she looks just like her mama. My heart warms and I smile big every single time I hear those words.

I’m so very thankful that God chose me to be her mama. My life is blessed beyond measure.

Today is her birthday and I sure hope it is the sweetest one she has ever had.

May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)

In Times of Uncertainty {Gifts 226-235}

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:14:00 +0000

This life it comes with no guarantees. No promises of paychecks or health or safety. I try to control it all, but this control is really just an illusion. One thing is for sure, times come when the control slips away and life leads down the road of uncertainty.

And sometimes a mama’s heart aches in the midst of it all.

The weather is cold and work slows and news of a lay-off is given. He has a wife and a boy and a baby that crawls. It is just weeks before Christmas and times are uncertain. This mama clings to the One who is the provider and I watch as my son does the same.

There are doctor visits and scans and pain. And today this mom and this dad we take our girl on a two hour road trip. We will hear what the doctor has to say. It is hard to see her hurt. What comes next is uncertain. But this mama she clings to the One who is the great physician and I watch as my daughter does the same.

Sometimes the clinging is hard but it is all we have. Really it is all I want and it is good. There is a promise to hold on to. He promises to never leave us – He is right there with us in the very midst of it all.

Even in the midst of uncertainty, when times are unsure, the gifts they are still in abundance. And today I pause to count a few of the many gifts…

We have One to cling to
His promise to never leave us
Children that know Him
Grandchildren that are being taught about His love
Friends that pray and encourage
Family that loves and listens
The beauty of the trees frozen in the cold
Time spent with my ones I love
The way he says he is 2 and a half and his birthday is March twuny-ferd
The thoughtfulness and generosity of others

Lately…

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:10:00 +0000

I’ve allowed my pace to be a little slower. I haven’t let my thoughts run on ahead, I’ve kept them right here with me right in the moment I’m living in.

I’ve spent some time on the couch, sipping a mug of cocoa complete with a splash of peppermint mocha coffee creamer, with the glow of the Christmas tree lights in the room, and a few episodes of Storage Wars playing on TV.

I cozied up in my favorite chair with my favorite blanket and a really good book. And I did it mid-day. With the sun peeking in the front window and laundry waiting to be done I decided to curl up with a book. I usually reserve my reading time for the evening hours when the day has come to a close and the to-do list boxes have been checked. And you know what usually happens then? My eye lids get heavy and my eyes almost always close about five sentences in.

But on this December day where I’m choosing to live a little slower and linger a little longer I’ve put the to-do’s on hold and let my thoughts ponder on those things that true, pure and lovely.

How about you? What have you been up to lately?

The Gift of Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:13:00 +0000

Time marches on more quickly than I would like. All too often, I find myself reminiscing of days gone by or thinking of what the days to come will bring. And I go through the current day with my thoughts in another place.

But I’ve been working on changing that and it has been salve for my soul. Living fully present in the moment knowing that this day, this time, will become a sweet memory for later. I don’t want to miss that.

We did that together last weekend, my youngest girl and I, we spent time enjoying all the moments. I set aside my to-do list and we had no agenda. We shopped, we chatted, we ate, we hung out with family, we tackled the Christmas tree, and we hung ornaments.

My heart and my thoughts were all there – right there in the living that day. I soaked it up, every single bit of it.

The time it isn’t stopping for anyone. This time is a precious commodity – a real gift. You can’t hold tight enough to keep it from slipping through and there is no getting it back once it is gone. Instead of wishing for the time that used to be there is living to be done today and that, my friends, is gold.

Will you join me in treasuring this gift of time?

I’m joining in with Emily today, unwrapping the gift of time.

Five Minute Friday :: Tired

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:24:00 +0000

Today I’m linking up with The Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday.

The rules are simple, write for just 5 minutes on the prompt she gives.

Here we go. Ready? Begin.
:::
Tired

The expectations they come mostly from my own self. The wishing I was more and different and better. Striving. Stress. Worry. Fear. Insecurity.

Those feelings, the emotions they will run me ragged if I let them. They are forceful and demanding – they push their way in and take up more space than they should.

Well, I’ve decided they aren’t the boss of me anymore. And just that lightens the load.

I’ve been letting all of that go lately. Learning to rest and breathe a little deeper. Walking and living and enjoying the very moments I’m in.

The burden it feels a little lighter. The peace it goes deeper.

And He gives a tired heart rest.

:::

The End.

She is Kind, She is Beautiful, She is Wise

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:07:00 +0000

“Every day is a gift.”
My Grandma
Thanksgiving 2011

My Grandma – she sat across from me at the Thanksgiving table this year. Her hair all white and she is beautiful.

I think of how the times have changed. I remember Thanksgiving meals at my grandma’s house when I was a child – it was always stunning. The chandelier that hung above the elegant Thanksgiving table at her house then now hangs in my bedroom.

Time has moved quickly on and now I’m the adult hosting Thanksgiving. It seems strange, I know my kids are grown and I even have grandkids but, inside my head I don’t feel old enough to host Thanksgiving. But that is beside the point, I suppose.

She didn’t have a lot of words to say that day but the ones she spoke were golden. A real treasure. As we went around the table that day and shared what we are thankful for she simply said, “every day is a gift”.

I smiled big and blinked back tears as I listened to her words.

My granny graced this world on a January day in 1919. She has lived many days and she sees them all as a gift. I want to be like her. She speaks wisdom and truth.

Every day the sun rises and the sun sets. It paints the sky shades of pink and orange. And every day we live and breathe. It is a gift – the everyday living and the living every day.

Even when the skies are grey and hide the shining sun. Or the rains fall or the wind blows. All of it signs of life. And life is a gift – every single moment of it.

Sometimes my eyes get blurry and my heart forgets the gift of it all. But Granny reminded me on the day we gathered and gave thanks.

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Linking today with Tuesdays Unwrapped

A Full Heart {Gifts 211–225}

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:11:00 +0000

photo credit

It has been several days full of giving thanks and family and laughter. And I’m wishing it could just continue on and on. But there is work to return to, laundry to be washed, and routines to get back to. And family who will pack their bags in preparation for the return flight across the ocean.

Thanksgiving day brought with it the making of memories and time spent with the ones we love. There was the table that stretched from the dining room to the family room and the turkey napkin rings made by my mom when I was just a girl. There were zesty carrots, sour cream onions and cider of the sparkling kind.

Generations gathered ‘round the table that day – from my granny to my daughter and parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and my great-aunt Barb. We went around the table and talked of what we are thankful for – we spoke of family, jobs, shelter, freedom to worship God, and godly heritage. And granny she said at her age “each day is a gift”.

There were many a rousing round of Ratuki played, Bananagrams and Zilch for the milder folk. There was lots of laughter and the house was loud.

And then on Friday we did it all over again.

The gifts are many, my heart is full and I’m so very thankful.

:::::
Counting toward 1000 gifts
family members who all contribute to the making of the big Thanksgiving meal ~ a warm cup of coffee with my mom’s homemade biscotti ~ a home that allows us to stretch out three tables long and sit together for a meal ~ more than enough ~ a much deserved time away from work for my husband ~ all the kids and grandkids together ~ playing games ~ an evening out with all our kids ~ rest ~ laughter ~ freedom ~ conversations with siblings ~ my granny ~ grace ~
every good and perfect gift that comes from Him

Contentment or Apathy?

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:10:00 +0000

I’ve been thinking about something lately. I haven’t thought it through completely but today, if you don’t mind, I’m going to pound out my thoughts here on the blog.

I don’t currently have any big-huge-out-of-my-reach kind of dreams I’m chasing after. And know this, I don’t think there is a single thing wrong with having big dreams. It’s just that I don’t have any right now. Sure I’ve got some goals – I’d like to loose some weight, and we are working like crazy on Dave Ramsey’s baby steps. But nothing huge like write a book or travel the world and the seven seas.

It’s just that I want to live this life I'm living to the fullest. To be fully present with both my heart and my thoughts. Not dreaming of what if and I hope so. Not striving for more and different and bigger and better.

Sometimes when I’m busy striving for more I think I miss out on the good that is in today. And I think right here and right now God has a plan. And what if I don’t let God have His way today cause I’m too consumed in striving for something different than what I’m currently living?

So for now I’m tossing the what-if, the I-hope-so, and the someday out and I living in the day, in the moment to moment.

I wonder, am I struck with a bit of apathy? Apathy that says don’t go for bigger ‘cause what if you don’t get there? Don’t dream of more ‘cause if you don’t have those kind of expectations then you won’t feel the let down if the dream is never fulfilled.

Or could it be that I am finally getting a glimpse of contentment? Is this what contentment feels like? To be totally good with what is going on in my little life and not dreaming of living something different. To want to live so fully present that I see God so big and clear in the daily stuff.

Is real life contentment this feeling of not hoping that God will use me someday and realize that He already is right here right in the midst of my everyday. I don’t want to wish a single minute of it away.

Is contentment found in living fully today? Living today all while loving, serving, and trusting the One who knows the future? Not being consumed with thoughts of ‘I hope someday’, but trusting Him to guide my steps today.

Having those big dreams - I really think those can be good things. God inspired even. But for me I need to examine the state of my heart.

If I’m always striving for the big dream, for the someday, for the if-only I seem to be missing out on the moment. And God is doing some good stuff in the daily moments.

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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