Tuesday, July 13, 2010

What You See

Instead of leaving town on a vacation this month, we decided to staycation.  In fact, we're creating our own vacation spot in the back yard. We have a patio area in the lower, larger part of the yard but I found I wasn't using it much because I really prefer smaller, more intimate areas.  I like the courtyard feel.  So Rick is putting in a new patio for me in the smallest section of the yard.   Here it is in progress:


Once it's done I can't wait to furnish it, fill some pots with flowers and herbs, and then fix an ice coffee and do my Bible study out here in the mornings. What should I put out here? An outdoor sofa?  A table and chairs?  A fire pit?  Tikki torches??  I need creative input.

We also joined Netflixs for the summer so we've been grilling most nights and then watching some movies.  Last night I finally saw The Blind Side.  Have you seen it?  Tremendous story.  Yesterday I talked with a friend who told me the story of a friend of hers.  This woman, here in Wilmington, had learned of a homeless teen attending a local high school.  The girls' attendance, however, was dropping off as she got more involved with life on the street.  So this woman - who lives in one of the nicest sections of town - took the girl in.  It was a very Blind Side sort of thing. 

However, the girl wound up running away- choosing to go back to the streets and back to her gang.  It was as if she just couldn't handle the drastic transition. Very sad.

As I watched The Blind Side I noticed that Michael managed to keep his heart pure despite his terrible past. One scene towards the end revealed how.  He tells his adoptive mother that whenever he was confronted with violence, sex or drug use as a child, he would simply close his eyes and not watch.

He refused to look at it.  That seems overly simple. And maybe it is.  But just this Sunday I heard my pastor say, "What you see determines the direction you will go."  Hum. Do you agree?

If that is true, I feel it is important to start my days by seeing and savoring Christ.  That way I'll be more inclined to follow Him. I'll let Him determine the direction I should go.

Praying for that local girl back on the streets.

6 comments:

  1. I do agree with your last paragraph...I believe what we see, what we choose to look at or focus on, will definitely affect, influence and try to direct us! Luke 11:34 - The lamp of your body is your eye; when your eye is clear, your whole body is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness.

    I am loving the back yard idea....I'm thinking big comfy sofa! You know you gotta be comfy with your ice coffee and bible! I have an area I am wanting to revamp for that same purpose. Can't wait to see the finished project!

    As for our vacay...not so much of a staycation this month...headed to Disney World (from Texas) in an RV with 4 adults, 2 teens, and 3 children! Pray! :)

    OH..and I LOVE the Blind Side!

    XO

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  2. Yay for vacation spots in our own backyard! I have one of my own complete with a firepit. Not too fancy but with a few lounge chairs and a beautiful oak tree for shade what more do I need? I do love it and it is a great spot for my quiet time. I'm with Shelly, go with the comfy couch. It'll be great once you gather all your ideas and put them together to create your special spot.

    Also, love the Blind Side - great movie with a great message - and movie nights with the family. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

    Blessings to you today,
    Pam

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  3. Love your new patio area in progress! Please share the finished product!

    I noticed Rick is using sand as a foundation. We have wanted to put pavers in our backyard in an area next to our cement patio but it's not level. Is sand the way to go?

    Please let me know!
    Renee

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  4. Loving the new patio! Definitely a sofa, chair and table if you are doing devotions out there. Fire pit sounds like fun. And torches are a must! :) Do show us the finished patio!

    The quote reminds me of something Charles Stanley once said, "We come like what (or Who) we focus on most." Similar to direction...

    Hugs,
    Sharon

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  5. Patio...mauuuvaahluus!! The more comfy the better. Fire pit could be a plus for the winter evenings.

    Blind Side..love, love, love it!

    Looking forward to seeing the finished pictures.

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  6. AnonymousJuly 15, 2010

    I start my day seeing Christ as well. And I love it!

    We're supposed to be re-doing our patio and backyard as well...before August! We've looked at flowers and patio furniture.

    I usually don't take vacations in the summer, too hot for me! A vacation to the backyard is plenty! :)

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