Doe, A Deer....

We moved back to the Houston area from Ohio last summer. Our criteria for moving back revolved around these two things: 1) to live outside of Harris County, where the crime and taxes are high, and 2) live close enough to our church so we could easily get there for the many activities and services. We were able to find some land north of Houston and built our home here.

The nicest thing about where we live is that we are close enough to enjoy all the benefits of a big city but are far enough out in the "boondocks" to enjoy the wildlife. Our favorite wildlife to enjoy is the many deer that stop by daily for a drink of water or some food. We keep both in our yard, close to the woods behind our house, so that we have visitors all day long.

Lately, we have been visited by a doe and three fawn. We've checked and most does have just one baby at a time and at the most, twins. These three little babies have kept us in awe. We've come to the conclusion that the mamas must take turns looking after the little ones and these babies have possibly two or three different mommies. They differ in size ever so slightly so we're fairly sure this is the case.

Every time these beautiful creatures enter our yard, we stop everything and watch them. They've become accustomed to us and hardly give us a glance and go about their business. I'm in awe of their beauty and can't help but hear this old hymn as I watch them.

As the Deer

As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after You.

You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship You.

[Chorus]

You alone are my strength, my shield, to You alone may my spirit yield.

You alone are my hearts desire and I long to worship You.

I want You more than gold and silver, only You can satisfy.

You alone are the real joy Giver and the apple of my eye.

(Chorus)

You're my friend and You are my brother, even though You are a King.

I love You more than any other, so much more than anything.

(Chorus)

Today, as you go about your daily activities, take a moment to look around and see the many blessings God has put there for you to...n-Joy!

Have a blessed day!

Firsts

Firsts are always exciting. And when you reach a certain age, you begin to realize that you don't have many "firsts" anymore.

There were plenty of great "firsts" when I was younger: first time I rode my bicycle without the training wheels, the first time I rode on a school bus, first time I mowed the lawn, first time I fell off my bicycle and skinned my knees, first time I ever held a baby...lots of firsts. As I've grown older, the "firsts" have become fewer and fewer.

I remember in my twenties when I "first" realized that my "firsts" were dwindling. I was a bit sad about it at the time. Seems silly now that I'm well into my forties to think that I thought my twenties were the end of my "firsts," but at the time, I remember thinking "I need to have a "first."

When I was about 22, a friend of mine was about to open his "first" restaurant. He had invited friends and family to stop by the day before the grand opening to celebrate. As everyone was sitting at a small group of tables talking and listening to music, I began to look around the room. Everything was pristine. There were no stains on the table clothes, no cigarette burns in the carpet, no finger smudges on the jukebox. That's when I got the bright idea that I wanted to be the first person to sit at every booth and every table.

I quietly slipped away from the group and began sitting in every chair and booth in the room. I was about one third of the way through the room, and thinking I was pretty clever to have thought of this, when someone noticed me. I looked up to see everyone staring at me, smiling that nervous smile that says "she looks normal but what in the world is she doing...and is she dangerous?" My friend, the new owner, shouted over the loud music and asked me what in the world I was doing. Without breaking my rhythm I replied, "I'm sitting in every one of your chairs. I want to be the first."

When I had accomplished my goal of sitting everywhere there was a seat, I rejoined the group. Sure, I got some razzing, but it didn't bother me. I had made my own first and I was happy. I even heard a couple of people say they wish they had thought of that.

Okay, so that wasn't the greatest story every told. It was no Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk or first man on the moon, but it leads me to this: This is my first ever blog and at the ripe 'ol age of 47, it feels pretty good to have a first.

I don't know where this will take me. I don't know how often I will post. I don't even know what I'll post. I just know that I want to be an encouragement to whomever happens to stumble upon my little blog. I want everyone who spends a few minutes with me and my thoughts to feel a little better than they did before they read it.

So, here's to firsts! And to those willing to join me on this, my FIRST blog!

Happy First Day!

N-Joy!