Embracing Freedom

Friday..... and a day where we honor our veterans who have served (or are serving) the United States of America.....Happy Veteran's Day, everyone, and a huge thank you to my dad who served in the Korean War, to my father in law who also served in the army at that time, and to my nephew for serving in the National Guard (he is now home and finishing up his last year of college in MA).  Because of men (and women!) like you, we can enjoy our freedoms......!

I'm happy to have the day off from school to do some Xmas shopping and organizing around the house...my husband is also off today, and of course our daughter......but, before my day officially begins, let's look back over the week and reflect on 5 fave things.....Susanne from Living to Tell the Story is our gracious host.  Check out her site to join in!

MY FIVE FAVES!

• MOUNTAIN HIKING WITH FRIEND!  My friend Carla hiked with me up Prospect Mountain on Sunday. It was a gloriously warm day....and the sun was in full shining glory!  Most of the leaves in the eastern Adirondacks are past peak season but there were some glorious yellows left and some burnt oranges....I embraced the freedom I felt hiking up this mountain (although it was my 5th time, and Carla's first).....and the feeling of being so high up, overlooking the Creator's handiwork, really helped my spiritual temperament.  What fun we had and what a challenging climb....I had forgotten just how steep that mountain is.....but we felt great and are so thankful we squeezed in one more hike before the start of the winter season!

looking towards the Green Mountains of Vermont
from summit of Prospect Mountain
Lake George, NY

birch trees on summit of Prospect
overlooking the east-central Adirondacks in background

• OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD BOX!  My 12 yr old daughter and I had the day off from school Tuesday due to Election Day.  She wanted to do some shopping for the shoebox ministry of Samaritan's Purse.  She chose a little girl ages 5-9 and had so much fun choosing items to place in the box.  I had fun watching her choose various items.  She is a generous tween and understands the true meaning of giving to others.  This allowed me to embrace the freedom of enjoying my little girl's excitement AND met my love language of giving gifts.  For Claire, it meant filling her love tank with acts of service.....and spending some quality time with mom.  It was a fun afternoon!

image taken from bestfamilyadvice.com

• AUTUMN SCENTS!  I spent part of every afternoon after work this week in the front yard raking leaves, bagging leaves, trimming back flowers and bushes....preparing for the end of autumn.  I had many moments this week where my senses were just embracing the freedom of being outside.  I love autumn and all that it entails...especially the whiff of crushed leaves....that scent that is very fleeting yet present if one is still and just breathes deeply...I embraced that freedom of deep breathing all through the week when outdoors whether it was walking to my car from the school, or into the ballet studio with Claire.  It's amazing how free-ing just deep breathing in nature really is.....and how peaceful the yard work was!

Our front porch ...er....stoop

• Freedom found in Scripture! There were 2 particular Scriptures that brought a feeling of freedom to my soul this past week.  This one you can read about here.  The other one is this:  "blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!  They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your contenance.  In Your name they rejoice all day long." Psalm 89:15 & 16  Even when I'm feeling a little overwhelmed or starting to feel stressed about something, I can breathe deep, listen for that still, small Voice and worship Him.  There is freedom in the joyful sound of worship....and it will set the tone for our day....worship is not just singing praises to God.  I can worship in nature (while walking and marveling at what the Creator...our Heavenly Father...has done for us...all these good gifts)...worship can be chatting with a friend and savoring the Savior....worship can be just sitting and being still before Him and finding peace and joy to replace stress.....and I can choose JOY!  soooooo much freedom in that choosing....Joy.  Try it.

• HUBBY HUGS!  Dave & I were watching a fave TV program on Wednesday evening (Law and Order: SVU) when I was overcome with a deep love for him......and just that feeling of freedom of being in love....and knowing that I am loved by him.  Just the freedom of loving.....and knowing that we have been friends and lovers for the last 21 years.....and hopefully for 21 more....what freedom we have in that knowledge....the freedom to love and be loved.....and he gives the best hugs!! :)

Dave at the beach house
Thanksgiving 2008
Cape Cod

Do you have some faves from this past week??

And do you have plans for the weekend??

I'm gonna get a head start on wrapping some Xmas gifts..along with errands, housework and finishing up a novel...

have a happy weekend and 

Please share in the comment section!  I'd love to hear from you!