Tender Truth in Yet Another Children's Book

    The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery was published in 1943 and has been translated into over 180 languages. That ought to be proof enough of the enduring nature of this tender and touching fable. I remember thinking when I read it for the first time (as a young woman, not a child) that it was really a book for adults. But now that I am old I get it. I really get it.
    I had specifically remembered (with some approximation of correctness) two quotes from the book, but when I pulled the book back out to reread it, I realized that nearly every page contained a pearl of wisdom. The book reminded me of all the people I have loved who have moved on. Some have moved away from me physically, some metaphorically, and some have passed beyond the borders of this world to take up their citizenship in heaven. These are the lucky ones who have come into their "becoming," and are no longer strangers, aliens, or sojourners in this place.
     Yet, no matter the circumstance of people loved and lost, I find myself able to be thankful for each of these and for what I have learned from them in their passage through my life. I especially like to think that for those who are in heaven, our relationship is simply waiting 'til the day we can resume it again.

Here are some of my favorite passages and images from this altogether lovely book.

 

Source: google.com via Jessie on Pinterest

“I wonder,” he said, “whether the stars are set alight in heaven 

so that one day each one of us may find his own again...” 

“I have lived a great deal among grown-ups. I have seen them intimately, close at hand. And that hasn’t much improved my opinion of them.” 

Then you shall judge yourself, 

that is the most difficult thing of all. 

It is much more difficult to judge 

oneself than to judge others. 

If you succeed in judging yourself rightly, 

then you are indeed a man of true wisdom.

Source: google.com via Crystal on Pinterest

Well, I must endure the presence of two or three caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies. It seems that they are very beautiful.

I hope if you have not yet made The Little Prince's acquaintance, 

that you will do so in the very near future. 

Real...a Profound Truth in a Child's Book

  We all know that sometimes the wisest words come from the simplest of places. Thus, it is no surprise that children's books are often filled with indelible truths...truths that stay with you long after the books themselves have been returned to the shelf.
     The Velveteen Rabbit is one such book. It has long been a favorite of mine. My dear Momma gave each of my children a copy one year for Christmas when they were very young, and as I read the book to each child, it became his or her favorite, as well. I cannot wait for the opportunity to share the timeless story with the next generation. I think Little One is just about ready.
    Moreover, at this juncture of my life, I am drawn once again to the poignant story and the wisdom found in this very lovely children's story by Margery Williams.

Source: photos2.meetupstatic.com via Rachel on Pinterest

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Source: amazon.com via Helen on Pinterest

As I have reconsidered Margery Williams' words, the application to my faith journey is obvious. 

The truth is that Real is what my faith is all about. 

Real is The Way that has been made for me.

It began in a manger, revealed its purpose on a cross, and found its victory in an empty tomb.

Real is the gift freely offered to me. 

A gift I can never deserve, but a gift nonetheless.

It is who I am, what I believe that I am becoming and what I long to be.

It is the now, the not yet, the promise of what is to come, and the everlasting.

It is a conundrum. 

Real means having my heart of stone become a heart of flesh.

It means dying to self. 

It means letting go.

It means vulnerability.

Authenticity.

And a stripping away of the vain things that charm me most. 

Real means freedom.

It means moving closer and closer and closer to the

loving arms of the Savior.

It means leaning so near to Him that I feel his breath on my face.

It means never wanting to leave His embrace.

No matter what it costs.

all photos from Pinterest

My Treasure Chest

   Where your treasure is, there your heart will be...

 I am a blessed woman.

 My treasure chest is filled to overflowing with the love of three little people. 

In case you haven't guessed, they are my precious grandbabies!

And when they call me Nonna, I melt...

just like warm chocolate!

Happy Valentine's Day

Super Duper Super Bowl, Part II

   I know that I promised highlights of the game, but I could resist this picture of Alicia Keys and that white grand piano...

Ouch!

The clock ticks down on Super Bowl 47 as the longest Super Bowl in history comes to an end...

The Ravens held on to win...

  And thoroughly enjoyed their celebration!

Despite the fact that The Husband and Bear were both pulling for the 49'ers, 

a good time was had by both!

A Super Duper Time at the Super Bowl, Part I

    The Husband didn't even notice the power failure at the Super Bowl...he already thought that Beyonce danced the lights out in her half-time show. He only regrets that he and son number three (also known as Bear) were on the wrong side of the field to catch most of the action. However, the action he caught was plenty....as his pictures will readily testify!

 I don't think he got close enough, do you?

I was also fascinated by some of the pregame activities. 

Can you believe that Rachael Ray fixed a recipe using "Ritz Crackers?"

 I must say that even Greg Gumbel and Shannon Sharp look a bit skeptical. I was in shock at Rachael's culinary choice until I remembered that New Orleans is still the South, 

and Ritz Crackers are a gourmet food choice and de rigueur for tailgating down heah, ya'll.

I'm also gonna bet that there is Velveeta hidden somewhere under that table.

 "What?" Boomer is thinking...

 Clay Matthews gets my vote for best looking pony tail at the Super Bowl

Comb-overs are not my favorite thing...
not to mention that tie.
Chris Berman definitely missed his appointment
with his Super Bowl wardrobe consultant.

Below are Marshall Faulk and Warren Sapp having a little tete-a-tete.

Warren to Marshall: "Wait, you have a hair out of place...your only hair, I might add."

Actually, I think that they are taking pictures of Jennifer Hudson

with their iPhones. I don't blame them.

"No way...." 

Watch out, Warren Sapp, 'cause you are about to get the finger...(not that finger)

the big red finger from Stuart Scott...Booyah!

I'll be back tomorrow with highlights of the game, for those of you who care...