What Beauty Have You Encountered? (Friendly Friday)

Women bring beauty into this world . . . beauty that inspires and invites.  True beauty that has nothing to do with society's definition of outward beauty and everything to do with the beauty that God bestows.  In honor of Mother's Day, I want to take time to celebrate that, so I'm testifying to the beauty I've encountered lately.

my sister's voice

contagious joy

my mother's hands

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry

tender love

unashamed worship

Ann's thoughts

my daughter's eyes

chubby hands holding dandelions

my best friend loving her boys

a first grader's gap-toothed smile framed by pigtails

my mother-in-love's dimples

freckles

snowy white hair

laugh lines

baby belly buttons!

It's Friendly Friday.  I ask; you answer.

What beauty have you encountered lately?

Inspire us. . . and Happy Mother's Day to you.

What Beauty Have You Encountered? (Friendly Friday)

An Early-Late Love Letter

Dear Mom,

I know it's not quite Mother's Day, but I am sure this is still past due. 
Today, I want to say thank you for the countless.

Countless
     books read
     cookies bake
     sweaters knitted
     meals made
     skinned knees bandaged
     hearts mended
     seeds planted
     clothes washed
     games played
     behavior corrected
     patience practiced

Countless
     words spared
     time sacrificed
     money spent
     surprises sprung
     offenses forgiven
     kisses flown
     hugs given
     seams sown
     sleep lost
     lessons taught
   
For the countless acts of mother-love to this stubborn-daughter heart . . . thank you.

Love,
Me

Your  . . .

An Early-Late Love Letter