Remembering Rich...

is not a particularly happy activitiy - since Rich died 10 years ago yesterday. But, on the other hand, Rich's legacy in my life does bring me much happyness. I listened to his music yesterday while treadmilling and it still has such power in my spirit and my soul. The conviction in his voice and the honesty of his words challenge and inspire me, no matter how many times I've heard them. My life would be far less fulfilled if not for the Rich-man's music, so here's to you Rich, for being such a willing instrument of Abba - and here's to You, Abba, for creating such a unique, glory giving child. No wonder You took him to heaven so soon. Happyness is Rich Mullins.

Treadmilling

Happyness is having my very own treadmill and actually using it faithfully! I feel so much better physically, mentally, and spiritually since the Bowers gifted me with their treadmill. I listen to spiritual tapes while walking and it is a great way to spend time in the Word, while being a good steward of the temple of the Holy Spirit. I love treadmilling! Is that a word? Well, it is now!

Time flies...

when you don't have DSL anymore! I haven't posted in a few months; we no longer have DSL, so the computer is verra slow! I did, however, have a happy summer despite no blogging. Joe was home and Haley was home from school and the summer passed quickly and peacefully. I was able to go home to mom and dad's for 10 days, and also saw Randy and family and Rick, too, which made me verra happy! So, happyness if family!! In the summer!

Baby Birds

Happyness is finding a bird's nest in the rhodedendrum bush in front of my house and discovering there are two baby birds there. They are so cute, but ugly! Though they are new born, they seem close to death - barely able to breathe and with big beaks open and waiting for worms. There is another nest up in the corner of our front porch. Momma bird only leaves when we come out the front door. She stays nearby perched on a wire, watching. Haley found two eggs there as well. Soon we will hear the tiny chirps of two more newborns. What a blessing to be a home for these sweet creations.

Haven on the Hill

Our house has always been a "haven on the hill" for me. Even though it has been an old, decrepit farm house, its setting on the hill next to the woods has been a restful escape, especially in the early mornings when all is quiet except for the birds and an occassional passing vehicle. The past three weeks our homestead has been getting a face lift - soon the siding will be finished and a new front door, windows, gutters and shutters will be in place. It makes me happy to see a new look on an old friend. It is now a "shining haven on the hill" - nice and bright and white.

Brothers Keeper

Kenton preached a sermon yesterday on sibling relationships, reminding us that we are our 'brothers keepers'. I love my brothers and I want to be their keeper, in the sense that I love them and care for them, even from a distance. I talked to Rick last night and I emailed Randy and will try to stay in closer contact with them both. Even though I am the baby sister, it doesn't mean I can't be their keeper, right? My brothers are treasures and thinking of them this morning makes me happy.

"Everywhere I go...

...I'm looking." This is a lyric from a Rich Mullins song. I have identified with it as long as I've worshipped to Rich Mullins' songs. Happyness is walking in the sunshine, seeing all the beauty around me - "there's so much beauty around me, for just two eyes to see...everywhere I go, I'm looking." Spring has finally sprung here in Williamsport, and my walks have begun again. Hearing the birds, seeing a blue sky, watching the buds open on the trees...laughing at the antics of the squirrels. One can't help but smile. And smiles are a reflection of happyness.