And there was rain...

For days there have been predictions of coming rain in our desert region.  We joke that our area has an umbrella over it because often times the rain and clouds consume everything except what is our little town.  My husband prays for the rain every day.  He adds it in every prayer, hoping for that breath of fresh, desert air of cleansed sky and earth.  The day of prediction came and was bright and sunny as ever.  My first thought was to question who was the predictor of this flurry of rainstorms coming to our little town.  The second thought was, oh the poor guy isn't going to get what he prayed for...again.  The day began with our trip to church and home, still sunny as ever.  He walked outside to take the trash and said he felt a little droplet of moisture.  I was sure it was the neighbor's sprinklers across the street, and that the wind (which has happened before) carried it over to us.  "Nope!"  was his reply.  "It's rain", he said.  As I sat looking through my Pinterest posts and talking to my sister-in-law, I heard a wonderful little sound and then I saw a wonderful little sight.  I looked out our window, and to my serious surprise, I saw sheets of rain coming down.  It was still somewhat sun-shiny and it caught me a little off guard.  As I stood to look outside, I noticed the rain pouring off the house and realized we had quite the rainstorm ensuing. 
Is it any wonder that those things we pray for come at seemingly unexpected times.  All may appear to be going one way, and then an answer to our prayer comes in sheets and begins pouring until we are full of the little blessings from heaven.  This was a great lesson in trusting in promised blessing, endure to the end and not to misjudge that umbrella for a halo, because one opens the windows of heaven, the other keeps them from coming in.

Reflecting on 9.11

Originally posted on the "AsAMoM," website Sept. 2011

By: Kami Watkins

While looking back over the past ten years of how our world has changed I had to pause and reflect on what has transpired since September 11th, 2001.  I remember that day, as many do, like it was yesterday.  It was as if time had stopped for those moments of tragedy, when all of the world shook at the loss and devastation that was here in America. 

Most of us can recall where we were that day, ten years ago.  For days and weeks we watched and waited and wondered if any survivors would be found.    I remember to my sadness when they stopped hearing sounds of life.  It then became a recovery effort.  With dedication and compassion workers would spend numerous years clearing the area.  Not realizing then, the lasting affects it would have on their health.  Service with sacrifice, a common theme among those with that unyielding American spirit.

As a lasting remembrance of both the 1993 and 2001 terrorist attacks, the touching memorial, “Reflecting Absence,” designed by architect Michael Arad from New York, was erected in the space where the two towers stood.  The 16 acre site is a living memorial to that day as former Governor George Pataki states, “This memorial will be a special place to remember the thousands of lives cut short and recall the spirit and love of freedom which prevailed. Future generations will be able to reflect upon the enormous loss and understand our pledge to never forget the heroes from the tragic events”(1).

The Memorial Plaza is adorned with living tributes.  Chosen for its longevity and resilience the Swamp White Oak tree lives on average 300+ years.  Many of the trees were chosen within 500 miles of the WTC, while some were also collected from other places that were impacted by the attacks, like Pennsylvania.  One of the areas within the Plaza is the Memorial Glade used for gatherings which has a special place reserved for the Callery Tree, one of the trees that made it through the 911 attacks.

The main focal point in the memorial park are the two waterfalls, “Reflecting Absence.”  Each represent the void left by the Twin Towers-  the void in the earth, in our hearts and in our country-of each citizen lost in these attacks.  What better way to fill that void than by using life sustaining water -the source of renewal- a sanctifying symbol of life.  The continuous flow of water pouring into the hallowed spaces, likewise fills my heart.  Each person’s name has not only been etched in the sides of the waterfalls, but their memory has been etched in our hearts like a sweet melody.  A melody composed of two towers…that of love, and life.

 Resources:

(1) http://gizmodo.com/5838844/how-reflecting-absence-became-americas-most-expensive-public-memorial

Diabolical EvoluShun!

I talked with my Dad on the phone the other day about the debates and what Chris Matthews asked Santorum after the interviews.  I didn't see the entire debate, however what he asked Santorum made me think.  Mattews insinuated that Santorum avoided commenting on moral issues of same-sex marriage, abortion, etc... Then he brings up the evolution card and insists that it was avoided by all the GOP candidates.  Santorum falls into the trap saying that he would have answered it had he been given the question.  So, like all liberal leftists, Matthews presses an irrelevant issue till it's answered in a 'not-note-worthy' kind of way just to make any GOP candidate look ridiculous.  Well, I think each party has plenty of clowns on each side and looking ridiculous isn't as bad as sounding so.  Now while some may think that Santorum was shunning the question or evading it altogether he at least gave some vague idea on where he stands.  I have to ask...'what was the question again?'  I've forgotten already.

My thought is this: 
God created all living things.  Fact #1.
God created man in His image.  Fact #2.
They refer to evolution as the 'theory,' of evolution for a reason...it's only theoretical!  There is no fact.
Like all created things I believe that there was a period of adjustment and learning to perfect each creation.  However, as evidenced by that question, we can all see that some creations need a little more work than others. hint! hint! Matthews!

Joy of...Life!

I had the thought yesterday of recording the daily blessings I receive as evidence that they are there.  We all forget those simple blessings.  The one's we all too often take for granted.  So I did!  And the realization was that I am ever so blessed in this life..."men [and women] are that they might have joy." 
Kids off to school without too much drama.
Heart to Heart with my daughter.
I maintained my cool, when usually I don't!
The sun was shining...hot!  Then the clouds came and offered relief.
My garden is sprouting!  yah!  Last season the birds ate my sprouts.
My healing balm worked wonders on our dog who was injured.
I said my prayers.
Read my scriptures.
Family Night this week...even though it was more like a divide and conquer kind of event, we had it!  Even if it was just me and Sweden.
I stuck to my guns on discipline with the Drama Queen...
Talked with a friend.

Life!

Love it!
Live it!
Believe in it!
Give it!

Chase it!
Face it!
Stand for it!
Grace it!


by: Kami Watkins

Wow! It's been that long since I've even looked on this blog? Ouch!

Hello World!
I have to say Merry Happy New Year 2011!  Whoot whoot!!!  Hope you are all enjoying life.  I have started my year off right for the first time in oh, say...8 years, and went back to the gym.  Pilates, Zumba, love them both.  I am glad to hear from so many of you this year.  I will try to keep up with all you blogging mommies, which seems near impossible, but I'll try!  I haven't posted in for....ever, on any of my blogs.  I am soooo grateful for many many things.  I will say that this year I will endeavor to be more involved in shedding light on the good, and focusing on the Savior and improving myself physically, spiritually, intellecutally and bombastically!  Booya!  Love you all and try to find your happy place each day!
-JustMeJustMom....Just making memories!

I have a fabulous link to http://www.asamom.org it is amazing and worth the visit.  If you love and want to preserve our Constitution, prove that a love of God is what this Country and our Families are founded upon, take a peek, sign up and get informed. 

just so you know!

I have a few confessions.  Not necessary by any means to prove anything, just so things are clear and you don't have to wear those "rose" colored glasses.

I don't mop my floor each week.  Sometimes it's a couple weeks before it happens.

My bed is unmade every day...we're just gonna jump back in anyway.

I have a laundry room that resembles more of a haystack.

I don't always shut my dresser drawers, cause I'm sure I'll need something in a minute or two.

I love cleanliness, but don't always have it around.

I even love gardening, but it's always a masterpiece in the making.  

Perfect (fake) people annoy me... 

I love colour: paint, crayons, the sky, the grass...anything bold and beautiful, I love to look at.

I lie to my doctor.  No I don't exercise every single day for 30 minutes or more.  Well, if you count running after kids and in and out of the vehicle for taxiing services, well, then yes!

I love a good massage.

I enjoy happy, truly happy people, not those that hide behind a facade of happiness.  

Smiling can actually make you happier...really!  

Happy kids, make for a happy Mom, Happy wife, makes for a Happy Life...so true!
The most valuable character assets a person can have are, integrity, loyalty and the pure love of Christ.