The Loser Cruiser--by Linda Kozar

When Babes With A Beatitude releases in December, you'll get to read all about my Loser Cruiser! That's a VAN to the uninitiated. A standard Mommy mobile!

Mine is a 2000 Toytota Sienna with lots of mom miles on it. I drove the girls to soccer, basketball, baseball, swim and tennis practices, gymnastics, dance, art and music lessons, movies, the mall and everything in between.

I'm quite certain there are runaway French fries and Cheerios in the dark chasms between the seats. Milkshakes and orange sodas left permanent stains on the carpet. The leather seats are worn and cracked. The door handle on the left passenger side comes right off! There's a picture of me holding it in my hand! Take a gander at that!

Don't get me wrong--I've loved every minute in my loser cruiser, but feel that it's time to think about trading it in. My kids are grown up and I've grown out of the need to drive a van. I'm ready for something sporty, fun and RED! Maybe polka dot! Or Leopard! WOOHOO.

But not quite yet. I'm still teaching my 16 year old to drive. That's where owning a loser cruiser comes in handy!

The thing I love most about my cruiser though are my RAPTURE READY FISH on the back of the VAN. That's right. Like many other Christian families out there, I express my faith to the world by attaching a silver metal fish, one for each member of my family, (the Biggest One represents Jesus) to the rear bumper of my vehicle. HOWEVER, with me, there's always a twist!

I pointed my fish facing upward. WHY? Because they're ready for Jesus to come back and RAPTURE them! Do I hear an AMEN???

So let me know what you think. I hope that many of you will feel inspired enough to slap some RAPTURE READY fish to your vehicle.

WOO HOO! Jesus is coming back!!!

Summer--and the living's easy. . .by Linda Kozar

When I think of lazy summer days, I can't help remembering many summers past. The sun-washed picture above is from a family vacation a year ago--in Destin, Florida. Michael, the girls and I were on a virtually deserted beach at sunset--like we were the only people in the whole entire world. As the sun began to descend, it embellished everything with a golden glow--a true Midas touch. Even the shells looked glorious!

In the cast of that golden light, I thought about the Lord and how His light changes the way we look at everything. The very moment a person is born again, the world begins to look different and so do we. In fact, nothing will never look the same again. The lens of God's love has a very different focus. When we see people with the love of Christ, compassion wells up inside. When we look upon our Father's world, we see its infinite beauty and complexity.

So today, whether you stand alone upon a windswept beach, upon a majestic mountain with a breathtaking panorama below, or in a lawn chair by a kiddie pool, rejoice in the light of the Lord and in the day He has made for you.

"Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen on you" Isaiah 60:1 KJV

Traveling Thoughts

Last week, my husband and I took a trip to Washington, D.C. There was much to see and do, and we wanted to do it all! We rushed around, trying to take in as many museums, monuments, and special exhibits that we could find. No matter how hard we tried, though, we weren't able to fit everything into the time slot allotted.

On the last day, we had a few hours before heading to the airport. After getting our breakfast coffee and scone, we took a seat in the shop by a big plate glass window. Gazing on the mass of humanity rushing by, we saw many people who seemed on their way to do busy and important things. A jogger, intense in his concentration, shutting out the world with his iphone, and looking only ahead as he focused on his destination. A young businesswoman, her hair perfectly styled, dressed professionally, and having a serious conversation with her male colleague as they were off to solve the world's problems.

And then, we noticed something else. A young family across the street. A mom, dad, and baby in a stroller. They seemed so happy, as they slowly meandered down the road. Looking as if they had nowhere in particular to go, but happy just the same, enjoying just being together on a week-end morning.

I realized we hadn't been much different than all those other bustling, busy Washingtonians. Even though we were on vacation, we were rushing around like the world would come to an end if we didn't see this exhibit, or that monument. When instead, we could have been enjoying the moment. The sun on our faces, the freedom to not have to be anywhere or do anything in particular.

Isn't that what God wants for us? He doesn't speak in the earthquake, but in the still, small voice. He wants us to stop rushing around, be still, and listen to Him.

"Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,

like a weaned child who no longer cries for it's mother's milk.

Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me."

Psalm 131:2

Musings on a Last School Lunch--by Linda Kozar

At 6:00 this morning as I stumbled out of bed, I realized that today--Tuesday, June 2nd is a milestone. It is the day I make my Senior her very last school lunch. The last day I pack a familiar brown bag with an apple, homemade oatmeal cookies, pretzels, a fruit roll-up and a peanut butter 'n jelly sandwich. . .the culmination of 12 years.

So I sat down to write my daughter a special note. It's not the first time I've tucked a special note into her lunch, but today will be the last. . .

Here it is:

Lunch Bag Blues

Ham, turkey, peanut butter and jelly--even pasta salad I've packed in your lunch,

'Cause I am your mother

And I love you a BUNCH,

Now this is the last one

Enjoy it my honey,

Now you have to go into the world and make money!

(after college, that is),

So when you eat a Hot Pocket

in your messy dorm room,

Think of the lunches I packed for noon,

They were packed with goodies

from below to above,

But the most important part of your lunch

was my love.

Love you forever my honeybunch!

Mom

Am I done with making lunches? No way. I have two more years of lunches to make for my youngest daughter. And I will relish every minute of it!

Pictures From Our Flip Flop Exchange!

(From Left: Linda, Maria, Dannielle, Margaret, Jill, Beth)
(From Left: Jill and Beth)
Dannelle tries her flops on for size!

Susan! Connie!

A Flowery flip flop Sonnet

Hello ladies! Our babes group just had our annual flip flop exchange, and it inspired me to write a little something about one of my favorite summer accessories.

I love flip-flops. There's something about them that signals summertime and happy days....the gentle flap, flap of rubber hitting concrete; the fresh air tickling my feet; all those pretty, painted toenails coming out of hiding....kids and adults running screaming from the fire ants (Oops! Sorry, I think that's just in Texas). Ok, even with the fire ants, I STILL love flip flops, so here goes:

How do I love my flip flops, let me count the ways:

I love them in the summer, when my feet are fancy-free;

I love them in the winter, in Houston, you will see;

I love them in the springtime, even in the rain;

I love them in the fall, though the days are on the wane.

I love them when it's sunny, 'cuz my feet get toasty tan.

I love them when it's cloudy, I can still be somewhat glam.

I love them when it's raining, they won't fall all apart.

My flip flops, I love you, you're dear to my heart!

Enjoy!

Our Second-to-Last Study of the Spring Semester!

(From left top): Beth, Margaret,

(Bottom): Jill, Mensure', Connie, Kate

(Below): Linda in the middle

Our Babes With A Beatitude study last week at Beth's beautiful home. We squeezed in  two chapters of Revelation, then adjoured to the dining room to choose scrapbook supplies from a catalogue for a mission friend overseas. She wants to work on card crafts with the local ladies. 

We headed out from there to a delicious TexMex lunch at Rico's.#

This past Tuesday, we completed our study of the Book of Revelation. It was an uplifting, utterly amazing year, studying end-time events--one that none of us will ever forget.

Afterward, we exchanged summer flip flops with one another. Hopefully, some of the Babes who took foot pictures will post them! C'mon ladies!

Then we went to lunch at Buca d'Pepo's and since there were ten of us--were able to sit in the Pope room! There's just nothing like a poly-resin image of the pope encased in plexyglass resting atop a lazy susan, to ramp up the excitement over lunch. . .hehe

Our immediate goal was not to eat--but to make our solemn waiter crack a smile! We were about to say grace when the young man came into the room and asked if we needed anything else. Dannelle, a mischievous twinkle in her eye, asked him, "Wanna say grace?" To our surprise, he immediately agreed and a small smile lit up his face. Turns out he was a devout young Christian who happened to be in a serious mood that day. From that point on though, he smiled A LOT! 

Keep visiting the Babes Blog and Web Site!  We'll get those pictures up soon!

Blessings--Linda

Confessions of a (Mostly) Happy Childhood

What are you thankful for from your childhood? Think back, on things big or little, and ponder how God was with you as a child, shepherding you, and nurturing you, with his loving care.

Growing up in a lovely, old neighborhood in a mid-size town in Oklahoma, I had a childhood pretty much like many other Americans. Dinner at the same time every night, regardless of whether we were hungry or not, watching Carol Burnett and Bob Newhart on TV on Saturday nights, playing on the "jungle-gym" in an elementary school yard.

I certainly had nothing to complain of, well-fed and clothed.....except for one thing. I lived on a dead-end street where there were no other children to play with. Because there weren't any other kids around, I learned how to entertain myself. I played with all the neighbors' dogs that I could, and if the grown-ups were outside working in the garden I'd pester them to death until they let me join in their activities.

One neighbor, in particular, was very accomodating. She and her husband allowed me to have free reign in her backyard, which was wonderful. They had a double lot, with the back part being a wide open field. Her property was filled with unusual trees, shrubs, and flowers, a perfect setting for a magic kingdom. Of course this made for endless possibilities for my imagination. I spent many hours being a fairy princess reigning over her subjects: all the plants, and animals, especially the dogs!

The most wondrous thing about this particular neighbor, however, was the basement in her house. It was filled with childrens' books, old hand puppets, and all kinds of tchotchkes to catch the interest of a nine year old girl. I spent hours down there in the summer, soaking up the stories in the books, from Russian fairy tales to "How to take care of your Pomeranian."

Most of the time, I was a regular kid, just trying to get through school, (and figure out how to get out of my chores!) Not much power over her life. But at my neighbors' house I was transformed into Wendy or Dorothy or whoever I wanted to be. Those childhood experiences have shaped me in ways I never imagined. Today, I still love to read and escape from the humdrum of life by writing and reading.

What about you? Do you have a special place or memory of your childhood? Even in the most difficult times the Lord will provide a light for us. What did He provide for you? Remember and be thankful to him. God can use our experiences, no matter what they are, to grow and mature us to be more like Him.

Ode to Little Debbie Spinwheels--By Jill McKechnie

Yes, I know this isn't exactly a devotional, but with summer coming up, and childhood memories returning, I thought, why not?

Little Debbie Spinwheels, your looks are so fine,

When I hold you in my hand, I feel so divine,

your dough is exquisite, your flavor so tasty,

Brown sugar & cinnamon so crunchy and flaky;

Little Debbie Spinwheels I'm glad you are mine,

 I savor every bite when I'm in a bind;

 your middle, how gooey, your color, how pretty

Peeling away your goodness makes me quite dizzy

Little Debbie I've loved you since I was a kid,

But if I gain weight, from you I'll be hid!

ANNUAL FLIP FLOP EXCHANGE!

Dear Babes,

Before our spring Bible study on the Book of Revelation ends this month, we're going to have a Flip Flop Exchange Lunch!

Email your shoe size to me privately and on Tuesday, May 26th we'll have lunch after our last meeting and exchange our flip flops. Last year we waited till August to exchange them, but it makes more sense to exchange them now, as summer is almost upon us.

SO email those shoe sizes to me ASAP and I will jumble them all up and assign you someone to buy for.

Blessings--

Linda