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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Please stand clear of barricades!


Have you ever felt like your life is Under Construction?
Okay, perpetually?

Maybe you want to wear a warning sign to tell the people around you to be careful... this part of me aint so pretty and it's not quiet "finished" yet?

This airport sign kept staring at me while I waited the other morning.
I immediately identified with what the baggage claim area was going through. It was in transition... getting a makeover. You know, being improved! And someone put up some cardboard barricades to cover up the construction and keep not only the work area... but also, the people around it as safe as possible.
Geesh, isn't that like our lives? Our hearts?
I thought about how we try to find prettier ways to transport our baggage whereever we go... or to disguise that it's even there. We invite new people into our lives and get excited about the journey we are on with them. The ride is enjoyable, often times, until we head down to the baggage claim area and begin to collect our luggage.
This got me to thinking about a conversation with a new friend who challenged me about this very subject. One night, during a conversation...there I was, thinking I'm just the picture of openness, sharing and fun. I offered the pretty parts... which I would envision to be the cute little Prada suitcase and maybe my absolutely adorable matching toiletries bag. But he wanted to know what was behind my cardboard wall. He had the audacity (okay, okay..."interest") to inquire about my construction area. He pointed it out... and instead of being repelled by it, came closer and continued to inquire.

(Insert nervous fidgeting and chirping crickets while girl tried to think of some brilliant explaination).

Brilliance... never came.

So since you stopped and read this post... my not-easily-evaded friend, a staring airport sign and I (the fidgety girl) would like to know about your construction areas.
Can you relate? And if so, what does your sign say?
Pondering... as always,
Tray








Thursday, November 26, 2009

Today, I am Thankful for:









  • My sweet sister-friend Valerie, who drove me to the airport at 5 am this morning... to keep me from paying long-term parking fees for the next 5 days. Now THAT'S Love :0)
  • liquid sunshine that came in a red, festive cup at the Nashville airport Starbucks. I was ridiculously excited to try the new Creme Brulee Latte... but unfortunately they were out of syrup. Whoa is me... I had to settle for a Pumpkin Spice latte. (such a hard life ;0)
  • a not-so-packed flight that allowed me to stretch out in comfort and sleep like a baby!
  • an oversleeping sister, Trina... who wasn't there to pick me up when my flight landed 30 mins early. This gave me time to grab my bags, find a quiet space and just kick up my feet for a little bit before all of the busyness began.
  • a bright, smiley 4 year old, Tayo (my nephew)... beaming at me from the backseat... with that signature Dukes Family 1000 watt smile. Be still my heart :0)
  • the love of my Mommy... and the ability to embrace her for the first time since her surgery. Oh God, thank you for the chance to do that again... never, ever will I take a single hug for granted.
  • the joy that flows from my Daddy! When he enters the room, I can't help but get excited. I always have and always will!
  • a sister who is the best delegator I know... and her commandeering of the kitchen to present a Thanksgiving meal fit for Royalty! After all, we are the DUKES family ;)
  • a wonderful after dinner walk and talk with my big brother, Hines... and then a quick trip to the playground with my favorite 4 year old, Tayo!
  • wonderful time spent with one of our greatest family-friends, Vanessa... there's always great laughter and reflection when we get together. You've just gotta love those relationships that have lasted for over 25 years. Wow!
  • sweet phone calls from my bestie, emails and countless texts from friends and loved ones all over the globe
  • the assurance that we are not alone in this world... and that God's love through many abundantly overflows. My heart is refreshed by togetherness and celebration. I am soo Thankful for all of You.

With a satisfied heart,

Tracye

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Word-Filled Wednesday : He Satisfies

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men,
For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 107:8-9


Happy Thanksgiving Eve to You, today!

What a wonderful scripture to ponder today.
I really need to hear those words over and over again in my heart.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and Gratitude, I lift up to God today... my questioning heart, so over-burdened with cares and I press in to the last lines of today's quote.

For HE satifies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things!

Oh Lord,

We are so thirsty and hungry for good things.
We are restless and searching... looking longingly at one another to be filled and satisfied.
Yet, all too often, we are left empty and still in need.

Thank you, today... for this treasure in Your word.
Thank you for the reminder that YOU ALONE are the one Who gives us the feast we are craving.
Oh Father, open our eyes and reveal to our malnourished hearts the Truth that You are our satisfaction.
May we drink deeply and no longer thirst.
May we eat heartily and be filled.
May we KNOW You... and be satisfied.
For YOU are good.

With a Thankful heart,
Tracye


Enjoy more wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Susan.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

What is it?

She fidgets
She wrestles
and struggles to hide it.

She fights it
Denies it
and yet it's inside her

She wants it
She hates it
but can't live without it

What is it
Can't place it
It's bigger than life