Mine is a charmed existence. It's a fairy tale turned into real life. Why? Because of the new life Jesus has birthed in me. Is it always music and dancing? No. But through it all my hope and faith is in God, my Father. He is the King in who's dreamland I live.

We all long for that paradise out there somewhere. It's got to be there. Actually, with the Holy Spirit of God living in me this is heaven on earth. Slowly, slowly I am seeing the light of truth dawning. Jesus is now, here, forever. My trust in Him sets off a glorious shower of charmed life-moments!

No. Everything does not go as I would desire. Some days are truly terrible, but as I see Jesus through it all, my heart begins to calm and His peace returns. He's teaching me the beauty of living in His charming world!

And now, here are some pics of our trip to Philadelphia...

Here's a room Kris and I loved. Our reactions to it were the same..."I must sit in a chair and just gaze at it!"

We also went to Traintown in Strasburg for a school field trip

Just now I feel so delighted (this is one of my favorite words - it implies so much joy, energy, pleasure) with how close we live to Dale's parents. I started making cinnamon rolls early this morning and discovered the flour box was almost empty. So what do I do? I call mom, walk over with Jacki and get some flour. She also gives me a sweet cookbook as a gift and I find, as we browse through it, I know quite a few of the ladies who put the cookbook together. We leave, promising to call her when the cinnamon rolls are baked, at which time we will have a coffee break together! This pleasant exchange could not have happened when we lived 20 miles away.

still hard to photograph

My cute lil mums

a favorite corner of my house...I just brought the plant inside yesterday and that really brightens it up

And now, a song I'm singing this week (by Stuart Townend):

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Sunday was a beautiful day for a hike in the PA mountains. I took my trusty camera and snapped pics randomly. A walk with friends is a pleasure indeed! 

Jacki in motion...

Dorothy, Chris, Jacki, Julian

My Julian is a most elusive subject and many attempts at photographing him are unacceptable, but I did get a few that were quite good, many not so good, and one I really like.

He was holding my keys which I had asked him to pocket for me...it's a wonder they weren't lost

my favorite pic of him

Krista and Jacki

Julian, Chris, Gerald, Brian