End of an Era

The time has come.  It's been percolating in my heart for awhile.

Blogging has been a blessing and an enriching experience over the past seven years.

When I began, I had no idea where it all would lead and how it would end.

But, in recent days, I've been winding down.  Finishing up.

It's the end of an era.

This chapter of our lives has come to a close.

It's a bittersweet thing.  And, yet, it is good.

All of life is good.  When we belong to the Lord,

there is nothing that happens to us that isn't.

Ultimately, it's all about Him.

And, that is what I hope to leave you all with.

A sense of His greatness and my smallness.

He is the One Who ought to be magnified.

He alone is worthy of all our praise.

The Lord has been pressing on my heart the idea that this is
the end of the path for me in this blogging world.

 As each of us seek to live this life He has given 

in a manner that brings glory to His Name,

may we all be found following wherever He may lead.

Accomplishing all that our hands find to do.

By His grace and in His strength.
For His glory alone.

At the end of all, all that matters is that you belong to
our precious Saviour.  Look to Him and live.
The Lord Jesus said, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."  John 6:37

With Love,
Camille

P.S. If at any time you wish to communicate with me, I'd love to hear from you!
My email address is flowersinhisgarden@gmail.com  
May the Lord bless you abundantly in all the days that lie ahead. 
And, may you be found to be in Him at the end of the path He has you on.

**Image courtesy of Calvin ~ It's of Emma 
on our recent trip to Northern California.

Whirlwind Week

It's been a teeny little bit crazy around here.  In a good sort of way.

Back in the spring, when this time of year seemed so far off,

I concocted a plan with two long-time blogging friends.
We met via our blogs shortly after I began my online journal in 2009.
 

Jackie and Stacie thought it a grand idea to make the journey 
via a road trip to stay with us in our home for a few nights.
It was incredible to think that they would take me up on it, but, they did!

 Meeting up in person began heading in the direction of becoming a reality.

Our mutual blogging friend, Jennifer, agreed to join us.  We were thrilled.

She booked her flight in anticipation of our face-to-face blog party.
And, we all looked forward to the dates circled on our calendars.

In thinking and planning ahead, it occurred to me that it

might be nice for Emma to have a cousin thrown into the mix...

just for good measure.  I was right...it was wonderful to have her.

Before long, my brother-in-law and nephew were added to the roster.
And, that's when the serious planning began.

And, the laundry and re-arranging.  And, the meal planning.
In the end, it all came together beautifully.  What a sweet blessing from the Lord!

Jennifer arrived on Saturday.

My brother-in-law and the two cousins arrived on Monday.

Wednesday afternoon, my brother-in-law and nephew flew home.

The girl cousin stayed on.  Wednesday afternoon, the twins arrived.

Saturday morning, bright and early, Jennifer flew home.

Jackie and Stacie crossed the border and began their homeward journey
shortly afterward.  We had a couple of hours turn-around before

attending a family wedding on Saturday afternoon.

And, just like that, the whirlwind week came to an end.
The days just flew by, and I was sorry to see everyone leave.

Thank you, Jackie, Stacie, and Jennifer for making the effort to gather in our home.
(Kevin, Alex, and Chelsie...we were so glad you were part of the week as well.
Janine...we missed you!  Maybe next time?) 
We are so thankful that it worked out for all of you to come!

   How good and gracious our Great God is to give these precious moments to us.
Truly, He does all things well.  His ways are always best.  His gifts are always good.

Happy Thursday!
With Love, Camille 

In the Moment

By God's grace and enabling, we are to
to live in the moment...not for it.

What a freeing, liberating, truly wonderful thing to ponder.
May the Lord give us the grace and strength required to live this out.
And, may He be glorified in all that we do.  Moment by moment.  Day after day.

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you;
that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things,
may abound to every good work."  2 Corinthians 9:8



Just wanted to let y'all know that I'm
 taking a little break from all things bloggy.
I hope to be back in the swing of things here in a week or two.

Happy Thursday!
With Love, Camille

Why Blog?

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do all to the glory of God." ~ I Corinthians 10:31

We have all got stories to tell.  And, we are all unique.
The blogging world is no different ~ much diversity is evident within it.
Some blog to keep family and friends informed on the happenings of life.
Some blog to encourage, equip, or inform.  To share knowledge.
Others enjoy the art of writing ~ blogging is a natural outlet for its pursuit.

And, it's enjoyable ~ let's not forget that point.  
Many blog just for the fun of it.

~ Circa 2005 ~

So, as many bloggers as there are out there ~
there are just as many answers to the question ~ Why Blog?  Fair enough. 
 I am only equipped to answer that question from my perspective.

It all began for me around 2007.  My sister had moved
to Maine on the east coast of the USA, at which time she began writing a blog.
I had never read a blog prior to reading hers.  It was a whole new world.

It was lovely to keep up with their lives in that way ~ complete with photos.
However, the whole idea was too *out there* for my liking.  
I would never do it ~ it was far too frightening a thought!

Obviously, I eventually got over those fears and took the plunge.
But, why?  For what purpose?

~ 2012 One of the last family photos we have with Austin ~

For the longest time, I read only two blogs ~ my sister's as well as
that of a Christian home educating mama who didn't know me.
I had *randomly* (I don't believe in *chance*, so I use that word loosely)
come across her blog.  The year was 2008.  

I read silently.  I was a lurker without knowing what that was.  :) 

She didn't just write about family events.  She also wrote about her faith.
Hers was a blog of mixtures, and I liked it.  I read for about a year without her knowledge.
The words she wrote touched my soul and ministered to my heart.  It was powerful.
Nearly a year of reading transpired before I was able to pluck up the courage 
to tell her I had been there.  It was a big step into the unknown.

I still was unsure of how the blogging world worked ~
I had no idea what she would think.

Well, she quickly became my friend.  A true friend.
Over the years, we've exchanged notes in the mail and chatted on the phone.
We've prayed together.  The invitation to visit in person has been extended.
She is a precious sister in the Lord ~ and, one day, we will meet.
We may have to wait until Heaven, but, it will happen.

The impact these two blogs had on me was huge.

More than two years after my sister began her blog, I began mine.
The publish button was first clicked at the beginning of August 2009.
Life has not been the same since.  It's been a good thing ~ surprisingly good.

My purpose in blogging is the same as in life ~ to glorify my Saviour.
Do I always fulfill this perfectly?  Of course not!
But, my God is Great and worthy of all praise.  He always does all things well.
And, He walks this path of life with me. 

He forgives when I fail.  He picks me up when I fall.
It's a wonderful, beautiful thing.  It's precious.

~ 2013 At Austin's memorial service ~

So, why blog?  For me, the answer is multifaceted.

I blog to chronicle life as it happens, record my thanks, and encourage.
I can also be found sharing recipes, home-keeping ideas, and favourite resources.
Things pertaining to motherhood and just-for-fun random stuff
will appear from time to time as well.  It's always changing ~ just like life.

Sharing my faith is another reason I blog ~ 
perhaps, when all is said and done, it's the most important one of all.

My walk with God affects all I do ~ it reaches into all of life.  This blog reflects me. 
It gives a glimpse into the everyday happenings of us ~ the good and the not so good.
Sometimes it's random and sporadic ~ it ebbs and flows with life.

Through it all, I aim to keep it real and truthful.  Honest.

My prayer as you visit here is that you will be drawn closer to
the Lord Jesus Christ and affected for eternity.
Because, at the end of it all, eternity is all that really matters.
May the Lord help us each to live in light of this.
By His Grace and for His Glory.  Alone.

With Love,
Camille

**This was originally written as a page at the top of my blog ~
It was first published there in Fall of 2014.

Stepping Back

Winter is on its way.  I feel it in my bones.

The winds and rains have arrived.  Our furnace is up and running.

We've had milder than normal weather which has resulted in a new record.

It's always a challenge to see how long I can wait before caving in.

The other day, Emma was wearing her winter coat indoors.

I don't think she was hinting at anything.  She was just cold.

The time has come for change.
A few adjustments are needed here and there.

Stepping back from the blogging world is necessary
from time to time.  At least, for me it is.

To refresh and refocus.  To set things in order.
To attend to a thing or two.  To reflect and be still.

I'm learning to embrace it.
It is what it is.

Lord-willing, I will be back in a week or two or three.
In the meantime, may you know the loving hand of
our Heavenly Father always to be upon you.
And, may you know the peace that only He can give.

With Love,
Camille

**Photo courtesy of my very own Calvin ~
Thank you my love.  xoxo

Winding Down and Gearing Up

The lazy(?!) days of summer are winding down in these here parts.

Just switching gears in my brain for the upcoming school year.

Things are gearing up for that.  Welcome Fall!

In light of this transitional time, a break from 

blogging seems to be a wise course of action.

Lord-willing, I'll be back once school is underway 

and we are in a good routine with all things academic.  

Likely, that will be two or three weeks from now.

In the meantime, I'd like to leave you with these

encouraging words from the Holy Bible.

"The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble;

and He knoweth them that trust in Him."  Nahum 1:7
Are you trusting in Him?  That truly is the only way forward.
Absolutely the only way.

With Love, Camille

Unexpectedly Quiet

I have found myself to be unexpectedly quiet here in recent days.

I suppose that means it's time for a little break.

In the meantime, I'd like to leave you with these lovely thoughts...

"...is it our business to pry into what may happen tomorrow?

It is a difficult and painful exercise which saps the strength

and uses up the time given us today.  Once we give ourselves up to God,

shall we attempt to get hold of what can never belong to us -- tomorrow?

Our lives are His, our times in His hand, He is Lord over what will happen,

never mind what may happen.  When we prayed, "Thy will be done,"

did we suppose He did not hear us?  He heard indeed, and daily makes

our business His and partakes of our lives.  If my life is once surrendered,

all is well.  Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hand

but would be safer in mine!

Today is mine.  Tomorrow is none of my business.

If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future,

I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly 

what is required of me now."

Quoted from Keep a Quiet Heart
by Elisabeth Elliot ~ Page 53.

I'll trust to connect with you all soon.

After a little more time of quiet.  Thank you for extending grace.
May the Lord bless each one of you with His peace and presence.

With Love,

Camille

Stillness

"Be still and know that I am God...the LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge."  Psalm 46:10a and 11

Seeking this day to give place to the stillness.

Just feeling the need to be silent here for the next little while.

I am unsure of how long this quiet will last.  A week or two?  A month?

Thank you, as always, for the grace extended to me in my absence

from this space.  Each one of you is a blessing to my heart.

Lord-willing, I will plan to publish comments and visit with you upon my return.

"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

Numbers 6:24-26

With Love, Camille

Quite By Accident

I've been MIA ~ Quite by accident.

I don't know how it happened.  But, I haven't been here

and, other than busyness and life and school and things of that sort,

there really is no reason at all.  *Wink*

I usually announce my absence prior to it happening.
In this case, it surprised me and before I knew it, it was done.

So, just so you know...I hope to have a few things to share soon.

In the meantime...here are words not my own.

Sometimes, being quiet is the best thing after all.

"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble;

and he knoweth them that trust in him."  Nahum 1:7

Happy Weekend Y'all!

With love, Camille

Fresh Face

I pre-wrote this post in anticipation of this moment.
Lisa uploaded and tweaked this little portion of the web in my absence last night. 
She is hoping to make a few more adjustments in the coming days.  Just a few. 
I'm still planning to continue on with my home improvement hiatus.

Over five years ago, I hit publish in this space for the first time.

It surprised me that I even got to that place.

I never expected to ever venture into this world at all.

I had no idea what would happen or where it would take me.

But, I am thankful for it all.  And, I am thankful for you all!  :)

In those early days, I didn't know much about how it all worked.
Formatting and templates and backgrounds were all new to me.
It was a steep learning curve.  One which I navigated haltingly.
I found a template I loved and installed it.  It didn't love me back.
 Blogger didn't like it ~ it disappeared on me twice.
So, I reverted to the simple look that's been here for
the last number of months.  It was the best I could do.  It had to do.

The lack of savvy computer skills I possess
was fully exposed.

Enter Lisa and two of my men.
Lisa agreed to do a face-lift for me a little while back.
My men helped me source and tweak the images.
And, the rest is history.
Thank you to the three of you for the part you played in
this renovation ~ I couldn't have done it without you!

It's my pleasure to welcome you, my friends, to the fresh face of this space!
May the Lord use all we are and all we do for His glory alone.
May we be found following Him wherever He leads.
Until He calls us Home.

Hugs to you all!
Camille

**The Copper Anchor is Lisa's blog ~ she's the sweet friend
 who agreed to give my blog a fresh face.
Thank you so much, Lisa! xoxo

**P.S.  I'm still MIA due to this situation ~
not for too much longer, hopefully.  xo

To Let Y'all Know...

Just to let y'all know...

I'm not done with the London and Wales series.
(Maybe you wish I was...sorry if that's the case.
If you wait until January, you won't be subjected to it all.)

There are still a few (who am I kidding?) more photos to

sort through and stories to tell ~ like it or not, it's true.

But, I am only one person (surprised? ha!) and

I am immersed in a little (feels like a lot) more of this...



Same look ~ different day.

Catch up with you soon, I hope!  :)

Hugs, Camille

In the Saddle

So...it's Thursday, and I'm back in the saddle.

Sort of.  It may take a little time to find my groove.

These breaks I take?  They are good and necessary.

Thank you for being patient with my regular disappearances.

I am thankful for y'all.  Truly thankful.

~ Our precious four in 2006 ~

This photo was taken by Howie just after he dropped me off 

for a few days of quiet in a lovely location.  See?  It's a trend.

Hopefully, in the next week or so, I will have a chance to get caught up

with each of you at your places.  I've missed you.

Hugs, Camille