Miles of Smiles

Here's some tile art by my seven-year-old grandson Miles. He and I usually spend part of a day together each week. Last Friday he came up with this and I'm proud to share it. I love watching my grandkids express their talent--whether in art, dance, acting, surfing, or fashion design. "Real joy," says Sir Wilfred Grenfell, "comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile." What could be more worthwhile than to display and bless others with our unique gifts? And to encourage our children and grandchildren to do the same?

Blooms abound!

While kicking a bad case of bronchitis this week, these lovely tulips from my daughter Julie bloomed, as if to say, "Hang in there. Better days are ahead." Nothing quite like flowers to brighten any day. Thank you, Julie for sending them and thank you, God, for creating them.

Happy 2011!

I'm sitting at my desk on a rainy morning in Central Coast California nursing a cold! But I'm not so sick that I can't wish each of you a most happy new year. I have so much to be grateful for, as I imagine you do too! Today I thank God for family, friends, and most of all for my faith. We don't know what's ahead but we can be sure that God does and that He will see us through the good times and the not-so-good. My you be happy and blessed and guided all through 2011.