Pathways

{Life is full of responsibilities and to-do lists. It's easy to dismiss doing something for ourselves (pastors have this problem)...it's as though we need permission to do what we want to do. Grant yourself one thing you want to do or not do today...}

Sound of Silence

Though silence can be blissful, certain sounds can make our hearts soar...the pitta pat of rain, the singing of a sparrow, and the distant sound of thunder. What sounds make you happy?

A Time for Everything

1776 Park- Friendswood, TX.

...For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...

Changes in life can be taxing but they can also be opportunities.  Some changes are so gradual that we don't even notice them.  But sometimes our lives are rattled by abrupt changes and feel that we are in the sinking sand. For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose.

The Storms of Life Commeth



2016 Main Street Houston, TX.

Expect to encounter adversity in your life...anticipate coming face to face with impossibilities and situations beyond your control. The storms of life will come...not if, but when.  We tend to sink when we take our eye off Jesus during the storm...just like Peter did in our scripture reading.  When we see torrential rains and winds marching toward us, cry out to Jesus...don't try to do it all yourself.

I was blessed to get this shot on the first try!!

The Milk Pail, League City, TX

We live in a society that glorifies busyness; many of us stay busy in order to try to anesthetize pain and suffering in our lives.  Try to take some time for yourself today...it's okay.

This little gem of a restaurant/gift shop can be found in historic League City, TX.  I am blessed to enjoy a wonderful meal in the stillness of this historic house.

I noticed that the older I become, the more I enjoy a quiet restaurant out of the way {and not necessarily the most popular either}. 
 

Resting does not necessarily mean idleness, as most often perceived. Sometimes we can find rest in things that make us happy.  Or rest in just getting away from it all.

Latte on the Square, La Grange, TX

I was excited to see that this little gem of a coffee house was still as hopping as ever! This place still caters to clientele of all walks of life ranging from the multi-color hair teens and 20s to the executive and business types.  The shop was moved from the corner of Travis St to just three doors down. It has a new look but the same feel.  The music is turned down to a soft level where you can actually hear yourself think. I feel good here.

For a Tuesday, this town is pretty busy. People are out and about despite the rain.  This place is quiet and warm. They also have a living room with a big couch and two chairs with Ikea-style pillows.  I love that it is not freezing cold and the fact that it doesn't sound like a rock concert in here.

The girl behind the counter knew exactly what I wanted to drink...the breakfast blend. She asked if I wanted it in a "for here" cup and I got the best one!  I feel so blessed to enjoy this wonderful venue.

Next door to the Brendan Manor is the St James and it looks exactly the same as it did eight years ago!  The architecture and painting is reminiscent of an old Czech village church.

The Cave-2014

Greetings. I am so glad you came to visit.  I want to share another gem I found in the city of La Grange called The Brendan Manor Bed & Breakfast.  This house is truly the epitome of a Victorian-style mansion.  I have been ultimately blessed to be the only guest this evening!  I have been able to explore and take in all its demeanor.  Not even the owners live in the house.  I literally have the entire two-story, five bedroom mansion all to myself and it is unbelievably quiet. 
It has been eight years since I visited the quiescent city of La Grange, TX.  After sometime, I felt called to go back to La Grange for some solitude and reflection.  It was time to revisit the cave. If you recall, the Cave of the Apocalypse is said to be the place where the Apostle John received his visions that he recorded in the book of Revelation. 
We can use our "caves" as a place to connect or reconnect...a place of solitude. Some connect through reading and reflection.  Some connect through meditation and breathing. And some connect through a song.  We all should find time in our busy lives to be still.

I am sleeping in the Tabitha Annette room, which you can see, is quite immaculate.

In my room, was a book of menus for local restaurants around the area.  I was sorry to learn that my old favorite dining facility (Fishes and Loaves, see 2006 entry) was no longer in business so my guide recommended a BBQ place called Legal Tender (I thought the name was cute). This place was just up the road on 77 N about 4 miles from town. And I was the only customer since it was only 45 minutes to closing time.  I got the chopped beef sandwich, which came with chips and an iced tea.  I am tremendously blessed because there are people who do not get to enjoy food every day.

Some say miracles don't happen anymore.  Some say blessings never come.  I am here to say that both are in full force today and both come in great quantities. But I believe many times we are just too busy to notice them. 

 
If you recall, I dined at Bistro 108 back in the summer of 2006.  I was delighted to see that this wonderful venue still existed; however, it's closed on Sunday.