to bloom in the heat...

takes incredible endurance. and isn't that something we all feel we fall short of. 'cause life is full of derailments, speed bumps,....and monotonous activities, all of which can drain us emotionally.

we can literally see our plants wilt during a one hour stint in this hot drought. water evaporates while we watch, flowers perk a bit only to expire in the heat's insistence...

and so, it was with great surprise that I saw a rose bloom today, not in the shady protection of its comrade leaves, but taller and wilder than all the others. made me smile. made me reflect.

its been a summer full of challenges and growth, along with just enough monotony and dog days to kinda even it out.

and our hope strives to model after the lonely, lovely rose. to rise above dreariness and apathy, to watch our kids learn to rise above. to become mentally stronger and spiritually more nourished, deep in our souls...so the dry, hot days of intense fire will not wilt us.

we know the heat of hard days will come, but we know He will be our life water , giving strength and satisfaction for our thirst when we need it most.

thanks, rose, for the reminder.

summer synopsis in pictures!