Love is...

Making pink cupcakes...

Good morning snuggles from the precocious seven year old...

A manly "side-hug" from the growing blond boy...

Cheering for that little brother at his basketball game...

Dad working a second job...

Chasing & laughing with my sister while she teases me about nothing...

Saying "have a great day" to a perfect stranger...and meaning it.
Heart friends who listen, love and pray...even from across the country.

Source: Uploaded by user via Meghan on Pinterest

Today, love is not in extravagance, fussy frills or details...

Or even in giving gifts or cards. 

While that all may be well and good, I'm blessed & know I'm loved

Every day.

By kind words, listening ears, open hearts & laughter.
And of course...singing at the top of your lungs even when you shouldn't!

Source: leloveimage.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

I show love to others with sometimes actions, words or just a hug.

Flowers for a sorely-missed sister's birthday, cupcakes for my family...

As much as I love the frills, lace, pink and roses that make up this holiday...

I love what real-life love means even more.

Source: charmedlifeliving.tumblr.com via Ingrid on Pinterest

Real-life love isn't merely an emotion, ten dozen prize red roses, or even a wedding.

Those are merely symbols that barely graze the surface of love...love that yes, I have not fully realized yet.

Someday soon, under a sky so blue, I'll give one man my heart and our story will begin

Until then, I rest in the arms of my Forever Love--my Lord, King & Savior, who has had my love story on THIS earth, written since the beginning of time.

Source: dayspring.com via Jessie on Pinterest

Real or Not Real?

Source: etsy.com via Meghan on Pinterest

Real or not real?

*For those of my dear friends/sister who are passionate about the Hunger Games trilogy*

Real life today has so far included...

Spilling coffee, answering the phones at work for the first time flying solo, 

taking thirty minutes to peel three oranges (I'm all thumbs), 

and wanting my little sister to do her spelling while she shows off her stubborn streak and refuses until her brother is ready to do his.

Real life has NOT included me fixing my hair or putting on "my face." 

Its officially the weekend now so I'm letting my pores breath and I just plain old don't feel like fixing my hair. I'm in my cozy clothes and jeans, still yawning after a restless night sleep for no apparent reason, and about to go make a small pot of coffee.

Source: oneofthehoraios.tumblr.com via Meghan on Pinterest

Real life is SO not perfect, spotless, immaculate or in any way how I want it to be. Especially today. Its not quite at the "one of those days" mark, or the "best day EVER" mark...today is closer to the rolling with the punches, doing the next thing, and resting. 

Its God's grace that keeps me going and from totally flipping my lid. 

God's grace in the hugs from that stubborn little girl...

Grace in the blue skies and sunshine I see through the window...

                                                                                      Source: onesteptogod.tumblr.com via Meghan on Pinterest

And grace that has just picked me up after I stumbled yet again.

I'm still caught in that grace.

***

Joining in with Gypsy Mama's 5 Minute Friday. Head over and check it out!