A dead branch supports nothing.

I am 19 years old and I still have not lost my sense of adventure. Or tree climbing. And I will make sure I never lose either.

I used to have quite an imagination when I was younger and I would climb in trees at my house or my grandparents' house, where I had a favorite tree. This tree had two thick branches that formed a "V" shape and I would pretend that I was Rapunzel and the V shape was my window and the tree was my high, high tower.

My favorite spot on my favorite apple tree!

On other occasions I would pretend that I lived in the trees in the jungle as I lay on the branches and peered up at the sky. I used to climb a tree in my back yard and sit on a branch nearly horizontal and pretend that I was Pocahontas sailing to England, or Pocahontas riding here horse (deep down I still kind of wish I was Pocahontas). They were hid-a-ways, houses, castles, horses, ships and just about anything else. I loved the thrill of climbing higher and looking down, the challenge of initially climbing up, the peacefulness in resting on the branches.

So tonight I went and climbed one of my favorite apple trees. The trunk and supporting branches are not very high, but they are sturdy and very shady and perfecting for comfortably sitting on ( and they have smooth bark instead of the really bumpy scratchy kind).

Unfortunately a medium sized dead branch kept getting in my way, tangling my hair, threatening to scratch my face. So I broke the brittle thing off and threw it to the ground! Triumph! (and peace) But it got me thinking about branches...

A few observations that I found are universal truths if we think and apply it in our own lives. Dead branches are brittle. They don't yield, they are supple and can't bend. They are dry and brittle and if too much weight or pressure is applied they snap off.

The second thing was that they don't support anything. A very large thick supporting branch in the middle of the apple tree was pretty much dead, and in my maneuvering to get down discovered that if I put all my weight there for much longer I would have a sudden meeting with the ground. Because dead branches don't support anything. They can't hold up under applied pressure because they've become dry and lost the strength and support that living branches have. They also don't support living branches or fruit and become rather a nuisance to the tree (or climber) sucking nutrients and water but lending back nothing in return.

They play no significant role and take away from the beauty of the tree as their tiny dead and gnarled branches have curled up and weathered. Their bark isn't even smooth anymore.

But living branches take the nutrients and water given and continually produce. Even when they don't have blossoms or fruit, they have leaves, which produce oxygen and take out carbon dioxide. Their leaves form a canopy of cool shade, their branches are supple under pressure and are able to bend without breaking.

Furthermore, mature trees have thick strong supporting branches and trunks while young trees who have grown for a lesser period of time still can't support a significant amount of weight because their trunk hasn't been thickened by developing more "rings" from the nutrients given.

Think about that. Have you received things to help you grow and develop and are you using them to become a support system that is mature? Do you support and yield life in everything that you do, or are you a brittle dead branch that has stopped contributing any thing useful? Are you flexible? Can you yield under pressure or do you snap and break down?

A living branch produces, gives and has purpose, but a dead branch supports nothing.

Every summer has a story...

Warm days

Cool nights

Blue skies and shining stars

Waves, wind and sand

Flowers blooming

chocolate with vanilla buttercream
and chocolate sprinkles

S'mores and bonfires

Melting ice cream cones and sizzling grills

Sun tan lotion and cold ice tea

Sun bursting on the horizon....



Yes my friends, summer is here. And while it is currently raining outside and quite dreary, I have no doubt that June day is just the first pages of a book soon to be written entitled "Summer 2013."

I'm very excited for summer. Not because I hate snow and curse the dreaded winter like most Northeast Ohioans, but because I find each season unique and lovable. With each year comes 4 seasons, each with their own quirks but also with a long list of reasons why they should be enjoyed.

So summer is no exception. Some of my favorite parts I listed above and some of the reasons I love summer just can't be formed into words.

a lovely assortment

I'm constantly amazed at this world I've been planted in and I stand in awe of its majestic wonder and the splendor of Him who created it.

We get pretty busy during the summer but never forget to stop and take quiet moments to just soak it all in and relish it.

I don't know what activities you have planned this summer, maybe planning your grad party or celebrating the end of a great baseball season, or just enjoying the (soon to be) beautiful weather with loved ones, I wish you all the happiness and laughter in these moments.

Let me also take a moment to offer a bit of assistance.

Chocolate with a scoop of fresh raspberry buttercream

Because I love to bake.

And well....you love to eat (as do I, my friend). And you love to party too!

So here's the thing...whether you are planning a grad party or helping out with one (and if so, God bless you!) or any other get together, picnic, hosting a Fourth of July party or any other summer bash, may I suggest cupcakes?

Red velvet with cream cheese cloud frosting

"Why?" you may ask...because they're perfect. They are fuss-free, plate free, no fork required little bites of goodness. Infinitely customize-able. Easy to take to whatever event you are attending and easy for guests to eat. Perfectly portioned. No cutting, plating, or portioning necessary...and because I will be baking them your kitchen can stay mess free and your oven off...no sweat! (hehe literally).

AND if you needed any more reasons, I'm working on a summer menu right now. So after you wipe that drool off your chin, head on over to this page and start filling out that order! All profits after costs go to Cambodia.

And speaking of Cambodia...I'm going back in July! 10 days of bliss back in the 'bodia. Hanging out with these guys (see photos below!) :) Don't forget those cupcakes!

every summer has a story...make this one unforgettable!

Dim, my sponsor daughter, receiving her birthday package!

Another photo of Dim

Back row L to R: Mara and Makara
Front Row: Suo Sdey, Joseph and Srey Luch

Staff member Sokhom with all the school children

Me and the daughter of the houseparents at Siem Reap

Another picture of the girls :)