"Rest in the Lord......" from Psalm 37

Cough, cough, sputter, sputter......As Winnie the Pooh would say: "Oh bother!" How annoying to have a cold. The dripping nose, the sneezing spells, the headache and scratchy throat - and now the cough. Oh bother. Yet I am thankful it is not the flu that has taken me to my robe, slippers and recliner. Since I have asthma, I have to be a little more careful with pesky ole colds, but they generally come and run their course and I can put the Kleenex boxes away. The good thing is that I have learned to rest and drink hot teas and lemonades and read til a nap claims me. That is now that I am a grandma. When I was a young mother, I had to keep on going. I remember there just wasn't time for resting and taking it easy when there were 3 little ones and a busy hub (he doesn't like the name "hubby" because it rhymes with chubby and that is so humiliating). And then there were the days of working when I just couldn't miss work without causing someone else a burden. But these days it is perfectly legal for me to rest and recoup and I'm thankful for this phase of my life. It is a privilege to be able to say: "I feel like drifting off to sleep after I finish this chapter...." (And I think God understands that I'm staying home from Church today and keeping my germs to myself.)

"Bringing them up in the ways of the Lord...."

Of all my treasures and things I hold closest to my heart, there is nothing that compares to the gift of seeing my children bringing up their children in the ways of the Lord. It touches me when I overhear my number one grandson gently reminding one of the younger ones to do what is right. He has learned how to behave and treat others and he makes it his job to share with those younger than he is. He is a strong young man and quite willing to help when asked and he is thoughtful of the feelings of others. I see the good genes being passed down from both his parents coupled with wisdom and humor and that makes a mighty fine mix. Peter Jones, you are one of my favorite people and I watch with pride at what a fine young man you are becoming.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made....Psalm 149:14

I MADE IT! I pulled up and I am still standing. I might be wobbly, but I will get the hang of this. Enough of this crawling around on my knees and having to look up. This is much better. That is until I lose my balance and fall. But ya know what? I will not be discouraged. I will put one hand over the other and make my way back up to the top. I might be little, but I am determined. And ya know what else? I am fearfully and wonderfully made!

Paisley Elizabeth 8 months old

Those Little Gifts

Recently I was asked what I got for my anniversary this year. I couldn't remember the gift this time, but I did remember a conversation that day which contained special reflections. That was the real gift. And often at Christmas or birthdays or Mother's Day there is emphasis on celebrating and gifts. It is always fun and I have to admit I am shamefully guilty of excitedly wanting to hurry right to the "opening the presents" time (even when it is someone else's special day). But as I grow older I realize the most treasured gifts are those stashed away in my "Rememory Bank." I love that expression which came from one of my grandchildren. She had asked me something and when I replied that I didn't remember, she said: "Grandma, I think your rememory is broke!" So now I try to place special things in my Rememory Bank. I tell those memories over and over to keep them securely in place. (Or at least that is my excuse for repeating myself.)

I have a feeling that God loves to give us the dearest little gifts in the tiniest little packages. At a song service at our Church recently, I had just finished playing the piano and headed to the pew where my daughter and her 7 month old were visiting. I was not feeling the best and as I slid into the pew and next to them, those little arms reached over and grabbed my face and suddenly I was "slathered" with quite a greeting. You do know that "slathered" is a combination of slobbered and lathered? Anyway, it was the sweetest thing and I really hated to get out my handkerchief and clean it away. I might not have played the best piano but I felt like the yummiest Grandma on the planet.

Yesterday my husband had a wonderful opportunity to meet an elderly saint and he came home telling me about him and the profound effect of their time together. He talked about him and the things the dear old gentleman had shared and how God used him to inspire and clarify some things that he needed to hear. My husband is a very busy man and had not planned for this encounter, yet we think God was surely in it. It was really amazing the impact of that meeting and I realized that this was one of those little gifts.

I wonder how many little gifts God sends us that we fail to recognize as being from Him. I should like to give Him credit and offer thanks for sending us the most wonderful things.

"Every good and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights, who never changes." James 1:17

SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY.............

This tall strong young man is my nephew. It seems like only yesterday that we were taking a trip to welcome him into the world and into our family. As we traveled in the car, our girls were singing and making up a song about this little Christmas cousin. And it was sung to him and captured on tape, I think. It was so cute and he was such a fun little guy with a ready smile and sense of humor from the beginning. Hard to believe he is now off to college. I decided to make him a quilt for graduation - custom made just for him. I think he liked it. And off he went.

When students head off to college, it is wonderful adventure, but there are so many concerns in this world today. We are praying for our students as they continue to prepare for their futures. We are praying that they will keep their commitments to Christ and allow Him to guide them along the way. We are praying that along with the wonderful world of education and books and concepts and making new friends, there will also be a sense of "whose they are" and that they will begin to see just what and how God wants to use them ahead. I will continue to pray for that hedge of protection around this young man and my other family members and friends who are off to school. God bless them!

ANOTHER MONDAY!

"Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

This morning began a little later than usual for me. I overslept a bit! Normally I am an early riser and my productivity is highest in the morning. It is interesting to be married to an opposite - one who builds up as the day progresses and is at his peak at the end of the day. It works for us except when I'm struggling to stay awake as he is sharing his most profound thoughts. Then I have to be understanding when he isnt able to focus as I am excitedly telling him of my plans for the day. "Uhmm Hmmm" is about all I get from this usually excellent communicater. Somehow it works for us as we grab moments here and there.

Wonder how God feels as we fail to focus on Him for one reason or another? I think that there is very little, if anything, that happens to us throughout the day in which He would not appreciate being involved. I love reading inspirational blogs where others find God in the smallest things and moments. It is most precious when a child makes a link to God from some small thing that occurs. "Mommy, do you think God knew I wanted a lonely puppy?" For sure, for CERTAIN, that has to warm the heart of our loving Father. And something makes me equally aware that He longs to hear from His children in all the happenings of their lives. I used to feel sorry that I wasnt disciplined enough in my prayer time. I still have to work at it, but now I've reached the conclusion that He likes me to pray throughout the day as well. Breathing prayers, talking to Him as I go about my work, sharing with Him the concerns of my heart - dont all have to be in the form of formalized prayers. Somehow I like knowing that Jesus knows me, really knows me and smiles and encourages and instructs and chastens me along the way.

One of my nephews was about 5 years old and had been scolded and sent to his room while I was visiting. I walked down the hall and just happen to overhear his little voice mumbling with a bit of a huff: "Now Jesus you know I'm TRYING to be good!" I had to hurry into another room to keep from laughing. It was so funny but also honest and innocent. He is now in college and I think he still prays, knowing that his God hears and knows.

This Monday morning I have a list that keeps going. I wont get it all done today, but together - my Lord and I will tackle what is most important. How could I ask for better than that?

Happy Birthday Honey!

We have shared many years and many birthdays. With each additional year we realize how blessed we are. I certainly realize and appreciate this handsome guy that fascinated me long ago. We grew up in the same Church, had similar family backgrounds, and both wanted to go into ministry to serve the Lord. He drove a baby blue Thunderbird! He could debate in Training Union to beat the band. He was the intellectual voice of reason. We shared Sunday lunches with my parents and loved his mother's suppers of BLT sandwiches on Sunday nights after Church. He patiently taught me to play pool. We had so much fun. We married, entered ministry, and raised three precious little girls. God has used him in many ways through the years. He has worn many different hats. Probably his favorite hat is the one that says "Grandpa." I love this man and thank the Lord for letting him be mine.