MAR'S MORNINGS

2009-12-19T13:19:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas to any who
happen to come to my blog. These
little characters are what decorate
our tree this holiday season. We are
so thankful to God for our daughters
and their families. The children and
the grandchildren are each different
and delightful and we enjoy every
new stage in their lives.

We wish for all our friends and loved
ones the joy that comes with knowing
and following Jesus. We pray that you
are victorious in your journey in this
life and heaven bound. We thank you
for sharing your lives with us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-11-12T08:17:00.004-05:00

"Be still and know that I am God...." Psalm 46:10a

This morning the wind is strong and the rains are continuing here. A tree fell across our driveway. It is a blustery day. As I began my morning devotions, the Lord called out to me to be still and listen. I closed down my thoughts and plans of what to read, etc. I listened. The wind was steadily whirring and blowing and whistling through the trees in our backyard. The rain comes and goes in spurts, hitting the leaves, hitting our roof, and making splashy puddle sounds. I hear nothing but natural sounds this early. No cars or school buses or other sounds just yet. From my quiet place window I see many trees and the colors of the leaves are still magnificent, even though it is past the peak season for fall colors. In the morning light the leaves are beginning to fade yet they are rich, thoroughly washed, and beautiful. God made all this. Man has had nothing to do with all that I have experienced this morning. Being still and observing God's awesome creation leaves me feeling amazed and blessed.

In the stars His handiwork I see
On the wind He speaks with majesty
Tho He ruleth over land and sea,What is that to me?

Meeting this new day and knowing that my Creator will equip me to do what He wants me to do is a comforting thing.

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

2009-11-08T09:26:00.006-05:00

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...."

2009-10-05T07:13:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-22T16:42:00.005-04:00

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

2009-09-11T10:26:00.002-04:00

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.............

2009-08-25T07:38:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-08-17T08:40:00.004-04:00

"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!

2009-08-07T07:21:00.004-04:00

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.

Home - A Place to Serve

2009-07-20T12:41:00.004-04:00

How wonderful it is this Monday morning to thank the Lord for answering our prayers. He has confirmed that we are to serve Him and the people of a dear church in our town. My husband is now the interim pastor and we are excited. It has been feeling as if this was going to happen. They have music ministry needs where I can fit in. They have been so appreciative and responsive to my husband's supplying off and on for some time. He has been supplying around for awhile now and we have been feeling as if we need to "settle down." No matter how long the interim period is, it will be so good to be "home" and serve as needed. I'm thankful and grateful to God for His leading and to those who have prayed.

FREEDOM

2009-07-04T07:22:00.004-04:00

Only a few minutes and thoughts to share. We have seen sadness this week. A dear friend's husband was told he had aggressive cancer and then he died within just a few days. A pastor's wife lost her brother and his wife in an automobile accident. Another friend's adult son is dying after a long, long struggle. All within our former church, that we still love. Sadness.

Yet, there is this thing called freedom we celebrate and think about today. I realize the freedom of these United States of America was a battle fought with courage and sacrifice. For that I am thankful. Yet when I think of freedom, most of all I think of the freedom that Jesus offers to ALL who will receive, no matter who they are or where they abide. He offers freedom from sin. He offers freedom from the law which is hard to totally obey. And through His grace we are set free. He has taken it all upon Himself for us. How wonderful! How magnificent! Like the words from the song: "My chains are gone! I've been set free!" Now THAT is the freedom that means the most to me today. Thank God for our land and country, but it is sadly not the godly place that it should be. And the fireworks that will come at the end of all the ungodliness will not be enjoyed.

But that marvelous, amazing grace and love that Jesus brought us - THAT freedom from sin and hope for eternal life............now THAT is a freedom to humbly accept and celebrate! Yeah, it is.

Blessings Unexpected

2009-06-24T10:52:00.004-04:00

How nice to receive an unexpected blessing from a friend (Alice, at "From the Heart" blog) who appreciates something you have done! I keep this little journal/blog as an outlet for my love for writing, a reminder of goals and tasks, and to honor the Lord I try to serve. It is so wonderful and warms my heart when others are encouraged or inspired in some way by something that might be found here. As a mother and grandmother and aunt and sister and friend - I'm just another of many women who want to obey God in praying for, lifting up, and sharing the good news of Jesus to all near and dear. And then of course there are the others - neighbors, strangers, friends who haven't realized YET the importance of letting God into their lives - a big responsibility, isn't it? These blogs are really good tools for sharing the honesty of being a Christian woman in these times. It is not easy. Life has its challenges, but we are promised the power of an amazing Savior to carry us through.

Starting Anew

2009-06-15T10:53:00.002-04:00

It's Monday morning again. Another opportunity for me to begin new lists, new goals for the week ahead, and a new commitment in my faith. Some might say that I should not need a new commitment, but each day is a new commitment for me. This morning's quiet time was spent thanking the Lord for the freshness of a summer morning and the new and old tasks awaiting me. The challenge of exercising and healthy dieting and being a good role model for those who look to me - all are really hard things. None of these things come as easy as I would like. But the good news is that God promises to equip us with the tools we need to follow and serve Him.
And when I get serious and trust and obey the One I claim as Saviour, then I can count on His faithfulness to help me be what He wants me to be.

And that reminds me of a song that my children used to sing:

I just want to be
What You want me to be
And I'll be
What You want me to be
Lord, oh help me see
What Your will is for me
And I'll be
What You want me to be.

And on it goes. I cant recall all the words or even the correct title. But I loved that song when my little girls were singing it and it has come to mind many times through the years. It shows complete faith. Kind of like the Scripture:

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Phil 4:13

And that's how it is. I realize how totally dependent I must be on the Lord. And that's a good thing.

"Once there was a garden fair...."

2009-05-15T07:52:00.004-04:00

Once there was a garden fair
Far away - across the sea
Something wonderful and great
Happened there for you and me.
Alleluia Alleluia!

You probably thought I was going to write about my bountiful garden that is lush and green and promising wonderful things soon. Something like Plant Lady might be producing. Not exactly. Yes, I have a garden outside. It is modest, but it is looking green and ALIVE and I'm trying to keep it going. I do NOT have a green thumb, but I'm hopeful about tomatoes, squash, onions and zucchini gracing our table this summer.

This morning I awoke with that little song above on my lips and mind. It was a song we taught our girls in the Primary Choir back in the early 1980's. My middle daughter, Laurie, sang part of it as a solo. I can still hear that little voice back in my "rememory." Today I can hear it all over again as her little daughter, Sarah, sings and is loving her voice lessons with "Ms. Dorothy." What a blessing.

Back to the garden. When I picture Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying to follow His Father's will, praying for strength to go to the cross, how I wish I could have heard His words. What a lesson in prayer! Sometimes I think my own prayer time falls short. Yes, some days it is wonderfully refreshing and long enough to accomplish something - a breakthrough. But sadly, some days - even first thing in the morning - I allow the tasks of the day to divert me and I yield to the rushing to complete my prayer time. And that is sad. It was in the Garden that Jesus set the wonderful example for His disciples. He humbled Himself to obedience and total, loving surrender to complete the task of salvation's plan. If Jesus, God's own Son, needed to enter into a season of prayer and linger until it was completed, surely I should follow suit. Lord, help me to stay in the garden of prayer a little longer.....actually a lot longer.

2009-05-23T14:21:00.004-04:00

"A merry heart worketh well like a medicine." Proverbs 17:22

Look at this little band "of merry hearts." They just have happiness and joy all over the place. I know I am partial to them, for they are my grandkiddos, but they really are a merry little band. It is such fun to see them grow and mature and go through their different stages. This picture is not the latest one, but it really shows what fun they have together.

We had the privilege of keeping them for the past few days while their parents went to a homeschooling conference. Grandma stayed busy cooking and keeping things going. Grandpa had lots of input and teased and provided surprises and treats here and there. They had a blast outside on the zip line that stretches across our yard and takes them squealing through the woods. It was fascinating to see how they each planned strategies and new ideas for fun.

From time to time I am guilty of becoming a bit down for one reason or another. Usually it is because I am WAITING on something. Patience has never been perfected within this ole gal. When I am waiting on the Lord to open a door, close a door, or create within me a desire for some area of service or purpose, it is hard to just wait on Him. And that is an area of trusting, isn't it? Well, nothing like a big dose of "merry hearts" to help me focus on the joy of what is before me right now and not on what is yet unknown.

Lord, thank you for TODAY and for my "merry hearts" who come to share their grins and giggles from time to time.......

Cousins and Chuckles and Memories

2009-06-09T21:14:00.004-04:00

Two talented little girls. Hayleigh loves sports and excels in every sport she is involved in. Sarah loves to sing and play the piano. Talented, precious little girls. Cousins that are as different as can be, but they are the closest of cousins and love time together.

As I get older, my loved ones get dearer and dearer. It's kind of funny. Although lately I cant say my memory is the best, it is amazing how clear old memories are of times spent with family and loved ones years ago. Visiting cousins, shopping with aunts, standing still for Mother as she marked the hem for a dress, playing some serious softball with my sister, seeing my baby brother's first steps, playing the piano and singing with Grandmother - wonderful memories and as clear and dear as ever!

I get a real kick out of seeing my grandchildren growing close to each other. Seeing a daughter love her nieces and nephews as much as she loves her own. Hearing my husband chuckling over antics of the children and smiling from ear to ear.......what a good life this has been.

I have a feeling that God blesses us with the simple things in life like cousins and chuckles and memories that stay put.

Thank you, Lord.

2009-05-04T10:21:00.008-04:00

FRUIT

Somewhere in my life I recall the statement "We are not suppose to be fruit inspectors." That was made in reference to Christians not being critical and judgemental with each other and accusing others of lacking the fruits of the Spirit. That statement made an impression on me. But this morning, as I was enjoying my quiet time, the importance of the Fruit of the Spirit became once again strong within me. And I realized that I should be more concerned with what kinds of emotions and reactions are shown in how obedient I am to the Lord and how I interact with others. I know the Holy Spirit provides these fruit to those who are filled with Him. But how much do I allow Him to fill me? How often do I react towards others with:

LOVE JOY PEACE PATIENCE KINDNESS GOODNESS
FAITHFULNESS GENTLENESS SELF CONTROL

Are these things seasoning my life? It was good to go over these, even reciting them over and over, praying that the Lord would fill me anew and remind me of just whose I am. And then I can live and feel and interact with others the way He would. After all, that is my goal. And Mondays are those days that I start with all my lists and goals and stuff. So THIS DAY I will stop and think and pray and be thankful for the fruit that the Holy Spirit provides, and that my life will be seasoned up a bit more. And that's got to be a really good thing.

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength

2009-04-27T09:24:00.003-04:00

This morning I got a sad call from our youngest daughter, Hollie. She lost the baby yesterday. It is one of those hard places. It is one of those times when we need quiet and peace and time to absorb and process and heal. Jim took the day off and took the children to school and will be taking Hollie to the doctor first thing this morning. It is a deep disappointment and hurtful time.

I had just returned from a visit with her this past week and have been concerned that she was not feeling very well and inspight of her typical making the best of things and not complaining, it was still obvious that she just was not up to par or like she had been with the other two pregnancies. Yet..........I had no idea that she was about to miscarry. I certainly wish I had stayed just a couple more days. But ya know, God is in charge. He loves her and her family even more than I do. I have been trusting Him with my girls and their families for many years and He has always been there for me and for them. He will take her through this hard time. We, as family, will all be ready and reaching out to her with love as she needs us. But most of all I can say with confidence - the Lord will bring peace and healing to her heart.

EASTER MONDAY

2009-04-13T07:13:00.004-04:00

LIFE!

Life with joy and hope and purpose!

Life with grace and mercy FREE!

Jesus offers for the taking

"Come! Accept! Follow me!"

Leave it all and dont look back

All the sin and selfish pride

Take the journey offered freely.

Let Him be the constant Guide.

He is life and love and peace

Precious Savior, faithful friend

And He gives that new beginning

Life with Him that knows no end.

Speaking of Sisters..........

2009-03-14T13:18:00.002-04:00

Rain, rain, and more rain. It is dreary, damp and the rain drops keep on keeping on this Saturday morning. As I sit at my devotion window and look out at the puddling back yard, I look forward to Spring. The beauty I have enjoyed of the winter bare branched trees is not as lovely as it was. Spring will be so welcome and so lovely. It will come, won't it?

But then as I was trying to get into a thankful attitude within my prayers and conversation with the Father, the raindrops began to kind of speak to me. One after another. Sometimes I have to will myself to remember the blessings and once I get started it is like the rain - going on and on.

I began to think of sisters. Janet is my only birth sister and she is a treasure beyond compare. My brothers wife, Beth is also my sister in Christ and I have grown to love and appreciate and respect her. But then there are all the other sisters the Lord has blessed me with in this life. I have cousins as close as sisters - cousins in law as close as sisters. Through the years it seems there has come one after another close friend that has become dear to me. Each relationship has been directly related to our love for the Lord Jesus. It seems He brought us together in His own perfect time. We could hold up one another during challenging times, enjoy the different stages of our lives together like learning to be good wives, new mothers, survivors of our teenager's years, empty nesters, becoming grandparents, dealing with menopause and the loss of parents. We went through these things together - my sisters and I.

What a giant blessing these ladies have been to me. Some people are blessed to have one good friend in their life. And that is wonderful. Moving around as we have, the Lord has known I needed bunches because He certainly has sent several really special ones. And I am eternally grateful for each one. Some have been younger than I. Some have been older. Some have been dignified and refined. Some have been informal and free spirits. All have taught me something, added something to enrich my life. All have shared a faith in the One who made us and whom we aim to serve. Thank you, Lord - for all my sisters and please bless them today and always.

Just wanted to share this

2009-03-04T17:13:00.004-05:00

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER

By Maya Angelou

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ,
That a man should have to seek Him first to find her"

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean living," I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain... I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

TRAVELING ON

2009-02-11T09:07:00.002-05:00

You have probably heard that gospel song "I Feel Like Travelin On" and recall that it speaks of Heaven. Well, I do love to think about what it might be like there and how glorious and wonderful it will be to see Jesus. I love to think about my Heavenly Father and being able to be in His presence and be able to worship in perfection. Now that will be wonderful. And I do like to think of seeing my parents and other loved ones again and sharing in the joy of love that is founded in the Lord alone. It will be wonderful. Someday.

For today, I feel like travelin on with my husband. He will be traveling east and invited me to come along and let us take a long weekend away. He will be working and I will be waiting for awhile, but then we will enjoy some quiet time at the ocean. The past few days have been a bit disappointing for us in several respects. Disillusionment with people or even with thinking we knew what God had planned for us to be doing is hard. Things do not always work out and people will definitely disappoint. It is hard to keep one's joy when goals are not met and plans are unplanned. So, what do we do? We take a big breath, draw closer to the One who promises to be with us and guide us, and accept the little joys each day have to offer.

Today a little joy is kissing my newest grandbaby and daughter goodbye for a few days, stopping by and delivering valentines to more sweet grandchildren and giving a piano lesson, and accepting the invitation of a loving husband to come travel for a few days with him. I like it. I feel like travelin on......

SNUGGLE BUGS

2009-02-02T08:34:00.007-05:00

Well, here is my sleeping daughter and the little one week old person who has an entire family at her beck and call. She has completely rearranged and restructured her very organized and structured parents' lives. And they dont mind one single bit. (Mommy has to grab a nap whenever she can - even sitting straight up in a chair). It's a time of adjustments, but a happy time. I know all you who love babies can appreciate the concept of the "snuggle bug." It is the coolest thing ever to have a little baby snuggle up close to you and be so relaxed and at peace and trusting. I just love it when it is my turn to have that little bug snuggle up to me. And it makes me think of how we are as children to our Heavenly Father. There are times when we just need to snuggle in, rest up close to, and totally accept His peace. There is nothing quite like it. Knowing He is in charge, understands, will feed and lead us, and just loves us to pieces. Yep, we can learn a lot from tiny little "snuggle bugs."

"Back in the day..."

2009-01-25T09:49:00.002-05:00

Have you heard or used that phrase?
"Back in the day when life was more simple ...."
"Back in the day when I was young ...."
"Back in the day when respect was shown for ...."
"Back in the day when money was REALLY hard to come by ...."

My sister and I laughingly just cut it short and say "Back in the day" and we both know we are thinking back to our earlier days and probably nobody really wants to hear it, but we know. Yes, we know that things were different back then. And regrettably we have to admit that SOME things might have been a bit better back then. Certainly not all things, for we have learned and progressed along the way. But we well remember how things "use to be."

Sometimes I think about how life was different back in the day when Jesus was on earth and the disciples were going about their work. It must have been wonderful to be right there with Him and see Him and be in His Presence. It reminds me of a children's songs I used to teach the children:

I think when I read that sweet story of old
When Jesus was here among men.
How He called His little children as lambs to His fold
I should like to have been with them then.

I should like to have been with them then.
I should like to have been with them then.
How He called His little children as lambs to His fold
I should like to have been with Him then.

We probably shouldn't live in the past, generally speaking. But for sure we should cling to the things that never change - like God's unfailing love and desire to walk with us through each day. And we can surely look forward to the day when we shall see the Lord, our loved ones, and dwell with Him forever and ever and ever and ever......Kind of neat, isn't it?

Paisley Elizabeth and Grandma

2009-01-19T07:41:00.003-05:00

Praise the Lord our little princess has arrived safely and all is well! Only God knows the great joy in this mother's heart to finally see our first daughter have the great blessing of a child. We are so thankful that Julie made it through with her favorite Scripture: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." She was a trooper!

Our family has teased Julie and Bill that they look like brother and sister instead of a married couple. Even their baby pictures are remarkably similar. So we are not surprised to see little Paisley looking exactly like BOTH of them! "Aunt Laurie" took this picture at the hospital. Hard not to grin with thanksgiving and pride!