Palm Sunday Weekend

Today was a very pretty, breezy, early spring day. The plants are 3 weeks behind this spring, so the weather folks say. It's been so cold and rainy and snowy this winter. But today there were Bradford pear trees in full bloom, cherry trees beginning to blossom, plenty of yellow jonquils, and, of course, Easter eggs! We gathered with all the family at my parents' house and hid a few eggs for the three littlest grandchildren and the teensy-tiny great-granddaughter. She practically tip-toed around on the grass as she held one egg in her hand. That's all she wanted. She was just observing everyone else. She has a thing about grass...she's timid walking on it. Funny to watch! Her pretty red hair shone in the sunlight and we all sat around out in the little park at my folks' house and watched the kids and enjoyed the sunshine. There were some sentimental feelings there for reasons I'll share later. But mostly just enjoyment at being together again a year later at Easter.
My girl is feeling the newest baby flutter around today and that is just perfectly symbolic of spring and new life. I could get really sentimental and silly so I'll stop there. I'm thankful. I've not been the person I should be lately but God shows grace and blesses anyway.

Picturing Jesus

I recently did Beth Moore's study called Jesus - the One and Only. It was so good and I highlighted many ideas and concepts that meant a lot to me. In the chapter called "Picturing Jesus" the central verse is Luke 2:52..."Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and with men." The Greek word "sophia" is wisdom. It is having practical and wise management, knowledge, deep understanding, sound judgment and good sense. Being deeply spiritual is also very practical.

Jesus was an ordinary man in stature...he didn't have a Godlike appearance yet people were attracted to Him as "in favor with men". He was popular and drew men to Him like magnets (ex. fishermen leaving their business to follow him). I imagine Him full of laughter and warmth yet serious when He needed to be for His teaching. Isaiah states that "He was despised and rejected" but that didn't happen until He became a threat to "the establishment".

Finally, Jesus grew in favor with God. Their relationship was one of a kind. He was totally dependent on His Father and His Father was pleased and delighted with Him. Yet they were together as part of the Trinity. A difficult concept yet there it is. I find I don't have to understand it all...just believe. My God is BIG.

Jesus was real, He got hungry and thirsty, He played with His little brothers and sisters, He hugged His mother, He loved us before we came to be. As Beth puts it..."Unfathomable".

A Year's Gone By!

A year ago tonight we were waiting to hear if our daughter was being admitted to the hospital. Got the call and took off. We got there at midnight and after long, quiet hours in the waiting room and the hospital room, we met our little granddaughter around 6 a.m. She was precious to us then but I am amazed at how much more precious to me she is now and how much I love her. I've told many people that she is just pure JOY to me.

Because of the patience and love of my daughter and son-in-law, I've been able to spend many hours with the baby. I've played with her at the beach, gone to the park in the autumn, watched her play near her Christmas tree, enjoyed her reaction to her first snowflakes, and now about to celebrate her first birthday!

I'm so thankful and blessed to have experienced this year. I look forward to more.
Happy birthday, sweet girlie.

Not Much to Say But...

Nope, not a whole lot going on but I thought I'd update anyway. I'm pretty whooped right now due to a hugely busy week at work. Enjoying the day here at home after attending a bridesmaids' luncheon with my daughter. That was a lot of fun. My girl is going to be a beautiful matron of honor at 4 months pregnant in a pretty pink dress, black sash and gloves, rhinestone & pearl bracelet, pearl necklace and earrings. It's a fifties-style wedding on Good Friday. I'm really looking forward to it. The bride is my daughter's best friend and her mom and I are very close. Of course, to attend the wedding I have to miss the choir musical at our church. (part of my job) But my boss was very understanding.

The sun really tried to come out today. I'm really, really tired of this winter landscape and weather. I even shopped for some spring clothes today and I'm about to clean out my closet and pretend that spring is here.

Went shopping with my baby granddaughter yesterday for some spring stuff. That child proceeded to get in a tug-of-war with her mother over a really cute little dress. It was funny. She's not even a year old yet and that strong will is showing up! Like mother, like daughter. Of course, she mellowed out and became a delightful girl. I'm sure the little redhead will do the same.

So anyway, not much else. Looking forward to some fun days in the next few weeks...celebrating birthdays and Easter.

Later.

Happy News from a Good Friend

My friend and former co-worker just got engaged today! This means a lot to me because we have had many a deep talk about "the one", "God has the right wife for you", "be patient", "keep praying and waiting", etc, etc. Chris is almost 29 years old and has done what was very hard. He's been patient and has waited for God's best for him. I'm so happy that we'll get to see a wedding this year. We used to tease Chris that we'd be coming down the aisle on walkers whenever he "finally" got married. He put up with the teasing good-naturedly.

He's a great young man who has a lot to offer his future wife. He does beautiful work as a wedding videographer and photographer. He did my daughter's wedding and will be taking pics soon of my granddaughter for her first birthday. He has a tender heart and wants to do what the Lord wills for his life.

When he worked with us at the church, we had such fun. He was like a son that we picked on and teased. But he had revenge many times. We work in a basement area with dark halls. Oh my goodness, I can't tell you how many times he scared us to death sneaking up on us. One time he actually used a bullhorn. Whoa!! Then came the day that my friend Cheryl and I decided to get him back. He was working up in the orchestra pit and we came in the back of the church and got down on our hands and knees crawling through the pews. We started meowing like cats as we got closer to him. Making complete fools of ourselves. Of course, by the time we got near him, he had disappeared...never knew what we were doing. We never really were able to scare him. I guess we'll let him off the hook now and promise not to do anything vengeful at his wedding. God bless you, Chris, and your future wife and your marriage.