Easter Weekend

What a wonderful, busy, and beautiful weekend we've had! I'm so thankful for little things and the big blessings. I spent the day on Good Friday with my sweet granddaughter as her mother was out doing the wedding festivities with her best friend. They had hair appointments, lunch, dress, makeup, pictures, etc. So I got to spend some good, quiet, quality and QUANTITY :) time with the baby. We spent some time outdoors walking around looking at sunshine and flowers.





Then it was off to the wedding. Hubby and I dressed Baby up and went to see her mom be a matron of honor. Mommy was gorgeous and the wedding sweet and so happy a time. The reception was fun and, even though the baby had not had a nap, she had a great time running around on the dance floor. We didn't leave until 11:30 pm and the grandfather and I just crashed at home. We were exhausted. That's why the Lord plans for YOUNG couples to have babies...



On Saturday, we tried to recover and then went on for lunch to........MY PARENTS' NEW HOUSE! I'm still just amazed that my folks, at their ages, have decided to move from the house they have lived in for 35 years. We are so proud for them and proud of them. I jokingly say that most folks in their 70s are looking for assisted living homes not buying another house. The place is gorgeous and fits their personalities perfectly. I can see them being very happy there and the whole family enjoying the beautiful place in special times and ordinary days!

Today, we spent the morning at church in worship of our Lord, the Risen Jesus. Amazing music as the choir sang "Were You There?" and "We Shall Behold Him". The church was packed with 1700 people who sang loudly, joyfully, clapped, and just enjoyed the morning.

Again, I'm so thankful for my life, the blessings God has given me in family, church, health, but most of all, salvation and eternal life. I don't understand it but I receive it gratefully.

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.

I Want...

I want Spring. Flowers. Green. Warm Breezes. Bright Sunshine. Long Daylight. New Energy. Anticipation. Life Renewed.

He's Back!

Well, my boy is back and I couldn't be happier. He had a good experience in Denver but it just wasn't the place for someone who loves hot desert temperatures. Georgia will fit better I believe. He is back living with his friends in Gainesville and starting the job search again. I'm glad he is back with his many friends from that area and back to the church he really enjoyed also. I'm also happy and relieved that we get to see him whenever we want instead of having to fly across the country on a planned vacation. I am praying for him as he listens carefully to the Lord for his next step.

Snowy Valentine's Weekend

Such gorgeous days yesterday and today. And, no, not the usual meaning of gorgeous weather. Instead of sunny, breezy, and blue skies, we had snowy, dark gray skies, 30 degrees, and 4 inches of snow. In the South, that is amazing. We had a wonderful time.

Yesterday, I had my usual visit with my baby granddaughter. I went early in case the snow messed up our plans. There's always the possibility that it will cause road problems and it did. We went to Walmart in the morning and got the pretty girl a big, stuffed Valentine bear. Later on, after nap time, when the snow was coming down pretty heavily, we got her outside in the snow. She was loving it and her little cheeks were pink in the cold. She's not wanting to eat these days (except her daily grilled cheese) so we pushed her high chair up to the glass door and managed to get some food down her while she was distracted looking at the snow.
Hubby and I started home around 3 and the roads were already getting bad. The snow continued until around midnight and we woke up this morning to a beautiful sight with the sun on the snow. Cars were slowly going by sounding like they were on gravel roads. The snow is melting now and I hope the roads will dry out today and clear so we can go to church in the morning for Valentine's Day. I'll get to wish my son-in-law a "Happy Birthday" also!

On another subject, in a previous post I mentioned a problem that I was in the middle of that wasn't of my making. I had specifically asked the Lord for an opening to talk about it with the person involved and He provided that opening not even 2 hours later. All went well, though I was extremely nervous, and the situation has improved greatly. Just wanted to say publicly, Thank You, Jesus. Why are we always surprised when God answers our prayers? "My God is a big God" as our K'ekchi' friends say.

Every Breath I Take

I feel honestly that I cannot breathe without the Lord. His presence is just there. All the time. I can't explain it but I know it. Even when I'm saying, thinking, or feeling something I shouldn't, His presence is there. Comforting or disciplining both. He is there when I'm rejoicing in the birth of a grandchild. He is there when I am hurting from rejection. Even if I wanted to, I cannot escape it.


Lord, you have seen what is in my heart.
You know all about me.
You know when I sit down and when I get up.
You know what I'm thinking even though you are far away.
You know when I go out to work and when I come back home.
You know exactly how I live.
Lord, even before I speak a word,
you know all about it.
You are all around me. You are behind me and in front of me.
You hold me in your power.
I'm amazed at how well you know me.
It's more than I can understand.
How can I get away from your Spirit?
Where can I go to escape from you?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there.
If I lie down in the deepest parts of the earth, you are also there.
Suppose I were to rise with the sun in the east
and then cross over to the west where it sinks into the ocean.
Your hand would always be there to guide me.
Your right hand would still be holding me close. (Psalm 139:1-10)

Stream of Consciousness

the continuous unedited chronological flow of conscious experience through the mind

With no intended direction, my thoughts today...Beautiful sunny day, thank You, Lord. I'm about sick of this rain and cold. Could we not have an early spring? I'm so ready for green trees and flowers and warm spring breezes and playing with the baby outside and strolling through the Avenue.

Such beautiful music in church today. After we got to church, that is. Poor daughter got stranded with a dead battery at home and we went to help her out and missed Sunday School. Well, I can handle missing S.S. but not worship. And you just have to help your pregnant daughter and her 10 month old baby. And that girl was not happy about missing "Breakfast Sunday"...haha...don't mess with a pregnant woman's breakfast. Anyway, the music was wonderful as we sang "Mighty to Save" and "How Marvelous, How Wonderful" with 90-something choir members and the church looked pretty packed. Then the choir sang "Holy is He" and that was amazing. My minister of music aka my boss was on his game today...I wonder if he's happy with me these days. I keep making mistakes and you know I have that foggy thinking problem that women my age have. Ooops. Who knows, I could be catapulted into a new job at any time...just like last time when my principal didn't like the way I taught my ESOL class even though I was going to class to learn how to teach ESOL and that's how they taught me to teach it and so I decided I needed to find another career because I'd about had it with administration and paperwork and meetings and not getting to spend time teaching when they constantly called me out of my room to translate for the Spanish-speaking parents. Ugh. So here I am, almost 5 years later and I'm happy in my ministry assistant job. For now. But, heck, that's the mentality of my 52-year-old self and could lead to trouble if I don't stop running my mouth.

So here I am, at home, waiting for the Super Bowl to start so I can watch some commercials. I'd like New Orleans to win because I lived in New Orleans for 3 years back in the mid-80s when the Saints' fans wore paper sacks over their heads at the games. Ha! Of course if they don't win, it'll be Bush's fault, right? Alrighty I'm not getting started on the politics stuff. My husband takes care of that end.

Sitting by the fire on a cold, sunny day. Looking forward to the week. Thanks for listening.

Lots of Reasons for Prayer

Just lately in my life I'm feeling the pressure of many changes and some interesting situations. Little granddaughter is growing so fast, walking, so loving and charming. Then there's her mommy who is my much-loved daughter now pregnant again and, though she's feeling well, I still pray for her safety, health and that this littlest one will develop and grow and be born healthy.

My son is praying intently for God's will for his future. I pray for wisdom for him and that he will see clearly and find God's best for him. I feel that there will be some decisions for him to make in the next few months.

I have friends who are in challenging circumstances within their families and are struggling to take things a day at a time and to leave their burdens with the Lord. I'm also stuck in the middle of a sticky situation that is not of my making but is causing some real tension in my life as I try not to get involved but yet try to maintain the peace.

Add all this to some physical stuff I'm experiencing and you get the picture. Hey! My whole body shape is changing with shifting weight! Where my clothes were tight, now they're loose. And vice versa! Haha. AH...it's great being 52.

All this to say that I am following the Bible command to "pray unceasingly". I'm so thankful I have the Lord to listen to me and give me comfort and wisdom.

Thinking of Favorite Things on a Winter Night

Maddie’s smile
Double chocolate doughnuts
A new magazine
Candles
Erin’s brown eyes
Christmas music
Baby Story on TLC
Maple trees in the fall
Brad’s happy face
Choir
My husband’s salt and pepper hair
M&Ms
Popeye’s chicken and biscuits
Stephen’s quirkiness
My Savior’s Presence

Sweet Week!

Nothing out of the ordinary going on these days. Been somewhat busy at work as our choir sang a patriotic musical premiere on Tuesday and now we are getting ready to start our Good Friday/Easter music next week. So I will be busy getting the music ready next week for my boss to present to the choir. Speaking of my "jefe", he was so kind to me last week. I had a very unexpected couple of hours off because of the long days we worked. He insisted and I took him up on it. Encouragement like that makes a person want to work harder and enjoy it!!
Today was spent with daughter and granddaughter. Always so sweet. I love feeling that I can help out especially now that daughter has another baby on the way. I had a blast watching the gbaby walk around like a crazy girl...she looks so little walking around at 10 months. She barely has just learned to crawl and she decided that wasn't enough, I guess. I love the sweet fellowship I have with her mommy and the kisses I get from the baby. Life is just good right now. Thank YOU, Lord.

#52

Birthday Blessings: time with my parents and sister on a day-long outing, lunch out with co-workers and my boss, gift cards to a bookstore and a favorite restaurant, a beautiful pendant watch and dinner out with my sweet husband, the softest new sheets for my bed, an afternoon with my "into-everything" granddaughter, an evening with the family. Good birthday memories. I'm thankful to God for another year with those I love.

A 10 Pound Surprise (36 Years Ago)

This is a nice in-between day to reminisce about my sister and her birth 36 years ago. She turned 36 two days ago and I am about to have my 52nd birthday. We are 16 years apart. The photo above is of us celebrating our birthdays this week with my parents on a very cold day in Birmingham where Tricia lives now with her husband and children. The title of this post is the same title I used for an essay I wrote in 10th grade. I wrote it after Trish was born. She weighed 10 lbs 5 oz. when she was born 10 days late all those years ago.

I remember my mom and dad sitting down with my brother and me one summer day back in 1973. She asked us if we'd like to have a little brother or sister. At the time, I was 15 and my brother was 12. First thing I said was "Are we going to adopt?" At least I remember it that way. The next day I kept looking over at Joe and thinking "did they really say mom's going to have a baby?" It seemed unreal. Back then it was not as common for a woman to have a baby at 36. It happened but not like it does these days.

On January 10, 1974, my mom came into my room in the middle of the night because her water had broken. She was leaving for the hospital and came to say good-bye. My grandmother came to stay with us. I had to get up and go on to my high school and was very distracted all day to say the least. My lit teacher kept asking me to go call family to find out what was going on. She was a comfort to me that day. I arrived home from school to find out my mom and dad had just had a baby girl. That evening we went to visit and I'll never forget the sight of Trish in that incubator. Life went on and I watched my sister as a baby, toddler, child. I got married when she was 5 years old and then moved out of the country some years later. I didn't get to see her do a lot of things as she grew and developed. But I was glad she was home with my folks as I was away and after my brother got married. It just seemed that our home was more settled, stable, and always the same because she was there "keeping my parents young" as people used to say to them!

Now she's 36 with three children of her own. Because of our big difference in age, my parents have grandchildren from ages 25 down to age 3. Pretty cool, I think!

Celebrating Another Life!

Here we go again! We are so happy to announce a second grandchild to be born in September. These babies will be 18 months apart and I hope will be best buddies!
We loved the way our daughter and son-in-law surprised us with the news on New Year's Day. The cute shirt was perfect. Then we had to wait a little bit longer and tell the great-grandparents today. We were determined to do it no matter the icy roads. So we took off around 2:00 today while there was sunshine and some of the ice was melting. We slid around in places but got there safely. Thank You, Lord, for protecting us in our foolishness! haha. We were just ready to TELL! Anyway, the baby is due September 13 which seems like forever but I'm sure it will pass quickly. I pray for safety and good health for Erin and this sweet little new child who is such a blessing from our Lord.

Snow and Ice Day

Last night at around 6 pm, a weather reporter on TV said, "The kids need to go ahead and do their homework. We're not getting much more than this!" At about 8 pm, I stepped outside the door and sleet and snow were coming down hard. This morning we woke up to quite a frozen world. Very beautiful with the sun on the snow and ice.

We have a police scanner we listen to and the police are having a terrible day. People just won't stay home and there are cars in ditches, crashing into each other, and two policemen just had to jump off a high embankment just to keep from being hit by a car sliding toward them.

It's not even 20 degrees and icy, windy, snowy, and beautiful as long as I'm looking at it from my front door as in the picture above. I sure miss seeing my baby granddaughter today though. As soon as we can we're going to meet up and have some fun. More later!

2010

HOPE = Confident Expectation

Getting Ready for 2010

There's something about the imagery of the thriving tree by the stream that I love. I want this in my mind for 2010...something I will strive for in my walk with God whom I love so much. I want Him to be pleased with me, with my faith, with my outward expressions of my faith. I take Him so for granted many days...I want to stop and think daily of all He's done for me. And love Him back by growing like a tree by a river.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says:

7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

8 He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."

Amen to that for 2010.