August came in with a great celebration...it always does at our house...my birthday is the first day! And, the celebration continues! Amazingly, I don't feel today, some 10 days later, like I've rested up from that week end! Even more amazingly, it's FINE with me! Good things just keep coming!
My mom came to celebrate my birthday! Lots of fresh veggies and such...and, of course, birthday cake...then our neighbors, sweet ones they are, brought another birthday cake--and a gallon of milk--lots of insight these neighbors!
This past Friday and Saturday, was time spent in the presence of a few ladies from our church that are inspirational to me in ministry. It was time well spent, as we learned more about each other, and how to use our gifts in furthering the gospel to women in our area, and beyond. I'm very excited about the possibilities! But, mostly, I'm in awe and praying about 'the next step'!
Also this past week end was my class reunion. It was great fun...reconnecting with some of those that I hadn't seen since high school. We laughed a lot!
Then, as the Journey continues...I wanted to share this section of scripture and a one-liner from our Sunday school class:
II Corinthians 4:5-7
For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
--emphasis added by me.
But, one of the girls in my class read this and then said, "Isn't that pretty?"
I love it when people not only 'get the Word of God'...but also SEE the Beauty contained IN it!!!
Praising Our Glorious God because of His Mighty Power!!!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Antiques--to appreciate OR not?
There are just certain things I like to do. I love a really HOT cup of coffee, hot tea or Orka chi...and a good book, or my Bible. I love slow mornings. I love to 'create' something from bits of nothing (don't have as much time to do this as I'd like). I love to write stuff down. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it doesn't. Like right now, I don't really know where this is going, but I feel compelled to keep typing! (like the kitchen scene in Nanny McPhee!)
Holly will be leaving in about 19 days. Nineteen days. That's ok. I'm good with my kids moving to the next phase of their lives. It's exciting to watch her tie up loose ends, so to speak. But, her 'project' this summer has been our basement. It's always a project at our house (a very long story that I will not bore you with here!) But, our basement has had several evolutions in the past 18 years. (translate: accumulation of much/many things!)
And so, this summer we were to re-claim it as living space, make it beautiful, relaxing and appealing for family time. And, bless her heart, in spite of our differences in color scheme choices, and decorating techniques, it's pulling together quite nicely.
But, because I like to spend time doing lots of different kinds of things...I see beauty, or purpose in lots of 'bits of nothing' to any one else. We have heir looms in storage boxes, because this grandma, or this aunt, thought enough of future generations to preserve, and protect pretty things for 'some day'...And so, as she and I went through a few of those storage boxes last night, I was able to give her the back story on a few pieces.
Some were a wedding gift to this 'great grandma'...some were just always at MaMa's house. I went through a short phase when the older girls were 'big enough' that I would actually buy a few antiques, if I liked them. (that was short-lived because we quickly had two more babies and the 'pretties' got replaced by soft edges and plastic again!)
It was during this short time, though, that I found one particular treasure. It was a beautiful little glass piece. I had a short article that came with it, explaining its history and what it was used for--I loved it because of an old picture I have of one of the women in our family from generations past!
I had seen the paper work over the years through one of my storage containers...but I couldn't find the actual glass piece. It's only about 4" tall...so it could have been wrapped up in paper, and I just couldn't see it. But, as we pulled out boxes last night, I again, saw through the storage container the paper work--and, my heart sank again for the 3rd or 4th time, I'd been through that particular box, and knew that my treasure was NOT in there. At our house, sometimes things get broken, and just thrown away...I feared that that had happened in this case, and after searching decided not to think about it again!
Holly, after pulling many boxes out of our storage room, started opening them, and unwrapping a few things to explore just what kinds of things her mother had been 'hording' all these years. To her delight (and, mine, too!) she thought many of these things were beautiful, and she even seemed to appreciate the back story to many of the things she held up for me to see!
Then, it happened...she unwrapped my little glass piece...the one with the paper work, the one I enjoy so very much. I was so excited, I ran over and grabbed it from her. It looks like lace work all around the top...like you could weave ribbon through it! She asked what in the world 'it' is!?! I had her guess...it just looks like a wide-mouthed short vase. But, it's far more interesting than that!!!
You see, this little glass piece was actually used in parlors by ladies as a personal 'spittoon'!!! I love that! It makes me laugh! It makes me smile...it also humanizes people from the past! A lot of times, because it was so long ago, people from history become almost fictional characters in a story line. Of course ladies in the late 1800's and early 1900's would have to spit...and if they chewed tobacco (which I'm uncertain of that!) all the better to have a place to spit! Of course, my grandma would tell me it was probably for cherry pits, or small bones...who knows...the point is this: they spit...which means they were human!
That's what I want, I want to remain human in the eyes of those who come after me...I don't mean I want to live as a human forever...I just want the stories about me to my children's children to be real...someone they can relate to, just someone older than them, that lived in a different era!
I'm so excited that my little spittoon has been found. It just stands as a small symbol for me that stories I read or stories I hear about women from long ago in my family (or not) were real, with real feelings, emotions, goals, hurts, and habits...much like me...
Remember the Ecclesiastical writer tells us: There's nothing new under the sun!--how true!
Holly will be leaving in about 19 days. Nineteen days. That's ok. I'm good with my kids moving to the next phase of their lives. It's exciting to watch her tie up loose ends, so to speak. But, her 'project' this summer has been our basement. It's always a project at our house (a very long story that I will not bore you with here!) But, our basement has had several evolutions in the past 18 years. (translate: accumulation of much/many things!)
And so, this summer we were to re-claim it as living space, make it beautiful, relaxing and appealing for family time. And, bless her heart, in spite of our differences in color scheme choices, and decorating techniques, it's pulling together quite nicely.
But, because I like to spend time doing lots of different kinds of things...I see beauty, or purpose in lots of 'bits of nothing' to any one else. We have heir looms in storage boxes, because this grandma, or this aunt, thought enough of future generations to preserve, and protect pretty things for 'some day'...And so, as she and I went through a few of those storage boxes last night, I was able to give her the back story on a few pieces.
Some were a wedding gift to this 'great grandma'...some were just always at MaMa's house. I went through a short phase when the older girls were 'big enough' that I would actually buy a few antiques, if I liked them. (that was short-lived because we quickly had two more babies and the 'pretties' got replaced by soft edges and plastic again!)
It was during this short time, though, that I found one particular treasure. It was a beautiful little glass piece. I had a short article that came with it, explaining its history and what it was used for--I loved it because of an old picture I have of one of the women in our family from generations past!
I had seen the paper work over the years through one of my storage containers...but I couldn't find the actual glass piece. It's only about 4" tall...so it could have been wrapped up in paper, and I just couldn't see it. But, as we pulled out boxes last night, I again, saw through the storage container the paper work--and, my heart sank again for the 3rd or 4th time, I'd been through that particular box, and knew that my treasure was NOT in there. At our house, sometimes things get broken, and just thrown away...I feared that that had happened in this case, and after searching decided not to think about it again!
Holly, after pulling many boxes out of our storage room, started opening them, and unwrapping a few things to explore just what kinds of things her mother had been 'hording' all these years. To her delight (and, mine, too!) she thought many of these things were beautiful, and she even seemed to appreciate the back story to many of the things she held up for me to see!
Then, it happened...she unwrapped my little glass piece...the one with the paper work, the one I enjoy so very much. I was so excited, I ran over and grabbed it from her. It looks like lace work all around the top...like you could weave ribbon through it! She asked what in the world 'it' is!?! I had her guess...it just looks like a wide-mouthed short vase. But, it's far more interesting than that!!!
You see, this little glass piece was actually used in parlors by ladies as a personal 'spittoon'!!! I love that! It makes me laugh! It makes me smile...it also humanizes people from the past! A lot of times, because it was so long ago, people from history become almost fictional characters in a story line. Of course ladies in the late 1800's and early 1900's would have to spit...and if they chewed tobacco (which I'm uncertain of that!) all the better to have a place to spit! Of course, my grandma would tell me it was probably for cherry pits, or small bones...who knows...the point is this: they spit...which means they were human!
That's what I want, I want to remain human in the eyes of those who come after me...I don't mean I want to live as a human forever...I just want the stories about me to my children's children to be real...someone they can relate to, just someone older than them, that lived in a different era!
I'm so excited that my little spittoon has been found. It just stands as a small symbol for me that stories I read or stories I hear about women from long ago in my family (or not) were real, with real feelings, emotions, goals, hurts, and habits...much like me...
Remember the Ecclesiastical writer tells us: There's nothing new under the sun!--how true!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
From the Journey...
I Corinthians 15:58 says:
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
There is truth in that! There's comfort in that for ministry work. There's a promise in there, too!
God is SO good. We must stand firm in our belief in Him, in our faith in Him...
I will not be moved...except to do MORE in ministry.
The work of the Lord, if I give myself fully to it, I can KNOW that it is not in vain. There is a purpose for it all. And, so the word, 'give' speaks to my heart of hearts. Giving to Our God, fully of myself. It looks a lot like an act of worship. Everything I do, because I was created to worship the God of the Universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, should be done in a spirit of worship. Even writing in this blog.
Speaking to a lonely woman. Cleaning out my basement. Doing menial tasks.
Laughing. Crying. Studying. Knitting.
Driving my car. Singing. Typing. Listening. Praying.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
There is truth in that! There's comfort in that for ministry work. There's a promise in there, too!
God is SO good. We must stand firm in our belief in Him, in our faith in Him...
I will not be moved...except to do MORE in ministry.
The work of the Lord, if I give myself fully to it, I can KNOW that it is not in vain. There is a purpose for it all. And, so the word, 'give' speaks to my heart of hearts. Giving to Our God, fully of myself. It looks a lot like an act of worship. Everything I do, because I was created to worship the God of the Universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, should be done in a spirit of worship. Even writing in this blog.
Speaking to a lonely woman. Cleaning out my basement. Doing menial tasks.
Laughing. Crying. Studying. Knitting.
Driving my car. Singing. Typing. Listening. Praying.
Friday, July 24, 2009
So thankful I have a Sister!
From the title you can tell, I'm going to write about this visit I'm having with my sister, LaDonna. She writes a blog, too, Random Thoughts from Raleigh...she's a techy person...she calls herself a geek...I call her smart and funny and hilarious!
Right now, there is so very much I want to write about ...and yet, I'm just not certain that this is the place in which I should share everything I'm thinking! I know, I know, freedom of speech and all that! I have to keep in mind: people read this that don't actually know me well...and so , perspective is important.
This is intended to be a place of encouragement. A bright spot for the day, or maybe a place to find a smile you didn't know you had in ya! :)
During this time with my sister and her family, I've literally traveled down a lot of paths and roads, and streets leading to 'memory lane'...which, for me, isn't always rosy, or should I say it more plainly: pleasant.
I brought my girls, Madison & Mallory with me. With the understanding that they were to act thier age (they haven't disappointed me in that!) My nephew is getting married in a little over 100 days from now. This home is bubbling with excitement--everything is about the wedding...which is completely normal and totally expected!--Go Dane & Jean! (they even have their own wedding web-site--oh how the times have changed!)
Yesterday, LaDonna and I took our daughters to lunch and met one of our cousins. The restaurant actually has fried dill pickles on the menu...and our twins love them! --So, we had to have an order of them!
I had not seen this cousin, Nadine, for about 2 years. As kids we were best friends, together almost all the time! And so, just like when we were kids, we laughed until our stomachs hurt...from the moment we all got out our 'reading glasses' to take a closer look at the menus, to sharing memories about different family members, We were still laughing as we walked to the parking lot to say good bye!
Last night we went to the county fair. I haven't been to this fair since I was about 8...so, it looked a lot different than I remembered! It turned out to be a great place to watch people!
Today, we shopped for LaDonna's wedding outfit, mother of the groom! We drove to Paducah, KY.
In order to give you a glimpse of understanding here, you need to know that my sister and I love each other dearly. But, our personalities are, as most sisters, completely different! The past couple of days, she's called my AnnaBelle, and I've called her Virginia more than a few times!
And, that's pretty much it...these are our grandma's names, and they were two of the funnest women I've ever had the privilege of knowing!
Virginia was our mom's mom. She loved to shop, and she loved people...and, she loved to laugh! AnnaBelle, or in recent years, AB, is our dad's mom. She's still living, but 1,500 miles away from us. She's SO hilarious--loves to laugh!
Anyway, I'm more 'formal thinking' and my sister is more 'casual thinking'...and so, the shopping trip was both challenging and fun! What we found, though, was completely and utterly LaDonna...beautiful...she's going to look fabulous! It's perfect, the color, the style, and the 'flow'!
We ate cat fish at a local BBQ place for dinner, which was completely packed with people! We got back and the girls went fishing...Madison even caught a large fish--and threw it back...the point is, though, she baited the hook, and caught the thing herself!!!--she's a better woman than me!
Tomorrow, we head home. It's been good. LaDonna and I have had some really candid conversations...which lends itself well to my sanity! We shopped, we ate, we talked some more, and we laughed a LOT!
Right now, there is so very much I want to write about ...and yet, I'm just not certain that this is the place in which I should share everything I'm thinking! I know, I know, freedom of speech and all that! I have to keep in mind: people read this that don't actually know me well...and so , perspective is important.
This is intended to be a place of encouragement. A bright spot for the day, or maybe a place to find a smile you didn't know you had in ya! :)
During this time with my sister and her family, I've literally traveled down a lot of paths and roads, and streets leading to 'memory lane'...which, for me, isn't always rosy, or should I say it more plainly: pleasant.
I brought my girls, Madison & Mallory with me. With the understanding that they were to act thier age (they haven't disappointed me in that!) My nephew is getting married in a little over 100 days from now. This home is bubbling with excitement--everything is about the wedding...which is completely normal and totally expected!--Go Dane & Jean! (they even have their own wedding web-site--oh how the times have changed!)
Yesterday, LaDonna and I took our daughters to lunch and met one of our cousins. The restaurant actually has fried dill pickles on the menu...and our twins love them! --So, we had to have an order of them!
I had not seen this cousin, Nadine, for about 2 years. As kids we were best friends, together almost all the time! And so, just like when we were kids, we laughed until our stomachs hurt...from the moment we all got out our 'reading glasses' to take a closer look at the menus, to sharing memories about different family members, We were still laughing as we walked to the parking lot to say good bye!
Last night we went to the county fair. I haven't been to this fair since I was about 8...so, it looked a lot different than I remembered! It turned out to be a great place to watch people!
Today, we shopped for LaDonna's wedding outfit, mother of the groom! We drove to Paducah, KY.
In order to give you a glimpse of understanding here, you need to know that my sister and I love each other dearly. But, our personalities are, as most sisters, completely different! The past couple of days, she's called my AnnaBelle, and I've called her Virginia more than a few times!
And, that's pretty much it...these are our grandma's names, and they were two of the funnest women I've ever had the privilege of knowing!
Virginia was our mom's mom. She loved to shop, and she loved people...and, she loved to laugh! AnnaBelle, or in recent years, AB, is our dad's mom. She's still living, but 1,500 miles away from us. She's SO hilarious--loves to laugh!
Anyway, I'm more 'formal thinking' and my sister is more 'casual thinking'...and so, the shopping trip was both challenging and fun! What we found, though, was completely and utterly LaDonna...beautiful...she's going to look fabulous! It's perfect, the color, the style, and the 'flow'!
We ate cat fish at a local BBQ place for dinner, which was completely packed with people! We got back and the girls went fishing...Madison even caught a large fish--and threw it back...the point is, though, she baited the hook, and caught the thing herself!!!--she's a better woman than me!
Tomorrow, we head home. It's been good. LaDonna and I have had some really candid conversations...which lends itself well to my sanity! We shopped, we ate, we talked some more, and we laughed a LOT!
Sisters, I don't know what people do that don't have sisters.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Still feeling Sentimental...
Here we are, 2009. This means different things to different people. A year of wonderful surprises for some, a year of devastating loss for others...that's what this world is made up of, isn't it? Great tragedy and great joy all rolled in to one experience after another!
It's also been 10 years since I 'retired' and came home to raise our kids. That lasted 5 years(!) some of them have grown up and are pretty much on their own now!
It's been 31 years since my last 'first date' and 28 years since I got married...
My brother in law, he's such a philosopher, recently told me: "Life is like toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes!" --not sure that was original...but I think there's an element of truth in there some where! Of course, the longer we live, the more opportunities we have to draw from experiences and hopefully, enjoy sweet memories from the past!
I'm becoming very sentimental these days--remembering 'this person' or 'event' from my high school, my school days...not certain why, except that, as I pointed out earlier this week...the Internet is an amazing tool. Because of it, I've been able to re-connecting with many from those days--and there's always a common thread: see you at the reunion!
Sure, it'll be fun to see every one...but I must admit, I'm a little apprehensive. What if I've already talked to them about everything I would've said at the reunion? What if I have nothing to say?
...I know, (if you know me, that would be hard to imagine)...words are what I 'do'! But, it's worth considering...hmmmmm.....Perhaps I should buy one of those little books...you know the one: "a personal guide to small talk" or some such! How lame would that be?
...I know, I'll wear a funny hat, crazy shoes and carry a bouquet of flowers...that'll be a conversation starter! OR, at least give every one else something to talk about!
And, SO: I'm not going to worry about that today...
All in all, that's my life...fun, and very blessed...a lot of good memories, tons of really good friends, and a great family!
Most of all though, I give praise to the God of the Universe for taking such good care of us! I can feel His hand on us...His divine Will in things...His provision in times of uncertainty, and above all His comfort in the hurting times...because yes, we've had those.
God is good all the time!
It's been 2 days since some dear friends had a newborn infant placed in their care...And, because this pulls directly at the cords of my heart, this reminds me that it's been 10 years since we celebrated the adoption of our twins!!!
It's also been 10 years since I 'retired' and came home to raise our kids. That lasted 5 years(!) some of them have grown up and are pretty much on their own now!
It's been 31 years since my last 'first date' and 28 years since I got married...
My brother in law, he's such a philosopher, recently told me: "Life is like toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes!" --not sure that was original...but I think there's an element of truth in there some where! Of course, the longer we live, the more opportunities we have to draw from experiences and hopefully, enjoy sweet memories from the past!
It's been 30 years since I graduated high school. Yikes!
I'm becoming very sentimental these days--remembering 'this person' or 'event' from my high school, my school days...not certain why, except that, as I pointed out earlier this week...the Internet is an amazing tool. Because of it, I've been able to re-connecting with many from those days--and there's always a common thread: see you at the reunion!
Sure, it'll be fun to see every one...but I must admit, I'm a little apprehensive. What if I've already talked to them about everything I would've said at the reunion? What if I have nothing to say?
...I know, (if you know me, that would be hard to imagine)...words are what I 'do'! But, it's worth considering...hmmmmm.....Perhaps I should buy one of those little books...you know the one: "a personal guide to small talk" or some such! How lame would that be?
...I know, I'll wear a funny hat, crazy shoes and carry a bouquet of flowers...that'll be a conversation starter! OR, at least give every one else something to talk about!
And, SO: I'm not going to worry about that today...
I'm having too much fun checking my 'in box'!
All in all, that's my life...fun, and very blessed...a lot of good memories, tons of really good friends, and a great family!
Most of all though, I give praise to the God of the Universe for taking such good care of us! I can feel His hand on us...His divine Will in things...His provision in times of uncertainty, and above all His comfort in the hurting times...because yes, we've had those.
God is good all the time!
And, All the Time, GOD IS GOOD!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wedding Plans...Searching for Truth!
Weddings. Marriages. Romance.
Commitment. Love.
Passion. Husband & Wife.
Happily Ever After...
My nephew is getting married in November. My wonderful sister is going to be an awesome mother-in-law. When our oldest daughter got married, this same wonderful sister was head of my 'team' that helped put the whole day together. She worked for a solid week, she did everything from making sure the wedding party walked down the 'aisle' at the right cue to re-filling endless bowls of punch!! She's awesome!
So, this week, I get to go to her house, and talk about wedding plans for her son! My sweet nephew, I cannot believe he's old enough to get married, but he is. He's such a gentleman, very honorable, and I think he must be quite a romantic! The proposal, apparently was quite an event! Sweet! I'm very proud of him...He loves the Lord, and I feel certain has prayed about this decision. His future bride also loves Jesus, and seeks His face! This is going to be fun, and so exciting to watch God work through it all, and be honored in their relationship!
I love the way the Journey, what ever place we are in the New Testament, seems to go with what ever is going on in life!!! Today, the sermon was on the chapters from last week that we read on Wed-Friday...which happened to be I Cor. 5, 6 & 7!!!
Which, has everything to do with sexual immorality and marriage. And, so, here's all these great lessons that we're learning from this portion of scripture...and while I'm at my sister's these lessons will be fresh in my mind...for encouragement and imparting wisdom...or a place to go with questions.
Which also brings me to talk about one of the saddest thing I've done in a long time.
I recently watched a secular movie with our second oldest daughter. She and I watched a movie called He's Just Not That Into You.
If you haven't seen it, don't or do...which ever is fine with me (heads up on language and mature situations)...
--What makes me sad is that there is a certain amount of truth about our culture presented in that movie. Men and women who use each other, they keep looking for the right 'fit' and can never quite find it. They are taking advice from each other and acting on their 'urges'...using all the great 'lines' on each other. So, these people walk around being very lonely, afraid of commitment, and totally frustrated with the prospect of relationship.
Just sad--breaks my heart for the generation 'coming up'...
And so, sadness must be replaced with hope. HOPE. And, the best source of HOPE I know is found in the One who invented sex and marriage...
The God of the Universe...the God of Heaven and Earth!
Do not listen to the 'world' about marriage...go directly to the One with answers based on truth!
Commitment. Love.
Passion. Husband & Wife.
Happily Ever After...
My nephew is getting married in November. My wonderful sister is going to be an awesome mother-in-law. When our oldest daughter got married, this same wonderful sister was head of my 'team' that helped put the whole day together. She worked for a solid week, she did everything from making sure the wedding party walked down the 'aisle' at the right cue to re-filling endless bowls of punch!! She's awesome!
So, this week, I get to go to her house, and talk about wedding plans for her son! My sweet nephew, I cannot believe he's old enough to get married, but he is. He's such a gentleman, very honorable, and I think he must be quite a romantic! The proposal, apparently was quite an event! Sweet! I'm very proud of him...He loves the Lord, and I feel certain has prayed about this decision. His future bride also loves Jesus, and seeks His face! This is going to be fun, and so exciting to watch God work through it all, and be honored in their relationship!
I love the way the Journey, what ever place we are in the New Testament, seems to go with what ever is going on in life!!! Today, the sermon was on the chapters from last week that we read on Wed-Friday...which happened to be I Cor. 5, 6 & 7!!!
Which, has everything to do with sexual immorality and marriage. And, so, here's all these great lessons that we're learning from this portion of scripture...and while I'm at my sister's these lessons will be fresh in my mind...for encouragement and imparting wisdom...or a place to go with questions.
Which also brings me to talk about one of the saddest thing I've done in a long time.
I recently watched a secular movie with our second oldest daughter. She and I watched a movie called He's Just Not That Into You.
If you haven't seen it, don't or do...which ever is fine with me (heads up on language and mature situations)...
--What makes me sad is that there is a certain amount of truth about our culture presented in that movie. Men and women who use each other, they keep looking for the right 'fit' and can never quite find it. They are taking advice from each other and acting on their 'urges'...using all the great 'lines' on each other. So, these people walk around being very lonely, afraid of commitment, and totally frustrated with the prospect of relationship.
Just sad--breaks my heart for the generation 'coming up'...
And so, sadness must be replaced with hope. HOPE. And, the best source of HOPE I know is found in the One who invented sex and marriage...
The God of the Universe...the God of Heaven and Earth!
Do not listen to the 'world' about marriage...go directly to the One with answers based on truth!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Sentimental triggers...
Oh my, I just read the sweetest post on a blog that I follow. The Internet is a wonderful tool to get to know someone 'better' and blogging seems to be the avenue, in which she and I have been able to do just that!
Emily is a woman that I've always known 'about', but because of time & distance, we couldn't get to know each other 'well'... Recent events in her life have helped us be able to truly identify with each other! Her fresh perspective, energy and love for her family encourage me...my hope is that I would be an encouragement to her, to some extent, as well!
She turned 40 earlier this year, and found out 20 weeks ago that she is going to have a baby! Yes, apparently this happens a lot...I know from personal experience!
Their family has 2 boys, and a little girl...so, the new one, she says will also be a girl. Their little girl is named after our oldest daughter, Alayna...I love that!
This brings back many memories for me. All sorts of emotions I hadn't felt in 9 years! I remember feeling amazed that my body was still 'good enough' (on the other side of 39) to have a baby grow inside me...and, that God would give me that honor at such an age was another source of great amazement. A lot of days, as I pondered this place in my life, it took my breath away!--Marveling at that miracle...the one that is so rich and quiet...and unobtrusive! Sort of a big secret that the outside world doesn't even have time to acknowledge, because it's too busy and loud!
We had been told by our then-13 year old, Holly, that we were "not to bring another 'girl baby' in to our home...we were full up on girls, so only new born boys were welcome." I just always felt like God, in His wisdom knew exactly which was best for our family...my husband and I had never had a 'preference' on the sex of our children, boy or girl it just didn't matter to us! I believe with my whole heart Psalm 139...He formed this person inside me and had each of his/her days planned before one of them came to be!
And, so of course, as soon as our older daughter had the honor of holding her new-born baby sister, like the rest of us, she fell completely in love with her! (That is not the end of the story, if you're interested, you can read it in the April 25 post on this blog.)
Today, though, I'm just feeling a little sentimental because Emily's post just hit home, and left me with a lot of special memories.
My husband & I have brought five baby girls home from the hospital together! There is nothing like it!!!--All that pink--just special!
My husband is a great 'dad' for girls! Of course, that's easy for me to say since God had 5 girls in mind for this man to be a 'daddy' to! He's a precious man, and dearly loved by all of us, and has made a great impact on our girls--He's truly a gift directly from God's hand!
Oh yeah, here's how good God is: Grandchildren! Grand SON and Grand Daughter!!! How wonderful THEY are!!!
Emily is a woman that I've always known 'about', but because of time & distance, we couldn't get to know each other 'well'... Recent events in her life have helped us be able to truly identify with each other! Her fresh perspective, energy and love for her family encourage me...my hope is that I would be an encouragement to her, to some extent, as well!
She turned 40 earlier this year, and found out 20 weeks ago that she is going to have a baby! Yes, apparently this happens a lot...I know from personal experience!
Their family has 2 boys, and a little girl...so, the new one, she says will also be a girl. Their little girl is named after our oldest daughter, Alayna...I love that!
This brings back many memories for me. All sorts of emotions I hadn't felt in 9 years! I remember feeling amazed that my body was still 'good enough' (on the other side of 39) to have a baby grow inside me...and, that God would give me that honor at such an age was another source of great amazement. A lot of days, as I pondered this place in my life, it took my breath away!--Marveling at that miracle...the one that is so rich and quiet...and unobtrusive! Sort of a big secret that the outside world doesn't even have time to acknowledge, because it's too busy and loud!
We had been told by our then-13 year old, Holly, that we were "not to bring another 'girl baby' in to our home...we were full up on girls, so only new born boys were welcome." I just always felt like God, in His wisdom knew exactly which was best for our family...my husband and I had never had a 'preference' on the sex of our children, boy or girl it just didn't matter to us! I believe with my whole heart Psalm 139...He formed this person inside me and had each of his/her days planned before one of them came to be!
And, so of course, as soon as our older daughter had the honor of holding her new-born baby sister, like the rest of us, she fell completely in love with her! (That is not the end of the story, if you're interested, you can read it in the April 25 post on this blog.)
Today, though, I'm just feeling a little sentimental because Emily's post just hit home, and left me with a lot of special memories.
My husband & I have brought five baby girls home from the hospital together! There is nothing like it!!!--All that pink--just special!
My husband is a great 'dad' for girls! Of course, that's easy for me to say since God had 5 girls in mind for this man to be a 'daddy' to! He's a precious man, and dearly loved by all of us, and has made a great impact on our girls--He's truly a gift directly from God's hand!
Oh yeah, here's how good God is: Grandchildren! Grand SON and Grand Daughter!!! How wonderful THEY are!!!
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