Rainy Days and Tuesdays

Have I mentioned that I love dark, cloudy days? I know - I'm wierd! It's been raining for many days, off and on. I know our farmers need it to dry out so they can harvest the soybeans and cotton - maybe even still some rice. They are probably not enjoying these rainy days. So, I will do it! This is my last day in the office this week. I've never understood folks' dislike of Mondays - what's the difference? This is the day that the Lord has made - we will rejoice and be glad in it. That's enough preaching. I get to go tomorrow to help my daughters, which means spending time with them. This equals lots of laughter and probably a few tears (we can't share anything without crying). I will miss my hubby and I hate to leave him home alone, but he will be coming on Friday. Rainy days and Tuesdays - NEVER get me down.

Happy Birthday, Chris

Today is the birthday of my firstborn - Christopher Grady. I was a very young mother who had no idea what she was doing! I always tell first-time parents, "You are about to love someone more than you ever imagined possible." Happy Birthday, Son! You have brought nothing but joy into my life since I first held you in my arms. I thank God for sending you to me and I pray you will continue to grow in the Lord, becoming all He has planned for you to be.

It's Worth It!

Parenting is hard work. It takes consistency. I think that's what makes it so difficult. We don't always feel like being consistent. We don't always have the guts to do the tough things. It is so hard to live what you teach. But to all you parents out there - hang in there - it's worth it! Twice this year, I've gotten to attend Living Proof Live with my daughters. In March, with Jill and yesterday & today, with Joy. Both times, I got to share the experience of growing spiritually, as women - as well as mother/daughter. I got to look into my daughters' eyes, and share the life we have in Jesus Christ; to sing and praise and cry; to speak God's truths to each other. What an amazing blessing! I am nothing - it is all Christ. God has been faithful to my family. He is a great God, who blesses those who love Him and obey Him with all spiritual blessings. I can say from experience - don't quit! Teach your children to know Him and to love Him. Be consistent. Do the tough job of parenting. It's worth it!

Words

We just started our fall Bible study at church. We are studying Me, Myself and Lies by Jennifer Rothschild - excellent! Words are so important, aren't they? We think words and we speak words and we can write words. We can't be too careful with our words. The old adage, "Sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words can never hurt me" is a lie. Words hurt. Words wound. Many carry words in their heads that they heard years and years ago. Conversely, words can also heal - bring life and joy and encourage! My heart's desire is to speak wise words and kind words. Sometimes though, I speak without thinking, or I speak when I should be silent. Sometimes, I speak with kind intentions and my words still cause hurt. For this, I am very sorry. "Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, my strength and my Redeemer."

Expectations...Part Dos

A few weeks ago, I shared my vision and dreams of teaching English as a Second Language to the Hispanic ladies at our Hispanic ministry. 4 women committed to attend. Last Thursday night was the first class. You can't imagine my surprise when Bro. Max Gusman, our associational Hispanic minister, arrived with his workbook, ready for class! Instead of 4, I had 8 students and by the end of class,2 more had come in. My expectations were exceeded! What a fun time we had! What a desire they have to be able to communicate with us. This is definitely expectations, part "dos" (two). Lord, you are so good!!!!

Random Thoughts

Jay and I have been made aware this past year how much MORE we pray for our children now - than ever before. Seems there is always so much to trust God for - to turn over to Him. More people involved: spouses and grandchildren. Our grandson, Jackson, is one funny kid. Fearless when it comes to riding his turtle off a small trampoline, or jumping in a pool, or stepping off a step. But terrified of child-sized carolers. (long story) Some days, I feel like I'm still 18 - others, I doubt I'll make it to 65... Mothering is the most wonderful thing I've ever done - I am blessed every single day! Rick Warren says something about life runnning along 2 tracks: there is always something good going on and there is always something bad. I'm beginning to agree with him! While I have regrets and things I'd like to "do over" - I am continually amazed at this journey I've been on for almost 58 years. It's been quite a ride. I ask Jay all the time, "why us?" "Why did God allow us to do this or that, or allow us to hear this preacher or that, or be exposed to the things we've had the privilege to learn?" I will so enjoy asking the Lord all these questions. Randy Alcorn in his book, Deadline (read if you haven't!), proposes the idea that our first experience in heaven will be going back over our life and seeing all the things we can't see right now (in the physical realm) and understanding what God was doing, or what He wanted us to do, etc. I am looking so forward to that. Random thoughts...

The New Me

Well, this is the new me. Due to health issues earlier this year, I had to change - yuck! I now have a new diet with new portion sizes. But, it has worked - praise the Lord! Good health now. Jill just sent me this new photo and I thought, "Well! I really don't look so bad!" Then I discovered she has new editing software and that she had touched me up - removed wrinkles (just a couple) - gave me a little blush and powder. Laughing out loud! See what happens when we are vain? In thinking about the new me - I realized I became the "new" me 37 years ago - when I realized I was lost and trusted Jesus Christ to come into my life. As I study His Word,die to self, and yield to His Spirit - I gradually become even more "new" - day by day. Double chin aside...I like the new me. Oh, I fail - every day - almost every hour. But I'm not who I used to be...and I'm not who I will be when I see Him face to face. Thank You, Jesus.