I am so blessed...

My heart overflows today - I am so blessed! We have a new granddaughter who is so precious - mom and baby are doing quite well. My daughter, Joy, is recovering from her tonsillectomy (quite an ordeal for an adult). Our son and his wife will be welcoming another granddaughter on Monday morning - we are in great anticipation! Even though we've had unexpected arrivals, surgery, car troubles, and heartache in our family in the past 2 weeks, I am so blessed. I got to spend this time with my children and grandchildren. I got to take care of them, just a little - serve and minister to them. I got to watch my 1 year granddaughter toddle around - she's so funny. I got to play with my almost 2 year old grandson, I believe the busiest person God ever made. I got to discuss theology with one of my sons, as he struggled with an important decision. I got to watch my daughter-in-law create a floor to ceiling letter on the wall in our newest granddaughter's room - amazing. And now, I'm getting to help plan my father's 80th birthday celebration. Isn't God wonderful to give us families? It is sometimes hard to watch our children and grandchildren grow and become all that God wants them to be. They have to struggle and even go through things that hurt them. I want to fix it all - take it all away! Instead, I have to lift them up to my dear Heavenly Father and trust them into His care. I know He is good - He never makes mistakes (like I do) - He has a wonderful plan for their lives and He will fulfill it! Our church family goes through the same troubles and struggles. We get to pray for and minister to them as well. It is just as difficult to watch our church family go through the things God allows, but I know He is working His plan in their lives. Presently, we are planning and preparing a living nativity called, "A Walk through Bethlehem." Our people are so excited and so busy preparing costumes and scenery and music. What a joy to see each one using their gifts and skills for Him! I am SO blessed...

Home again, Home again

I am home again - for a little while. Have spent the past week trying to care for two of my daughters - one with a newborn and one having a tonsillectomy. I'm so thankful to be able to try to do this. Many times we wonder why we are where we are - why we are in the place we are in. We eventually realize that our Heavenly Father knew long ago what we would need at this particular point in time. There is no way we can know these things - we only have to trust. It's good to know He is Faithful and Trustworthy - He never fails - He's never late. Thank you, Father!

Speechless

My newest granddaughter - who arrived at 1:01 a.m. on October 22 - 5 lbs., 2 oz. I can't recall when I've been so scared. It is never easy to watch your daughter labor to give birth - but when her very life is in danger...it is near torture. We've spent the past 35 weeks being continually amazed that God chose to bless the in-vitro process and bless Jill and Alex with a baby. Now that we can see her and touch her - we are ...speechless. Now that the danger is past and mother and daughter are both doing well, we are...speechless. "Be still and know...that I AM GOD."

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."