Psalm 36:7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
I LOVE this verse ~ always have. What better place to be than under the shadow of the wings of Almighty God?
As we all travel through this life there are no guarantees. No guarantee we will see the next day or even really the next moment. God holds our every breath in His hands. It can be an overwhelming thought sometimes if you let your mind wonder and really take hold of all the "what if's" there really are. What if the economy continues to crumble and times becomes harder than ever and we don't have enough money to pay our bills or put food on the table? What if someone we love gets sick or hurt or worse yet killed in a sudden accident? What if we were to become really ill or disabled? Who would care for us and what might happen? Earthquakes, tornados, fire and floods are all very real dangers. On and on of course the list could go. It has always been easy for me to fall prey to this way of thinking; worrying about things that MOST of the time NEVER happens anyway. You'd think after 55 years on this earth I might have learned this lesson by now, but still I have found my mind at times going in this direction. It is a CONSTANT battle for me. And yet, the bible VERY CLEARLY tells me that He cares for me...
1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
The other night after some disturbing news at the doctor's office following a mammogram, I was praying and reading through the Psalms looking for some comfort and direction from Him. I came upon Psalm 46 and it brought such peace to my heart. I put my name in it personally and decided to really claim it for myself...It says..
Psalm 46:1 God is DEBBIE'S refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble...THEREFORE, DEBBIE will not fear...
and also this verse...
Psalm 46:10, 11 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with DEBBIE; The God of Jacob is HER refuge.
I am to get a biopsy done next week. I don't know which day yet for sure. I don't know what "might" lie ahead. I don't know if in fact it is anything at all. I do know this....God cares for me. My life is totally in His hands. Whatever it might be isn't as important as knowing that we serve a God where there are no mistakes, and nothing happens outside of His perfect will for us. He will walk with me every day of my life until the day He calls me home and be my refuge in the storm and my strength in times of trouble and tribulation. He will rejoice and dance with me when I am happy and understands my human emotions and fears. I will rest under the shadow of His wings..
To join other Spiritual Sunday posts please click HERE...soo many thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for creating this event. How it has blessed my life would be hard to describe. Hope you all have a wonderful week-end.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
SOO BLESSED
Tomorrow is Thankful Thursday and my thoughts for the last couple of hours or so have been sifting through this last week and what the Lord has blessed me with, and what I feel like He has been doing in my heart. The time whips by soo fast I can hardly get my head around the fact that already April is nearly gone. The pages of my life recently have been turning soo quickly it is hard to even keep up. There are some major changes coming up and I am not certain just what the Lord has in mind yet. But I do take comfort in the fact that He is still on His throne and totally in charge. Part of me (more than I thought it would be for sure) is actually somewhat excited over things. I have NEVER been one who does change well, so just this is a blessing directly from Him no doubt. As things unfold I will be sharing some of these changes with you, but in the meantime I would so appreciate your prayers for my peace of mind over all the coming changes, and for the Lord's will for us to be clearly revealed. I will say that I have ABSOLUTELY no doubt that the Lord will not only met our every need, but far exceed what we could ever hope for.
Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us..
I am also grateful that my youngest son James and his 3 precious kids came and hung out here last Friday and spent the night as well, as Jimmy's wife Larissa was on a retreat. We had such a good visit and had a really good time. I enjoyed watching my son "work" all of his kids. Changing diapers, giving baths, brushing teeth, cooking dinner, and then cleaning it all up....not to mention of course refereeing squabbles, and keeping them all entertained. And when it was time for bed? They went in and layed down and went immediately to sleep without a single tear or problem. I LOVED it! I am soo grateful that they both do such a good job with their children. How blessed these grandkids are to have the parents they do, and I thank God for it every day. On Sat. I took Capri (5) and JD (3) to the movies to see Oceans while Tella (1) napped and the guys watched some basketball playoffs. This was the first time I have taken the 2 of them anywhere by myself and we had such a good time. They were soo good. They were totally entertained with the movie too, though they both are REALLY into ocean animals which helped. I think they the fact that they both had their own icees (a first I guess) and popcorn helped things along a little bit too, haha..And then on Sunday after church, I headed over to my other son's house and picked up Lindsey (9) and Jeffie (6) and traveled down to Orange County to my sister Donna's house for her son Blake's 7th birthday party. Grandpa had some things to do at home, so we were on our own. Everyone enjoyed themselves for sure. I didn't take any pictures as my sister Diane @ Mountain Moments was there as well and she has SUCH a good camera and takes such GOOD pictures (check our her blog ~ these next two pics are just a sample of her work) that there didn't seem to be much reason for me to snap them too. I am grateful that there is so many opportunities for all the cousins to get together and enjoy each other.
Then, yesterday I traveled down to San Diego to spend the day with Jim and Larissa's kids again (and Larissa too for most of the day) while they attended a meeting at the school where Capri will attend next year. I soo enjoyed myself. The drive was beautiful and I thought to myself more than once how blessed I am to be in a position to do such a thing. It is only about an hour and a half from door to door. Larissa took Capri for a haircut and we snapped a few pictures of this darling little place she takes her for haircuts. They devote an entire side of the place to a play area for the kids complete with a castle, slide, dress up clothes and lots of toys. The kids had a ball. Capri's hair was soo adorable too. They washed it and cut it and then styled it in french braids, sprinkled on glitter and put little roses in it as well. I did get (well actually Larissa took them for me) a few pics of this....
Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us..
I am also grateful that my youngest son James and his 3 precious kids came and hung out here last Friday and spent the night as well, as Jimmy's wife Larissa was on a retreat. We had such a good visit and had a really good time. I enjoyed watching my son "work" all of his kids. Changing diapers, giving baths, brushing teeth, cooking dinner, and then cleaning it all up....not to mention of course refereeing squabbles, and keeping them all entertained. And when it was time for bed? They went in and layed down and went immediately to sleep without a single tear or problem. I LOVED it! I am soo grateful that they both do such a good job with their children. How blessed these grandkids are to have the parents they do, and I thank God for it every day. On Sat. I took Capri (5) and JD (3) to the movies to see Oceans while Tella (1) napped and the guys watched some basketball playoffs. This was the first time I have taken the 2 of them anywhere by myself and we had such a good time. They were soo good. They were totally entertained with the movie too, though they both are REALLY into ocean animals which helped. I think they the fact that they both had their own icees (a first I guess) and popcorn helped things along a little bit too, haha..And then on Sunday after church, I headed over to my other son's house and picked up Lindsey (9) and Jeffie (6) and traveled down to Orange County to my sister Donna's house for her son Blake's 7th birthday party. Grandpa had some things to do at home, so we were on our own. Everyone enjoyed themselves for sure. I didn't take any pictures as my sister Diane @ Mountain Moments was there as well and she has SUCH a good camera and takes such GOOD pictures (check our her blog ~ these next two pics are just a sample of her work) that there didn't seem to be much reason for me to snap them too. I am grateful that there is so many opportunities for all the cousins to get together and enjoy each other.
The birthday boy, Blake...
(stole this GREAT pic from Diane)
Here is where Jeffie accidently (?) pinned the tail on "his donkey"...Grandma...haha...the kids loved it.
His face says it all....such good times.
Then, yesterday I traveled down to San Diego to spend the day with Jim and Larissa's kids again (and Larissa too for most of the day) while they attended a meeting at the school where Capri will attend next year. I soo enjoyed myself. The drive was beautiful and I thought to myself more than once how blessed I am to be in a position to do such a thing. It is only about an hour and a half from door to door. Larissa took Capri for a haircut and we snapped a few pictures of this darling little place she takes her for haircuts. They devote an entire side of the place to a play area for the kids complete with a castle, slide, dress up clothes and lots of toys. The kids had a ball. Capri's hair was soo adorable too. They washed it and cut it and then styled it in french braids, sprinkled on glitter and put little roses in it as well. I did get (well actually Larissa took them for me) a few pics of this....
This was only a portion of the area..
See the roses and glitter in her hair?
Power Ranger JD rescues the princess Capri...
Little Tella peering out of the castle..
Well, guess that about sums up this week so far. As usual soo many blessings, soo much to be thankful for. And while I can always look to my circumstances and life and find things that I am grateful for etc., as always right at the top of my list is the Lord. He has been filling me with His peace recently and yet I long for more. It seems to the older I get the more I want to know Him and please Him. I have also found that I realize so much more now just how much the Lord has truly blessed me over the course of my life. I have been thinking for a couple of days of who I might chose this week to mention from the blog world that soo blesses me. And there are just soo many. Some of these blogs I read on a daily basis (or close to it anyway) and comment on and I rarely if ever even hear from them. I am not sure if they even read mine. But I have found that it doesn't really matter. My blog getting read (or not read as the case may be) is not what really blesses me sometimes, though I DO love hearing from everyone. I have just come across soo many women who are soo interesting. Some just like me in many ways (kindred spirits) and others who are as different from me as they could be. From every season in life you can find. So this week I chose....It feels like Choas. I just can't explain enough how much I enjoy this blog. First of all she is a strong Christian woman who obviously loves the Lord and her little family. She is funny, real and totally entertaining as well. But I think one of the main reasons I so enjoy her is because I see so much of myself from years gone by. It brings me down memory lane (a lane I enjoy well) as she tells the tales of life with kids. There are a few blogs that do this for me. But if you get the chance, check out this wonderful little blog and I know you will be blessed.
Hope you all have a wonderful week, and to join the other Thankful Thursday posts click HERE....But better yet, write your own list of blessings and link up. Can't tell you how much I enjoy this. = )
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
AMBASSADORS FOR CHIRST
I am hoping I can get across the thoughts that have been running around in my heart and spirit since I heard the message at church last Sunday. Here goes...
Our Pastor was out on Sunday as he had a skin cancer removed on his nose on last Thursday. I won't lie and say that I wasn't disappointed when I discovered that he wouldn't be there. He wasn't sure the Sunday before if he would be or not, as he was just going to see how it went. Obviously, he decided he wasn't up to it. ANYWAY, I don't know why I always panic or get disappointed when I realize we are going to have a guest speaker, when I don't think there has EVER been a time that I didn't thoroughly enjoy whoever it is replacing him, or be blessed usually in many different ways. I guess it is just because I soo love Pastor Dave and look forward to hearing him teach. But....Sunday morning was just a real blessing to me. It wasn't just the fact that he was around our age (always so easy to relate to for me in some way when they are) quite funny, an excellent speaker and a former professional baseball player, that had me hanging on his every word. It was much more the fact that he had such a genuine and obvious love of the Lord, and a practical, down to earth way of talking about how he lived his life as a result. He didn't become a Christian until AFTER he was hit by a line drive that basically took him out of the game. He was a confirmed Atheist at that point. But again, all of this is not what intrigued me. He was talking about how important it is that we OPEN our mouths and talk about what Jesus is doing in our lives basically ANYWERE we might ourselves with the opportunity to do so. He challenged us to pick a place (any place we might find ourselves in during a normal week) and devote just 15 minutes to WHOEVER the Lord might send our way to talk to. Now I will admit that I have not yet done so this week, but I am looking for the opportunity. I find it exciting to think who the Lord might just send my way. But what this man did suggest to us all is that we don't have to worry about being CLOSERS. Now married to a Sales Manager for many, many years I am very aware of what it means to close the deal, or the importance of doing so, haha. But we are not called to "close the deal" when it comes to another's salvation. This is the job of the Holy Spirit. All we are to do is be His Ambassadors. His spokes persons so to speak. Ready and willing to spread the good news and talk about what He is doing in our very ordinary, everyday lives.
2 Cor 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.
All of this got me thinking about why it is that we all seem to be soo consumed with our lives here on this earth. Why it is that if we lose someone we love, or find ourselves possibly nearing the end of our own lives that there is such a feeling of panic or dread. We are all truly just passing through. There isn't a one of us who is going to get out of here alive. We won't be taking anything here with us either. This is NOT where we are all going to EVENTUALLY be. Our hope and our lives are in what lies ahead. Our panic and our dread should be for those who won't be spending that eternity with us. And we should be consumed with getting this message out. This life as we know it is but a vapor in the scope of all eternity. Our eternities really start for us right now while we are still on this earth with our relationships with Him. We don't have to wait until we die for that to begin. Now I know there is NO WAY that I explained this message in the way that this man did. But I do know this. I am soo grateful that I live in a place where I CAN open my mouth (or my blog page ~ haha) if I so chose to, and SHOUT of the love and mercies of the Lord and what He did for us on the cross, but also what He is doing in my life today. I pray that the Lord might challenge all of our hearts to be His ambassadors and to live our lives here, grateful to have that opportunity.
I almost forgot! I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I was going to mention a different blogging buddy every week that especially blesses me and a little about why. There are soo many that do that this might take me SEVERAL weeks. And just so you know ~ they are in no particular order. = ) This week I want to tell (those of you who don't know her already that is) about Kris @ It's a Sweet Life. She is just the neatest lady. She is one of my very first blogging buddies and I have been reading her posts for so long now I feel like I have known her for years. Her blog posts are entertaining and heart felt and funny, and as babysitting Grandma's we have much in common. She is quite the talented lady and cooking is one of her passions and she shares her recipes' generously. She also does beautiful quilting. So if you get the chance, check out her blog. You will be blessed if you do. I thank God for you Kris!
To join the other Thankful Thursday posts, click HERE.
I have an especially busy week-end coming up so I decided to link this post with Spiritual Sunday as well. Many thanks to Charolotte & Ginger for hosting this event that soo blesses me. May you all have a WONDERFUL week-end. To join the other Spiritual Sunday posts, click HERE...
Our Pastor was out on Sunday as he had a skin cancer removed on his nose on last Thursday. I won't lie and say that I wasn't disappointed when I discovered that he wouldn't be there. He wasn't sure the Sunday before if he would be or not, as he was just going to see how it went. Obviously, he decided he wasn't up to it. ANYWAY, I don't know why I always panic or get disappointed when I realize we are going to have a guest speaker, when I don't think there has EVER been a time that I didn't thoroughly enjoy whoever it is replacing him, or be blessed usually in many different ways. I guess it is just because I soo love Pastor Dave and look forward to hearing him teach. But....Sunday morning was just a real blessing to me. It wasn't just the fact that he was around our age (always so easy to relate to for me in some way when they are) quite funny, an excellent speaker and a former professional baseball player, that had me hanging on his every word. It was much more the fact that he had such a genuine and obvious love of the Lord, and a practical, down to earth way of talking about how he lived his life as a result. He didn't become a Christian until AFTER he was hit by a line drive that basically took him out of the game. He was a confirmed Atheist at that point. But again, all of this is not what intrigued me. He was talking about how important it is that we OPEN our mouths and talk about what Jesus is doing in our lives basically ANYWERE we might ourselves with the opportunity to do so. He challenged us to pick a place (any place we might find ourselves in during a normal week) and devote just 15 minutes to WHOEVER the Lord might send our way to talk to. Now I will admit that I have not yet done so this week, but I am looking for the opportunity. I find it exciting to think who the Lord might just send my way. But what this man did suggest to us all is that we don't have to worry about being CLOSERS. Now married to a Sales Manager for many, many years I am very aware of what it means to close the deal, or the importance of doing so, haha. But we are not called to "close the deal" when it comes to another's salvation. This is the job of the Holy Spirit. All we are to do is be His Ambassadors. His spokes persons so to speak. Ready and willing to spread the good news and talk about what He is doing in our very ordinary, everyday lives.
2 Cor 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.
All of this got me thinking about why it is that we all seem to be soo consumed with our lives here on this earth. Why it is that if we lose someone we love, or find ourselves possibly nearing the end of our own lives that there is such a feeling of panic or dread. We are all truly just passing through. There isn't a one of us who is going to get out of here alive. We won't be taking anything here with us either. This is NOT where we are all going to EVENTUALLY be. Our hope and our lives are in what lies ahead. Our panic and our dread should be for those who won't be spending that eternity with us. And we should be consumed with getting this message out. This life as we know it is but a vapor in the scope of all eternity. Our eternities really start for us right now while we are still on this earth with our relationships with Him. We don't have to wait until we die for that to begin. Now I know there is NO WAY that I explained this message in the way that this man did. But I do know this. I am soo grateful that I live in a place where I CAN open my mouth (or my blog page ~ haha) if I so chose to, and SHOUT of the love and mercies of the Lord and what He did for us on the cross, but also what He is doing in my life today. I pray that the Lord might challenge all of our hearts to be His ambassadors and to live our lives here, grateful to have that opportunity.
I almost forgot! I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I was going to mention a different blogging buddy every week that especially blesses me and a little about why. There are soo many that do that this might take me SEVERAL weeks. And just so you know ~ they are in no particular order. = ) This week I want to tell (those of you who don't know her already that is) about Kris @ It's a Sweet Life. She is just the neatest lady. She is one of my very first blogging buddies and I have been reading her posts for so long now I feel like I have known her for years. Her blog posts are entertaining and heart felt and funny, and as babysitting Grandma's we have much in common. She is quite the talented lady and cooking is one of her passions and she shares her recipes' generously. She also does beautiful quilting. So if you get the chance, check out her blog. You will be blessed if you do. I thank God for you Kris!
To join the other Thankful Thursday posts, click HERE.
I have an especially busy week-end coming up so I decided to link this post with Spiritual Sunday as well. Many thanks to Charolotte & Ginger for hosting this event that soo blesses me. May you all have a WONDERFUL week-end. To join the other Spiritual Sunday posts, click HERE...
Monday, April 19, 2010
A FEW RANDOM THINGS..
I have a few random things I want to post and share so I decided to just combine them all...
First, last Friday during a Wal-Mart stop I came across this PERFECT thing for my little grandson Cody that I just couldn't pass up. He is getting to be such a little handful. Climbing EVERYWHERE, getting into EVERTYTHING, and just generally kind of wild, haha. Soo his father's son. I often thank God that Joe was my first so that I was young and had no other little ones to focus on...Anyway, I purchased this even though it is a BRIGHT PINK...haha I did search for a more manly blue, but there was none to be had. Soo I figured he would never care. He is enjoying it in his front yard tree as I knew he would...
Then, on Sat. morning I got a WONDERFUL gift in the mail from Cindy at Letters from Midlife. I won her give away and I just couldn't be more pleased. She has a great blog that I have been enjoying for a while now. Her posts are always something I can relate to, and look forward to everyone. She takes BEAUTIFUL photographs and makes her own note cards. I LOVE them... and some of these lovely cards are what I won. Please take the time and pop by for a visit to her blog, you will be soo glad you did. Here are some pics of my beautiful note cards, though it doesn't really do them justice. Thank you soo much Cindy, I can't wait to use them..
And then finally, on Sat. Jeff & I collected 3 of our grandkids and traveled down to Cypress to celebrate the first birthday of my brother's son, little Dean. What an adorable baby he is. Big brown eyes and a darling little grin. We had a picnic at the park and the kids all enjoyed themselves on the playground equipment, with the pinata, and with a quick game of football as well. I didn't get as many pics of the day as I wanted to, but my sister Diane at Mountain Moments got some REALLY good ones. Be sure and check them out as well. I really do need to get ones of those cameras, ; )
First, last Friday during a Wal-Mart stop I came across this PERFECT thing for my little grandson Cody that I just couldn't pass up. He is getting to be such a little handful. Climbing EVERYWHERE, getting into EVERTYTHING, and just generally kind of wild, haha. Soo his father's son. I often thank God that Joe was my first so that I was young and had no other little ones to focus on...Anyway, I purchased this even though it is a BRIGHT PINK...haha I did search for a more manly blue, but there was none to be had. Soo I figured he would never care. He is enjoying it in his front yard tree as I knew he would...
HOW DARLING IS HE?
Then, I wanted to share some of the engagement pictures that my niece had taken as a result of the first place prize she won at a Bridal show. They are truly some of the best I have ever seen. Of course it does help that he had such a darling couple to photograph...They got this session where they went to 3 different locations AND a free 8 by 8 digital book. Needless to say they have booked this guy for their wedding, which makes him a pretty smart guy...Anyway, here are a few of my favorites...
LOVE THIS
SOO DARLING
LOVE THE BIRDS IN THIS ONE
MY FAVORITE
CLOSER LOOK...NOTICE THE EDGES
And then finally, on Sat. Jeff & I collected 3 of our grandkids and traveled down to Cypress to celebrate the first birthday of my brother's son, little Dean. What an adorable baby he is. Big brown eyes and a darling little grin. We had a picnic at the park and the kids all enjoyed themselves on the playground equipment, with the pinata, and with a quick game of football as well. I didn't get as many pics of the day as I wanted to, but my sister Diane at Mountain Moments got some REALLY good ones. Be sure and check them out as well. I really do need to get ones of those cameras, ; )
SOO ADORABLE
Friday, April 16, 2010
THE LORD BLESS YOU
NUMBERS 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
I LOVE this blessing. I always have. “The Lord bless you” says soo much really; to be blessed by God is the best thing that can happen to anyone. God's blessing always has in mind our greatest and highest good. I think sometimes we expect God’s blessing in our life to mean a world of comfort and ease ~ but that certainly isn’t always for our greatest and highest good. God knows how we need to be blessed, even if we don’t! We have often settled for happiness or comfort or wealth when God wanted us to be blessed. True blessing from God is higher than happiness or wealth or comfort.
“And keep you” To be kept by the Lord is a blessing indeed. Some are kept by their own sin and desire, some are kept by idolatry and greed, and others are kept by their own bitterness and anger. But to be kept by the Lord insures life, peace, and success.
“The Lord make His face to shine upon you” To have the glorious, happy face of God shining upon you is the greatest gift one could ever have. To know that as God looks upon you, He is well pleased ~ not because of who you are, or what you have done, but because you are in Jesus Christ ~ there is no greater source of peace and power in life.
“And be gracious to you” says God cares for us and bestows His grace and tender mercies on us.
“The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace” this is everything the Lord wants to do for us....bless us all with His very best for us every day. When God blesses, keeps, shines, and is gracious towards His people, any look He casts towards us is filled with nothing but blessing. His loving attention is on the believer! .
These verses encourage me soo much. I still find it so amazing that the Lord would care for me like that and love me like that. I like to write this blessing to people in hopes that it encourages them like it does me, because it just can't get any better than this.....soooo, May the Lord bless you, and keep you, and make His face to shine upon you all NOW AND FOREVER MORE
Many thanks to Ginger and Charlotte for hosting Spritiual Sunday. To join in or to read the other bloggers that have participated click HERE...
I LOVE this blessing. I always have. “The Lord bless you” says soo much really; to be blessed by God is the best thing that can happen to anyone. God's blessing always has in mind our greatest and highest good. I think sometimes we expect God’s blessing in our life to mean a world of comfort and ease ~ but that certainly isn’t always for our greatest and highest good. God knows how we need to be blessed, even if we don’t! We have often settled for happiness or comfort or wealth when God wanted us to be blessed. True blessing from God is higher than happiness or wealth or comfort.
“And keep you” To be kept by the Lord is a blessing indeed. Some are kept by their own sin and desire, some are kept by idolatry and greed, and others are kept by their own bitterness and anger. But to be kept by the Lord insures life, peace, and success.
“The Lord make His face to shine upon you” To have the glorious, happy face of God shining upon you is the greatest gift one could ever have. To know that as God looks upon you, He is well pleased ~ not because of who you are, or what you have done, but because you are in Jesus Christ ~ there is no greater source of peace and power in life.
“And be gracious to you” says God cares for us and bestows His grace and tender mercies on us.
“The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace” this is everything the Lord wants to do for us....bless us all with His very best for us every day. When God blesses, keeps, shines, and is gracious towards His people, any look He casts towards us is filled with nothing but blessing. His loving attention is on the believer! .
These verses encourage me soo much. I still find it so amazing that the Lord would care for me like that and love me like that. I like to write this blessing to people in hopes that it encourages them like it does me, because it just can't get any better than this.....soooo, May the Lord bless you, and keep you, and make His face to shine upon you all NOW AND FOREVER MORE
Many thanks to Ginger and Charlotte for hosting Spritiual Sunday. To join in or to read the other bloggers that have participated click HERE...
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
JD'S HAIR CUT
This will just be a quick (I think) post. I wanted to thank Jennifer over at Smelling Coffee for her tip about how to add the organizational tabs at the top of your blog page. I have spent the last couple of days writing things for my tabs. Eventually I hope to link all of my posts to the tabs that might go under, but truthfully I am not sure how to do that, and it would such a HUGE assignment that I am not quite ready to tackle it yet, haha. But in the meantime, you can check out my "tabs" if you get the chance. And if you get the chance, check out Jennifer's blog as she is a wonderful woman who loves the Lord and inspires me with her posts.
Also, I wanted to just share a couple of quick pictures of my grandson JD. Larissa came up on
Friday to spend the day and night with us while Jimmy was on a trip with his high school group from church. We enjoyed such a good day together on Friday. We had lunch out and then did some shopping. On Sat. morning I decided I was going to take JD and get his hair cut at the place where I usually take little Jeffie. I really was just looking for a chance to spend some one on one time with this little guy, and this seemed like as good an idea as any. His daddy usually cuts his hair (he does a pretty good job too) and so JD has never had a professional cut. We were not sure how he would do, but he did just fine and was soo cute on the day. We had his hair cut and then went by Target for a little while, and then swung by little Jeffie's on our way back so that the boys could spend a little time together playing. I snapped a few pics of JD in the chair. Such a cutie....How I love him.
Also, I wanted to just share a couple of quick pictures of my grandson JD. Larissa came up on
Friday to spend the day and night with us while Jimmy was on a trip with his high school group from church. We enjoyed such a good day together on Friday. We had lunch out and then did some shopping. On Sat. morning I decided I was going to take JD and get his hair cut at the place where I usually take little Jeffie. I really was just looking for a chance to spend some one on one time with this little guy, and this seemed like as good an idea as any. His daddy usually cuts his hair (he does a pretty good job too) and so JD has never had a professional cut. We were not sure how he would do, but he did just fine and was soo cute on the day. We had his hair cut and then went by Target for a little while, and then swung by little Jeffie's on our way back so that the boys could spend a little time together playing. I snapped a few pics of JD in the chair. Such a cutie....How I love him.
I GET TO PLAY A VIDEO GAME WHILE YOU CUT MY HAIR??
NOT SURE HOW TO PLAY..
SITTING SOO STILL..
HOW DO YOU LIKE IT GRANDMA?
PLAYING AT JEFFIE'S HOUSE...JD COULD HARDLY STOP LONG ENOUGH FOR A POSE, HAHA
GRANDMA'S CUTIE...LOVE HIM SOO
Saturday, April 10, 2010
BUILDING OUR LIVES ON THE ROCK
MATTHEW 7:24-27 Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock; and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand; and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.
In Jesus’ illustration of these houses, each house might “look” the same from the outside. Just like our lives might look the same compared to many other Christians around us. But like a house, where the real foundation is hidden, our inner hearts and lives can only be seen by Him. And when those storms of life come, how we stand, will show just how secure our foundations are. Jesus warns us that the foundations of our lives will be shaken at some time or another, both now (in trials) and in the ultimate judgment before God. It is much better that we test our foundations now than at our judgment before God. Merely hearing God’s Word isn’t enough to provide a secure foundation. It is necessary that we are also doers of His Word. If we are not, we commit the sin that will surely find us out…the sin of doing nothing, and great will be our fall. (Numbers 32:23)
Nothing in this life is permanent or can be counted on not to crumble and fall apart. If we spend our lives seeking the worlds treasures and pleasures, and not after things of God, we will find ourselves empty spiritually when we need it most; or certainly as we stand before God someday. And likewise of course, if we center our lives firmly on Him, He will be there for us when we truly need Him to be....and when we ultimately stand before Him, we can say we put our trust and faith in Jesus, which is the only thing that will save us...
I heard it taught somewhere once, can't remember where now, and I guess it doesn't matter, that if we go through our lives NEVER (or seldom anyway) addressing or feeding our spiritual selves, but instead have our minds firmly centered on this world and what it has to offer and gain, that we can't expect to draw any comfort or strength from something that doesn't exist when we most need it. Kind of like a bank account...there is no savings if you have never made the deposit. But if we go through our lives not neglecting our spiritual needs and feed our spirits on the Word everyday and build a real relationship with the living God, then He is right there when we need Him, and we can draw strength and comfort from a wealth of scripture that He has given us....again, like a bank account....our "savings" is HUGE...
To join other Spiritual Sunday posts, click HERE
In Jesus’ illustration of these houses, each house might “look” the same from the outside. Just like our lives might look the same compared to many other Christians around us. But like a house, where the real foundation is hidden, our inner hearts and lives can only be seen by Him. And when those storms of life come, how we stand, will show just how secure our foundations are. Jesus warns us that the foundations of our lives will be shaken at some time or another, both now (in trials) and in the ultimate judgment before God. It is much better that we test our foundations now than at our judgment before God. Merely hearing God’s Word isn’t enough to provide a secure foundation. It is necessary that we are also doers of His Word. If we are not, we commit the sin that will surely find us out…the sin of doing nothing, and great will be our fall. (Numbers 32:23)
Nothing in this life is permanent or can be counted on not to crumble and fall apart. If we spend our lives seeking the worlds treasures and pleasures, and not after things of God, we will find ourselves empty spiritually when we need it most; or certainly as we stand before God someday. And likewise of course, if we center our lives firmly on Him, He will be there for us when we truly need Him to be....and when we ultimately stand before Him, we can say we put our trust and faith in Jesus, which is the only thing that will save us...
I heard it taught somewhere once, can't remember where now, and I guess it doesn't matter, that if we go through our lives NEVER (or seldom anyway) addressing or feeding our spiritual selves, but instead have our minds firmly centered on this world and what it has to offer and gain, that we can't expect to draw any comfort or strength from something that doesn't exist when we most need it. Kind of like a bank account...there is no savings if you have never made the deposit. But if we go through our lives not neglecting our spiritual needs and feed our spirits on the Word everyday and build a real relationship with the living God, then He is right there when we need Him, and we can draw strength and comfort from a wealth of scripture that He has given us....again, like a bank account....our "savings" is HUGE...
To join other Spiritual Sunday posts, click HERE
Thursday, April 8, 2010
10 THINGS I AM GRATEFUL FOR
I have had a busy week and a couple of birthday posts so I had decided to skip Thankful Thursday this week. But after reading Jennifer’s @ Trading Ashes for Beauty I decided to get my list together. Her's was just soo enjoyable to read, and inspired me, so here is mine...to join the other thankful posts click HERE...But be sure to check out Jennifer's, such a neat lady who so blesses me....
1. I am thankful for this BEAUTIFUL weather we have been having. I know the HOT days of summer are around the corner which makes me ever so much more grateful for these ones with warm sunshine, cool breezes, and all the gorgeous blooming flowers.
2. I am thankful for Jenny Craig's French Toast Breakfast. Now I know it is a little weird to be thankful for this, but it is just soo tasty and satisfies my need for occasional sweetness for breakfast.
And Jennifer I am with you here on...
3. I am soo thankful for berries... LOTS of berries...Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries and Strawberries.... I love them all and my breakfast FREQUENTLY includes a few of these yummy treats...
4. I am grateful that my DIL Larissa is coming up tomorrow to spend the day and night with us while my son is on his High School Beach trip. We are going to go do some shopping with the kids.
5. I am grateful I was able to spend the afternoon Tues with my precious grandson Jeffie on his 6th birthday. SUCH a fun day.
6. I am soooo grateful for my son James who celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday...
7. I am grateful that we are even talking about MAYBE taking a trip out to my daughters in mid May. Before the heat of the summer comes (and all the flys on the dairy, haha) I haven't been there in a year and half...It is time to go.
8. I am grateful that I have enough weight off to get back into some of the capri's and tops I bought the summer Mel got married. Couldn't get those babies on last summer. = )
9. I am soo grateful for all my blogging friends. I decided that I will name one in particular each week and little something as to why.....This week it is Jennifer of course. Her posts are always ones I can relate to and her heart and spirit are full of joy for her family and the Lord. And her comments and greetings to me are always soo looked forward to. She just makes me smile.
10. My wonderful Lord who blesses me beyond anything I could ever hope to deserve.
Hope you all have a WONDERFUL week.
1. I am thankful for this BEAUTIFUL weather we have been having. I know the HOT days of summer are around the corner which makes me ever so much more grateful for these ones with warm sunshine, cool breezes, and all the gorgeous blooming flowers.
2. I am thankful for Jenny Craig's French Toast Breakfast. Now I know it is a little weird to be thankful for this, but it is just soo tasty and satisfies my need for occasional sweetness for breakfast.
And Jennifer I am with you here on...
3. I am soo thankful for berries... LOTS of berries...Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries and Strawberries.... I love them all and my breakfast FREQUENTLY includes a few of these yummy treats...
4. I am grateful that my DIL Larissa is coming up tomorrow to spend the day and night with us while my son is on his High School Beach trip. We are going to go do some shopping with the kids.
5. I am grateful I was able to spend the afternoon Tues with my precious grandson Jeffie on his 6th birthday. SUCH a fun day.
6. I am soooo grateful for my son James who celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday...
The "doughnut" cake his wonderful wife Larissa got for him! haha
7. I am grateful that we are even talking about MAYBE taking a trip out to my daughters in mid May. Before the heat of the summer comes (and all the flys on the dairy, haha) I haven't been there in a year and half...It is time to go.
8. I am grateful that I have enough weight off to get back into some of the capri's and tops I bought the summer Mel got married. Couldn't get those babies on last summer. = )
9. I am soo grateful for all my blogging friends. I decided that I will name one in particular each week and little something as to why.....This week it is Jennifer of course. Her posts are always ones I can relate to and her heart and spirit are full of joy for her family and the Lord. And her comments and greetings to me are always soo looked forward to. She just makes me smile.
10. My wonderful Lord who blesses me beyond anything I could ever hope to deserve.
Hope you all have a WONDERFUL week.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES MICHAEL CLASS
MY HANDSOME JAMES & HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE LARISSA
Well today is my youngest son James's 30th birthday....30 years old, I can hardly believe it. I now have 3 children in their 30's! WOW...It does make me feel like I am getting up there. At least I still have a while to go before Melody hits that big milestone. But by then one of them will have hit the 40's. WOW... We of course celebrated his birthday a couple of weeks ago with a surprise party for him since Mel was here, but I thought I would repost his birthday tribute from last year since not much has changed at all with the exception of course of how old he is, haha. He left today for Santa Barbara with his high school group. They are to camp on the beach. Rough job huh? haha Actually though I am pretty sure I wouldn't want to be responsible for keeping all those teen-aged kids in control. Pray all goes well if you think about it. His wife Larissa and the kids will come up and spend Friday and Friday night with us and I am really looking forward to it.....Ok, here is last year’s post....
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
JIMMY MICHAEL CLASS...AKA "CRITTER"
James Michael Class turns 29 years old today....29!!! I can hardly believe it, and imagine he can't either. haha For the moment Jimmy made his appearance into this world (2 weeks early) at a whopping 10 pounds, nothing could have prepared me for the amount of happiness he has brought into my life.
Jimmy was just the sweetest baby, and unlike my first two, loved to be held and cuddled and fussed over right from the very beginning....He started off HUGE and didn't slow down until he reached his full height of 6" 3" 19 years later. haha I felt bad when he was young, as everyone it seemed always expected sooo much out of him, thinking he was sooo much older than he really was...When he was 2 and half years old, he went through his rain boots and undies stage and pretty much no matter how he started off the day, he quickly changed into this ensemble. haha For at least a couple of years it seemed, he was my "little companion" as his older two brothers were in school all day, and he and I spent our days together. We had just moved to Chino Hills where I didn't know a soul, had no idea where anything was, and felt I was living in the middle of nowhere. I'd dress him and we'd head out exploring the area around us.....I can still remember him pointing out different things...."Look, mommy this seems like a nice place to be.." haha I'll never forget those times of just me and him enjoying our time together. Jimmy was a VERY VERY active little boy and he and his daddy had MANY MANY wrestling and fighting sessions. Jimmy lived for these....He was Rocky and his daddy was Thunderlips and they'd go into their wild sessions. haha The very minute his dad arrived home, he'd come running and it would all begin. Needless to say, Jimmy LIVED for that moment....haha As Jimmy grew into young boyhood, he was a wonder at school. He was always VERY popular and everyone seemed to loved him. His teachers, the other boys, and especially the girls. He always did well in school, and excelled especially at speech....little did we know the day would come when he would make his living speaking to large groups of people.....but the Lord was already getting him ready....He also excelled at sports, and I remember literally countless of his games with me cheering on the sidelines. He and his older brothers had a very typical "brothers" relationship I think in that they were always at each other’s throats, and yet always had each other’s backs. His relationship with his little sister Melody was the envy of many of her friends. Being a full 6 years older, he was always protective of her, and never shooed her away, or acted like she was a bother in any way.....He OPENLY adored her, and she loved him to pieces.....When Jim was in junior high I worked at his school. Could have been an embarrassing time for him as most kids that age don't like to even admit they have a mother, let alone one that works at the school telling them all how to behave. haha And yet Jim openingly hugged me hello and good bye, carried the trash out to the dumpster for me when it was my turn, and made all the women I worked with comment all the time on what a GREAT kid he really was.....He was junior high president BOTH his 7th and 8th grade years. As Jim went through high school and his teenage years, he made his share of poor decisions and choices, but I have to say I never really worried about him too much. His in born nature was giving and loving, but I will admit I spent ALOT of time in prayer for him during those years....but even in his rebellion, he remained someone I truly enjoyed being around. At 19 Jim made his decision to live for the Lord, and his life was never the same again. He headed off to Bible college, made a couple of missionary trips, met the love of his life, and grew into a mature, loving, Godly man.....A youth pastor now, I have had the privilege of sitting at his church listening to him teach and preach the Gospel, and I couldn't be prouder. His wonderful wife Larissa, has been such a wonderful addition to our family, I wonder now how I ever got along without her. My grandchildren Capri, JD and little Donatella are some of the greatest sources of joy my life has ever known. Little JD (or should I say GIANT JD, haha) is his daddy all over again and my pleasure at watching him can hardly be contained....I know I sound like a VERY prejudiced mom, but Jimmy Michael has made me sooo happy over his 29 years here on this earth, it would be hard to even really explain it well. All of this of course is just a tiny little glimpse into what it was like to raise him....I will be FOREVER grateful that the Lord blessed me with him, and I will love him beyond reason till the day the Lord takes me home. HAPPY BIRTHDAY my Jimmy Mike, and may the Lord always shine His face on you!!!!!
JIMMY & HIS BROTHERS AND SISTER SHORTLY BEFORE MELODY GOT MARRIED...
THESE ADORABLE SWEETIES BELONG TO HIM....
HIS FACEBOOK PROFILE PICTURE..HAHA...KEEPS HIS HIGH SCHOOL GROUP AMUSED FOR SURE
With Jeffie's and Jimmy's birthday's being only a day apart, and I got Jeffie's post up soo late, be sure and check out Jeffie's post too right below this. Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday... = )
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFFIE
THE BIRTHDAY BOY
Today is my sweet grandson's Jeffie's 6th birthday and I got to spend most of the afternoon with him and I am not sure who had the better time. How I enjoyed him. He is just soo sweet. I know I might be a little prejudiced, but he is adorable and I just love him to death. Grandma picked him up from school today and we headed to Market Broiler for lunch. He LOVES shrimp and Grandma figured she could stay on her diet pretty well there. He was soo good. They have a giant aquarium there which had him totally mesmerized. He finished it up with big bowl of ice cream and we headed over to the movies to see How to Train your Dragon in 3-D. We both loved it. It was really pretty entertaining, but my biggest amount of enjoyment came from watching him. After the movie we went back to his house where he opened his present from me and Grandpa. It was a GIANT set of Playmobile figures in a Pet Clinic set. How that suits him as he has such a LARGE love of all animals. To say he was excited, doesn't really do it justice. Then he snacked with his brother and sister on the cupcakes that I got from Kristi over at Your Sugar Rush. I did take a REALLY big bite of one, and they were just delicious...Yum Yum...I have such a weakness for her cakes. There are a few left for him to enjoy with his parents tonight after they get home from work. I just can't express enough how I enjoy this little boy. What a total blessing he is to me, and how I thank God for this precious life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY my sweet boy, and may the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you now and always. Love you up to the sky forever and ever (I tell him this every time I see him and it has become almost a game, but it is soo true) Grandma
COLORING BEFORE LUNCH
HE ACTUALLY PICKED "VEGGIES" OVER FRYS...
ICE CREAM TIME
THE AQUARIUM WAS RIGHT BEHIND HIM AND IT WAS ALL HE COULD TAKE. GRANDMA LET HIM LOOK ALL HE WANTED...
HE LOVED IT
HOW CUTE IS HE?
THE DARLING CUPCAKES
SOO CUTE
CODY LOVED THE BALLOONS SO JEFFIE LET HIM HAVE THEM, SUCH A GOOD BIG BROTHER
Monday, April 5, 2010
EASTER FESTIVITIES
Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Day. Ours was SUCH a nice day. It started with a truly wonderous Easter service. The message was uplifting for sure, but the worship time was definitely my favorite. Our church has such a gifted and wonderous praise band, and I enjoy it soo much. I wasn't disappointed when the final praise song was HE'S ALIVE which is just my all time favorite. Easter just doesn't feel complete until I hear this song. I came home with the hopes of finding it on my computer so that I could put it on my page, and managed to find a version with Dolly Parton singing it. I do love her voice, but the words of the song give me chills. I am going to leave it for a few days on my page, so if you get the chance, listen to the words and enjoy.
'
We went to my oldest son Joe's house for Easter dinner this year. My sister Diane and her husband Greg, and their daughter Michelle and her husband Scott and their little family joined us. It was just such a nice day. We had wonderful ham sandwhiches, cold slaw, beans, deviled eggs, chips, cupcakes and plenty of candy. I am afraid I ate too much however, and will have to make up for it today...sigh...Joe has a HUGE back yard with lots of fruit trees and the kids and he enjoyed picking a bunch to take home. I didn't get any pictures of this event, but I know my sister Diane did with her wonderful camera. Joe also has horses by his house and they took a walk to feed them (which they all do often with Joe) so I did send my camera along to get some pics of that, haha. The kids of course enjoyed an Easter egg hunt. Cody was hilarious on the event. It took him a while to figure out what was going on, but once he did he jumped right in. Of course he quickly discovered there was candy inside the eggs so he would shake and pull on them till it would spill out. Of course we quickly whisked it away from him and he never did pop one of those goodies into his mouth. My camera and my reactions are WAY TOO SLOW and I didn't really capture too many good pics of the hunt. The kids moved too fast and by the time I would focus, they were long gone, haha...sigh...Again, I have a feeling my sister did a better job. The earthquake did add a little drama to the day. Especially when we originally heard it was a 6.9 centered in San Diego where my youngest son lives and was on the day. By the time we finally got through to them however we did learn it was about a 150 miles south of them, though they did feel it a lot stonger than we did.
Well that's about it. I put together a few pics for you. ENJOY...Hope you all enjoy your day. I am heading out for the dentist for a cleaning and check up. Can't say I am looking forward to that, but guess it must be done.
'
We went to my oldest son Joe's house for Easter dinner this year. My sister Diane and her husband Greg, and their daughter Michelle and her husband Scott and their little family joined us. It was just such a nice day. We had wonderful ham sandwhiches, cold slaw, beans, deviled eggs, chips, cupcakes and plenty of candy. I am afraid I ate too much however, and will have to make up for it today...sigh...Joe has a HUGE back yard with lots of fruit trees and the kids and he enjoyed picking a bunch to take home. I didn't get any pictures of this event, but I know my sister Diane did with her wonderful camera. Joe also has horses by his house and they took a walk to feed them (which they all do often with Joe) so I did send my camera along to get some pics of that, haha. The kids of course enjoyed an Easter egg hunt. Cody was hilarious on the event. It took him a while to figure out what was going on, but once he did he jumped right in. Of course he quickly discovered there was candy inside the eggs so he would shake and pull on them till it would spill out. Of course we quickly whisked it away from him and he never did pop one of those goodies into his mouth. My camera and my reactions are WAY TOO SLOW and I didn't really capture too many good pics of the hunt. The kids moved too fast and by the time I would focus, they were long gone, haha...sigh...Again, I have a feeling my sister did a better job. The earthquake did add a little drama to the day. Especially when we originally heard it was a 6.9 centered in San Diego where my youngest son lives and was on the day. By the time we finally got through to them however we did learn it was about a 150 miles south of them, though they did feel it a lot stonger than we did.
Well that's about it. I put together a few pics for you. ENJOY...Hope you all enjoy your day. I am heading out for the dentist for a cleaning and check up. Can't say I am looking forward to that, but guess it must be done.
Cody wouldn't stay put, so this was the best we could do of the crowd, haha
Capri, Donatella & JD spent Easter at their other Grandparents house this year. We missed them for sure. How darling did they look however?
I have done this soo fast (and now I m late for dentist) please excuse any errors..
Friday, April 2, 2010
HE IS RISEN!
Our Christianity is based on this fact....HE IS RISEN! Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is proof that His death was an actual propitiation for sin, and that the Father accepted it as such. The cross was the payment; the resurrection was the receipt, proving that the payment was fully accepted. These women were blessed to be the very first who would bring this news to others. How exciting for them. This is the most important day in the life of a Christian to celebrate. It is day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. He had been crucified and was buried for three days. All His disciples had believed that He was gone for good. None had understood that his sacrifice was the primary purpose of His short life, and the only way for us to obtain righteousness and restore our fellowship with God. There was no sin in Him and no way for Satan to take His life. It was freely given for us all.
That first Easter morning proved beyond any doubt that Jesus was the Messiah. He had told the religious leaders and His disciples that He would give His life and on the third day rise from the grave. The religious authorities had remembered His words and tried to prevent it with a large stone in front of the tomb, a Roman seal and guards. But none of that prevented God's plan for that first Easter. For 40 days after Easter morning, many people were eyewitnesses to the resurrection. Satan and the religious leaders were powerless to stop the truth. And they are still powerless to stop the spread of the wonderful message of Easter!
For the secular world, Easter is often about new clothes, hidden eggs, and bunnies. To others it is simply a celebration of the beginning of spring, and the renewing of life. But to those of who belong to Him and that really understand all that was accomplished on that first Easter morning, this is the greatest day in all of history. HE IS RISEN! Happy Resurrection Day to you all!
To join the other Spiritual Sunday posts, please click HERE. Many thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting this wonderful event as it is such a source of blessing to so many.
IT IS FINISHED
Today being Good Friday, I decided to read over the scriptures covering the crucifixion...Jesus' death on the cross was the fulfillment of all that was necessary for our salvation. He did so willing as an ultimate act of love for us. He had accomplished what He had come here to do. I have heard it taught that Jesus took the wetting of His lips with the wine so that He could say clearly for all to hear...."It is finished." Meaning just that, EVERYTHING He needed to do for our salvation was finished. He bowed His head, which suggests He did so peacefully, and "gave up" His spirit...meaning no one took it from Him, He willing did it for us...It is hard for me sometimes to really get my head around what He really did for me personally. And that if I had been the only one who needed Him to do so, He would have done it anyway...it is just downright overwhelming...He BECAME sin itself during that period on the cross, and separated Himself from the God the Father, so that I might be saved from what I truly deserve ~ love just doesn't get any greater than that.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
MY SISTER DIANE
Today is Thankful Thursday, and my sister Diane's birthday. It seemed soo obvious of course to take advantage of this time and try to express just how grateful I have always been for this special woman in my life. I decided to just re-post last year’s blog I wrote for her as it expresses so well my relationship and feelings for her. This year we spent a very similar day together as always, but we did it on Wed., as snow is expected in the mountains today where she lives ~ nothing important has changed ~ and so here it is....
I spent today like I have spent countless others in my life....hanging out with Di..
Over the years I am quite sure I have spent more time with Diane than with almost anyone else I know with the exception of course of my husband and kids. Growing up a mere 18 months apart made us experience so many of life's adventures and roads together....From the time we were just little girls playing with our dolls as we pretended to be Sally and Gummy, (though neither of us was actually ever really Gummy haha) hundreds of games of house, paper dolls, school with our "cards", skating, bikes (which were identical) house boat when we were supposed to be in bed sleeping, and our years and years of Barbie’s, 4 square on summer nights, hide and go seek, Petticoat Junction on a hot summer night with a pop in a tin glass in our own little den...we were always together. As we grew into our teen years there were hundreds more memories that were made. How many dances and football games and "boy" involved experiences did we live through together? How many hours and hours and hours did we spend hashing and chewing and scheming and planning how and who we might spend our lives with...I could never count them up. I remember going to Bob's Big Boy and having pie and a cup of coffee and thinking life couldn't get much better. Now we had our share of fights to be sure. We were close enough in age to steal each other's clothes, make up, hair brushes and curlers....we had to "share" a record player and records which led to many a fight...haha But for the most part, I remember way more times when there just wasn't anything better than a sister who was also a best friend.
We married within 3 months of each other (serving as maid of honor for each other) and began our years of "hanging out" as young, VERY POOR, haha, married couples. How many games of cards, Monopoly, Melbourne and Sorry do you suppose we played? Too many to count that's for sure. Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Sea World, Universal Studios, while rare were usually gone to together with our little families. Camping trips and vacations were also experienced and enjoyed. We decorated and rearranged each other houses on practically a daily basis. haha As our families grew and demanded more of our attention and focus we maybe didn't spend as much time together, but we were always there for each other. Our phone bills (back when long distance was an issue) were orbital, but there really was no stopping us from our daily hashes.
As our kids have grown and married and we've become grandmothers, we are STILL sharing each other’s similar life's experiences. Now we search for reading glasses, pop Tums when we've eaten something spicy, limp after we've sat too long as our knees and hips are stiff, and chew for hours on the wonder and cuteness of our grand kids...We still can hash for hours over a bunch of mindless nothing on the phone, laugh hysterically over a movie or some other "private" joke, hash the books we've read and enjoy a meal together. Yes, Diane for me has always been much more than just a sister...she's been my BEST girl friend, and I will always be grateful that God made us a mere 18 months apart and I've known the blessing of having her FOREVER in my life....HAPPY BIRTHDAY DI....and may the Lord bless and keep you always.
To join the other grateful hearts, please click HERE..http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Her hair looks soo good in this pic., and she STILL has the best blue eyes....
I spent today like I have spent countless others in my life....hanging out with Di..
Over the years I am quite sure I have spent more time with Diane than with almost anyone else I know with the exception of course of my husband and kids. Growing up a mere 18 months apart made us experience so many of life's adventures and roads together....From the time we were just little girls playing with our dolls as we pretended to be Sally and Gummy, (though neither of us was actually ever really Gummy haha) hundreds of games of house, paper dolls, school with our "cards", skating, bikes (which were identical) house boat when we were supposed to be in bed sleeping, and our years and years of Barbie’s, 4 square on summer nights, hide and go seek, Petticoat Junction on a hot summer night with a pop in a tin glass in our own little den...we were always together. As we grew into our teen years there were hundreds more memories that were made. How many dances and football games and "boy" involved experiences did we live through together? How many hours and hours and hours did we spend hashing and chewing and scheming and planning how and who we might spend our lives with...I could never count them up. I remember going to Bob's Big Boy and having pie and a cup of coffee and thinking life couldn't get much better. Now we had our share of fights to be sure. We were close enough in age to steal each other's clothes, make up, hair brushes and curlers....we had to "share" a record player and records which led to many a fight...haha But for the most part, I remember way more times when there just wasn't anything better than a sister who was also a best friend.
We married within 3 months of each other (serving as maid of honor for each other) and began our years of "hanging out" as young, VERY POOR, haha, married couples. How many games of cards, Monopoly, Melbourne and Sorry do you suppose we played? Too many to count that's for sure. Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Sea World, Universal Studios, while rare were usually gone to together with our little families. Camping trips and vacations were also experienced and enjoyed. We decorated and rearranged each other houses on practically a daily basis. haha As our families grew and demanded more of our attention and focus we maybe didn't spend as much time together, but we were always there for each other. Our phone bills (back when long distance was an issue) were orbital, but there really was no stopping us from our daily hashes.
As our kids have grown and married and we've become grandmothers, we are STILL sharing each other’s similar life's experiences. Now we search for reading glasses, pop Tums when we've eaten something spicy, limp after we've sat too long as our knees and hips are stiff, and chew for hours on the wonder and cuteness of our grand kids...We still can hash for hours over a bunch of mindless nothing on the phone, laugh hysterically over a movie or some other "private" joke, hash the books we've read and enjoy a meal together. Yes, Diane for me has always been much more than just a sister...she's been my BEST girl friend, and I will always be grateful that God made us a mere 18 months apart and I've known the blessing of having her FOREVER in my life....HAPPY BIRTHDAY DI....and may the Lord bless and keep you always.
To join the other grateful hearts, please click HERE..http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)