Monday, July 23, 2012

A GOOD WEEK-END....


I want to start this post by thanking you all for the encouraging comments, emails, and prayers.  I appreciate them all much more than I could ever express.  I love that the Lord uses cyberspace friends for such important purposes.  I can tell you I honestly felt an uplifting of my spirit in these last few days.  : )

Friday was just wonderful.  I spent soo long sharing with my friend after lunch, that we were starting to get "the look" from the waitress.  You know the one..."Are these ladies EVER going to get up and free up my table for more tipping possibilities?"  haha  But it was just soo necessary.  It was good to get advice and support from someone who knows me inside and out, and is experiencing some of the same life journey's as I am.  We finished up our visit with prayer, and a promise to get together in another couple of weeks.  After lunch I picked up my sweet Jeffie and we headed over to the movie theater and saw Ice Age 2.  He loved it!  Grandma loved watching him enjoy it!  I couldn't help but let my mind wander at times though, as I sat in the theater looking around,  of all the poor people who were part of the horrifying event that happened at that movie theater in Colorado just a few days ago.  How scary and unreal it all must have been.  How overwhelming for all their families and friends that were affected by it.  I am sure the ripple effect has been unbelievable.   Just so senseless and tragic.  But as Noreen mentioned this morning, God is still on His throne, and ultimately in control.  Our trust MUST be in Him.  Our focus HAS to be on Him.  He holds our very breath in His hands.  He alone can and will make beauty from the ashes.


Isiah 61:3  To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness....


Jeffie had decided that he wanted to come and spend a couple of days with Grandma, so of course I accommodated that wish.  : )  We went back to our house after the movies and Grandpa BBQ'd us some yummy shrimp for dinner.  They went on a long walk after dinner with Elvis, and paid a nice long visit at the fishing pond too.  When they got back we watched the Black Stallion on Netflix,  and feasted on some raspberry Sherbet.   How I love having a little one in the house.  The next morning after breakfast we discussed what we might do with our day.  Jeffie was REALLY hoping that he could get some play time in with his cousins, so we called up Uncle James to see what his plans for the day were.  As it turned out, he was on "kid duty" for the day as Larissa had a bridal shower to attend.  So he loaded up the kids and headed up here from some swimming and play time with Jeffie.  They ALL had a wonderful time.  I love the fact that they all enjoy each other soo much.  Here is picture James took of the kids over at the pool.  My camera battery is dead, and I have been unable to find my charger since our trip to Mel's....sigh.  I know it will show up, but meanwhile I am missing photo taking possibilities.


The kids were not quite ready to "be done" with their play time, so when it was time to go home it was decided that Jeffie would go back with them and spend the night there.  We would pick him up at church the next morning, and get him back home after lunch.  Church was WONDERFUL as always, and I was able to spend even more time sharing and praying with some caring sisters in the Lord I have met there.  The Lord seemed to surround me with this all week-end, and it did soo much to not only lighten my load, but to reassure me that He cares for me in such a personal way.  Whatever I would do without Him came to mind again this week-end.  Something I never have to know as a daughter of the King, praise God.  Larissa made a YUMMY lunch of bbq'd pulled pork, beans, and sauteed veggies.  It was soo good.....We headed home and spent the drive back up to Orange County playing our usual "guessing game" with Jeffie.  It would be hard to say who enjoys it more....Grandpa, Grandma, or Jeffie!   We dropped him off and did some grocery shopping before we got back home.  A GOOD week-end....A total escape and break from the stresses that have been going on, and a refreshing of my soul in the process.  Yep, God is good, and He is in control, and He cares for me.  Hope you all enjoyed your week-end too.

Just wanted to mention too that tomorrow is my Melly's 26 birthday!  Hard to believe she is that old already.  How I miss her and would love to see her on her special day, but I have sent her a WONDERFUL surprise in the mail which I can't wait for her to open.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY my sweet girl!  Loving you always and forever.....



16 comments:

  1. So glad that you are enjoying all the possibilities that remain for having fun and time with friends and times with family and your church family. The cousins really do love each other...so cute to see!

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  2. Hi sweet friend, So glad the Lord brought refreshing to you through your friend, other sisters and of course your family. Praying for you as I type right now. Love the photos too. You know I keep saying we are related and this time it is because of your last sentence-Loving you always and forever. There is a childrens book that is Love you forever & always-and it is my favorite. Of course our wedding song was also Always and Forever.
    Sending love to you
    Noreen

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  3. I am glad you are feeling better, Debbie. Family and friends are such a blessing and I know your darling grandkids make you smile no matter what. As Noreen said, that precious book for kids is also a huge favorite of mine. If by some chance you haven't read it to your grands you really should. It is wonderful.
    xo

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  4. I am so glad you got refreshed in the midst of your big storm. :) That is what if feels like sometimes, a wave just knocks me broadside and it is hard to keep going. It sounds so nice. I will keep praying for you.

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  5. Sending a very Happy Birthday wish to Mel! I love reading of your special times with your grand children, those grandchildren of yours are adorable. I also love it when cousins get together, this post brings back so many wonderful memories for me.

    I also have a friend that when we get together we stay forever at the restaurant, and have also had some of those same looks thrown our way, we always give extra tip.
    I am so glad you are feeling better, I have been praying for you.
    Enjoy your week,
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  6. So, so glad that you are feeling lifted up in recent days and I pray you can continue to trust Him for these tough times.

    Grans are a great spirit lifter for sure.

    Happy week to you!

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  7. Happy Birthday to your girl! I'm glad you had a nice weekend, that always makes things better! Especially when you're able to get away from things and spend time with your girlfriend! Enjoy your Monday!

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  8. Debbie,
    I am so glad to hear that things have leveled off some. Sounds like you had a nice weekend. Jeffie is so adorable!!! And a very Happy Birthday to your Melly!!!!
    Hugs,
    Kris

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  9. I think God sent some His favorite medicine your way. First a friend, and then family. The fact that the family time included grandchild time makes it the extra strong dose, doesn't it?

    I'm so glad to read that He sent you loads of happy.

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  10. Your grandchildren are so precious.....what a gift from God they truly are.

    It is wonderful that you are feeling better, praying that continues.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your sweet girl!

    Blessings~
    Laura

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  11. The Lord is so good ... to send us just what we need just when we need it. ;-)

    Happy birthday to your sweet Mel! I know she feels the birthday love coming from you!

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  12. I echo the cheers of the other posters here, adding how much I appreciate your upbeat perspective on the heels of a touch few days. Maybe a new chapter is unfolding - a new thing.

    May the best be yet to come!

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  13. What a blessing that you were able to meet with your friends and be encouraged and pray together.Then the grandchildren time, these things can be the refreshment you need when days are hard, I'm glad you had a nice wekend, will continue to keep you in prayer ( I know all about that "look" you get from the waitress, had a few of those ) Blessings and hugs your way

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  14. I'm so glad to read about your wonderful weekend. I had to laugh about the waitress giving you gals 'the look'. I've been a recipient of that look a time or two when I'm enjoying time with a dear friend. :)

    I love how your family does enjoy the company of each other. It's so rare nowadays. And happy birthday to your daughter. She and my niece Kristin seem to have many similarities.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  15. thanks for sharing this blessing! loves

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  16. Happy Birthday wishes to your sweet Melly on her 26th birthday.

    A post filled with adorable faces of those precious little ones in your life :) Wonderful memories being made!

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!