So fast ...

Blink and they are out of diapers, drawing and having conversations with you. Blink again and they are in junior high and high school. So beautiful. So funny. So smart. So loving. So amazing! All three of them. We are blessed. Thank you Kimberli for the photo's you took that day way too long ago!

Nifty Fifty!

This week, Wednesday to be specific, I reached another change of decade. I turned 50! I realize it is a big number. Truly one you are never quite sure you will reach, until you do, cause it seems so far away. It is definitely not the number that matches the number I have for me in my head. Please people, I have a four year old!

This has been a week of celebrating me! Dinners out, Round Top, sweet surprises orchestrated by my amazing daughters and hubby and precious God-kisses. So, good! And, I feel appropriately launched into this new season, anticipating, excited!

I am celebrating by posting a picture I treasure. This is the last photograph of the three of us all together. Middle of the night, laughing and blurry. I love these women. I like to think my precious mom would be proud of me today. Smiling. Joyful. She lived her life as an example always for us, knowingly or not. Beauty-full. I miss her every day. I love you Mom! Happy Birthday to me!

For "those" days ... or "moments" ...

 

 

I think that pretty much sums it up. I'm certain there is nothing more for me to add to this. Except, perhaps, you're welcome! :) I don't know, but when I read this, it was in one of those "moments." That was all it took. I copied it and posted it on my wall and in my journal as a reminder. I'd even venture to say that God sent it just at the right time for me. Thank you very much! Now, back to the fight, because friends, I am NOT quitting. Like my Momma always said, "That ain't no hill for a climber!"

I'm Thinking ...

 

Isn't that sort of like, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Can I tell you this is very, very hard when you are in menopause with out-of-whack hormones and your mouth vomits words your brain is thinking that are totally not yours or that you never meant to say. And, where is the grace?

 

Yet, somehow, I think this is the whole point. My giving grace when my patience has faded and my tolerance is lacking and my ability to judge is at an all-time high. His amazing grace. Ugh. Because, truth-be-told, God gives me exceeding and ridiculous amounts of grace. And, just because I'm watching someone else about to jump into a "been there already, done that, why are you being so stupid?" moment, doesn't mean I shouldn't be giving grace. Perhaps the same grace given to me or even some of the grace I believe I never got from humans, but always get from God.

 

"See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."    Hebrews 12:15 

 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."    2 Peter 3:18

 

 

Just This ...

Did I Mention ...

... Santa provided us with a "homeschool p.e." device for Christmas 2013?? Otherwise known as a trampoline! Oh the fun ...

P.S. Yes, I know these pictures are from Christmas Day 2013 ... and, yes, I am well aware that Christmas 2014 is a mere 4, four, uhm ... yes, 4 months away! No, I don't want to be reminded! Although my favorite season (fall, ahem!) is right around the corner. Just saying.

He Never Leaves Us

 

There are days I feel like this sheep looks ... tired, weary, bewildered. I want answers. I need answers. I don't understand. I'm need some help holding myself up. And, oh how I would love to know the route to the promise He has already given me, already confirmed, but His ways are not my ways. God knows those times. And, I find when I press in, when I cry out to Him, when I seek His face and, truthfully, when I fess up about how angry I am when I don't get it, He is ever faithful. He opens my eyes to see. He pours wisdom and discernment and answers into my heart. He has a friend text or call and just the right words. Why? Cause He is faithful. He answers prayers and opens eyes and doors and sometimes, He just gives me peace that passes understanding that makes the wait bearable. He is faithful. He loves us. And, let me be clear, this isn't just available to me. It's available to all of us who seek Him. Sometimes it might take patience on my part. Sometimes waiting a bit. But, it always comes. He is faithful!