Family and Love

This was the end of another hard week at work...deadlines and demands and keeping up with the pace. I needed to kick back and relax a little, so I took a half day off on Friday, went for a haircut and treated myself to a new top. That was nice, for all of the hour it took me. But then I came home...and was treated to little arms wrapping around me with anticipated greetings of "Nana, nana, you are home!" We all piled into the car: Wyatt, Samantha, Michelle and I. We drove to Kami and Jack's house. There again being greeted in a similar manner, only with bigger stronger arms, hugs, kisses and one little voice tugging at my heartstrings in its unknown language spattered with a word or two in English. Even though Paige, Victoria and Jamin were busy playing with their friends, they all stopped to give hugs and kisses and introductions of new friends. Little Elijah stood at my side, arms held up asking to be held. That is the real expression of love. Happy, little voices, hugs, kisses and being wanted.... We had a busy visit, cleaning a lamp, visiting, and sitting around the table. The girls were giggling and the boys were roughing it....happy sounds. Then a phone call. Kory and Jenn have great prospects for work around NJ, Can they come and stay in two weeks? Jack coming home, where are we? I will meet you at home. Another call, would you meet me for a date? A quiet dinner, easy conversation and a relaxing atmosphere. Coming home, hearing voices quietly talking in the night, "Mama, can we .....?" Endearing words, a smile in my heart. Jack and I walk into the kitchen, greeted this time by two wagging nubs of tails, swaying bodies, and sloppy licks. We sit on the couch, and just relax. A quiet night. Nothing spectacular, nothing earth-shattering. Just a quiet contentment, a soothed spirit and rest...thank You, Lord, for my family.

Count It All Joy....

It has been a long time in the making... I was not sure when we would see it, but God has opened His arms, and poured out His gift of grace. James tells us to count it all joy when we fall into trials. That patience would provide reward, and every perfect gift comes from God above. Just when my heart was beginning to feel it could not take any more hurt, I begged God to show mercy. In faith, I chose to praise Him. I didn't feel it, I didn't have much to offer, but God looked at my heart and knew my wish to obey Him was real. I chose to praise, rather than wallow in pity. God heard my cries and blessed us for not abandoning His commands. My last blog on the 2nd was to be thankful for what we have been given, then I was prompted to praise Him on the 3rd, even in the trials. Well, the last court date was the 5th. That trial has finally had some closure. We are told to pray for those in authority. I did that. A newly appointed judge on the case was receptive to the cruelties that have been endured these past years, and God used Him to end the nonsense. I am ever grateful for the ways of the Lord. It was not the way I would have answered, but in His infinite wisdom, He provided. More than we could have asked.. Praise the Lord! I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. And He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the strength to endure.

Showers of Blessings

Blessings come in all different shapes and sizes.....laughter of children, jingling of dog collars, someone's old things being new to another, warm pajamas on a chilly night, someone to wrap their arms around you and make you feel safe, a kiss from a child, a kind word, the smell of a freshly brewed pot of coffee, accomplishing a dreaded task, the satisfaction of passing a test, knowing that you have blessed another with kindness, being content in God's word.