110 DEGREES!

It's 110 degrees in Northern California! We just got over 107 degrees here in Texas. But, after talking with my grandchildren today--"Mommy can't get the big pool blowed up, we have to wait for Daddy" --I decided to publish these pictures from a visit in April. It was warm then. It reminded me that we all need to bring out the inner child within and run through the sprinklers, letting the water tickle our tongue. Especially when it is 110 degrees. Not only then, but especially then. Let the grass tickle our bare feet and giggle when we get the "itchies" from it. Why? Because youth passes in an instant and we should revel in the glory of childhood. Children are most precious to God. Thank you Father for giving us children! You are worthy of all our praise.

Speaking of Christian Songs

...have you heard the relatively new Brad Paisley/Dolly Parton duet? When I Get Where I'm Going? My husband called me when it first came out (to tell me how it touched him)! There is another one by Tim McGraw (that escapes me right now) that "made sense" to him in the scheme of things. Garth Brooks (yes...I enjoy country western music, along with rock and roll, christian, some contemporary...I'm a lover of music) Some of God's Greatest Gifts (Are Unanswered Prayers).

Speaking of prayers, please pray for my husband. (His parents named him because a prophet told them when his mother was pregnant that she would have a son who would one day bring many to Christ). He feels like "he spent enough time in church as a kid" that he "paid his dues." And, "Why does God let bad things happen to good people?" "Why does He let babies die?" Or, "Why is His son more important then mine?" (Teardrop)

That just brings Richard Mullin's song Creed to mind. "I believe in God the Father, almighty maker of heaven and maker of earth... and in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son our Lord..." ..."And I believe what I believe, it's what makes me what I am...I did not make it, no it is making me, it is the very truth of God not the invention of any man."

I believe.

Sending Up a Thank You

Was just listening to a cd by the late Richard Mullins. I love this particular cd. Every single song on it is salve to my soul. I love to sing and don't do it enough anymore. (My husband is not a believer and doesn't like Christian music or gospel). Whenever he is gone, Mercy Me, Casting Crowns...and soon Steve Sporre's cd are in my computer playing! Some of my favorites from Richard such as Sing Your Praise to the Lord, Our God is an Awesome God, Screen Door come to me when I'm having a hard day or feeling challenged by the world.

I just want to send up a thank you for blessing us with your talent Richard, and for drawing us closer to God. Truly, you are and have always been one of His angels Richard! We miss you and can't wait to hear you sing again one day!

Our God IS an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love...our God is an awesome God!!!!!

Amen

Fish N Chips Anyone?

A snapshot of me and my brother-in-law and sister at a local festival on one of the great lakes. Ya' can't beat the fish and chips when it's lake perch! Notice I'm drinking a beverage indigenous to the area while the youngin's are enjoying a Mike's Hard Lemonade. We all imbibe about once a year (we're light weights). No offense to those who battle substance or alcohol abuse. I might have had a problem years ago, but when I had my daughter...it changed everything. The last time I was drunk she was 11 months old and she is 29 now. I haven't had more then 1 or 2 drinks a year because alcoholism runs in my family. It was one struggle God gifted me with strength enough to avoid.

The weather was 98 degrees that day and even the almost non-existent breeze from the lake didn't offer comfort from the heat and humidity. We were dripping perspiration just sitting still! My old joints were aching and by the end of the day, my hip hurt so bad my brother-in-law had to literally pull my leg! I could barely walk. Folks, it really is all down hill after 40! Just kidding. I usually don't have any problems, but for some reason I must have had a virus or something that attacked my joints that week. Any who...if I haven't already said so, I had a blast visiting family recently. Will have to wear out my welcome and do it again soon.

COUSINS

Here are five cousins. My cousin P is in the purple shirt. She is one of SEVEN cousins from my Aunt C (my mother's twin sister). My sister J is the "short one" ;-) and this was taken in her yard. My sister "Shenna" is next to me and my bro "B" is in the back. Sort of a small family reunion since I haven't seen this cousin in over 10 years!

I Got All My Sisters With Me

We are
F-A-M-I-L-Y,
get up everybody and sing! Me and the sistas' during a recent visit. Notice the baby of the family to my right (Shenna), I'm in the middle (wearing light blue) and J is to my left. Nothing like sisters folks. They are the only people on earth who truly understand EVERYTHING there is about you, and put up with you anyway. God blessed me with two beautiful sisters and great friends too. I love my sisters. I am who I am because of them.

30th Reunion

My bro and I recently attended our 30 year high school reunion. Yup, PWHS class of 1976. No, we're not twins...he's 10 months older then me. We are twins for about a month and a half. NONE of our friends were there, so it was a little disappointing. But, we did bump into classmates (had to look at the nametags before we could recognize them) and mingled a bit. Swapped a few stories, caught up on the local gossip. It was great. "Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end."

We left early and went to my brother's house for a tour. Then, stopped off at my nephew's house and kissed my great nephew. Was great to be back home with the "rents" and sisters too.

THE DASH

I'm Glad You're In My Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone,
From the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

(1934 - 1998)

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her,
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile..
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spend your dash?

You are truly special and unique.
I'm glad that you're in my life and part of my dash.
Share this with those you care about,
From my dash to yours.

LAUGH LONG, LIVE LONG,
YESTERDAY IS HISTORY
TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY
TODAY IS A GIFT. . .
THAT'S WHY THEY CALL IT
THE PRESENT.

God Bless You!!!