Remembering Cold Days

When our children were in Elementary and Middle school, we lived on a 70 acres farm. We enjoyed the summer swimming in the pond and baling hay. The Spring was a time when calves would be born and they gave great joy to us as we watched they leap about in the tall grass. The Fall was usually when we went for hayrides and had bon fires. Winter everything would become cold and gray: so this became a time when we would make a fire in the fire place and enjoy bowls of popcorn,movies and cups of hot chocolate.

I realize one of the reasons I liked winter on the farm was that our whole family spend time together just enjoying each others company. We learned about what the children liked best about whatever they were doing or what they wished that did not happen during their days at school. We learned that the boys were eager to feed the cows in the winter because they got to drive the truck in the field.

One these winter days, the children were together not scattered about doing their own thing as they were in the Spring,Summer and Fall. The winter days were mine to watch them inner act with each other as they played games,colored or just talked to each other. I got to see glimpses of them in the things they chose to read or whatever movie they chose to watch.

In the winter,I felt as if they were all mine to enjoy and learn about as we spent time around the fireplace. This was God's gift to me: being able to be apart of their lives and watching the spend time with each other laughing about what happened while feeding the cows or sharing their pain over what someone said to them at school.

On cold days, I still can hear their laughter and teasing each other. I remember the snuggling and the talking before bedtime.

If your children are still at home,please take the time on these cold winter days to get to know them. Spend time playing games,telling stories and snuggling because before you know it, they are grown and have families of their own or have moved far away

Children's children are a crown to the aged

In Proverb 17:6a, it tells us that our grandchildren are a crown to us. This is so true! Each child is a precious gem that fits perfectly in the Crown of Life. Though genetic may bind them together, each is perfectly different in their own way.

In them , the Fruit of the Spirit: love,joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness and self control; have been displayed from one time or another. Also, in them I have seen great compassion for the sick and the needy. I have heard their prayers and seen the faith they have that God will answer those prayers.

I often think of the Apostle Paul's words not to dismiss one because of their youth. I am certain as Paul was that God intend their youthfulness to be used for the Kingdom. I am encouraged by what I see whenever I look into their beautiful bright faces. I am encouraged by the questions they ask and their seeking God early.

In the scriptures, it say to seek God early while He may be found. This could be early morning: but it could also mean to seek Him in childhood when your heart is open and your mind has not been jaded by the world. At a time when your spirit is quite and gentle so that you might hear with both your heart and ears. For it is at this time, we are told we will find Him.

I am blessed that my children have encourage their children to seek God and begin their journey with HIm.

What a crown this old gal has thanks to God,our Father!

Granny Why?

"Granny, why is your skin getting all wrinkled and you have white stripes in your hair?" This is a question I was asked in earnest sincerity of a child. At that moment I had to decide: should I be worried that I am getting "all wrinkled with white stripes in my hair" or should I see it for what it is...a natural process that happens with aging?

I chose to laugh and explain that this is what happens when you are my age and getting older. I explained that it was nothing to be upset over because it is a natural process that the human body goes through. I did admit that there are those who look more youthful than I do.

The way I see it, every year that has been given to me is a gift from God. Some of those years have been more stressed filled, therefore, adding more grey hair and "worry lines". But I have more years of joy that have left "laugh lines". I rejoice that I have a crown of silver: for it represents years of a journey filled with adventures and learning experiences. I chose not to fight aging;but to embrace it. For in aging, I pray that I have found some wisdom in life. In aging, I am closer to seeing and touching the face of God. I have found a unshakeable faith and relationship with Jesus that only years of trusting Him can bring.

I do not fret over a few wrinkles or grey hair because they are just part of the housing for the real me: the spirit that is here on this earth until God decides otherwise. The part of me that lives on even after death is not concerned about the color of my hair or the wrinkles that are appearing with each year. I am concerned with what I do with the time I have left. Whether I will love as God has commanded me to love and help others find their life in Him.

I remember a verse that I repeated often when I was young "My times are in Your Hands" this fits whether you are young or old

Realizing Your Child is Grown

As parents, we are always wanting to be a part of our children's lives. Some time we wear blinders on our eyes that distort our concept of them: we see them as small children who still need constant guidance. We fool ourselves into believing that they need us to take care of them or handle situations for them without realizing that our "hovering" is really retarding their growth.

The past two years, we have had to remove the blinders from our eyes and cast away the pride we had in the fact that our children truly needed us or they would not succeed. When we opened our eyes, we saw grown adult people not the small children that needed us so much.

We saw young men and women who have families of their own making very adult choices. They were deciding major things than effect their families and were succeeding in whatever they put their hand to. We realized that it was time to let go and let them make their own way and walk their own journey. For me, it was a relieve, to my husband, he felt that he was no longer needed.

I explained that he was still needed; but in a different role. We are still parents; but parents to adults. We are sounding boards and just because we would handle a situation one way, does not mean that our children should do so. We need to be willing to stand with them when they make a decision. We are still cheerleaders for their success and comforters whenever they need.

Each child has chosen different paths to walk..for some their path is filled with faith and relationship with Christ: for others, they are still searching. But each child will find their way this I am sure of.

Our lives are more enriched because of our journey with them. We love them and are blessed to have had the opportunity to watch them grow. We delight in the opportunity to watch them as parents and adults.

Open the New Door

We have said goodbye to 2007. It was a year of change for me on several levels.

Emotionally, I took important steps in having victory over depression. I have begun to understand why I was depressed and know that it is something I will deal with the rest of my life because of my genetic wiring. I learned being depressed does not necessarily mean that you are insane nor does it have to define who I am as a person. This in itself was freeing because it took away a lot of shame I felt because I was depressed.

Spiritually, I have grown in my personal realationship with God. This renewal comes from knowing that even though I suffer from depression, God loves me and still can use me in HIs Kingdom. I realized that He allow medication to be made that levels out the chemicals in my brain. I see in God a new freedom that has restored me greatly.

Physically, we have moved to a new home that has lessened stress for me. God has brought us to a quiet place where we are surrounded by his handiwork. We enjoy so much of our Llfe here. Our granchildren like being able to run and play here. Our children seem to enjoy the peacefulness of our home as well.

So much has changed for the better here and I feel that we are where God desires us to be. I am ready to open the door to the new year and step into the unknown. I know by placing my hand in God's hand, I will find adventure, joy, peace and of course change. By placing my hand in His, I am trusting that He will lead me where I need to be and will keep once He gets me there.

I do not just intend to open it slowly and peek: My intent is to fling the door open wide and receive all that God has prepared for me and my husband. I rejoice for the blessings He has for my children and grandchildren.

Another year,another part of the Plan is revealed to us by God