"We Should Have Named You Grace"

"We should have called you Grace". Yep...that's what my mom said to me upon hearing of another of my clumsy mishaps. You see, I have this propensity...really a superhero-type power...at falling and other crazy acrobatics...over things unseen even. Take yesterday as an example.

I shut my hair in my car door. Now, before I describe what really happened...I am dying to know what you visualize based only upon that sentence. Was I inside the car or outside? Was it the bangs or a side section...or a pony tail? Was the car running? My husband assumed I was outside the car and wondered how I got loose. Anyhow...on with the facts.

I jumped into my van to run an errand. Always trying to live up to the maternal expectation of "multi-tasking"...I decided to close the door while leaning towards the door so that I can remove my cell phone from my front right pocket (another super-hero power of mine...long, run-on sentences). Impressive, eh? Imagine my surprise just after the door closed and the phone had been extracted, when I go to straighten up in my seat and feel the painful tug of my head, by my hair, back to the door. My first thought..."Did anyone else see that?" Of course, I couldn't look around to find out. I quickly opened the door, pulled my barely-hits-the-shoulder tresses out, closed the door, started the car and drove away...to live another day to assault...myself.

With a Kid's Eye

I love how kids look at things. A couple of days ago, my 3-year-old pointed out to her aunt that she could still see the moon in the morning sky. She then commented that it was broken...because it was only a half-moon.

I am Blessed

So, have you been keeping up? While I realize that blogging really seems to be a self-centered enterprise, my hope is that my ramblings will help you recognize the blessing that have been placed in your life. As I wrap up this series of entries, there is still the most important gift in my life to be ooohhhhed and aaaahhhhed over...the gift of Jesus.

In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul quotes Old Testament scripture to remind us that every person has sinned in some manner through their character, conversation and/or conduct. I know I have failings in each of those categories on a daily basis. Paul goes on to share the Good News, though, in Romans 5:8..."while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

So, I am thankful to God for the many blessings in my life...those described throughout the week and those still unmentioned. But, I am most thankful for God's love for me, a sinner...poured out through the sacrifice of his perfect and holy Son, so that I can look forward to eternal life (John 3:16).

They Got My Back

Well, the birthday celebration rages on...even though the big day was two days ago!!!

Today I want to give thanks for all of the special ladies in my life.

Let me start with my sister. She and I are total BFFs! While it was not always that way (you can read just one incident here), it is that way now. While we live time zones apart, we keep in touch through text messages, pictures on the phone, e-mail, Facebook and good old fashioned phone calls. Every visit is anticipated and relished. We don't necessarily agree with each other on all of life's issues, but we love and respect each other...always willing to listen and learn from each other. Jodi is creative, smart and one of the funniest people I know (second to my dad). (Pssst....don't tell her that I said any of that, ok?)


My two sisters-in-law (or is it sister-in-laws?) are two more special people that I can always count on. While I don't get the chance to spend much time with them, they are always nearby with an e-mail and a prayer. They are quick to send cards and flowers during tough times and I always learn something from them that helps me be a better mom. Remember...they were raised by one of my favorite Titus 2 women!

Then, there are all my sisters (or sistas!) that I'm not related to but could not be closer to. They too have been there in good times and bad. We encourage each other as wives, moms, teachers and followers of Christ. They have character and the courage to live that character out in their daily lives. I appreciate so much their efforts to always be working on themselves and their willingness to serve others.

I am thankful for each and every one of these special women...they have certainly played their part in building this cathedral (she's a brick...howwwse....oops! sorry! could not resist), whether they know it or not.

His First Builders

Remember my top earthly priority? (If not, go here.) Well, two of the major reasons that he is the man that he is are my in-laws.

Many of my friends have had distressing in-laws issues, but God has blessed me in this area of my life too. My father-in-law is the friendliest guy you will ever meet...in fact I don't believe he has met a stranger yet. And my mother-in-law is the picture of a Titus 2 woman. I always learn something when I am around her. They have been loving towards me from the moment that I met them. I never feel as though I am being judged or am falling short of any expectations they may have for the wife of their son and mom of three of their grandchildren.

Speaking of the grandkids...they are adored by all of them. Grandpa and Grandma grab the kids and dash away with them for a long weekend. They spend their days celebrating "backwards day" where they start with dessert for breakfast and end with breakfast for dinner...going fishing...swimming...having a birthday party for everybody. This is on top of them attending school and sporting events...going garage saling with Grandpa...making cookies, having tea parties and playing games with Grandma. They, too, are setting the bar high for us as future grandparents.

They will be celebrating their forty-fifth wedding anniversary this year. They continue to serve others in countless ways...such a wonderful example for the rest of us. I thank them so much for the man they raised to be my best friend and I thank God that they are a part of my life.

My First Builders

Just as I was sitting down to think about this particular God-given gift, I received a phone call. It was my dad and mom. They were singing "Happy Birthday". Perfect timing!

I am blessed to be their daughter. They are the only ones who have known me my entire life, with the exception of God. They were chosen for this assignement by the Creator himself. Their love has always been encouraging, nurturing and unconditional. They have held the bar high for me and did all they could do to prepare me for life. They've been with me at the hospital, attended countless school events, taught me to ride a bike and drive a car. And now it is my privilege to watch them as grandparents in action...once again setting the bar high.

This summer they will celebrate their forty-fourth wedding anniversary. I've seen them weather many storms together and I am thankful that they are now able to enjoy life in the manner they choose.

I love still being their "little girl" and am thankful to God for sending me to them. It is a privilege that I didn't earn, often haven't appreciated enough and wouldn't change for the world.

Three of My Best Friends

They are a collection of giggles, freckles, curls and eyelashes. Each one is different from the other two in countless ways...interests...sensitivities...sense of humors (or is it senses of humor?). God uses them each day to teach me something about others and myself. And it is my pleasure, privilege and blessing to spend each day with them as we learn about the Creation together.

When I consider my own friendship with my sister and my mom, I look forward to what the future holds for us and our relationship...just don't rush me. I am enjoying being employed in the oldest profession...motherhood.