Dec. 21, 2008 Samuel David.. A gift given. A gift taken.
For sixteen weeks I was the mother of a baby boy.
I didn't think I would ever have another son. Five daughters have followed my first born son 21 years ago.
When I realized I was pregnant this past summer I wasn't thankful for the new life given to me to love. I didn't receive the blessing. I didn't hasten to remember that I was blessed to have a womb that produced gifts from the Lord. I didn't hold onto the Word and all that it said in regards to the rewards these new lives bring nor how blessed a man is to have his quiver full of them.
I didn't go to the Lord with my worries and stay at His feet until His peace and truth renewed me. Instead I fretted, complained and worried.
I Worried about being overweight and unattractive to my husband. Worried that another baby would exacerbate the difficulties we face as a family. Difficulties that besot most families. Nothing special or unique. Just life.
To challenge me even more I suffered terrible morning sickness. The kind that last all day with no relief from one day to the next. The kind that last for four full months before you feel human again.
As I came up to my sixteen week mark I began to feel better. Enough so that I began to feel excited about the baby and looked forward to being a mom of seven come spring. But the joy I was just beginning to feel would be short lived.
I had an appointment at the Drs. office for a routine prenatal check. My third daughter decided she wanted to tag along in order to hear the baby's heartbeat like her other two teen sisters had already done at previous appointments. They have learned so much by being involved in my pregnancies. They will know what to expect when a life begins to grow within them as young wives starting families of their own.
Just before my daughter and I were about to leave for the Drs. all my kids presented me with an early birthday present which was a few days away. They wanted me to take time after the appointment to get myself some maternity clothes to accomodate my expanding tummy.
It was just a normal day. We rushed to get thru traffic and find a parking place with the hope I'd be on time for a change.
We laughed together and talked about the baby and mom and daughter stuff as we made our way thru the parking garage and into the hospital where the Drs. office was.
We talked about how thankful I was to be feeling myself again. We talked about what I would buy wih my gift card. We talked about why you have to pee in a cup at every prenatal appointment. She thought it was disgusting and I found her disgust amusing knowing one day it would be her. I told her about my last ultrasound and how cute the baby was during the scan. It was looking up and down, over and over again, relishing in a new talent and showing it's cute chin off to me. That memory is carved into my heart.
I was called into the examining room and my daughter made herself comfortable in a chair next to the exam table where I was laying while waiting for the Dr. to come and ask the routine questions and listen to the baby's heartbeat.
It was just a regular day. Everything had been fine. All my appointments and ultrasounds had shown a strong and healthy baby. But this day when the Dr. came in to listen to the heartbeat there wasn't one.
She assured me the baby was probably just tucked away somewhere and she would pick it up on an ultrasound machine. Fear gripped me while I waited for the scan. What I saw when the doctor picked the baby up on the monitor tore my heart in two. My baby's chin was no longer moving up and down but lying motionless on it's chest. It's heartbeat had stopped. All was still.
Tears streamed down my face and I wanted to cry out to the Lord and say not again Lord. Please God, make it all right. I want my baby.
Thru the tears I saw my daughter. I saw her pain and uncertainty of how to help me, how to make things right. She fought back tears.
I was sent home to tell my husband and to prepare to go to the hospital the following day.
My husband was napping when I came in. He turned and saw my face and new something was wrong. He held out his arms to me. I fell into them, and onto him. I cried into his neck and told him our baby had died. His body went limp for a mere moment, and then he strengthened his hold on me and held me for a very long time. He let me cry and waited until I was able to tell him about the appointment and what would take place over the next few days.
In the hospital I was given drugs to induce labor. I delivered the baby into my hands while sitting on the bathroom floor of my hospital room. I knew right away it was a boy. I was amazed about that and how perfect he was. Just tiny. His body was that of his dad's and sister Bella. Broad shoulders, long legs and big hands.
I wanted so bad for God to make things all right. I didn't want to let him go. I cried for days. I felt cheated. I wanted my son.
In all that pain I realized how petty I had been in my worry's and how I had taken for granted the miracle and blessings of a fruitful womb.
I learned my lesson. Children are a blessing from the Lord, no matter what the circumstance. I will never again complain about morning sickness or weight gain due to pregnancy. I will never again wish I wasn't pregnant.
If the Lord ever see's fit to allow me to be gifted with another child I will celebrate and thank God for the life he has intrusted me with.
This lesson was a costly one and a painful one. One I'll not repeat.
God's Word does not change for circumstances. It stands for all people, and all times and in all situations.
Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psalms 127:3
It took pain and loss for me to not take this for granted.
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Jun. 8, 2006 "The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes"... He turned his heart back to home.

The Lord has brought home my Adam.
For many many months, I asked the Lord to bring him home. Reminding Him, in order for me to fulfill my role as Eve, I needed my Adam. To be his helpmeet.
The Lord in His unfailing love and compassion heard my cry. And His response was,
"Yes, daughter, I will give you back your Adam. I believe you know how precious this son of mine is to Me now, just as you are to Me. And you will take the things I've shown you these past months and love and serve Me better by loving and serving him with unconditional love, unconditional honor and unconditional respect. I trust you to take the things I've taught you, even when it's hard, even when others might say you are a fool, and obey what you know is written in my Word regarding marrige and your role as his helpmeet. I trust you to obey Me and submit to your husband, and trust Me with the outcomes. I trust you, to trust Me, with his growth, his heart, his life. I trust you, that you understand, it is the Holy Spirits job, and only the Holy Spirits job, to convict and change him when and if conviction and change is needed.
I'll give Him back to you, now that I know I am your first love and you know all you need is found in Me and you will never again replace Me with another".
Prayers do get answered. He does give above and beyond all we could ever ask, hope or think.
He does care when our hearts are broken, He does redeem and restore our lives.
Not only did the Lord bless our marriage and heal it, He blessed us in many other ways, some I will share at a later time. But one of the ways He has shown us His love and grace, was to open up my womb and bless us with a baby; due the first week of February! We are both rejoicing, and looking forward to the coming year, a little older... a lot wiser.
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Jun. 2, 2006 More Than Proverbs 31

Bless those who persecute you;
Bless and do not curse.
Repay no one evil for evil.
Beloved do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine , I will repay," says the Lord.
Therefore
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
...and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Do not fret because of evil doers...
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret, it only causes harm.
Do not let your adornment be merely outward- arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-
rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
Oh Lord,
So many days I strive to be like the Proverbs 31 woman. It's easy to want to be like her. She's strong, noble, talented, loved and appreciated by her children and husband.
Not all verses are so easy to follow, or even desireable Lord, especially when my flesh is warring with my spirit.
I spend so much time Lord trying to do as she would do in the caring of my family. Often I falter. I falter because I don't spend enough time considering and applying many other examples of wisdom and holiness that are written throughout your Word.
When I feel unappreciated, slighted, taken for granted, hurt, or even unloved, I'm too quick to speak and act impulsivly with words and actions that I think will protect, and defend myself.
I take my pain, hurt and frustrations and create more pain, hurt and frustrations by giving those same feelings back to the one/s whom I am angry with. Sometimes it's my children Lord, or my husband.
I know the answers aren't on the popular television or radio shows. Nor in the trendy woman's magazines. Their words satisfy my flesh, they justify my feelings of being wronged, and they tell me how I can go about gaining the "power" to better my situation, and set the people in my life "straight". But those words are contrary to Your Word, and to my spirit. How I am to be is written throughout scripture. I fall so short Father. I want to have a heart like Your's. I want to have a heart full of compassion for those who hurt or dissapoint me. I don't want to repay unkindness with unkindness, or hateful words, with hateful words. I don't want to do, if only I'm done for.
I want to be like you;
Quick to forgive. Full of mercy, grace, compassion and kindness. I don't need to protect myself. I just need to obey You. And You will take care of me. I don't need to defend myself. I only need to love.
Playing games of "fairness" Lord with people is tiring. " I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine", " love me, I'll love you," "be good to me, I'll be good to you"... it's hard keeping up with who owes you what, and being their conscience and reminding them that they are falling short, then tell them how they need to go about doing it right, and when they don't, I have to withdraw my friendship, my time, or committment because the score is uneven and their not being "fair" to me.
I want to be done with that kind of living. It's a horrible way to live. It' s a horrible way to love. Its results are perpetual dissapointment, perpetual broken relationships, and it perpetually keeps me thinking about ME.
Pour your love thru me, to those you've put in my path. Whether friend or foe.
I trust you Lord to watch my back, so I don't have too.
Forgive me, for repeatedly taking back the reins of comfort, protection, and provision, and control, because I think I need to take care of myself, because I'm not trusting that You are. I am wrong when I do that.
My job here is to love, not be loved, or even liked. Help me get my focus off of me. Keep it only on You, and the precious souls, and hearts of those you came to love and die for too.
I don't want to be a Joan of Arc, or a martyr...
I just want to be a heartbeat of Christ.
You gave me a life Lord to do something with. Not for me, but for You. Your purpose, Your glory.
Forgive me, and help me.
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We got back home late last night... We had a WONDERFUL time.
The girls were fantastic, traveled well and enjoyed everything we did. My husband treated us lavishly. We ate incredibly for three days. His generosity did not go unnoticed by the girls or myself. We appreciated all he did to make our time together and in Vegas wonderful. It was. Every minute. I will post pics when I can. My flickr account is all used up for the month, so will have to wait to be able to upload new photos a little later, but I will! We saw so much!
The best part of the weekend wasn't the food, the lights or the opulence of the hotels, it was being with my husband.
It was hard seeing it come to an end.
"Lord, let my dh know somehow, someway, how much we enjoyed ourselves this weekend. Let him know it was being with him, and by his side, that enabled us to have such a good time. We were happy, we were together, doing something as a family. Let him know how much that meant to me. Let him know Lord he is better, than a thousand trips, or all the money in the universe, to this family. To this woman".
"Thankyou Lord for my husband. Thankyou for such a wonderful weekend with him. Thankyou for his job so that he can do all that he does for us. Thankyou for his love and generousity towards us".
"It was a good weekend Lord. A wonderful weekend. Lord I hope to go again one day, like this time, at the side of my husband, as his wife. Only next time Lord, I ask that we will come "home" together.
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May. 5, 2006 Who I Love And Why

I love my husband because he is strong in strength, and character. He is a man loved by many as he has a compassionate heart, is generous with his finances and gives generously of his time and talents and never complains..
He loves me with a tender quiet love. I love the way my hands feel in his. And I'm on top of the world when his hand reaches for mine.
He works with his hands, and it's his hands I fell in love with, then his heart :)
He tells me, he fell in love with my mind first, then my heart, so guess were both kind of weird ;)
He excells in his work, introduced me to barbecue, and when the computer wants to make a mockery of me, and I am ready to throw it across the room, he quietly will come in, gently lead me away, and sit down to fix the problem. He truly has been my night in shining armour. I've always known his shoulders were strong enough, mind bright enough, and heart big enough to take my burdens, and make them his own. I knew it before he was even mine. Thats how I knew he was the one for me. I loved him first. From the top of his head, to the soles of his feet.
At a distance. As a friend. Then one day, he loved me back.
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May. 5, 2006 WhoI Love And Why
My son. My only son, and my firstborn.
From day one, I knew he was special. He came in quick, fast and furious, but with wise eyes. Eyes that would always see beyond his years. Eyes that are intimately connected to his heart and soul.
He never cried as a baby, and has been the constant man in my life for 18+ years. He's been there with me thru thick and thin, always loving, and always helping.
He's a reader, a writer, an artist and musician, and when he wants to dodge correction, a comedian.
He can sling a load of dirt, fix fences, dig ditches, care for wild and wounded animals. He can sit in gutters alongside the poor and needy, and offer companionship, friendship and care. He can stand infront of an elite audience, dressed to the nine, and convince you he knows more than he knows on any given topic. He fits in everywhere. The Lord has granted him favor with people.
He prefers to be alone, although his phone never stops ringing. People seek him.
He seeks alone time. To read his never ending stack of books, strum his guitar, or start writing on a new book, or a new poem. He's tough but kind. Strong, but gentle.
And best of all, he loves the Lord. And is always willing to be obedient to His Word. Even when he doesn't want to.
He is one of the toughest and most courageous kids out there.. Born with what some would call a serious birth defect, he doesn't see it. And lives his life with grace and enthusiasm. Not even one speed bump in his life due to it.
He also has God's favor. God's face shines on him.
I'm a fortunate mom.
He's been there for me, his sisters, and loves, prays, and cares for his stepdad.
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May. 4, 2006 Who I Love And Why

My peacemaker :) and first daughter.
She's the quiet in the storm, the quiet strength, the constant. Beautiful girl, beautiful heart.
I love her for her thoughtfulness of others, and her willingness to be the first to volunteer to do what it is, no one else is willing to do. She has a meek and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of the Lord, and precious to me. But underneath all that is determination and strength. Lots of it. She's not a quitter, but stands firmly and diligently, step by step, to accomplish whatever it is, she wants to learn and do. She doesn't look to be in the spotlight, although she deserves to be there.
She is a fantastic artist, an avid reader, and good writer. She has been there for me, to pray for me, to be a help to me, and to love me. She has faced some fierce storms with me, with such faith, courage and strength that awed me. She would stand in front of a lion, and cast him away, to protect me, without ever saying a word.
I have a lot I could learn from her. Such calm, so much wisdom.
Grace and mercy are ornaments she always wears around her neck.
I am blessed and love, my beautiful, talented, kind, and giving daughter.
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May. 4, 2006 Who I Love And Why

This is the one who gave the peacemaker her job :)
She wanted to come into the world in her own way, fighting with the doctors for hours and hours. And just when they thought she would co-operate and come according to the book, she'd go right back to fighting for her own way to have the birth experience, SHE wanted to have :)
She and the doctors were reading different manuals on how it should be done.
It took patience, perseverance, and a firm, but kind hand, a hand and heart that was willing to take the time, to repeatedly ask, show, prod, and tell, how it was going to be. And how she was going to come into the world: The right way, the safe way, the way that was best for her. What a patient doctor God bless him.
Of course, I wasn't just an innocent bystander. I did my part. I worked at pushing, breathing; resting, hoping, trusting, BEGGING, for her to come, and to cooperate. Finally, many hours later and both of us exhausted, I met her for the first time, on a cold beautiful, autumn New England day. We barely said our howdy do's, when we both nodded off into a deep spent sleep.
I laugh now, because not much has changed. This daughter let me know from the womb, she was strong, and independent and had a mind of her own.
It was and is, the reason I love her. Her strength. Her creativity. Her exuberance. Her independence. Her smile. She's smart. Doesn't miss a thing. Can't get anything over her. Brutally honest, but honest :). If she wants to learn something, she just doesn't want to know about it, she wants to master it.
Beautiful. Fiercely devoted to her family. She's an intricate part of us. We wouldn't be who we are, without her. We need her. Everyone can depend on her to do what we cant :)
I love her so.
She loves languages, is learning Japanese all on her own, and studying the culture.
She's an excellent artist, and has a passion for becoming an artist. Gymnastics is also a love, and a sport that gives her the physical and mental challenge that she needs, and wants.
I am fortunate to be the mother, of such a talented, beautiful, devoted daughter.
She loves me mightily, she loves her family. Whether they are absent or present. And hopes silently, that her little girls dreams, of family, home and goals, will be something she can firmly and forever hold onto.
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May. 4, 2006 Who I Love And Why

Our home school prodigy :)
I love this little girl. She is soooo smart, independent, helpful, resourceful, competent, capable, and caring. Everything seems to come so naturally for her. She's a natural kind of girl.
Loves people, but especially the outdoors, and animals. Loves vegetables. Loves them so much, that even when she was very little, her requested birthday cake would always be carrot cake :)
Her tears flow easily, her heart big and generous. She is a nurturer, just as her mama.
Instinctivly she knows how to soothe, and comfort. She is a second mother to her little sister, and anything, or anyone else who needs some companionship or care. As I write this, a baby starling sits in a box, that she has set up for it since it fell out of its nest, high up from the fronds of the palm tree in our front yard.
She faithfully feeds it mealworms round the clock with a pair of tweezers. This isn't her first wild orphan baby she has brought in and restored it's life.
When she's not sitting up in a tree, or with an animal, she is humming a new tune on her beloved harmonica, or reading a book to her little sister, or drumming up new business for her entrepenurial idea of the week. Or maybe writing a new poem, or working on her comic story and illustrations.
She's the one that follows her brother up the cliffs, and into the canyons. She loves to explore and enjoy God's creation.
She loves the Lord, and loves and cares for her family deeply. Like her stepdad, she is very generous with her resources. She's a good friend, and likes to talk with and meet people of all ages, race and creed.
She's easy to like, and even easier to love.
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May. 4, 2006 Who I Love And Why

Her name is Tia Noel.
But from the first few days home from the hospital, I wished I had named her Tia Rose.
She is a rose, beautiful, fragrant, brings joy and much happiness into the life of our family.
She is so unassuming, yet captivating. She doesn't ask for anything. Expects nothing, And accepts what is. When her heart is broken, she'll suck it up, and deal with it even when she's not expected or asked too.
She seems to not ever want to be a part of a problem, or the cause of it. So she complies. Her hope is peace, and love. She'll sacrifice her own little will, for that of someone elses. Sometimes it seems heroic, and I admire it. Other times it causes me to grieve for her.
Emtionally she's very brave. She loves people, and can see right thru them.. She seems to have a discernment for the reality of a situation, and the character of a person. She knows more than she ought to for a little girl of barely seven. But she will never use what she knows, to tear you down. She'll only use it, to lift you up, and make you feel better.
A case in point: A while back, she and I were alone for the weekend. The older kids were away. I had spent the majority of the weekend crying. I could of spent that time making it special for her, but I couldn't. We were in the car and I was driving around looking for some place to taker her to get something to eat. The car was silent. I was silent. The only thing that moved were the wheels under us, and the tears that continuously streamed down my face. It had been like that for the whole weekend.
She quietly put her hand, over the top of mine, as my hand rested on the gear shift and looked up at me, and said, "mom, thanks for such a nice weekend". My heart sank. Shame creeped in. And then gratitude. When I looked at her, all I saw was a trusting, peaceful, believing, little girl.
It wasn't a lie. Not to her. She knew me. She knew the situation. But she chose, and chooses to look at a persons better side. Believing there always is one. So she doesn't panic when things are rough. Yes she's hurt. Yes she hopes. But more than hoping. She believes. She doesn't blame, and she doesn't question. She just accepts, and loves and appreciates what she's got.
What a kid. But thats who she is. God knew what kind of character she would need, to get by in the world and the circumstances she would have to face.
I love her, she is an encourager, and a believer in people.She doesn't wait to be reached for, she'll reach for you when she knows you need her too. She'd be the kind of preacher that wouldn't wait for you to get to the altar to hug your neck. As soon as she saw you coming towards the aisle, she'd go to you, and walk to the alter with you.
She loves the beach. LOVES it. She loves her sister Gabriella, and her stuffed animals. She would rather have a stuffed animal that she can make believe with, than a toy that can only be used according to the manufacturers design. She avoids anything that might cause her physical pain. Emotionally she's tough. Physically she's not. She's hardworking, doesn't complain; but boy a skinned knee, or the sight of blood will put the fear and tears into her and out of her!
She's my only girly girl. Loves new clothes, and all the things that makes a girl feel like a girl.
She has captured the heart of those in our family.
She doesn't have to ask, she's given. She doesn't have to expect anything, because we will and do, anticipate a need or situation and act on it in her behalf before she has time to realize she has a need. She came to us asking nothing, and still asks for so little. But we want to give her everything. We want her family, to be a soft pillow she can land on, and rest in, when things around her, and inside her are hard.
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May. 4, 2006 Who I Love And Why
Apr. 26, 2006 Toils and Snares
Light has dawned in the darkness.
Darkness that tried to overcome me these past two days.
When the sobs quieted, and my flesh was tired of wrestling, I laid still, opened my eyes, and saw Him. Illuminating the terror of the blackness all around.
Fear fled, pain subsided.
I know he was always there. My flesh just didn't want to see Him, or acknowledge Him.
When I got tired of myself and reached for Him,
He reached back.
The poor, pathetic, undeserving sinner I am, He reached back.
The tears still fall,
But I can see Him through them,
His light shines ever before me.
He sees each one, and the broken heart behind them,
Then captures each drop in a bottle, not missing a one,
And tells me:
" Those who sow in tears, shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him". Psalms 126: 5-6
My tears are hot and warm on my face, but they bring me comfort. In them, one day, they will bear testimony, of His promises to me.
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Apr. 25, 2006 The Abundance of My Heart, The Evidence of His Grace

Taken from my journal dating March 1999:
Tia Noel
born March 5th, a Friday, 1999 at 7:08 am.
weighing 7lbs. 9oz. and 18 inches long.
Thank you Lord for the gift of my new daughter.
The pregnancy wasn't easy; morning sickness throughout the day, up until my fourth month. A weight gain of sixty pounds and anxiety about our future.
But I give thanks to my Creator and Sustainer for the blessing of being able to concieve, carry and deliver five healthy children into this world.
The four other kids showed longsuffering and patience to me during this time, and even now with the bussiness and time consuming task of caring for an infant. I love them so much.
So many times I've thought if I could only make time stand still, to cherish those special moments that I've had with my children a little while longer.Theres so many things; wonderful things, that I want to remember about them.
My heart is a treasure box continuously being filled with memories of them.
That first touch of their warm wet slippery bodies when placed into my arms. The heat their bodies gave off from the warmth they recieved while in my womb, under my heart.
I breathe deeply their newborn smell, am awed at the unmeasureable amount of love and tenderness that flows from my heart and soul with every look, every touch, and every smell.
My eyes see the miracle that you are. Branded in my memory is your eyes and how bright they are. The rasberry color of your sweet little lips. The rise and fall of your tiny chest.
In all of my senses are countless memories of each one of you.
May 1st, 1999
It's a quiet morning, Tia is still sleeping. The other kids are with their dad for the weekend.
I'm thinking about each one of the kids and how I want to so much give them a good and happy home. I worry alot about being able to give them that. Mostly it's just when I'm tired or anxious about finances.
Other times I'm optimistic and hopeful about our future. I try to stay focused on the truth: I have a heavenly father who loves me and wants the best for me and my children.
Since we've been in Texas my prayer is asking for God's best for us. In that lies my hope. I want to be a better witness to those around me by the way I live my life.
I'm beginning to live by the convictions of my own heart and conscience according to the Word of God.. It is hard for me to stay focused on this because it seems right now I am so easily distracted by others and circumstances. My prayer is for my heart and mind to be filled with only God's intent, and to stand firm.
Tia is evidence of grace and mercy. God loves me, and reminds me of that, everytime I look at her.
With her arrival, all that I feel as a mother has surfaced anew. The joy I feel has been stirred up inside me. This is who I am. The essence of who I am is wrapped up within each of my children.
Birthing them, loving them, is a piece of heaven on earth for me.
Gifts that are such miracles. Thats what they are. I cherish each and every one of them.
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Apr. 19, 2006 What I Have In Common With Elvis Presley and JD Sumner
A Song...
A beautiful song. So much of what my heart feels today...
"Why me Lord?
What have I ever done, to deserve even one
Of the pleasures I've known.
Lord, what did I ever do to deserve loving you
And the kindness you've shown
Lord help me Jesus I've wasted it...
So help me Jesus, I know what I am
Now that I know that I've needed you...
So help me Jesus, my souls in Your hands.
Try me Lord, if you think theres a way
I can ever repay, all I've taken from you
Maybe Lord, I can show someone else
What I've been through myself
On my way back to you.......
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Apr. 19, 2006 Finding Sweet Gems on a Wednesday
Today was a fun day.
I enjoyed the sweet baby girl I care for a few days a week, she just rolled over today! The kids are on spring break and took the day to play with the neighbor kids, and I let them go swimming! Brrr... Too cold for me still, but they spent all day in it.
This afternoon while the baby was sleeping and the kids were swimming, I had a few quiet, blissful moments, listening too and singing along with:
Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, "One Day At a Time"
Loretta Lynn and Patsy Kline, " How Great Though Art"
Charlie Pride "On the Wings of A Dove" (I love this song)
The Carter Family " The Church in The Wildwood"
Johnny Cash and June Carter " Peace In The Valley"
I've said before one of my favorite and prominent childhood memories was of my dads voice singing or whistling hymns as he worked inside or outside the house.
So naturally hymns are a favorite of mine. I learned to play the piano by learning those hymns as some kids learn to read by reading the bible.
My dad always had a rope swing for me in a tree somewhere, no matter where we lived. There was always plenty of trees and plenty of grass growing up.
I'd go out and swing in those big old trees, so at peace, and humming my own little songs, and dreaming whistfully of the days I'd be grown, and have a family of my own.
I was born to be a wife and mother, and nurture a family. It comes as naturally for me as breathing.
I wonder if my husband realizes what a simple country girl he married :). Pleasures for me, is good food on the table, big warm hearts, strong hands, and together enjoying the beauty and handiwork of God that surrounds us.
Paradise this side of heaven as far as I'm concerned.
My husband and I had this ongoing challenge of who was more country. Here my city slicker Los Angeles born and raised husband would challenge me, on who was more country as his family was from the back roads of Louisianna. But I would boast I grew up on farms and was raised in the country, so of course I was more country!
Well one day he finally got the best of me... The question was what do you do with left over dried out corn husk? I was clueless, but the realization of the answer struck me once I read the expression on his face:) He had me. So my city slicker won the admiration of a simple country girl, for a man who knows a thing or two about back woods livin ;)
I've thought about pursuing homesteading here in the city. An urban homesteader. You can create what ever kind of life you want for yourselves and your family behind your own doors right? I can make soap, grow vegetables in containers. It's possible.
But don't know how country my husband REALLY is ;) Not sure how'd he'd feel about having a worm bin under the kitchen sink, and pole beans canvassing the in ground pool that takes up the whole back yard :), so I am not too ambitious in pursing those dreams here in the city, I just strive to bring some of the simple day to day things that are reminders of my upbringing, and the inheritance of my youth into everyday living.
I could just do what I wanted, but though he's not here, he is in my heart, so I go on living and making decisions that honor him as best I can.
I get up when he gets up, it make me feel closer to him. Thats not a small matter considering he gets up at 4am everyday! But I look forward to it, as I know when his eyes open, so are mine. My last thought before I sleep is with him, and the first thought when I awake is of him, and the first words spoken each day is for him. Lifting him in prayer, asking the Lord to watch over him, and to bless him. To hold him close in the shelter of His wings, to guide, and lead, protect and strengthen, no matter where the road may take him that day.
Before, I did things for him, though not enough. But I did love him the best I new how at the time. I have to admit though... some of my doing was to get something. Love. Recognition. Need.
Now I've realized my doing for him is doing it as doing it unto the Lord.. It makes my loving him and helping him, and honoring him so much more meaningful, and important.
I dont want it to be because of getting something back, but fulfilling a calling, a love, a purpose.
I messed up the other day. I served, and loved, but became hurt and wounded because I wasn't loved back, recognized or wanted. I let it steal my joy. I believed a lie, that I must be loved back, in order to have joy in loving and serving.
The song Peace In The Valley talks about when night can shine like day. That is what I'm striving for. Though it is night, in the chambers of my heart, it is like day. Thats the promise I am embracing and pursuing.
I know he's not here to see the efforts, or to appreciate these little things, maybe he never will, and thats ok. But God knows, and I know he is pleased that I love and care for one of his sons. The one he gave me to love.
He gave this simple, overly sensitive, plain country girl, a reserved, controlled, city slicker boy, to honor, to cherish, to be a helpmeet to and companion. How in the world our worlds collided is amazing in itself. But I stand amazed, and honored and oh so blessed to be called to love this man. May God continue to teach, enable, and make me a worthy, and perfect helpmeet for him. No matter where he is.
Today was a good day. A fine day:)
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