Blake

The phone rang early this morning and when I picked it up and said hello all I could hear at first was some breathing. Then came Blake's sweet little voice saying "Gimme five girl!"

I laughed, then he laughed and I decided this is the best way to start a rainy day :-)

Blake wanted to stay home from school today and spend time with Mommy. They were going to the "coffee store" (Starbucks) and then on to Barnes and Noble and Walmart. Sounds like the perfect day to me.

Happy Anniversary

"Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.

God bless our love"

Today marks our 36th Anniversary! As always on this day, we think back to our wedding day. We had a small family wedding in the church where I was baptized. Al's father was late and we were so worried he was not going to show. Henry was Al's Best Man and Renie was my Maid of Honor.

1 Corinthians 13 was read during the ceremony and to this day the love verses remain some of my very favorites.

Now, 36 years, 5 children and 9 grandchildren later...God Bless Our Love.

Snow on the Hills

"I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth" Psalm 121:1-2

We woke up to a snowy landscape this morning. Jordan called early to tell us it was snowing. I'm down with the flu so Al took these pictures so I could see just how beautiful it is outside. Puppy made it as far as the deck and decided that was far enough! She just sat there and sniffed the snow.

I missed my morning walk because of this flu thing. Hopefully I'll be able to get out tomorrow and look up to the mountains :-)

Old Friends

Simon and Garfunkle sing of "Old Friends". I have an old friend who is very near and dear to my heart. Her name is Evie. She is a Reverend so she has a "Title". To me, she will always be Evie. I received an email from her tonight through a convoluted process.

Evie is a Pastor. She has a flock, or many flocks as her email would suggest. She was a good friend in 1969-1972. I'm not surprised she is now a Pastor of a flock. When I was 17, she loaned me her formal dress and coat for my Senior Ball. I had a splintered tail bone and tried my hardest to pose for pictures with a smile :-)

Evie~~you have always been my friend, my inspiration. I hope your life is as fulfilling as the hours you have poured into me.

Up On the Roof

"When this old world starts getting me down..."

James Taylor and these boys know just where to go~~up on the roof! They have all the comforts of home. Flashlights, water, pillows, music and each other. Oh wait--I forgot nerf guns of every shape and size. Silly me, what would a roof party be with ammo?

Cobb and Coffee

We took a drive up Cobb Mt. today to see if there was any snow left. There is just a little at the higher elevations but the views were spectacular! We stopped at Mountain High coffee shop for something hot to drink. There was an unusual family hanging out inside. Mom was getting who knows how many "free" refills on her coffee while her children Kashi and Humbolt were selling handmade plastic jewelry. We decided to get back in the car and finish our drive where we took some pictures of the beautiful scenery. It was a good afternoon.

Ebenezer Stone

Samuel took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer—"the stone of help"—for he said, "Up to this point the Lord has helped us!" —1 Samuel 7:12, NLT

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,interposed his precious blood.
—Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

I have a small stone in my china cabinet to remind me that each day is new; that whatever happened yesterday, I can begin anew today. I look to this stone often (especially when I am feeling despair). It helps to remind me of how far God has brought me from a few years ago when I couldn't speak or join the rest of you in "regular" life. I write this not to draw attention to myself or my depression but to encourage those who at times feel like there is just no good reason to go on.

Find a stone, raise it up and "begin".