I firmly believe that we ALL live our lives hoping to be an influence for good in this world.
I've never met a single person who says, "Yeah, my greatest hope is to help someone else make bad choices that will cause them to live in sorrow and regret the rest of their days!" Just haven't met such a person.
But being an influence on others is a thing of responsibility that must be weighed seriously.
That truth came home to me yesterday in a very stark way. You see, there is this amazing young woman by the name of Erika Rivera Hendricks who serves as children's pastor for a growing church in MD. (Erika and I first met five years ago while I was leading a Bible study at SEU.) Erika married Louis; moved away; had a baby; became this incredible leader; and now we do our best to keep in touch sporadically as long-distance people tend to do.
Yesterday I discovered that Erika (also a blogger) had posted her Dream Team of Influencers - Part I. And right there, after John Maxwell, Joyce Meyer and Eileen Hunter, Erika had put: Frank and Sheri Hawley. (Kimora Lee Simmons was next and having no idea who that was, I had to Google her. Smile.)
"They are a couple my husband and I both look up to," said Mrs. Hendricks.
Normally, a statement like that would elicit a humble sigh and lots of warm fuzzies. But when I read it yesterday it felt more like an indictment - maybe even a rebuke.
You see, the stresses of everyday life had been wearing on the right reverends Frank and Sheri Hawley to the point that everything had finally "hit the fan!" At that moment, we weren't good influencers; we weren't people to emulate; we weren't even a couple you'd want to BE around!! (There you have it, dear readers. We are indeed very much human. Smile.)
And as I read Erika's generous words, my heart was pierced with the importance of living everyday hoping that we will be able to look around and say, "Follow me as I follow Christ."
Of course, the real truth is this: those are perhaps the best moments for saying follow me. If we never let people close enough to know we struggle too then they have no way to connect with us.
Life is tough! I want to see someone who has walked up to the fray, put on the spiritual armor (or located it again after the enemy has knocked it off), and successfully battled through, arriving safely on the opposite side of conflict.
If your life is perfect, I'm happy for you but please don't try to tell me how to live. I want to observe people who have navigated difficulty and have come out of it choosing to smile, love, embrace joy and not bitterness.
That, to me, is the best kind of influence.
As you've probably already guessed, today I will take the challenge of Erika's words and work on making things right in my own household. And while we probably won't be at a place where "marital bliss perpetually reigns," by evening; hopefully we will be sitting together on the love seat again, knowing that we wouldn't want to be working at this marriage thing with anyone else.
Blessings as you go out to influence your world!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Think About It
Some days, I really envy men!
They have such an incredible ability to "compartmentalize" things. Schedules, difficulties, relationships, deadlines, work, family............everything has its own little box which stays neat and tidy with the door closed.
Men are absolute geniuses at keeping these various doors closed until time (and inclination) dictate that the issue be addressed. After the addressing is completed (for this particular time period), men exit the room, close the door and "Viola!" For all practical purposes, that issue no longer exists.
I get it! That's how God designed them!! That's how they function best!!! Yes, I get it - I just wish I could do that TOO.
(Can you tell I woke up very early this morning and have been wrestling in my mind with multiple issues that absolutely refuse to be coaxed, cajoled, shoved, pushed or otherwise persuaded back into "the room" so I can close the door?! Sigh.)
I suppose that's why there are so many scripture passages and so many great sermons on the topic of "Controlling Our Thoughts."
Okay, sooooooo. I feel quite a bit better after listing just those few scriptures.
Maybe those are the tools God has highlighted with women (since he created us to experience things more on the feeling side of life) for the purpose of corralling and containing issues that would otherwise burst out at inopportune moments.
(Yes, that thought most certainly did require a run-on sentence. Smile.)
Hope your day is blessed with timely thoughts and peaceful ponderings!
They have such an incredible ability to "compartmentalize" things. Schedules, difficulties, relationships, deadlines, work, family............everything has its own little box which stays neat and tidy with the door closed.
Men are absolute geniuses at keeping these various doors closed until time (and inclination) dictate that the issue be addressed. After the addressing is completed (for this particular time period), men exit the room, close the door and "Viola!" For all practical purposes, that issue no longer exists.
I get it! That's how God designed them!! That's how they function best!!! Yes, I get it - I just wish I could do that TOO.
(Can you tell I woke up very early this morning and have been wrestling in my mind with multiple issues that absolutely refuse to be coaxed, cajoled, shoved, pushed or otherwise persuaded back into "the room" so I can close the door?! Sigh.)
I suppose that's why there are so many scripture passages and so many great sermons on the topic of "Controlling Our Thoughts."
- "Think on these things......."
- "Let not your heart be troubled......."
- "I will praise the Lord at all times......."
- "You will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are focused on You......."
- "Give thanks in all circumstances....."
- "God knows our thoughts......."
Okay, sooooooo. I feel quite a bit better after listing just those few scriptures.
Maybe those are the tools God has highlighted with women (since he created us to experience things more on the feeling side of life) for the purpose of corralling and containing issues that would otherwise burst out at inopportune moments.
(Yes, that thought most certainly did require a run-on sentence. Smile.)
Hope your day is blessed with timely thoughts and peaceful ponderings!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Divine Appointment
Do you believe in "Divine Appointments"?
I do. I definitely do! You will too after this story.
(Rather long post. But definitely worth the read.)
Right now I am attending a wonderful conference for women in ministry. This is kind of like taking continuing education courses for ministers. We are in the big city of Dallas, TX with so many fabulous things to record - but those will have to wait until later.
Because this is a conference designed specifically for women ministers, the organizers have us sitting at round tables for the purpose of encouraging conversation and connection. (Not difficult for a bunch of women. Smile.)
Each lady chooses her own seat but then stays with that group for the remainder of the conference. A facilitator at each table helps direct discussion, etc. Women from all over the country are here and the age range is broad.
I met a dear friend of many years here and as we headed down to the meeting area yesterday, I heard someone yell, "Sheri! Hi!!" Robin from PA was stepping out of an elevator; we hadn't seen each other in about three years. Great reunion moment in the lobby. Met her travel buddies; introduced her to Brenda. Off we go.
When we arrived in the meeting room, Brenda and I wandered to the right and began looking for a seat near the middle-front. (You know, close enough to see the speaker; not close enough to be seen. Smile.)
Suddenly, a beautiful lady with a smile like sunshine reached out, tapped my arm and said, "Hey, sit with me." She looked vaguely familiar but you just never know at these things if you've actually met someone before or not.
Brenda and I sat down with her and she reminded me where we had met. Several years ago, when I came to speak for Sandra at the South TX Women's Retreat, this was the lady who had graciously taken me to shop on Harwin St. in Houston. (Jewelry Mecca! Another post.)
"Oh, yes of course. Now I remember you, Sharon. We spent a GREAT afternoon together!" Catch up. (Sharon and her husband now pastor in KY.) Reminisce. Reminisce. Discuss our mutual sorrow over Sandra's death. (Sorrow shared is divided indeed.)
Just about that time, I look up to spot Robin from PA and her two friends.
"Hey, Robin. You guys sit with us."
So now we are six. Debbie from Houston joins us. More hugs. More reminiscing.
The service is about to start and Melanie (also from TX) dashes over to grab the final seat. The first speaker comes to the podium and we're off and running. Writing notes. Nodding at one another with knowing looks. Drinking in new information. Accepting the challenge put before us.
Then came the first discussion time. We went around the table and briefly introduced ourselves. Telling of our varied areas of ministry; what we hope to gain from the conference.
And that's when it happened.
It just so happens that "Melanie" has just accepted the position of Women's Director for South TX - the position left open when Sandra graduated to Heaven. And "Robin" had recently been named as a sectional director in PA - the position left open by Gloria who was killed in the automobile accident with Sandra.
(Tears spring to my eyes as I write this.)
Out of five hundred women; more than fifty tables; God orchestrated the seating of those two women at this one table.
That was no accident, dear readers. That was a DIVINE APPOINTMENT!
It was as if we could all sense Sandra and Gloria peeking over the edge of Heaven, giggling with delight at the ways of our Heavenly Father. We all sat back with tears in our eyes; marveling at His ability to direct us. And knowing we were in a special moment.
He is still in the business of ordering footsteps! Never doubt that!!
Multiple speakers have said several times during this conference, "Watch for the surprises of God."
You better KNOW our eyes are wide open.
I do. I definitely do! You will too after this story.
(Rather long post. But definitely worth the read.)
Right now I am attending a wonderful conference for women in ministry. This is kind of like taking continuing education courses for ministers. We are in the big city of Dallas, TX with so many fabulous things to record - but those will have to wait until later.
Because this is a conference designed specifically for women ministers, the organizers have us sitting at round tables for the purpose of encouraging conversation and connection. (Not difficult for a bunch of women. Smile.)
Each lady chooses her own seat but then stays with that group for the remainder of the conference. A facilitator at each table helps direct discussion, etc. Women from all over the country are here and the age range is broad.
I met a dear friend of many years here and as we headed down to the meeting area yesterday, I heard someone yell, "Sheri! Hi!!" Robin from PA was stepping out of an elevator; we hadn't seen each other in about three years. Great reunion moment in the lobby. Met her travel buddies; introduced her to Brenda. Off we go.
When we arrived in the meeting room, Brenda and I wandered to the right and began looking for a seat near the middle-front. (You know, close enough to see the speaker; not close enough to be seen. Smile.)
Suddenly, a beautiful lady with a smile like sunshine reached out, tapped my arm and said, "Hey, sit with me." She looked vaguely familiar but you just never know at these things if you've actually met someone before or not.
Brenda and I sat down with her and she reminded me where we had met. Several years ago, when I came to speak for Sandra at the South TX Women's Retreat, this was the lady who had graciously taken me to shop on Harwin St. in Houston. (Jewelry Mecca! Another post.)
"Oh, yes of course. Now I remember you, Sharon. We spent a GREAT afternoon together!" Catch up. (Sharon and her husband now pastor in KY.) Reminisce. Reminisce. Discuss our mutual sorrow over Sandra's death. (Sorrow shared is divided indeed.)
Just about that time, I look up to spot Robin from PA and her two friends.
"Hey, Robin. You guys sit with us."
So now we are six. Debbie from Houston joins us. More hugs. More reminiscing.
The service is about to start and Melanie (also from TX) dashes over to grab the final seat. The first speaker comes to the podium and we're off and running. Writing notes. Nodding at one another with knowing looks. Drinking in new information. Accepting the challenge put before us.
Then came the first discussion time. We went around the table and briefly introduced ourselves. Telling of our varied areas of ministry; what we hope to gain from the conference.
And that's when it happened.
It just so happens that "Melanie" has just accepted the position of Women's Director for South TX - the position left open when Sandra graduated to Heaven. And "Robin" had recently been named as a sectional director in PA - the position left open by Gloria who was killed in the automobile accident with Sandra.
(Tears spring to my eyes as I write this.)
Out of five hundred women; more than fifty tables; God orchestrated the seating of those two women at this one table.
That was no accident, dear readers. That was a DIVINE APPOINTMENT!
It was as if we could all sense Sandra and Gloria peeking over the edge of Heaven, giggling with delight at the ways of our Heavenly Father. We all sat back with tears in our eyes; marveling at His ability to direct us. And knowing we were in a special moment.
He is still in the business of ordering footsteps! Never doubt that!!
Multiple speakers have said several times during this conference, "Watch for the surprises of God."
You better KNOW our eyes are wide open.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
In a Nutshell
This week we are working diligently on the web page for our church. Let me tell you, this is no small chore!
There is so much involved with this technology that Frank and I don't know about or understand. Directing this venture that will represent our church to the public at large is tough! It feels a little bit like a blind man driving up a mountainside.
(Not that I'm blind and would have any idea what that feels like really - I just thought it sounded suitably dramatic. Smile.)
Fortunately, Frank has done an excellent job of staffing to our weaknesses (just like John Maxwell has taught us.) And we are surrounded with people who DO understand what we're trying to do.
Still, determining the text that will best represent our congregation on the World Wide Web is a daunting task. Then add to this the fact that the generation we're targeting (20-35 year olds) won't take time to read long, flowery explanations. They want bullet points:
But all this work with wording for the website made me start wondering. How would I summarize my life philosophy in 144 characters or less; is that even possible? (For those of you in my generation who want to be "in the know"- 144 characters is the standard length of a text that under-30's will take time to actually read or process. Oops see, I'm over the limit right there. Sigh.)
So this morning, when I came across this great thought in Ephesians 5, I immediately stopped to ponder. "Find out what pleases God." There it is, in a nutshell! Just live with a simple purpose: to find out what pleases God, then do that. Certainly uncomplicates things, doesn't it?!
I think my Presbyterian friends have had it right all along. Part of their catechism says: "The chief end of man is to love God and enjoy Him forever." I really like that!
So, I'm heading out into my busy world today carrying one simple thought as my goal - find out what pleases God and do it!
Hope you enjoy success doing the same!
There is so much involved with this technology that Frank and I don't know about or understand. Directing this venture that will represent our church to the public at large is tough! It feels a little bit like a blind man driving up a mountainside.
(Not that I'm blind and would have any idea what that feels like really - I just thought it sounded suitably dramatic. Smile.)
Fortunately, Frank has done an excellent job of staffing to our weaknesses (just like John Maxwell has taught us.) And we are surrounded with people who DO understand what we're trying to do.
Still, determining the text that will best represent our congregation on the World Wide Web is a daunting task. Then add to this the fact that the generation we're targeting (20-35 year olds) won't take time to read long, flowery explanations. They want bullet points:
- Live Well
- Love Much
- Laugh Often
But all this work with wording for the website made me start wondering. How would I summarize my life philosophy in 144 characters or less; is that even possible? (For those of you in my generation who want to be "in the know"- 144 characters is the standard length of a text that under-30's will take time to actually read or process. Oops see, I'm over the limit right there. Sigh.)
So this morning, when I came across this great thought in Ephesians 5, I immediately stopped to ponder. "Find out what pleases God." There it is, in a nutshell! Just live with a simple purpose: to find out what pleases God, then do that. Certainly uncomplicates things, doesn't it?!
I think my Presbyterian friends have had it right all along. Part of their catechism says: "The chief end of man is to love God and enjoy Him forever." I really like that!
So, I'm heading out into my busy world today carrying one simple thought as my goal - find out what pleases God and do it!
Hope you enjoy success doing the same!
Friday, September 24, 2010
OOPS!
Such a funny story!
If you've been reading "Embrace the Grace," it doesn't take long to realize that our family has a decidedly warped sense of humor. We came by this honestly - it was my mom who so often said, "In this life you're going to laugh a lot or cry a lot. I choose to laugh!"
We've all adopted her philosophy to the best of our ability and have truthfully found it to be the best of the two options.
Hence the humor in the following story. Last night, Meagan and Nathan found themselves on a very special "dress-up date". Meagan's braces were removed yesterday and with perfect timing Nathan got a pay check so they had planned this very special evening of dual celebration. Nathan arrived totally decked out in suit and tie - so debonair! And Meagan chose a simple black dress - her smile was brilliant enough on its own!
(I only wish my blog included photography so you could see pictures of the truly handsome couple! I'll bet there will be some on Smithellaneous very soon. Smile.)
Off they went, laughing together and beaming.
Meagan said Nathan (who planned the date entirely on his own - three cheers for chivalry) had chosen a terrific restaurant and they were having a perfect evening when IT happened.
Meagan turned her head to sneeze and immediately felt a draft. The invisible zipper in her little black dress gave way and left her with only two connection points: the hook and eye at top and two fragile teeth clinging together halfway down her side.
SHOCK! Total and complete shock!! What to do?
She did what every other self-respecting 22 year old would do in such a horrendously embarrassing moment - she burst out laughing! (Yeah, I know. Laughing isn't normally the first reaction but maybe it should be.)
Nathan diverted his attention like a perfect gentleman. Then Meagan gathered enough composure to clamp her arm to her side and slip to where several waitresses were standing. "Where is your restroom? And could one of you come with me - I have a problem!"
She said the waitress worked with the nylon zipper but had no success. A second waitress was called in for back up. While the dress wasn't really tight, it would not go over her head so she could get it off and work on it herself. The two waitresses were stumped and said they were going to get more assistance.
Meagan was left to wait in the bathroom, all alone, gaping dress, no phone to text Nate.......but she did have the camera in her hand for some odd reason. So she entertained herself making a short video because she knew her sisters would never believe it! Smile.
Finally, an older waitress came in to assess the situation. She then sent a waiter running down the block to CVS for safety pins. He was a Ninja because he took time to think through choosing a package of black and white safety pins instead of the silver ones as he was pretty sure the girl stuck in the bathroom had been wearing a black dress! Well Done!
The wait staff then sifted through the lost and found bin and gave Meagan a lovely black sweater which had been left behind by some earlier patron. (New York and Co.; she was quite pleased!)
Meagan made her way back to the table; walking carefully so as not to pop any of the eight safety pins holding her dress together. The cute couple finished dessert. (Nate is in college for heaven's sake. You can't waste dessert!) Then made their way back to Winter Haven.
Little Black Dress - Zipperless
New Sweater - Much Appreciated
Perfect Evening - Not So Much
Great Memory - PRICELESS!!
Hope your week-end holds much humor.
If you've been reading "Embrace the Grace," it doesn't take long to realize that our family has a decidedly warped sense of humor. We came by this honestly - it was my mom who so often said, "In this life you're going to laugh a lot or cry a lot. I choose to laugh!"
We've all adopted her philosophy to the best of our ability and have truthfully found it to be the best of the two options.
Hence the humor in the following story. Last night, Meagan and Nathan found themselves on a very special "dress-up date". Meagan's braces were removed yesterday and with perfect timing Nathan got a pay check so they had planned this very special evening of dual celebration. Nathan arrived totally decked out in suit and tie - so debonair! And Meagan chose a simple black dress - her smile was brilliant enough on its own!
(I only wish my blog included photography so you could see pictures of the truly handsome couple! I'll bet there will be some on Smithellaneous very soon. Smile.)
Off they went, laughing together and beaming.
Meagan said Nathan (who planned the date entirely on his own - three cheers for chivalry) had chosen a terrific restaurant and they were having a perfect evening when IT happened.
Meagan turned her head to sneeze and immediately felt a draft. The invisible zipper in her little black dress gave way and left her with only two connection points: the hook and eye at top and two fragile teeth clinging together halfway down her side.
SHOCK! Total and complete shock!! What to do?
She did what every other self-respecting 22 year old would do in such a horrendously embarrassing moment - she burst out laughing! (Yeah, I know. Laughing isn't normally the first reaction but maybe it should be.)
Nathan diverted his attention like a perfect gentleman. Then Meagan gathered enough composure to clamp her arm to her side and slip to where several waitresses were standing. "Where is your restroom? And could one of you come with me - I have a problem!"
She said the waitress worked with the nylon zipper but had no success. A second waitress was called in for back up. While the dress wasn't really tight, it would not go over her head so she could get it off and work on it herself. The two waitresses were stumped and said they were going to get more assistance.
Meagan was left to wait in the bathroom, all alone, gaping dress, no phone to text Nate.......but she did have the camera in her hand for some odd reason. So she entertained herself making a short video because she knew her sisters would never believe it! Smile.
Finally, an older waitress came in to assess the situation. She then sent a waiter running down the block to CVS for safety pins. He was a Ninja because he took time to think through choosing a package of black and white safety pins instead of the silver ones as he was pretty sure the girl stuck in the bathroom had been wearing a black dress! Well Done!
The wait staff then sifted through the lost and found bin and gave Meagan a lovely black sweater which had been left behind by some earlier patron. (New York and Co.; she was quite pleased!)
Meagan made her way back to the table; walking carefully so as not to pop any of the eight safety pins holding her dress together. The cute couple finished dessert. (Nate is in college for heaven's sake. You can't waste dessert!) Then made their way back to Winter Haven.
Little Black Dress - Zipperless
New Sweater - Much Appreciated
Perfect Evening - Not So Much
Great Memory - PRICELESS!!
Hope your week-end holds much humor.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Joyous News
We already know that the grandchild which will be born to us at some point early February has a most accommodating personality. How do you know this you may ask? Because yesterday as the ultrasound technician prodded and plied at Joy's tummy, the little one politely turned so as to readily reveal an identity.
IT'S A BOY!!!!!
What you thought was a sonic boom yesterday was actually Frank pounding his desk then pumping his fists in the air and yelling, "A grandson! It's a boy!!" After all these years of estrogen flowing around him, the tide is finally turning. He senses that balance will soon be restored around our dinner table. Smile.
I could immediately envision little blue jeans rolled up to fit chubby legs; a sweaty brow under ball caps; wide grins; big eyes; feet that climb and run - always run! Oh my, I am breathless with anticipation.
Yes, we hit the baby section at Wal-mart for a few minutes yesterday. Frank had to tell three different people (all strangers of course) that we're expecting a grandson in February.
We bought a Carolina Blue t-shirt, a hoodie with a minuscule zipper, tiny tennis shoes, a nerf football, and Frank's personal favorite - jeans with a sticker identifying them as Official Jeans of Brett Favre. (Brett Favre is John's favorite football player.)
Such Fun!!
I want to thank you for all the comments left yesterday. Your willingness to celebrate with us is a special treat. Each one brought a smile. Thanks for taking that time.
Must run before the day rolls on without me. But I just had to let you know -
It's A Boy!!!
IT'S A BOY!!!!!
What you thought was a sonic boom yesterday was actually Frank pounding his desk then pumping his fists in the air and yelling, "A grandson! It's a boy!!" After all these years of estrogen flowing around him, the tide is finally turning. He senses that balance will soon be restored around our dinner table. Smile.
I could immediately envision little blue jeans rolled up to fit chubby legs; a sweaty brow under ball caps; wide grins; big eyes; feet that climb and run - always run! Oh my, I am breathless with anticipation.
Yes, we hit the baby section at Wal-mart for a few minutes yesterday. Frank had to tell three different people (all strangers of course) that we're expecting a grandson in February.
We bought a Carolina Blue t-shirt, a hoodie with a minuscule zipper, tiny tennis shoes, a nerf football, and Frank's personal favorite - jeans with a sticker identifying them as Official Jeans of Brett Favre. (Brett Favre is John's favorite football player.)
Such Fun!!
I want to thank you for all the comments left yesterday. Your willingness to celebrate with us is a special treat. Each one brought a smile. Thanks for taking that time.
Must run before the day rolls on without me. But I just had to let you know -
It's A Boy!!!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
A Day of Joy
The day has finally arrived! Yes, today is the day we've been anticipating for so long!! This very afternoon, Frank and I will walk into a store here in central FL. We will wander the aisles for a few moments and with great care, some giggling, maybe even a couple of joy-filled tears, we will select something PINK or something BLUE.
Today we will know if our grandbaby is a boy or a girl!!!!
Truth be known, the gender of this child is irrelevant to us; we are already head over heels in love. But knowing the gender will greatly aid us in the purchases we plan to begin making TODAY! Smile.
Yes, there will be a copious quantity of green items (Frank's favorite color) and even a few yellow things. But the most fun is found in purchasing either frills, ribbons, lace and bows or trucks, caps, tools and trains.
(I'm aware that we are completely out of control. Please bear with us just a moment. Our financial reality - which is similar to everyone else's - will bring us back to our senses pretty quickly. Smile.)
It is hard to fathom that this time last year, we were still grieving the loss of our first longed-for grandchild. (Joy and John experienced a miscarriage and it has taken some time to recover from that sorrow. We will always know that their first little one is being cared for by Mema, who arrived in heaven just weeks before.)
But here we are standing on the cusp of a whole new season in all our lives and I am overcome with gratitude! God is forever gracious and faithful.
Perhaps you've noticed an unidentifiable glow coming from the direction of upstate NY recently. That's because the other "first time G-mama" is beaming just as brightly as I am. Linda and John can hardly contain themselves.
Well, I'm sure all this giddiness is more intense on the part of the grandmothers. But the granddads are pretty pleased as well. Thank heaven for stable men. Smile.
Rest assured, dear readers - there WILL be a new post tomorrow morning. Maybe even tonight! Smile.
Today we will know if our grandbaby is a boy or a girl!!!!
Truth be known, the gender of this child is irrelevant to us; we are already head over heels in love. But knowing the gender will greatly aid us in the purchases we plan to begin making TODAY! Smile.
Yes, there will be a copious quantity of green items (Frank's favorite color) and even a few yellow things. But the most fun is found in purchasing either frills, ribbons, lace and bows or trucks, caps, tools and trains.
(I'm aware that we are completely out of control. Please bear with us just a moment. Our financial reality - which is similar to everyone else's - will bring us back to our senses pretty quickly. Smile.)
It is hard to fathom that this time last year, we were still grieving the loss of our first longed-for grandchild. (Joy and John experienced a miscarriage and it has taken some time to recover from that sorrow. We will always know that their first little one is being cared for by Mema, who arrived in heaven just weeks before.)
But here we are standing on the cusp of a whole new season in all our lives and I am overcome with gratitude! God is forever gracious and faithful.
Perhaps you've noticed an unidentifiable glow coming from the direction of upstate NY recently. That's because the other "first time G-mama" is beaming just as brightly as I am. Linda and John can hardly contain themselves.
Well, I'm sure all this giddiness is more intense on the part of the grandmothers. But the granddads are pretty pleased as well. Thank heaven for stable men. Smile.
Rest assured, dear readers - there WILL be a new post tomorrow morning. Maybe even tonight! Smile.
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