Going Dark

I have a real need to go hang out and relax and enjoy a fun three-day weekend away.  I really want to let go of my life at home for just a weekend.  The problem is that I can’t let go of the communication.  I would have to tell so many people in my family, my friends, my church family, and others that might contact me, that I’m going dark.  But I think the real problem is not them; it’s me.  I don’t know if I’ll be able to stand being incommunicado for three days.  Whenever I experience something good I want to share it with those I love.  I’ll want to tell someone in my family what I just saw, what I just did, or what awesome restaurant I found.  I’ll want to send my Will a cool picture of something he might find interesting. But grateful for the long weekend; with or without contacts!

Chronicles of Nani

She’s a free spirit.  She’s unconventional.  You will never find her doing what the rest of us are doing.  She’s an individualist.  A non-conformist.   She went to college; got all As, but got bored and didn’t finish.  She’s toyed with the idea of going back to school, but there are many other ideas that are more attractive.  She has her own business.  She likes it that way.  She wants to do her own thing.  She’s an independent.  Nan has had more businesses and jobs than anyone I know.  She’s done everything from being a nanny for a wealthy family, to driving a cab in New York City, to distributing produce, to owning her own restaurant.  And many other gigs in between.  Now, how many people can say that??!!  How many of us would ever dare take risks like that?  But that’s Nan.  She doesn’t follow a traditional pattern.

She’s so smart, it’s not funny.  She’s smart in multiple ways.  She’s book smart.  She’s street smart.  She’s tech smart.  She’s handy smart.  She’s kid smart.  She’s savvy smart.  She’s the kind of smart that even if she doesn’t know how something works, she’ll figure it out.  She’s so smart sometimes I just look at her in wonder.  I could be stuck with something for days and when I finally ask her, because I simply wanted to try to do it myself, she gives me a quick answer.   Something I didn’t think of.  Something so simple and easy.  Now, I’m sure you’re thinking, ‘well, you must be a rock head.’  But I don’t think I am.  Some people even consider me intelligent.  But Nan is just plain smarter that most of us. 

She is kind in the full sense of the word.  Nani is one of the most generous, most caring and compassionate persons.  She’s the sort of sister, daughter, aunt and friend that anyone would be blessed to have.  You can call her at any time of day or night.  She will never say no if she knows there is a need.  I know I can count on her.  She’s more than ready to lend a hand.  Sometimes people take advantage of her because she’s so kindhearted.  I’ve seen her get hurt; several times, by people who were just out to benefit from her goodness.  But that didn’t discourage her.  Her resolve for helping is not predicated on what others do for her or how others treat her.  It’s based on her goodness of character.  That’s Nan and I love her!  Thank God for her!

Beach

As I get older I appreciate my experiences, my vast (ha!) travels, the exposure I’ve had to different cultures, people, places and foods.  Although I’ve visited several countries, I love my domestic vacations just as much. There’s nothing that drives more excitement for me than planning a trip – even if it’s not to some faraway spot.  A large part of the fun is the preparation AND, in many cases, the getting there. 

Our family has been going to the same beach for over 10 years.  It’s a tradition and a ritual.  Every year, early in the year, we start planning with siblings and cousins and nieces and nephews and their families.  Who will go this year?  When?  Who’s rooming with whom?  Where will we go when we get there?  Where will we stay?  Will we all stay in one place as we did that one time when we had a humongous house and all shared living spaces?  The kids loved it.  The adults?  Not so much.  But it takes a lot to organize kids and adult activities, by the day, so we don’t miss out on doing every single thing we know we want to do when we get there.  We will mostly be at the beach, but there’s the obligatory museums that some of us still do; and the ‘ladies day’ at the little seaside town.  The funky restaurant where they throw the dinner rolls at you.  The mandatory trip to surf shops for funky souvenirs.  The can’t-be-missed drug store for the saltiest hot dogs and cheap ice cream.  As the day gets closer, so grows the excitement in the process.  We have to pack – the very best shorts and tops, sometimes bought expressly for this trip; and the cutest dresses and flip flops.  For me, as everyone knows, my adaptive wear.  When I’m at the beach I’m in ‘I don’t care mode.’   And since we’re sad little city people who can’t truly relax, ensuring that we take every single piece of technology that we can!  Laptops, iPads, iPhones, Xbox, movies, music, it all has to go.  Kids count the days.  Adults count the hours!

Then we pack the cars with all the bags and blankets and pillows because we have to be comfortable – it’s a 10-hour drive.  Then we stuff the beach chairs and umbrellas, fishing rods and buckets and balls and all the beach paraphernalia that didn’t get lost or ruined the summer before.  One, two, three, four vehicles, full of excited adults and kids of all ages.  We drive at night so the kids don’t bother us with the ‘I’m hungries’ or incessant bathroom breaks.  We are prepared; we have drinks and all kinds of snacks and toys; but we know we will stop soon.  Someone is always starving and can’t make do with cookies or chips.  And then the blissful caravan starts. 

Vacation for the Soul

Many years ago I planned a women's ministry program called Vacation for the Soul.  It was the middle of summer when many families take vacation, so the theme fit real well.  We decorated the church's dining room with all things tropical.  We had palm trees and beach towels; coconuts and pineapples.  We wore leis and included some flip flop favors and an ice cream break.  Although the whole day was lovely and relaxing, the most important aspect about it was that we were in essence, taking a break from everything; a mini vacation of sorts.

There are times when we all need a vacation.  Even if it's a mini vacation.  We feel tired - physically and emotionally.  We have families, work and chores.  We have schedules and commitments.  Problems seem to always be there. We go through a challenging time and then another is just around the corner. Sometimes even the summer heat makes us weary.  As human beings our bodies get tired.  We don't have endless reserves of energy.  We must replenish it regularly in order to not zap it completely.  And we typically take care of our bodies by eating right, getting enough rest, and drinking plenty of water.  At times a vacation, a few days off, is exactly what we need.

But there's also, to me, the more serious, more urgent kind of fatigue - that of our soul.  When we feel emotionally taxed, there is no real easy fix like taking a nap.  We need more than that.  Sometimes a lot more than that.  Every so often the psychological pressures are too much and we feel like we just can't take it anymore.  We don't have answers, we don't know what to do or where to go.  So, what do we do in order to avoid our fatigue from turning into real discouragement?  To me there's only one answer, Jesus.  I'm not trying to be simplistic, but where else can we go to get real rest for our souls?  A real reprieve.  A real time out.  A sweet release and surrender.  Having been there recently I can only attest to my answer.  My sweet Jesus.  Only He can make the difference.  I recommend it.    

One Man's Trash....

Never before has it been so acceptable to take another man’s trash as our own treasure.  All we have to do is look around the many online sites, apps, and postings to see that the reuse and recycle theme is here to stay.  It is absolutely acceptable nowadays, to almost all levels of society, to sell your old or unwanted stuff.  No embarrassment whatsoever in buying either.  We all have items that can be very useful to others out there, and vice versa.  Such discards range from clothing to cars; and everything in between.  I have personally sold purses, household goods and unused tickets.  I bought the cutest trundle bed that my daughter wanted for a new bedroom at probably less than one third the price – and it was spotless!  So, here’s thanking all the people who make this possible.  It’s a great deal for all.

Another Tough Day

Thanking God for a tough but fruitful day. We are in His hands always. Thankful that everything got taken care of and we are at rest now.  

Mistakes

This doesn’t happen to me often.  Doesn’t even happen rarely; but I had the opportunity to face someone who bluntly told me I had made a mistake.  It wasn’t a colossal mistake, gross injustice, or an embarrassing faux pas.  It was simply an oversight; but it led to choices this person felt she had to make.  I was taken aback.  Thoughts ran through my head.  In a way, I was a little cheeky.  I could not understand how I did this.  Did I?  Was it really a mistake?  I rationalized that my communication was clear and sufficient and this person just didn’t get it.  Then I thought I would chalk it up to recent workload, stress, personal stuff going on.  But the fact is that it was my fault.  For whatever reason, I wasn’t clear.  It was thoughtless of me to assume that the exchange was enough on a matter that was important to her.  I made a mistake and I had to own it.  If I couldn’t correct it, at least I had the chance to apologize for it. 

We all want to grow and be wiser; but we don’t want to go through the pain of it.  I feel that admitting your errors and learning from them is the process of a maturing adult.  I’m thankful that someone had the guts to bring my mistake to my attention.

Prayer

My little girl once told me, ‘I can’t pray good like you.’  I hugged her and kissed her and told her that God listens to all prayers.  He doesn’t care if they are good, or pretty, long or loud.  He cares that the person praying loves Him and believes in Him.  But he especially listens to sincere prayers.

Sincerity in prayer, an open heart and mind, that’s what God wants.  If we believe that He sees everything; why would there be any pretense in our prayers?  He already knows exactly who we are and what we need – what we truly need; and He wants to give it to us.  He does!!!  Praying helps with doubt.  Many times I’ve not wanted to pray; I’ve thought long and hard about the issue and offered a doubting prayer – only to understand that the issue is really not the issue.  It’s the yielding that’s important.  Our willingness to surrender to His will.   God will take care of the matter as He does everything else under His control.  Therefore, prayer is not merely important or necessary, it’s vital.  Prayer is not an escape, it’s a route.  It’s revolutionary; it keeps you focused – focused on Him.  And if we keep our focus on Him; all things come under a new understanding and perspective.  Time and time again God has shown me the power of prayer in sometimes quiet responses, quick answers, and small and great miracles.  All answers to my prayers.  It is beautiful to pray and to know that God has heard me.  And when we understand that, it's beautiful to thank God in prayer. 

Decades ago, when my twin brother and sister were barely 7 or 8 months old, I learned about the power of prayer.  It was a time when my mother and us six kids had no money, no food, and no family to call on.  My mom told us to pray and we all did.  I can’t remember what she said; just that we all kneeled and prayed for God to send us food.  We got up and went about our business.  It hadn’t been 10 minutes since our prayer that someone knocked on our door.  A lady brought with her 2 cans of evaporated milk.  I remember hanging on to my mom’s skirt and looking at the cans.  My mom was very quiet; thanked the lady and closed the door quickly.  She turned around and said to me, ‘God always listens,’ while she walked to the kitchen to mix the milk with water for the babies’ bottles.  Not another 20 minutes went by until someone else knocked on our door.  This time the person came by because she remembered she owed my mom some money; from a long, long time ago, and wanted to repay it.  It was a mere couple of dollars, but enough to send my sister to the corner store to buy some groceries to make dinner.  My mom then made us kneel again to thank God for sending us food.  We all understood prayer that day. 

Mama

Her love is like no other.  Sometimes I think about the kind of mother I am to my kids and, frankly, it makes me a little sad.  I will never be like her.  I will never be the kind of mother she is.  Her love and care reaches out to me in so many ways.  In her 70s, she still watches over me.  And her support, I cannot even describe it.  There have been so many times, too many to count.  Times when I’ve needed her, and she’s been there.  Other times she has been around just in case I need her.  As a matter of fact, I can’t recall a time when I was in trouble and she wasn’t with me – to help, to ease, to quiet, to soothe, to pray, to hold me.  To show what real, present motherly love is about.  Her passion for her kids has no limits. 

My mother wasn’t born in this country; nor did she move here as a child like I did.  She lives in a country that is not hers because her children are here.  She doesn’t drive or speak English very well.  She is not the independent human being she is in her native country in South America.  We all know that she loves her visits there; but her heart is here, with us. Whatever we need help with, she’s there.  Whether it’s to feed a pet while we’re on vacation, or to sit a child if we need to go out, she jumps at the chance.  We talk every single day; because she calls to check on us or we check on her.  She has taken care of every single kid, grandkid and great-grandkid in our family – even recently at 78 years of age. 

Many years ago when I asked my then-husband to move out, I was devastated.  My mom was not with me.  She was on one of her trips; having fun, and enjoying a much needed vacation and rest.  I didn’t tell her what happened.  I didn’t call her.  Not because I didn’t need her desperately, but because I really thought I could tough it out a few days until her return.  But my dear sister decided my mom needed to know.  Thank God!!  My mom was on the first flight back.  She surprised me when she walked in my house.  I fell on her sobbing, unable to contain my heartache.  She just said, ‘I’m here, I’m going to take care of you now.  I’ll be your husband now.’  While that may sound odd to some; I understood exactly what she meant.  She would be with me through this tough period.  She would take care of me and whatever else needed taking care of.  She would see that the kids were okay.  She would be my support.  She would be there for me – every step of the way; until all was well and beyond. 

Back to School Joy

I don’t think I’m like most people.  I hear that many moms fear the ‘back to school’ weeks like the plague.  They dislike the mad shopping for clothes and supplies and the add-ons to their already packed working moms’ schedules.  You know, sports, practice, lessons, meetings, volunteering; not to mention rushing to dinner at home or via a drive thru.  Ensuring kids get their homework done and that they’re getting enough sleep.  But I’m not like most people.  I’m thankful that my daughter’s back in school.  While it does represent additional challenges to our schedule, I’m thankful for a predictable agenda.  To me, it seems our schedules go back to normal.  Yes, we have places to go and activities to attend, but I can plan life way ahead without once hearing ‘I’m bored’ or ‘what am I doing today?’  I’m also thankful for teachers who care.  I agree, there may not be too many of those; but I am so grateful for the great ones that I know have had a deep and lasting impact on my kids.  Another great thing of back to school is that children are now back to being busy with school work and activities.  Back with their teams, their clubs, and school friends – keeping them active doing healthy and productive things.  And every parent can give thanks for that. 

GLADD

Thanking for the much needed, slow-soaking rain and a beautiful Sunday.  In Texas, we just lack rain.  Ever since my move here from New York, I’ve always thought it was way too hot and too sunny in Texas.  My first summer here I pretty much stayed indoors until sunset.  Of course my words are sacrilegious to Texans who live and die for the sun and their many outdoor activities.  And believe me, I appreciate it.  I am grateful that my kids have actually grown up in Texas.  The entire year, but for very few days, they are playing outdoors.  It’s what I always wanted for them.  But for me? I adore my rainy days.  I have heard of people who have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), where their mood changes in fall and winter and they actually experience some sort of depression.  Not to make light of a very real condition, but I think I have the total opposite; I have GLADD – gotta love a dreary day!!  I actually love these days.  I look forward to cold, gray days.  Cloudy, foggy, overcast, I love them all.  I don’t wait for them so I can stay home and take a nap while listening to the rain hitting my rooftop.  I love them because to me they seem to refresh, clean and bring about peace.  Maybe I’m just making too much of the rain; but right now, I don’t hear any cars on my street or anyone walking by with a stroller or their dog.  Sounds pretty perfect to me! 

Dad

He would be 85 years old now; but he died when he was 50.  He just died too soon.  Much too soon.  I was a teenager in high school doing my own thing – busy with school, friends, the boyfriend.  But none of that mattered when my mom told me that my dad had passed.  There’s never a good time to lose a father.  I would imagine.  Especially a father like him.  Seems so long ago, but I still remember him almost every day.  I loved my daddy.  I thank God I had him during those years. 

He was a great man.  Barely had a high school education; was really self-educated, self-taught.  It always impressed me how he could speak to any issue, any political issue, anything going on in the world.  He had great cultural knowledge for someone who hadn’t traveled but to one other country late in his life.  I was always amazed when he grabbed the Sunday paper, equivalent to the NY Times, and completed the crossword puzzle.  I know a lot of people with a Master’s degree that cannot get one half of it done; including me.  He always had some thought-provoking tidbit to share with us kids.  Seemed to constantly have something noteworthy that he learned about; he never ran out of trivia. 

He was a really fun dad; the life of the party.  He was, plain and simple, fun.  Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit that from him.  He loved music, dancing, and good food.  He was a great cook.  Never used a recipe in his life; just tried whatever sounded good and everything turned out just freaking delicious.  He would’ve been an awesome chef.  He was a master at story-telling and jokes.  He didn’t mind making fun of himself.  He was good at it.  And he loved us kids.  He was loving and loyal to his family.  He just loved children; loved people.  And was he handsome and a sharp dresser!!!  Having been in the military, he prided himself in dressing well and smelling good.  I remember women of all ages throwing themselves at him.  It was annoying sometimes. 

My dad was a smoker for 35 years.  He only stopped smoking when he got sick.  Only one year before his death.  The cancer took his body, his voice, and then his life.  He didn’t get to see any of his children marry and missed out on the joys of his grandchildren.  Those little critters would’ve loved him. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kid-free Week

What have I done this week?  Maybe I can say what I haven’t done.  I haven’t done any laundry.  I haven’t cooked.  I haven’t cleaned the house.  I haven’t had to buy any school supplies.  I haven’t had anyone to pick up or drop off.  No one has asked me what time I’ll be home or what’s for dinner.  I haven’t had to remind anyone to take their meds or pick up after themselves.  I haven’t told anyone to put away their technology.   I’ve had no schedule or places to be other than work.  I’ve had fried chicken and biscuits that I bought on my way home.  I’ve watched movies; I’ve gone window-shopping and ate out – all with adults and no kids in tow.  I love my kids, my gifts from heaven, to no end.  But right now thanking for a splendid and relaxing week! 

Oshkosh

I don’t know how many people actually seek out Oshkosh, Wisconsin for a one week vacation.  But this week, Pathfinders from all over the world are convening in Oshkosh for an amazing week – the ‘Forever Faithful’ International Camporee.  It is one week of youth evangelism to claim, reclaim, and retain youth for Christ.  It is a tremendous opportunity for young people to be renewed and refreshed with the everlasting message.  A time to meet and make lasting friendships with others who have the same goals as themselves – to live eternally with Jesus.  Thank you to all who make this great camporee possible.

X

Thanking for the X because he keeps me in prayer. 

Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed

There’s nothing like freshness; the quality I like to call bright eyed and bushy tailed.  This is not a condescending statement.  We can all benefit from young, yes, young, inexperienced, maybe even somewhat naïve, but willing to learn and ready-to-take-on-the-world attitude.  Squirrels always look wide-eyed with their bushy tails; and ready for anything.  Awake and alert.  That’s what I think about when I think of this phrase; and it just makes me smile.  I had the opportunity to work with several interns once.  They were all in college; still at least a year from graduating, but oh so ready to make their contributions to the world.  Their enthusiasm was infectious.  Even though they only had theoretical knowledge of the industry, they were so eager to learn and do their best on whatever task – big or small.  It was invigorating.  Every day they had questions, many questions, some basic ones, but many thoughtful and deliberate. And oh so grateful!  Their gratitude showed almost on a daily basis; and not a perfunctory thank you, but genuine appreciation for the opportunity.  It made for a great summer. 

Bread and Butter

I’m not referring to my job, my income or my livelihood.  I mean the real bread and butter. Yuuuumm! I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like warm bread and butter.  I was at lunch with a friend when half a loaf of fresh from the oven white bread and whipped butter were set in front of us.  Now, as much as I love my chips and salsa, I have to say that the bread and butter are right up there in the “love” sphere for me.  It reminded me that many years ago my family ran a Latin American restaurant.  We were tickled when one of the most well-known Dallas Morning News food critics gave our humble little café 3.5 stars.  That’s between the ‘very good’ and ‘excellent’ ratings.  The menu was varied and awesome; and the customers always raved about the ‘bread.’  Our version of bread and butter was elevated to a heavenly tier.  We would take a crisp baguette, slice it on the bias, toast the slices on the Panini press for a minute or so, then butter it on both sides before serving!  Heaven in a basket! 

Renew

I had a friend tell me that I was running out of things to thank for. IMPOSSIBLE!  There are multiple things to give thanks for every single day. I try to focus on one thing. Many times it's not some deep and important thing; but it is something to thank for. I feel I live a privileged life. And I'm not kidding. Today I give thanks for my Renew lotion. It is absolutely the best lotion I have ever used on my body. My kids and I use it exclusively and take it with us everywhere we go. Could I do without it if it didn't exist?  Probably. But that's just it. I don't have to. I live a charmed life and my Renew is part is that. 

Leaving

Sometimes people leave us. They may have different reasons, but they want to leave just the same. It may be difficult to let go at first; especially if there's real love and care there. But we should. Hanging on to someone who has moved on emotionally is plain futile. You may be able to hang on for a little bit, but not for very long. So many times I have looked back at those events and, even if there's some fond memories, the result is always gratitude - for having known them, for the time spent together and also because their exit was right for everyone. Then greener pastures works both ways. 

Different Abilities

She was very excited because she was going to a job interview as an Office Assistant.  She was dressed modestly; black pants and shoes and a white long sleeved shirt.  You could tell she took great care in combing her long hair.  It looked simple, but very neatly in place.  She smiled as she slowly and deliberately spoke of many accomplishments and successes.  As a caregiver to a huge class of 3-4 year olds in Sunday school.  Her favorite hobby – dancing; alone and as a performing artist.  The medals she won in basketball and track in the Special Olympics.  Then she cried, openly, unabashedly.  I don’t know if it was the nerves from the anticipated interview or the fact that she was talking about her lifelong struggle living with a cognitive disability.  Yet, she smiled through the tears.  She talked about a training program she completed in seven weeks.  How at the graduation she had not been shy; she spoke in front of about 100 people and never shed a tear.  But at that meeting, they all knew her and her ‘disability’ and accepted her and helped her become more sure of herself.  They gave her hope of becoming independent.  But here she just felt exposed in front of people she didn’t know.  I hugged her.  I couldn’t help myself.  I told her I believed in her and would pray for her interview.  She hugged me back and gave me that bright smile again.

I prayed for the interview but don’t know if she got the job or not.  What I do know is that she has demonstrated that she is a smart, bright and resilient girl with different abilities and so much to give.  We all have such a narrow view of skills and capabilities sometimes that we might miss the beautiful ones with other abilities.  Just a few minutes with her and I was thankful for her life and the life of others like her. 

Texting

I was adamant that I would never text. The first time I got a text I resolutely said NO!  I would not text; I would only call, and make others call me. Hmmm. That lasted a couple of months until the barrage of texts from my circle of friends and family AND my work colleagues forced me to cave. At first I hated it and complained about it every time I had to text. But within a few weeks I got good at it; I started texting a little faster and wasn't so frustrated every time I had to respond. My kids were impressed although they didn't always understand my abbreviations. And autocorrect?  My enemy!!!  Then I discovered emojis.....

Now I'm a 😺texter. 

Chinese Food

It may be a silly thing to give thanks for, but Chinese food is really a little crutch.  It’s easy and quick and always available.  Even on days when you might want something else to eat, you might default to it because you know you will have many choices there.  And it’s everywhere; it’s like any fast food place, you can drive a couple of miles or less and you’ll find one.  I challenge anyone anywhere to drive a few miles and not run into an Egg Roll Express, a Manchu Wok, an Uncle Tai’s or some other cheap Chinese food that is ready to go within minutes.  And it is just like pizza, even when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good. 

The Machine

I lovingly nicknamed him The Machine because he is big and tough and very handsome; with very classic and conservative good looks.  He took care of me and the kids for almost 14 years.  He took us everywhere and I always felt safe with him.  He was more reliable than anyone I knew.  No exaggeration.  My kids both loved and trusted him.  We made many trips with him; the children falling asleep on him, comfortably and tenderly.  He was a constant and a friend.  Never minded the number of friends and family members that came along on our outings.  Many times we were a huge party.  Last year we had to give him a break.  He was still strong and rugged, but not so handsome anymore.  The years had gotten to him.  With his mileage at 265,000 I felt it was time.  But believe it or not, The Machine is still going strong.  He has served me and my siblings on many ‘moving’ occasions and on emergency backup vehicle times.  He’s still parked in my driveway, our friend, The Machine.

Yana

She was born 14 years ago to the delight of many; but none more than mine, her mama.  I remember in the delivery room her grandma cried when she first saw her little face, ‘she’s beautiful.’ And she was.  With a tiny turned up nose and the roundest face I’d ever seen; one lonely dimple on her right cheek.  Her eyes almond shaped and a wisp of hair on the crown of her head that reminded me a lot of the Alfalfa of days gone by.  She was small; born a month ahead of schedule, but she was perfect. 

These days I seem to remember a lot.  The day she was born; the day she crawled; and how easily she started to walk before she reached her 10 months.  I recall so clearly how the tiny bit of hair turned golden around her sweet face.  The way she pronounced words that ended in d – dad became dash, mad became mash.  It was so special.  To this day we remind her when she was learning her alphabet and numbers.  She would adamantly explain the difference:  ‘this is a letter and this is a lumber!’ 

My beauty is now a young lady; so full of promise and life.  So smart; with a dry sense of humor like me.  And she’s also kind.  She’s giving and generous; but she’s never boastful.  I have never heard her tell me or anyone about a good deed she has done.  How she may have helped someone or given advice or shared of what she had.  I hear it from her friends, or maybe her teachers.  Sometimes from an adult who may have witnessed it.  And I thank God for her.  I thank God for her young heart.  I thank God for my gift from heaven.  I can’t wait to see her beautiful life unfold. 

One Month

It’s been a month.  It’s been a great month.  I feel a little more together.  I thank God for helping me be grateful.  He has impressed upon me the importance of gratitude as a lifestyle.  It goes hand in hand with the many blessings I enjoy daily.  But it’s great to just put it out there and to give thanks for so many great and small things, for many people, experiences, gifts, time, friendships, favors, love and care.