Monday, May 18, 2015

Here We Go Again

I shouldn't be surprised. I have two kids who don't seem to want to stay put. When Christopher went out-of-state for college, he pretty much never returned. First Arizona, then South Korea, New Orleans and now he and Lauren reside in California.


Sarabeth has ventured out, but always come back. North for a semester of college, and back, a semester in London, and back. Married now and living across town. Sarabeth and Christopher have very different personalities, yet something calls to them to venture out.

It's interesting to look back to when they were little and see how far they've come. Christopher was social and enjoyed new experiences. He welcomed challenges and boldly accepted each one presented to him. I admired his courage.

Sarabeth was quiet, never wanted to leave my side, yet had such tenacity and veracity that when she was presented with various types of challenges, she stood uncompromising and unrelenting. I admired her strength.

Anyone who has read here for awhile, most likely knows the history of Sarabeth being the velcro baby. As I previously mentioned, she never wanted to leave my side, but Sarabeth also has an adventurous side. Anyone remember Sarabeth's Adventure Pants?

Sarabeth is once again putting on her adventure pants. A few days after being accepted to Grad School, her husband was offered a job in Atlanta, Georgia. Sarabeth is now applying for schools in the South. She and Travis are excited and ready to take on this new challenge and adventure. I'm going to miss them very much-just like I miss Christopher and his family.

In spite of wishing I could keep them close, I am convinced they must answer the call and follow their dreams and convictions.


Truthfully,
Joanne 

"I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.  This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:5-7)

Friday, May 15, 2015

Another Milestone

This girl,
is graduating from college today. Hilary, I am so proud of you. On your 18th birthday, I posted this as you were planning to leave for college. One paragraph I wrote:

 "You are 18, and off to college. It is interesting that you chose engineering as your major, a predominantly male profession. Women comprise only nine percent in this field of study. Wherever God leads you, I believe that like Deborah, you have what it takes to be successful. It doesn't matter if you are the youngest, or that you are female, or anything else that some might perceive as an obstacle to being a great leader. When you follow God with all your heart, soul, mind, & strength, nothing is impossible.

Five years later, you have completed this task well, going above and beyond your original plans to earn your degree in Engineering. You spent an extra year of study, to attain a dual degree in not only Mechanical Engineering but Biomedical engineering. Today we celebrate you for achieving this goal.

We love you Hilary!

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Blessings

Thank-you Lord, for my mom. You have given her many gifts and talents and she has spent her entire life developing and using her gifts for your glory. Continue to bless her abundantly.
Thank-you Lord for allowing me to be a mom and for giving me 5 children that have blessed me:


Christina 
Christopher
Elisabeth
Sarabeth
Hilary
I couldn't find pics of me and Sarabeth and Hilary. I'm sure some exist, but maybe not.



Truthfully,
Joanne

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”Luke 18:17


Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Five, Five, Fifteen

What was I doing 5 years ago?

In May, 2010, Michael and I flew to San Diego to attend our first Crawfest. It was also the month of our youngest child's high school graduation. Home renovations were almost finished in anticipation of Michael's mom moving in with us.
What was I doing one year ago?

 In May, 2014, Michael and I flew to New Orleans for our son's graduations from Law School. We enjoyed our second Crawfish Boil. We had a bridal shower for Sarabeth and she graduated from college as well. I was spending two days a week taking care of Ethan and our newest grandson, Josiah.
What am I doing this month?

In May of 2015, I am preparing for my youngest, Hilary, to graduate from college. I'm watching my newest grandson, Beckham, 2 days a week. We have no trips or plans to eat crawfish this month. We did plant a tree in honor of Michael's mom.

Truthfully,
Joanne

"Then he said to them, 'Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10)

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Maintenance

Have you ever taken your vehicle in for a simple oil change and the mechanic hands you a list of things that are wrong or required maintenance tuneups that cost you additional money? You wonder if these are really necessary. The car runs fine. You've had it for years and it hasn't needed additional work. Now you have to decide if these are optional or necessary expenses. If you plan to get 200,000 miles out of your car, (as my husband does) do you go ahead and have the work done when it doesn't seem that important?

I've noticed that the vehicle I was given to drive through life requires greater and more frequent maintenance. After 50 years, it doesn't run as smoothly as it once did. It isn't as fast or sleek either. I add fuel frequently, and figure if I keep the tank full, I will have the most energy and can go longer distances.  I am wrong. Reminds me of the time I put premium gas into the Suburban. I nearly killed it.  The Suburban was made to run on regular. Why did I think more expensive, richer, higher octane gasoline would make the Suburban happier and run better? It didn't. My sports car is different. Nothing but premium will do. I have never filled the tank with regular gasoline. If I did, it would choke, sputter, and lose speed. I am built more like a Chevy Suburban than a Honda S2000.

Like the list my mechanic has given me for my car, I write up a list of the required maintenance projects and vehicle inspections I've been told are necessary. I question whether I should mention to my mechanic the recent pinging sounds I've heard. Should I make an appointment with a body shop to fix the new dings and dents to keep this ride looking presentable? Or will a simple car wash be enough?  Like going in for regular maintenance and oil changes, I'm given a pathetically long list of things I need to consider that seem like more than a minor tuneup-and cost more. Indicator lights flash at me. I wonder if I'm as healthy as I think I am.  I feel old and worn out. I'm only at 75,000 miles, it shouldn't be this bad.

"Lord," I pray, "what shall I do with this growing list of complaints?

"What about the other one?"

"What?" I don't hear as well as I used to either. Could you repeat that? I hear the faint whisper again, "where is the other list?"

"What other list?" I ask. "I have to make another list? I don't think I can take it."

The Holy Spirit whispers again. "Where is the other list?"

"One isn't enough? Oh no, don't tell me I have a whole list of maintenance on my soul and spirit too? I should have known that was coming."

"Where is the list of the parts that are working perfectly? The cells, joints, and marrow. The muscles, tissue, and organs. Vessels, villi, veins. Hair, heart, hands..."

Wow! That would take the rest of my life to list every little thing in my body that operates well every single day.

What I thought was a pathetically long list of complaints, God transformed into a time of thanksgiving and praise.


Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Soulfull Sunday

Recently, I have heard some older songs on a new-to-me Christian radio station. Some have brought tears to my eyes. I have decided to share them with you weekly, if I can. This one I heard back in November, added a few pics, but never posted it. So here it is.

There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

Frustrated brother, see how he's tried to
Light his own candle some other way
See now your sister, she's been robbed and lied to
Still holds a candle without a flame.

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

We are a family whose hearts are blazing
So let's raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world


Truthfully,
Joanne 
"Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."(Matthew 5:15-15)

Wednesday, April 08, 2015

Life Happens

Been very busy. Amidst the death/funeral of my mother-in-law,  I had a birthday, my youngest had a birthday, my oldest had a birthday, my second son-in-law had a birthday, my niece got married, my sister's mother-in-law passed away,and an announcement was made that we are expecting another grandbaby. Oh and I traveled to Phoenix twice for funeral/wedding and began watching my youngest grandson a couple days a week.
Life and death happen. Changes occur. Nothing stays the same. Love remains.


Truthfully,
Joanne

 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

Wednesday, March 04, 2015

Blessed Again

No words necessary. You probably heard me celebrating. (Look at that Rad Big Sis!)


Truthfully,
Joanne


 "Marry and have children, and then find mates for them and have many grandchildren. Multiply! Don’t dwindle away!" (Jeremiah 29:6)


Friday, February 27, 2015

Friday Fotos

Friday's Five random Fotos:
First is Ivydee

#2 Friends and fellow grammas with 2 grandkids

#3 Four cousins with their fun Aunt Hilary

#4 Facetiming with familiar faces

#5 Fuzzy, furry, fluffy snowsuits


Truthfully,
Joanne
"You give us the wine that makes us happy,
    the oil that makes our skin soft,
    and the food that makes us strong." (Ps. 104:15)


Monday, February 23, 2015

Happy Birthday Elisabeth

Happy 28th Birthday Elisabeth! Today is your first birthday celebrated as a wife,


Also your first birthday as a mom.

I love seeing your tenderness and gentleness with Beckham. I'm so proud of the loving, compassionate mother you are,

and the encouraging, supportive, caring sister you've always been.

Thanks for the late night talks, the daily texts and picture messages. You share your heart, yet are always willing to listen. Your laughter and joy blesses are family immensely.
It's so fun to see your baby expressions on Beckham's sweet little face.

I love you, Elisabeth, Happy Birthday!

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Thankful Thursday

How can I not be thankful for grandkids? 
Beckham is 1 month old and growing so fast. Trying to decide if his eyes are blue or not.
Josiah has blue eyes for sure. I'm thankful for my cell phone. It enables me to get pics of the grands whenever I'm with them.

I'm thankful for cousins. Ethan loves Ivydee and Beckham so much.
I'm thankful for messes with the grands. Ivydee had so much fun playing with beans.
Thankful Ethan hasn't seen this picture, hahaha. Ivydee was driving his car with Elmo.

I'm thankful for brothers who love each other so very much.

I'm thankful for snuggly, cuddly babies and bathtime.

Truthfully,
Joanne


Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)


Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Words Aren't Enough

I try to speak,
no words form.
Pain is all I feel.

Betrayal, abandonment,
isolated, alone.
The pain is real.

Some burdens must be carried alone.

This burden is too heavy Lord. I need you to take it from me. I am weary and heavy laden. Give me your burdens because you have promised that YOUR burden is easy, and YOUR yoke is light.


They will have no love for others and will refuse to forgive anyone. They will talk about others to hurt them and will have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. People will turn against their friends. They will do foolish things without thinking and will be so proud of themselves. Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure. (2 Timothy 3:3-4)

Friday, February 13, 2015

Conversations

The conversation began over feelings of discouragement. My daughter wanted to be more positive, but was discouraged that life wasn't going in the direction she had hoped and planned. She expressed her desire to be grateful, but waiting was hard. What if life takes a turn and her dreams never become reality?

I shared that I understood, but even when setbacks happen, it didn't mean she wouldn't attain her goals. I remind her that when her grandparents married, they were told they most likely would never have children. It was not my mother's goal to have her first child at the age of 19. Nor did she plan to have 4 children in 4 1/2 years.  I expressed thanks that my mom's plans were interrupted by those pregnancies. Had they waited 5 years to have children, I wouldn't be here, and neither would she. These setbacks did not stop my mother. She not only raised 4 children, but pursued and fulfilled her dreams and desires. She has never slowed down. Her life just became fuller and richer.

I thought about Abraham and Sarah from the bible. God promised them a child, but the waiting was hard. Had God told them exactly how long it would be before they received their Isaac, would it have been easier for them to wait patiently?

I admitted to my girl, that it is sometimes hard to have faith and to trust God. I reminded her that God is good. If we ask for a fish, He isn't going to give us a stone.

She replied, "No, He won't give us a stone, but He might give us kale. And while kale is certainly good for you, it really is awful."

It was hard to respond to that.

Truthfully,

Joanne

"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone?" (Luke 11:9-11)

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Heart Strings

This boy
melts my heart. Monday he had an EEG-a sleep deprivation EEG.
 Basically he has to stay up until midnight. After 4 hours of sleep, he is awakened and kept awake until his scheduled EEG. I hate that he has to do this. Sleep deprivation causes seizures, which is why the doctors choose to have their patients sleep deprived before the testing. Sweet boy...shouldn't have to go through this. This isn't Ethan's first EEG.

This boy
celebrated his first birthday on Sunday.

He exudes happiness and is a mover and a shaker. Can you tell that he likes cake? My heart melts like butter. Happy First Birthday Josiah!

This girl is in town for a visit.

After a long day of travel, she was a little overwhelmed. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents surrounded her. I reached my arms out, "Ivydee!" She had the biggest smile when I scooped her up. My heart completely melted.
And then there is this boy:
Snugglebug Beckham melts my heart daily.
When not melted, my heart is so very full.
Truthfully,
Joanne



"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them." (Mark 10:15-16)