Thankful for...

484. a nap
485. sister and niece spending the night
486. a visit from Griff, Missy, and Malli
487. leftovers for supper
488. a hot bath
489. the promises of God

Making room

Taylor is away at college. Griff is married now. The upstairs bedroom is empty where my boys that grew into men slept. Empty. The room, a little too uncluttered for my taste. I resist the temptation to scatter some clothes on the floor, pull back the comforters on their beds, toss a few towels here and there.

Then the ringing of the phone interrupts the silence.

Stressed out single-mom/sister has taken a new job and must get up before daybreak. Niece will need a ride to school. They ask if I can take niece to school. Niece wants her mother to stay with her. They ask if they can both sleep over.

My answer: Of course!

I'll need to change the linens, spot-dust, and that bathroom must be cleaned, too. Lay out fresh towels. Oh, and they will want something to eat when they get here. I could warm up the pasta from supper.

Suddenly that empty room has become a home away from home for two. And I am pleased.

My father-in-law once told me I had the gift of hospitality. I don't know if that's true, but I do know I enjoy making others feel welcome. I think that is how we are supposed to live. Always eager to extend grace. It should be a way of life because of the grace God extended to us.

It would seem that continually extending grace and mercy to me would be difficult for Jesus. I am so hard-headed and stubborn at times. But He always welcomes me into His loving arms. The Grace Giver.

Gotta go. They will need some blueberry muffins for breakfast.

I once was blind and comatose...

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees,

you hypocrites!

You are like whitewashed tombs,

which look beautiful on the outside

but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones

and everything unclean.

Matthew 23:27

It has taken some not-so-pleasant happenings in my personal life to wake me from my blind and comatose state. You see, for far too long I assumed that a building with a sign outside indicated whether or not Jesus resided in a place. At one time I even apologized to my children for not being able to afford to put them in a 'Christian school.'
It would be safe to say that I have had an arrogant attitude and it became easy to play God, judging, condemning. I recognize now how foolish it was to try to define God and attempt to limit who He is.

His grace knows no boundaries.

Yes, you could accurately say that in the past four years I have learned humility and recognized that God is God and I am not.

He is is omnipotent and omnipresent.

Personally, I have seen Jesus in many places outside the walls of churches or religious meetings. Yes, I have experienced His love in some non-traditional places.

His redeeming grace and mercy is for all. Anywhere. Anytime. Anyplace.

If you will recall, Jesus didn’t spend much time inside religious institutions, in fact He often rebuked the Pharisees. Instead He went out among the people, healing and preaching the Good News. In love. Not out of self-righteousness, pity, or superiority.

Simply love.

Oh, Father thank you for opening my eyes. Forgive me for my blindness. Lead me where you would have me go. Not in the footsteps of man, but in your footsteps alone.

Marriage

We are family!

Griff and Missy - wed 5/1/09

Griff and Missy married Friday, May 1, 2009. It was simple, elegant, and reverent. Immediate family gathered at Emma Ward Park at noon. There was no music. Fresh flowers cut that morning from a friend's yard were the only decorations. Grandmothers and aunts brought chicken salad, punch, fruit, homemade wedding cookies, and a friend made a sweet wedding cake.

The focus was really on what they were about to enter into. A holy covenant. Theirs has not been the traditional dating/engagement relationship. So many times I was reminded that although I may know what is best I am not in control. There is only ONE who can take this relationship, this marriage and make it something beautiful. God Bless You both as you begin your life together. I love you. And my beautiful grand daughter.

Understand this...

...my dear brothers and sisters:

you must all be quick to listen,

slow to speak,

and slow to get angry.

Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires."
James 1:19-10, NLT

Unless the LORD builds the house,

its builders labor in vain.

Psalm 127

Giving Thanks...

Give thanks to the LORD,

for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

476. preparing a meal for visiting Trinidadian friends

477. hearing God's Word boldly proclaimed

478. pasta salad with fresh broccoli and carrots

479. a 'just because' gift from my daughter

480. making funny faces with four year olds

481. Malli's laughter

482. watching Malli take first steps in the front yard today

483. a warm breeze on my face