Accepted

Accept one another, then,

just as Christ accepted you,

in order to bring praise to God.

Romans 15:7

After waiting and wondering for some weeks, my oldest son received some good news yesterday. He was accepted to the college of his choice. He will be leaving home soon to continue his education, pursuing a degree in Political Science and International Affairs. To be accepted he had to prove that he was an excellent student, be active in the community, and student affairs, etc. He had to prove his worthiness. All the dedication and hard work paid off. He has been accepted, acknowledged, and received by the university to continue his studies.

It still amazes me that Jesus Christ accepts me....not based on what I have done or will do. He accepts me just as I am. He came to die on the cross for all my sins. I don't have to prove myself. He isn't concerned with what I have, or have not accomplished, but looks at what He can accomplish through me. He called me. He saved me. He has a purpose for me. Glory to God...He accepts me!

Because He accepts me unconditionally, I can accept others. I can see others as He sees them. He died on the cross for the sins of all. He was not crucified for a certain group of people, but for every person - that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

It never gets old. He accepts me. What joy, what hope, what peace there is in that!

Thankful, so very thankful...

183. a day with Malli and Missy...
feeding, burping, rocking, and changing diapers

184. my bed, my pillow, rest

185. generous friends...
a baby bed, a mattress, a car seat, a brag book

186. kind, loving, tender words from friends

182. Holding Malli

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,

and feel the pride and joy she gives;

But greater still the calm assurance:

This child can face uncerain days

Because He Lives.

There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly...

181. a butterfly dancing on impatiens

To All Grandparents...

Griff holding Malli - 2 days old

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Proverbs 17:6

I had the priveledge of knowing my maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents very well. Many happy memories were made with both my Mema and Dada Griffis and my Mema and Papa Tanner. Summers at the beach. Summers at the farm. Both uniquely different, adding much to the fabric of my life.

My children have been blessed to have known their maternal grandparents (Mema and Papa Griffis) and paternal grandparents (Dawie and Pop) very well, too. So many good times with both sets of grandparents. Threads of love in their tapestry of life still being woven. Their Dawie, the first of their grandparents to pass away left just three months ago. A thread clipped and tied off. Before she and Malli could meet.

This morning my son shared a rare, tender moment with me. He is a compassionate young man, but sometimes men can have a tendency to hide their vulnerability.
So, I count myself blessed to have really listened, heard, and perceived what he actually said with his words and especially his heart.

He said, "I am sad. I really miss Dawie.
I wish she were here.
She would have loved Malli.
I see Dawie when I look at Malli."

I cried.
I said, "Me, too."

Because I know she would have loved Malli.
I know, because I am a grandmother.
Malli's grandmother.
So blessed.

Grandchildren are God's way

of compensating us for growing old.
~Mary H. Waldrip

Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting.

~Author Unknown

When a child is born, so are grandmothers.
~Judith Levy

No cowboy was ever faster on the draw

than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet.

~Author Unknown

Just about the time a woman thinks her work is done,

she becomes a grandmother.

~Edward H. Dreschnack

Gifts Straight From Heaven...

176. Malli's baby soft skin

177. Malli and mommy spending the day at GiGi's

178. Griff and GiGi cooking supper together

179. G'Pa (Guy) adoring his first grandchild

180. Watching my mother and father hold their new great-grandaughter

Things unseen

Faith is the evidence

of things unseen

and the

substance of things

hoped for.

Hebrews 11:1

The Bible says the just shall live by faith. This journey called life requires it. In The Message, Hebrews 11:1 says, the fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.

Having faith is similar to the process of pregnancy and childbirth. The Word of God is like a seed. If we are impregnated by the Word, new life will come forth.
However, we must first nurture that seed, cultivate it, and tend to it with prayer. Only then will there be growth and new life, a birth. Wherever the presence of the Holy Spirit is, there is hope... there is a future. I believe God will use every circumstance in your life to fulfill his eternal purpose for your life.

When we can't see it.

When we stand alone.

We trust.

We believe.

We hope.

Faith is the evidence of things unseen and the substance of things hoped for.

Hebrews 11:1