Early Morning Wake-up Calls

Today I woke up before five o'clock!  

Quickly, I activated the typical "negative" mindset:

"I won't look at the clock."
I "tried" to go back to sleep...no luck.
I went to the bathroom....crawled back in bed...no luck.
I focused on my aches and pains and lamented the lack of a good night's sleep...real progress here!
I rearranged my pillow...
I got up for some water and went ahead and took my morning meds...ate half a banana...back to bed...to wait for my husband's alarm to go off...

Acceptance and surrender...
...now I can actually enjoy, and even benefit from, this "inoppertune" blessing...
...time for prayer, reflection, thanksgiving, serving coffee to my husband in bed, morning reading...

And I haven't even "started my day" yet! 
                                                          ....hmmmm.....GRUMPY vs. GRATITUDE......a nobrainer!

Wouldn't it be awesome if this could happen to me every morning!!  Thank you, God!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Today I join my countrymen in remembering and celebrating a most holy day, MEMORIAL DAY. Although not a religious holiday, Memorial Day conjures a spirit of reverence and gratitude that is akin to that of worshipping God. I am grateful for the men and women who serve to protect the US and other countries; for those who have sacrificed so much to serve the right of freedom. Because of their commitment to something greater than themselves, I get to choose how to spend each moment of my life. Today at 3pm you can join other Americans in a National Moment of Remembrance for all those who have fallen.

Jesus said to his disciples,

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

John 15:13

Countdown to Remembrance

My Sentiments on 36 Years of Marriage to Sonny Long

Thank you, Sonny, for being by my side for the last wonderful 36 years. Our wedding day is still vivid in my mind and my emotions as if it happened only yesterday. I can still see your face as I came up the aisle to join my life with yours. I would do it all again.

This song is dedicated to you... my brave, strong and steadfast Knight in Shining Armor.

Happy Anniversary
 May 19, 2009

DITTO FOR MAY 19, 2010     Very, very grateful for another year together navigating this thing called "life."

Introducing Kari Jobe...

I am grateful for Kari Jobe and young women like her; young women who have a discovered the joy of singing for the Lord. As Kari says, connecting people to the heart of God through song has been my single highest joy in life. Holding my newborn babies is the only thing that compares to that experience. My daughters are grown now. They are both beautiful women. God has given each of them the gift of song as well with distinctive voices and expressive ability. God give each of us "the gift of song" with which to praise Him. I challenge you sing a song of praise today, even if it's where no one else can hear. God hears and He is present in the praises of His people. Blessings to you, Kari, and to all the young women of faith!

Life Begets Life

My niece, Allison, and her husband, Derek, welcomed the newest member of our family on February 24, 2009. I got to hold him when he was only hours old! What a joy! I haven't held a newborn since my eighteen year-old presented herself.

I find myself envisioning the fun times he will have at his Great-aunt Lisa's house; fishing in the lake, swimming in the pool, jumping on the trampoline, baking cookies, playing the piano just to name a few. Happy Days are here again!! I am grateful for Elliot and tiny fingers and toes, healthy delivery for Allie, amazing support from Derek. I am especially grateful to witness my sister, Tanya, become a grandmother and Allison's dad, Chester, become a grandfather. Oh the years, they come and they go...and life goes on...and life is good!