Memorial Day Weekend

I was raised in a very patriotic family and have tried to raise our kids the same way. Too often, Memorial Day signifies the beginning of summer and trips to the beach. I'm sure everyone knows someone who has served or is serving in our military. Many know someone who has paid the ultimate price so that we might be free. I hope all who read this blog will take a moment to remember them and to thank God for their service and for those serving now.
Do we take our freedom for granted - I believe we often do.
Do we take our salvation for granted - I believe we often do.
Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we would have everlasting life and freedom - freedom from the death penalty we deserve because of our sin. When we accept Him as our Savior, we are given a tremendous gift. Remember to thank God today too. What an awesome God we serve. What an opportunity each day brings to live for Him - to remember what He did for me and how I will honor Him with my life...

Restore to Me...

Yesterday's church service was wonderful. You could feel the presence of the Lord. One of the songs we sang was Restore To Me:
Restore to me
The joy of Your salvation
Restore to me
The wonders of Your love
Restore to me
The joy of Your salvation
Restore to me
Restore to me
The melody is very pretty and stays with you. I've found myself singing this over and over again. It is so amazing that God loved me so much that He would send His only Son to die for me. I want to live everyday remembering the joy of my salvation. Thank you, God, for loving me and for the gift of music...

Listening is a gift...

Listening is a gift. I wish all doctors had the gift, but they don't. Saw a new doctor yesterday and he definitely didn't have the gift. It seemed the more I tried to explain, the more determined he became to take the conversation in his direction. Frustrating to say the least, but also futile. I was thankful I wouldn't have to spend any more time with him. I did pray to God and ask Him to help me know what to do - which was the proper direction to go next. I'm blessed because my doctors (3 different ones I see on a fairly regular basis) all listen. It's comforting and reassuring to know a person is listening to what you are saying. I took a moment to ask God to forgive me for the times I don't listen to Him. I'm going to try to listen more closely - starting today...

Busy, busy, busy...

Life has been extra busy these past few weeks. Birthdays, anniversarys, Mother's Day, doctors appts., etc. I like to blog on a regular basis and lately it's been more irregular. We've had so much rain. I asked God if it could just rain at night for the next few times because we really needed the sunshine. Today was beautiful. John and I were coming back from Frederick and took a few scenic roads home. I love to look at farms. The fields were just dotted with bright yellow buttercups. It reminded me of being a kid, picking one, and holding it under each other's chin to prove we liked butter. The recent rains have flooded many of the area's creeks and rivers. The Monocacy was way out of its banks. The creek on Peter's Road near our house (not close enough to cause a problem) was right up to the bottom of the bridge. You could tell it had been over the bridge because there were a few limbs teetering on the edge of the bridge. The usual meandering creek was a fury of rushing water today. How quickly things can change in our lives much like the water in the creek. I'm trying to appreciate each day and the beauty of God's handiwork around us.

Time

Time is precious. Whenever I'm with my kids or grandbabies, it is precious time. It always seems to go by so fast. Last night, we spent some time with Scott's girls. Destiny, our first granddaughter, is growing up so fast. I couldn't help remembering how excited we had been when she was born. Jessica is slimming down and starting to develop that "womanly" figure. Katelyn is a free spirit. I let her (Katelyn - who is 8) jump on the bed in the spare room/office last night. Reminded me of the song "No more monkeys jumping on the bed." It was a short visit, but a great one. Hope to spend more time with them tomorrow. I got a new porch swing for my birthday and am looking forward to swinging with my grandbabies.