"He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death." -- Proverbs 14:26-27

As I sit here this morning, I try to meditate onto the Lord. I was not raised in the church, and it does not come as naturally to me as it appears to many people I know. In fact, I lean on my own understanding so much more than His. God has been showing me that this is wrong and opening my eyes to my misdoings in this area. One said once that you see a true person's character in hard times and when I look at my hard times, I don't particularly like the person I see. So, I pray to the Lord to change me, mold me, and make me more like Him. I know I need not specify the areas for He already knows me through and through. I pray for forgiveness for my sins, I repent to you my Father and ask you to change my path. Please show me the way to serve you best, and to make my life something for which I can be proud to be your child.

In your Heavenly and Precious Name, Your Child Debbie

My Dad. He's been on my mind a lot lately. I don't know if I have not allowed myself to think about him or if God just protects you until you can deal with your loss. I miss him so much. I miss what he was before the stroke and the sweet self he was even after the stroke despite all the many medical issues he had to deal with. I will always be thankful that we said the things that needed to be said before it was too late. I love my Dad. I will always love him and miss him and I pray that God will let us see each other again when my time to end life on this earth comes. Thank you, Dad, for being so wonderful. I am so lucky to have had you. I miss you.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how fast time goes. It seems impossible to me that my kids are now 26 and 23. This picture seems like a few months ago, a couple years at most in some ways. Time really does fly by and it's so important to make the most of every day. I can say that I did do that.... I really, truly enjoyed the moments that flew into hours and days and years. Craig and I were discussing the other day we don't know what day we realized that we are now the "oldsters"... we never felt it coming,... it just happens. I don't mentally feel old... sometimes physically I do feel it..... but age is definitely "of the mind" more than anything! I can sure say that I've loved my life!!!!!

Emilynn

This is one of my fave pics of our sweet little granddaughter. She is such a joy and delight and has been such a blessing to our family. Jesus loved the little children,,, I have to think one of the reasons is their total innocence and trust. They are so not touched by the sin that will surely come their way and change them. Oh, that we could all be so pure and innocent. As I sit here and write this, I realize that it is such a blessing and gift that God has given me to be a mother and now a grandmother. I desire to reflect God's love to Emilynn so that she might know the perfect love that only comes from Him. Thank you, Father, for such a blessing and for giving me the eyes and heart to see and know it. Praise our perfect Father in Heaven. I pray that God's grace will always be evident to Emilynn Grace. I love you, Emilynn.

Our small group!

This is our small group from our church. We've been in this group for about 3 years, I think. Some people have come and gone, but it means so much to me. Sometimes I'm tired and don't want to go... but when I get there I have such a warmth for these people and our relationship thru Christ that supports us all and it's a place where I can just be myself without being judged and fearful to show my hurts. I'm so thankful for these people!

My Dad and Emilynn

I'm so thankful that my Dad lived long enough to get to see Emilynn, our first grandchild. I know how much it meant to him.. and to me. We lost my sweet Dad October 26, 2008. This is one of the special pics I will always treasure ... he loved her ... I could see it in his eyes. My Dad was so special to me... we had a real connection and I will always miss him but I'm so thankful for the most wonderful Dad in the world. I love you, Dad.

It's February!

Soooo, I'm trying to improve the looks of my blog! This is all new to me! I added some new cutesy borders..... now if I can figure out what to do next! Argh! Hang in ,,, I'm getting there! It's 70 degrees here today and I'm loving it. I went to the mountains last week with my Mom, daughter and granddaughter and it hit 17 degrees one day. I love the mountains but discounted the idea of ever living there because that is too cold winter weather for me!!!!!!!!!!!!

It snowed!

Sooo, today it snowed... it was supposed to ice! Scary! But, we dodged that bullet and it ended up to be a blah, cold day with snow but no ice! I should've gone out and taken some photos but I didn't.... kind of lazy day! How's the weather where you are?

January 2009

Well, 2009 is upon us! It's been a rough couple years for our family but we have persevered together! I am going to try to get organized this year, be more productive, and focus on family and health and happiness. This is going to be a GREAT year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!