A No Picture Blog

I haven't been blogging because for some reason my computer isn't reading my camera card. But today I am inspired to write because I just read Andi's blog and thought blogging isn't just about pictures but our thoughts.

I have also been trying to be more diligent about my devotions. And I am trying to be more purposeful as I am convicted by the book Idols of the Heart and our Sunday School class, taught by Brent. Talk about humbling--to be weekly convicted by your child! I find that even doing my devotions had become an idol, something that made me feel better as I checked of the daily reading. It seems every time I turn around these days I am finding an idol in my life and it can be very discouraging. I find that Sunday morning worship is becoming more and more important to me as I find balm for my soul in singing about God's mercy and grace and love to me, in spite of the sin I commit over and over. And I find my prayer times are deeper as I cry out to God. I guess I thought I would be farther along in my spiritual walk as I approached the age of 60 and am ashamed to admit some of the things I am convicted of should be far behind me.

I praise God that He made me just as I am, warts and all and that He loved me, even in my sinful condition, enough to die for me and daily pours out His grace to me. And especially that He gave me the perfect husband who loves me as Christ loves the church, unconditionally. I am not where I should be but I'm not where I was either (at least a centimeter farther along!)

The Wonderful Men in My Life

I have been so blessed to be surrounded with such wonderful (although sometimes wacky) guys. This is handsome son, Shawn, all ready to leave for Zach and Amanda's wedding.

And this is with my baby, Ryan, ready to board a plane that takes him back to Ft. Knox, Kentucky to continue his basic training. I miss both these boys (sometimes I think Shawn lives somewhere else--but occasionally he rushes past me with a cup of coffee in his hand in the wee hours of the morning so I know he still lives here.)


And then there is Eric and the woman who replaced me! But I am not bitter that she stole him away since she provided me with three handsome grandsons and a very girly granddaughter.


Of course, then there is Brent, the first of my sons to be stolen from me--but Tiff was quickly forgiven because she gave me my very first granddaughter and then three wonderful grandsons.

My firstborn, Carl, who shares our love of camping, is forgiven for moving so far away because he keeps giving me delightful grandchildren, including a granddaughter (are we seeing a theme here?)

Oliver, the newest man of my life, keeps things lively!

And my #1 guy, the one guy who has promised never to leave me--my honey for the past 41 years! Here we are on a wonderful weekend in Williamsburg, finding that there is life after kids!

All kidding aside, I am very grateful for the four wonderful women the Lord has brought into my sons' lives. Thank you for being the best helpmates they could have found!