He Leadeth Me

My sweet daddy (Poppy) passed away a little over a year ago. God is so gracious in providing us with comfort in a variety of ways. In this picture taken by Rachel DeBell Photography at Kelly and Adrian's wedding, notice the image that appears over Poppy's head. I am reminded of the Amy Grant song "Angels Watching Over You." Poppy definitely does not need angels watching over him. He is praising God right now as I write this, but thank you God that your angels are watching over all of us who he left behind. We'll all meet you one day, daddy.

As most of you know, I am a "glass half full" rather than a "glass half empty" person. When writing the title to this blog post, it was very tempting to say "very serious illness" rather than Cancer. Cancer is such an ugly word. But that is what it is, and I needed to say the word to acknowledge exactly what God and I along with my family and friends are fighting together. Obviously there are some really pitsy things about what I'm going though. (Is pitsy still a word or did it disappear in the 70's)? Pain Fear Worry Having to sleep in your recliner because the bed is so uncomfortable Doctor's appointments (lots of them) What would I do without my precious husband taxi driver? Medicines (although I am thankful for them) Missing getting to do the things you love to do like wrestle with your grandsons, make trips to Houston and go to church But there are some up sides too! Since I'm a "glass half full kind of girl" you'll hear...

Modern Science has provided us with many miracle drugs that help us get through painful surgeries. But our God has provided us with even more miracles to help us get through those times. I had three such little miracles today. RX#: CWG RX#:AMG RX#:DSR The smaller two little prescriptions crawl over to my chair, pull themselves up and just smile at me. What a pick-me-up! My older prescription read our favorite funny book together and then his mom sent this text to me after they left to go home: "It was so great to see Nana! When I wasn't seeing her for all those days, I was really worried about her but now I feel better. I think I really did make Nana feel better. (long silence). Mom, I think I'm filled with happy tears (as he wiped his eyes.)

I am blessed to be in a community of faith called Eastside Church of Christ. This weekend, we had our annual Ladies' Retreat. We spent time praising God together. We played games. We got to know each other better. Michelle did an amazing job of organizing the event. On Friday night we thought about how our lives are like a quilt and we made a quilt to hang on the wall. On the quilt we wrote our hopes for the retreat. A great number of women hoped for new or deeper relationships and friendships. We ate together. I felt so blessed to be asked to speak. Notice the words on the screen taken from the book of Esther. We discussed how we are each gifted by God to serve the people we come in contact with each day. What a great weekend we had together! Thank you Vanessa Leonard for the photos!

I was sent this beautiful link this morning by a dear friend. I sat watching it with tears in my eyes. Yes, the shoppers at Macy's were treated to a Random Act of Culture, but more importantly they were blessed to hear God praised. Please take a minute to watch. It will touch your life. Psalm 57:9 I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. Awesome! Pop-Up Hallelujah Chorus at Macy

I haven't featured a Fun Photo Friday in a while. The purpose of this feature is to randomly pick several photos for no other reason than I like them. Happy Birthday Sweet Andrew! Andrew was the first grandson of all my siblings. What joy he has brought us all. I can't believe you are in Kindergarten, sweet boy! It's been a year since I retired and I am busier than ever. Everyone said that would be the case. Why didn't I believe them? A London Beefeater. What a cool job! I still get excited when I see Texas license plates in Colorado. Check out the bumper sticker on this car. I think Kelly might have sent me this one. The "fall" wildflowers are beginning to bloom along the roads here. What beautiful reminders of God's love for us that he would create such beauty. It's almost time for the Labor Day Balloon Festival. I can't wait! Happy Friday!

Caleb is in a superhero stage. He loves to put on capes and other Superhero garb and pretend. I am the lucky woman who gets to be Lois Lane to his Clark Kent. And when I wear my "Snuggy", I am immediately transformed to Super Nana. We often get pearls of wisdom from Caleb when we are in the car together. Not this car, the real car. :) Today, he told Ducca and me that "We are all in God's Family." Now that's what I call a super smart superhero. Photos by Aunt Kelly

It has been snowing in the Springs for about 3 days. A light feathery snow. Psalms 147:16 He sends the snow like white wool; he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes. What a beautiful world God made for us to enjoy! Have a beautiful week, whether you have snow, rain, or sunshine. God made it all for our enjoyment!