18 Birthdays for Our Youngest Child

Eighteen years ago, David and I held our newborn son, our youngest child, in our arms for the first time. We thanked God then for this precious blessing, and continue to thank God today for giving Jonathan to us, and for making our lives a lot more fun...  

Take a walk with us down memory lane as we share a birthday photo from the past 18 years...

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This is the day the LORD has made. With all that is going on in our country, and in our world today, we choose to focus on the good things about this day. On this day, we celebrate the birth of our son, Jonathan. Thank you, Lord, for this day, and for the special gift you gave us. We love you, Jonathan! Happy Birthday!!

Incredibly GRATEFUL for 50 Years on This Earth

I have friends who don't like the idea getting older, and dread the big milestone numbers like 40, 50, 60, and so on. They consider themselves as being "middle aged" or "over the hill" or "senior citizens," and it's all said with a negative tone. They don't like being reminded that their life didn't turn out the way they thought it would. They regret the things they did, or didn't do; and they feel sad. They are still looking for their "purpose."

The way I see it, life is a journey. It is full of good times and hard times . . . and its ALL good. Why? Because I truly believe God has each one of us here on this earth for a reason - and understanding that reason (or purpose) is not as complicated as you might think. The important thing is to accept how everything you experience in life - good or bad - can be used to help you learn, to grow, to encourage others, and (most importantly) to point others to Christ. Basically, the idea is glorifying God in everything you do. That is a purpose you can be proud of. 

I am incredibly grateful God has granted me 50 years on this earth. I am grateful I survived cancer (twice!), and I'm looking forward to the gift of more years, and of more service to Him.

Take a quick walk with me down memory lane as I share a few of my birthday photos from past years. . . .

Vicky - Age 1

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Age 50

Enjoy the life God has granted you. Quit worrying about all the things you did or didn't do, and concentrate on finding joy in the life you're living now. 

PHOTO(S) OF THE WEEK #28: Thanksgiving Through the Years

1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give thanks to the Lord, 
for He is good; His love endures forever. 

I don't have a picture from EVERY past Thanksgiving Day celebrated by my family, but here are some I found, starting in 1993...

Playing games has always been a fun Thanksgiving Day event. Here, in 1993, we are playing "Fast Scrabble" at Grandma's house. Pictured from left to right:  Mom, Dad, my brother Daniel, his wife Julee, one of my nephews, and Grandma.

1995 at my sister's house. Pictured:  Grandma, my nephew James, my brother Daniel, nephew Ryan, Me, brother-in-law Darren, and niece Amanda.

1998 - Our first Thanksgiving with our little EL. We are at the home of David's parents - the home he grew up in.

1999 - Hanging out at our house on Thanksgiving Day. Pictured:  Dad (taking a picture), my nephew Ryan, niece Amanda, Me, Mom, and I think that is the top of Grandma's head next to Mom.

2001 - I love this picture of Grandma with little EL, holding hands on our way in to a restaurant. We decided not to cook that year, and all went out to eat.

2002 - A fun picture of my dad and little EL at Grandma's house.

2003 - Another great picture of Dad - this time with little JJ - at Grandma's house. My nephew Ryan and Grandma are also in this picture.

2004 - We had Thanksgiving with David's side of the family this year.

2007 - Celebrating an early Christmas on Thanksgiving Day at Grandma's house.

2008 - Mom & Dad came to our house on this year.

2010 - This was one of my favorite Thanksgivings. Both my parents and David's parents were at our house that year, as well as David's brother.

2016 - This was our last Thanksgiving with Dad - another favorite year for me because all of us were together that year - Mom, Dad, my sister, brother, Me, and some of each of our families.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day. Celebrate the blessings the Lord has given to you. 

6 Months Without Dad - It Still Hurts, But Life Is Good

Today marks 6 months since Dad passed away. Wow, that's so hard to believe. It seems like it was just yesterday when he was still here with us, sending e-mails, talking on the phone, commenting on my blog posts, liking Facebook posts, and giving lots of love and encouragement whenever he could. Oh, how I miss him (and I know many others who do as well).

When someone we love passes away, we are forced to adjust to a "new normal" without him or her in our lives. The new normal is not easy, and it hurts... a LOT...

For example, my "new normal" without my dad HURTS when: 

• I realize I can no longer pick up the phone and give him a call.
• His encouraging words (written or spoken) are no longer there when needed.
• His wise Biblical advice is no longer audibly heard.
• He is no longer there to share jokes and laughter.
• I desire to feel his warm hugs... but can't.

But, then, as I remember my Dad’s positive outlook on life and how he would often say, “Life is good,” I see how my new normal without him can also bring beneficial changes, if I allow it.

BENEFICIAL:  producing good results or helpful effects 

My "new normal" without my dad can be BENEFICIAL when:

• I recall some of his favorite sayings, such as "Keep short accounts with God and others," "Praise God," and "Life is good."
• I reminisce about him with smiles and laughter.
• I am blessed by specific comments from friends and family whose lives he touched.  
• I focus on the positive impact he had in my life and in the lives of others.
• I strive to follow his examples by loving God with all my heart, and by being an encouragement to others.   

When Dad would say, “Life is good,” he didn’t mean everything in his life was perfect and happy and going just as he had planned. He meant, life is good because our lives are a gift from God that is too often taken for granted. If we open our eyes, we can see just how blessed we are. We can understand what a privilege it is to be alive on this earth, and to be able to serve and worship the Lord with all of our hearts. That is why we are here.

So, yes, even though I miss my dad, I can always accept the fact that life is good. 

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of knowing and loving this precious man who was, and will always be, a part of my life. I look forward to seeing him again someday, when we will be sitting together at Your feet. Until then, help me to be thankful for all You have done for me and to always remember that life is good.

PHOTO(S) OF THE WEEK #27: 6 Years of Pix from Lost Creek Orchards

Proverbs 25:11 - A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

We started going to Lost Creek Orchards back in 2011, when EL was 12 years old and JJ was 8. They have a variety of pumpkins, peaches, and apples, as well as animals to see, a corn maze, and a little store with country collections. We especially enjoy the apple cider slushies!

Apparently, we skipped going to the orchard in 2012, but then went five years in a row from 2013-2017. It is a Fall tradition that we enjoy.

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