Sprngtime and Family... Unpredictably Predictable

This love I have for my children and grandchildren overwhelms me over and over again. I am humbled and beyond blessed to have weekends where getting together all at the same time really does come to pass. I know there are families all over the world who don't have that privilege because of distance or relationships or schedules, so I do not take this fun-filled-kick-your-feet-up-and-stay-awhile weekend for granted. Everyone... Poppie and this Gibbie, mommies, daddies, kids and babies were all tired by late Sunday afternoon, but it is a good tired, and a tired that is worth every second of energy and whatever work went into making it all happen. I still get a lump in my throat watching each family drive away as we all wave until they are out of sight. My sweetheart and I walk back into the house with a sigh as we look at the emptiness; the leftovers, the toys here and there, and all those familiar happy faces in frames, quietly sitting on tables and shelves. ... He heads outside to watch his pigeons, analyzing which ones will be the best fly-ers; I follow to survey the flowers blooming and to fill up the bubbling fountain where "Butch", the hummingbird will surely come again to take his early morning bath. As I lean against the pretty trellis fence and watch yet one more sunset I think, "Some things are simply predictable... hummingbirds, sunsets, and the love of family" and I am covered in peace.

Running With Him...

I wrote this as an email and sent it to many of my dear friends and family. Then I thought... since blogging is an outlet, of sorts, to pour out one's heart, I should make my letter an entry into the world of blog. I have said before that you can read me like an open book; nothing hidden even if I tried, so here's another chapter...

My heart is so full because of the goodness of the Lord. Weeping with tears of love for Him and what He has done is a distinct possibility at this moment in time; however, I will write instead. Writing is similar to the release valve on a tea kettle I think. Without thoughts penned on paper I might burst with the love of Jesus that is bubbling up out of me.

Even though heartache and trouble continues all around us in this world... at times to the point of being overwhelmed; still, God is good. If I know nothing else in this world, I can truly and honestly say that I know our God is good. He is moving and changing lives one at a time all over the earth, isn't He? He is doing miracles, holding the hurting and healing the sick; providing for those who are in need and bringing to fruition the dreams of His heart in and through His people. I am in awe at the honor of getting to see a tiny glimpse of His spectacular power and majesty. I am covered and overwhelmed by His love today; not because everything is necessarily going smoothly or that I have suddenly become younger with a flat stomach once more... what if? Life goes on with its inevitable bumps and bruises, mistakes and distractions, but as of late, I have seen answered prayer in my own life as well as in some of the people dearest to my heart and answers for others who I have only heard about. A man who has been coming to our Bible study broke his ankle while hunting one weekend and was in such pain. We prayed on a Wed. evening and he told us that the next day he got a breakthrough and is completely pain free. We prayed for a community in another city where a sister-in-law of a young woman who also comes to our Bible study lives. There had been multiple robberies and a little girl abducted there in that affluent neighborhood. Long story short, the robber was caught and much of his loot was returned to its rightful owners. The little girl was found alive and we are praying for her trauma and memories to be healed. Another young man in our neighborhood fell several stories from a ladder and was in a lengthy coma. We heard about him and began to pray. I got an update from our neighbor, his mother-in-law, yesterday and he is doing well. He'll be in rehab for awhile longer, but his broken inner-ears were surgically repaired along with the nerves in his face. His hearing is being restored and he's able to walk as his broken back is mending. God gave him a miracle and he will be changed forever by all the love poured out into his life. A dear friend's daughter is to be married soon and we have prayed for this precious young woman for several years. God knew what He was doing all along... of course. He always does. Two different people we've prayed over recently have received healing in their eyes and are continuing to grow stronger with clearer vision. We joined with friends who are laying their lives down overseas and almost daily it seems, I get updates about people coming into the Kingdom; others who are searching and telling about dreams and visions drawing them to Jesus. We have prayed for our son and sons-in-law, that God would raise them up, give them favor in their businesses, and bring them into the fullness of His character as they lead their families in righteousness; teaching their children Godliness by living out their lives in truth and love. We are seeing these things come to pass and I am humbled and so grateful at the goodness of God. I am excited for the future and continue to pray for God's Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. All this good news is like trying to drink straight-on from a fire hose. I might just drown in the joy of it all. Sure, there are breakthroughs that are yet to come, hurdles to jump, and wounds to bandage and heal, but seeing the answers to some of the prayers we've prayed strengthens and builds our faith for more. It doesn't matter how old or how young we are. God is not limited by time or what we may determine as less than or not enough. Thank God He loves to show Himself strong through our weakness! I believe He is blessed when we simply say "Yes" , letting go of our own plans and agendas, and surrendering our lives to run with Him. He's the One who does it all anyway and He enjoys having us trust Him enough to follow and rest in His love. God bless you all as you run the race set before you for His glory.

Real Life and some "Heavenly" Chores... :0)

Here is a priceless word I didn't expect to hear today, but was blessed in the confirmation that even taking care of the practical things in life pleases God. Being a good steward of all He has blessed us with is important. I love this!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

April 17, 2008. God speaks in dreams. The first principle of interpretation is to see if all the people in the dream represent parts of your own personality. I dreamed last night of a friend skiing down a slope, at the bottom skiing on top of some rocks, and back to the chair lift zipping past me. This friend represents responsibility and getting the job done. I have been putting off something and going on to the next fun thing. So I got up and cleaned out the refrigerator early this morning. God says, "What is the thing that you have been putting off. It will be a zip if you do it now." Proverbs 16:9 "The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now didn't that make you smile?

Questions Continued...

Some questions deserve so many answers because there are so many memories. Some not so good, but many which bring me back to my childhood with smiles and laughter. Even the feel of sunshine can take me back to our backyard in Amarillo when my sisters and I were little. Maxine and I were such good buddies; I would say she was my best friend. We would gather up piles of dirt in little bowls and cups, mix it all up with water and put our gourmet creations of mud pies and cakes in our pretend oven. Grandma tells about how she would sometimes look out the kitchen window and how she loved to watch her little girls play. When we moved to Bowie Street in that same city, we would play school out in the garage using one wall for a "chalkboard" and either Maxine and I would be the students and Stella would be the teacher or I might just be the teacher and line up all our dolls for a classroom full of kids. In the summers Maxine and I would eat breakfast and head out early for Southlawn park. We liked to get to the cement wading pool while the maintenance man filled it with icy cold water. After the first torturous dip, we were the most beautiful and graceful mermaids ever imagined. Our adventures continued on our trek home as we would veer off the beaten path along the street; winding through alleys, walking along the tops of fences as though they were high cliffs or a balance beam. We'd cut through shrubs and trees, becoming jungle women on a dangerous and very exciting mission. So many more childhood memories and I am so thankful for parents who allowed us to dream and encouraged us to be creative in our play. It was a different world back then where we didn't have to be afraid to walk to a park and the term 'cell phone' was not even a thought. We did not have to deal with the onslaught of technological gadgets. TV was a luxury we would watch with our family on occasion and outside was our playroom. We did have a few toys and dolls, but could make a game or an imaginary world out of fallen branches or an old tire, maybe a club house underneath the bushes or in an old rickety storage shed. My favorite place of all was in my 'thinking tree' out by the street. I would climb up as high as I dared, lean back on a branch and watch the world go by below... truly from a bird's point of view.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I would definitely go back to Spain, but I have dreamed of visiting Germany as well. There are families who live there who I love and pray for and it would be so great to walk with them in their world for awhile. I would love to see Uganda and love the people there with our friends, the McCalls and Porters, and others who are laying their lives down for the cause of Christ in this nation. I've also heard Italy is a beautiful part of the world, but I don't know anyone there. I guess my first choice at this point would be Germany and a visit to Gimmelwald, Switzerland so I could experience what my two 'little girls' enjoyed a few years ago. I want to hike to the 'mouth of the river' and feel the touch of God there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There is a deep joy in relationships and seeing the people I love cared for and happy. However, my greatest joy is in those times of worship when the presence of Jesus is so personal and there is a glory and awe of being with Him, loving Him with the music of my heart and allowing Him to love me at an inexpressible depth too amazing for words. Nothing in this life can compare to having the privilege of stepping into that place before His throne and to be held close to His heart. And to think that He, the God of the universe, longs to call us His friends. Amazing!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I think my favorite gifts are the ones I receive knowing kind thoughts of love were specifically given in the buying or making of them. Like the ceramic plate from Allie and Jack that says, "If We could Pick Any Flower, We'd Pick Our Gibbie". I loved getting our new toaster and coffee maker at Christmas because it is something we really needed and to receive the very one that I had in mind was so special. I love my "Gibbie" bracelet with all my grandkids' birthstones and the framed photos of all my kids and their babies. Gifts that I know were not just an afterthought or a last minute chore, but rather out of a real love for who I am are the best. Because I enjoy flowers so much, anything that has to do with my dream of a beautiful retreat in our yard is always appreciated, like the pretty planter A&E gave us for our screened porch or the fountain my husband bought a couple weeks ago. Watching our newest little feathered friend, a tiny hummingbird, take a bath in the top of it as it bubbles out is such fun. Amy, a closeup photo of him would be a treasured gift for sure. :0) Gifts of time are a treasure as well. I love it when someone I love wants and chooses to spend time with me.

Anwers to Your Questions...

1) I have many books that I have enjoyed and are reading some that I might say I love. However, I think my favorites are still, after all these years, Girl of The Limberlost, Freckles, and Freckles Comes Home. All of these novels are connected in time, characters, and era. Stories of perseverance in difficult situations and the rise from impossibility to meaningful and rewarding lives that touch others. I LOVE that!

A favorite movie.... well, I still like "You've Got Mail", but I don't know that over the long haul it would be my fav of the favorites. I still think "Gone With The Wind" is amazing in how it draws its viewers back in time. I remember years ago scheduling around the made-for-TV-movie sequels called "Roots" and I'd watch it again if I could make time for it. I like movies that are important, that have a true message of mercy and compassion, perseverance until lives are changed for the better. I also love to laugh, so movies that bring out fun and chuckles are refreshing as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2) My favorite quality about my husband is faithfulness and peace. He has a compassionate heart and a generous spirit and I pray God would cover him with blessing because of his willingness to walk in those things. I love how he loves kids... even those who others may give up on. He may eventually give up too, but not without a fight for their well-being and exhausting every avenue of trying to invest Godly character into their lives first.

Coby- confident and a hard worker; finds ways to creatively invest time and energy in loving his family, Adrielle and Skyler. A good cook and loves to keep his yard immaculate and beautiful. Gives the best hugs this mama could ever hope for. I always feel welcome no matter what is going on in his day. I am encouraged and affirmed as a mom by my sweet son.

Amy- tender hearted and a good writer (woman after my own heart in that way); faithful and loving to Corey and her children. Creative in finding ways to honor, encourage, and document the growth and success of her family... physically and spiritually. Hands on in raising and nurturing and being involved with what her kids are doing in school, church, sports, and other activities. Her faith and her family are top priorities. Transparent as she invests what God is teaching her into others lives; brings hope and light in the darkness.

Sara- funny and forever finding what is best in every person. Walks in the gifts God has given her in mercy and hospitality. Passionate about caring for and loving Beau and Asher. Cherishes her friendships and doesn't mind driving a million miles to keep relationships intact. A true princess who oversees her home (her kingdom) well; a servant leader.

Emily - Strong in character and conviction in her own time and not because of what others think or expect. Very funny person and makes her home a welcoming place for whoever wants to visit or needs a place to stay. She loves her friends and their children. Diligent in loving her husband and Claire-bear. Speaks truth unashamedly; bold and courageous.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3) I don't have alot of really close friends who like to hang out. However, when we do get together we usually eat lunch with a good chat in tow. I'm thankful for email; such a great way to stay in touch inexpensively and almost daily with friends who may or may not live far away. I have girlfriends who are quick to pray for me or call to ask me to stand in agreement with them in crisis situations concerning things that come up in life; whether it be for their children, health, or LG issues. We love to share funny stories and occasionally... very occasionally... enjoy tea or coffee at one of our homes, just relaxing and talking about the wonderful blessings of God and His creation. A shopper I am not... as expressed in an earlier entry.

Question Game...

OK, if any of you two or three people who actually read my blog are interested, ask me anything and I'll think about answering. Don't worry, I'm usually an almost embarrassingly open book. If I get no questions I will either be relieved or wounded for the disinterest. The 'eggshell' raises her ugly head once more. :0) I have enjoyed reading your questions and answers though. Very thoughtful, funny, and thought provoking to say the least.

As Though It Were Yesterday...

April 3, 1979... how could so much time have passed, but it has. My baby is having her 29th birthday today and I can remember holding this little dark-haired beauty for the first time among the IV tubes and monitors after a risky emergency C-section; looking into her tiny newborn face with it's perfectly formed features; her warm breath on my chest as a sweet nurse helped me hold her there. Emily was my last baby and I was in awe of her; wanting to somehow capture that quiet moment forever. I remember even as I am writing this, as though it were yesterday. What deep love I felt then and now, and I hover over and protect those memories and this moment like a mother bird protecting her nest with her wings and with her life. I can close my eyes and be back in our small house at 1415 Vernon in Plainview, Texas and I can almost feel what it was like with my newest little one sleeping soundly in her frilly white bassinet right next to my bed. I can once again feel the weight of her as I pick her up and cradle her in my arms. I can imagine the softness of her hair and her chubby baby skin if I try. Thank You Lord for memories. Life goes on, but isn't it nice that sometimes we can go back to a time of treasured experiences that we hold in our hearts forever? My baby, my youngest child, Emily Joy, fills my heart and mind today. We had a very hard and critical time getting her out of the womb and into my arms, but by God's grace and His merciful hand we are both alive and well and learning to love each other at a deeper level than ever before. I think the love of a child is more of a trusting dependence on being cared for and loved by others rather than purposefully loving; then there is a breaking away that begins in those middle years; emotionally painful in many ways, but needful as our little ones reach out to find their own way. Rebellion sometimes happens, but not only by the child. I've learned as I look back, the rebellion of a mother who longs to keep her babies with her, yet knowing she can't and that she must not is just as real. Growing up happens for both mother and child, and though usually difficult, it is always good. Growing up ushers in that strong and deep love we share as adults I believe. A richness that I never imagined and a freedom so priceless that brings about a common bond of honor, respect and so much joy. I love my baby girl. I love the way she can make me laugh and how she cares for others. I love that she stands strong for Truth and justice for all. I love the woman my little girl has become. Happy Birthday Emily Joy.

Spring Has Sprung...

"Elizabeth Barrett Browning said, 'Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God; but only those who see take off their shoes.' Oh that we would be a people that walk barefoot in the dew dusted grass."

This is actually a quote within a quote from a precious missionary friend who has given her life to serve and love Jesus and to invest His love within a city and nation on the other side of the world. I could read what she writes all day long and never get weary of it. What a gift she has and such wonderful things to say to the world about her faith and her love for the people God has sent her to. Her description of spring makes me wish I could write something so beautiful. You can see for yourself. Here is an excerpt... Last year when we moved into this apartment it took me months to get used to how loud it was at night with the window open. The S-Bahn barreling through Hakesher Markt every 7 minutes, taxi after taxi whisking down busy Oranienburger Strasse - just 50 yards from our front door, and of course the joyfully exuberant tourists singing their way home at 4 in the morning. Tonight I sit somehow soothed by the noise of the city with my window open for the first time in months, not because I need it to be open, but because it can be. I have opened the front door of my building for the last two mornings and been met warmly by the springtime air. I search the trees everyday for a blossom, so far I have been met only with the promise from the bud. There is an energy in the city, the euphemistic snow is melting and we are coming to life. The tables have been pulled back out on to the sidewalks and the restaurants sit empty while their waiters scurry from the kitchen in the far back of the building to the table practically sitting in the street. There are more smiles, an easier way and we are all relishing this month that we have before the tourists descend on our little Utopia. Spring seems to bring with it hope. The promise of new life. The reminder of restoration and growth. Isn't it strange how a season can speak to that little place in us that longs to be reminded yet again that life should be lived fully alive, breathing deeply of the crisp air, remembering that like the flowers blooming around us, the stuff that was bundled up in us underneath our winter coats and scarves has also been growing and prepring to make its brilliant debut with the Spring rains and Summer sun?

Written by ~Stephanie Johnson

I love words that bring so much life. Words that fill my senses like a summer breeze near the honeysuckle.