Gone Are the Dark Days

Happy Days are Here:
1. The  ominous sounding phone call from my boss, resulted in learning I had been promoted! Woohoo! Feeling appreciated.
2. Friends who never quit on us - they stand with not only when times are great and we're having lots of fun, but also when we fall short, do stupid things, and are less than loveable. These people really know how to be grace-givers.
3. Seeing my kids thriving in their adult lives, stepping out, being challenged, learning, and growing.
4. Better yet, hearing my kids would love to "come home" some day. (See, they're not running away from us!)
5. An exhausting week of "get-togethers" with lots of different people.
      - Elder family cook-out
      - Girlfriend Walk "Girls' Night Out in downtown Oxford...walking a talking all evening with my girlfriend.
      - Dinner with a couple from church. Conversation in the gazebo until the sun went down. Love these people. We'll have to do it again.
      - Graduation Open Houses and an evening road trip to Grand Rapids and back to attend the Theatrical Production of "Screwtape Letters" with friends.



Lord,
I've been dwelling (yes - making my home; living in) the past and wishing life would be like those days once again. I have been a slow learner - slow to hear your voice, Lord. You've been whispering, but I brush your gentle words away like an annoying mosquito buzzing in my ear. Your message is becoming louder, clearer, and more emphatic as You remove people and ministry from my life. I know You're preparing me for the new work that you have for me. Enough of the pouting...enough of the heel digging, enough of chasing, grasping, mourning. When I sing "you are my all in all", "you are my everything", "you are all I need", do I really mean it?  I am learning about my true heart...Help me to make it so, Lord.

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;

you have loosed my sackcloth

and clothed me with gladness,

that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.

O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

(Psalm 30:11-12 ESV)

Things I Learned From My Dad

Dad,

It's Father's Day and even though I'm not able to be with you, I am thinking about you, treasuring wonderful memories, and thanking God for you and the special relationship we share. I love spending time with you. 

You taught me so much. Here are a few things that I learned:

*Family is important. 

*You need to stick up for, stand with and support your family before anyone else. 

*Honor your mother.

*Gender roles are to be crossed. Men can "BUILD" a cake too! :)

*Honor your elders.

*When you borrow something, return it in as good (or better if possible) condition than you received it. (Even if the owner is a big corporation like GM.)

*When you say "Yes" to something, you are choosing to say, "NO!" to something else.

*Make time for leisure.

*As a family, we work together so we can play together.

*How to water ski and snow ski.

*Dare to Dream. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. 

*If you want it, work for it; work HARD.

*How to swing a hammer.
*Don't be afraid to try new things.

*Always give your best effort.
*When you fall, pick yourself up, get back on, and try again.

*How to windmill a softball pitch. =)

*How to ride a bicycle. 
*As you struggle to climb those hills (in life) that seem impossible or fight against a headwind, you are building character.

 

*Free throws are a scrappy guard's "bread and butter". 

 

*Follow through with your promises and be responsible. 

*Learn skills to be an independent woman.

*How to change a tire and change the oil in my car. (OK - I never did learn to change my oil. One big mess was enough!) :-D

You are an amazing man, and as I grew up, I was watching you...

Love, 

Daddy's Little Girl