Sunday, August 24, 2014

Celebrating Old!!!....

Sometimes you just get wrapped up in so much happiness that you think life is just a big smile.
Birthday weekend at the lake could not have been any better!



 When you celebrate with water, sunshine, family, and special friends you know that this is about as good as it gets!











 Even mud pies are a little better at the lake!









This is the kind of weekend that makes you wonder if life can get any better than this!!!
Happy birthday to me!!!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Special Friends, Special Night!......

What an awesome way to start a birthday week!
Isn't it funny that no matter how much time goes by, a true friend is still a true friend.  Last night I was blessed to spend three hours laughing, visiting. sharing, and just loving time with these special friends who have been part of my life for about 28 years.
The Silver Fox and true friends.....the best!
Ironically, in the church bulletin Sunday was an article on the mature adult (the socially correct word for the elderly).  As I read it I thought they must be capturing words right out of my head....for what they wrote was exactly what I have been thinking with my 66th birthday approaching.
"Our chronological age is the most inaccurate measurement of our value, our accomplishments, and our spirit"
Well said Family Pulse Magazine!
"Development never stops, but only intensifies as people move through the years.  We should see aging as a true gift.  We have arrived at a place where a new vision of life emerges and we can live with passionate vigor.  Aging is a progressive force designed by God to teach us to be more authentic.  We can embrace it for all it has to offer and engage fully in the process.  In saying "I am old" it is embracing the blessing that I am! I am alive and comfortable in my own skin.  I am thankful".

The words above are pretty much straight out of the bulletin and  exactly what I have been pondering for the last week.  Aging is good.  It is not frightening, for it is the happiest time in my life.  I am enjoying friendships that had been neglected for too long.  I am making new friends and loving what they are bringing into my life.  I am finding places to use the talents that God gave me to serve others and the rewards are indescribable. I am eliminating the fluff that is not necessary and does not make me happy anymore.  I know it is okay to fill my life with what pleases me and leave out things that are no longer gratifying.  Yes I can say no without guilt and move on to where my heart is happiest. 
I know now that my self esteem is not based on anyone's approval of me.  If I know I am good with myself and God that is enough.  Aging is freeing...if you allow it to be and I am accepting it with open arms.  
I have another four or five days of celebration ahead before the big 66 arrives and I know I am blessed to have so many people to share this time with.
Aging is great...if you have the right perspective!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Welcome Home!!!....

Just a day full of family fun!
Everyone is home...at least for now, and there is a new baby on the way!
So much to celebrate....so many reasons to be happy.
And, I was!  There are days I honestly wonder if my happiness could get any bigger.
Sometimes things are so right that you just stand back in wonder and that was our day today.




















 Just no words for how many times I smiled watching all the kids play, the adults laugh, and the family be back together again.  God is good.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Oh Happy Day!!!...............

 There just are no words to convey what joy it was to know that after 239 days these precious girls were going to get their daddy back!!!  It was amazing for me to watch Finley who was less two when Tim left have such a vivid recollection of her dad.  The power of SKYPE is great!
 It seemed like the airport wait was forever...though not nearly as long for us as for Tim who spent 30 plus hours in transit from Africa.  It is hard to be patient when you are two and four.  239 days and the last 30 minutes was TOUGH!!!




I don't think words are even necessary!
The love in the eyes of these babies was enough.
Grateful, joyful, blessed, and thankful.
Two weeks of love and hugs.
They got their daddy back today!!!

Find your delight in the Lord
who will give you your hearts desire.
Psalm 37:4