I Am Enjoying My Mom

Once again I get to have my mom here with me for the summer. My brother Ed tried to be greedy and keep her longer than his share, but I finally got her here. I know that some of you have met my mom and some, from our Alaska days got to know her pretty well. You can totally understand what a blessing it is for all of us to have her here. I almost feel guilty when she is here. In order for me and my children to have her, the rest of her children and grandchildren have to do without her. My mom is a family treasure. She is a repository of funny stories, interesting history, brilliant ideas and selfless love. My mom is my friend and I am so glad.. I love seeing my mom interact with my children. I especially love having 3 generations of us girls in the same house. It is so exciting to see my daughters absorbing the sweetness, humor and joy that my mom possesses. Even the most mundane tasks become opportunities to pass the baton, to share from one generation to the next deep spiritual truths, funny stories (usually about me) and just the plain joy of living.

I also love to see my husband interact with my mom. I have never known a son-in-law and Mom-in-law who are so crazy about each other. My husband says that his mother-in-law is the smartest person he has ever met. Mom admires and respects Clint. I think if Clint and I ever split the blanket, mom might take his side. That thrills me. I know mom will never do anything to hurt, or undermine Clint in any way. I also know that mom is TRULY wanted, welcomed and valued in our home. Clint never wants her to go home. That is a really good feeling.

Another blessing about being the keeper of the mom is that I get to talk to more of my nieces and nephews. They all have to call and get their Grannie fix and in so doing, I get a little visit with them. I have a special life! If I never have another good thing to happen. I have been amply blessed with enjoyable family. (Don't tell my brothers I admitted that!) Thank you, mom for investing in my kids as you invested in me. Thanks for the example  of Christian womanhood that you live in front of my daughters.Thanks for being able to deal with all our craziness. Now let me go disable your car in case you decide to go home some day..

Love you mom!

Lawana

Sleeping People

It is a beautiful Saturday morning. Our children have permission to sleep in until 8:00 and they are doing a very good job. My beloved is also still sleeping. He almost never gets to sleep past 6:00 and I am thankful he is getting a little more sleep today. Even the bald hill that curves protectively around our place has a sleepy air about it this morning.

When I got up, I made the rounds. I looked at each sleeping face. I listened to each person's characteristic breathing. I thanked God they were not scattered in a jungle or in a desert trying to avoid persecution as some of their counterparts in today's world are. I prayed for the people who are being persecuted in the world. I tried to think specifically of who the individuals might be, wanting my prayer to be valid, not just a mantra that I say every day. I am so grateful to be safe. For my children's biggest concerns to be getting an education and balancing their schedules or perhaps whether they will need another surgery.

There are many mothers who won't be able to find their families today. Perhaps they will be reunited in a refugee camp some day, perhaps only in eternity. I pray for peace in their countries. As the Bible admonishes, I pray for the peace of Jerusalem. When Jerusalem is finally at peace, it will mean that the Lord has returned as the King of Kings! In that day even predators will be at peace with their prey and little children will be able to play with an asp (a type of viper) safely. Please come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Today, as I enjoy  undeserved privileges and prosperity that are greater than those of  99% of the world, I plan to be joyfully grateful. I am going for a walk now, in a safe area, while my children rest safely untouched by fire, flood, famine, or war.. I am hugely thankful for all my blessings.

Lawana


P.S. What song did I sing in my sleep last night?

                                                                                     
Lead Me To Calvary

King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.

Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.

Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid,
Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed
Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.

Let me like Mary, through the gloom,
Come with a gift to Thee;
Show to me now the empty tomb,
Lead me to Calvary.

May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee;
Even Thy cup of grief to share,
Thou hast borne all for me.