It has been weeks since I have been on here. Weeks since I have even thought about writing again. Everything has been happening. Nothing has been happening. "Much Ado about Nothing". (I know the book isn't about this subject, I just like the title).
Since I last wrote:
Several new babies have entered this world - Yea! I just love babies. It is new life at its' very finest hour! Welcome to our world: Tyler Fineley, Kaleb Thomas, Deacon Ericson and Maxwell Matney! Little babies - will be boys - will be men.
One little soul departed to his eternal home with Jesus. A funeral with a little, white casket is unnerving. Kekeli Ayivor left his mark on this world and I know that his life path certainly altered mine. Shortly after his funeral, I had a really vivid dream about him. Heaven was my home and I was walking around (that sounds so funny!) just being happy. All of a sudden, I saw this tall, handsome brown person walking toward me, with a smile as wide as his face. As he approached me, he held his hand out as he exclaimed quite loudly - "I'm Kekeli!" We embraced and then I woke up. Every time another one that I have known enters heaven, it makes it all the more REAL to me. I look forward to meeting Keke someday.
Currently, I am reading a book called "Becoming the Woman I Want to Be" by Donna Partow. I often misplace books and forget to finish them, so it is like finding a treasure when they turn up in an unexpected place. I had started this one twice before, and judging by the dates I jotted along the margins, I was struggling and rejoicing over some of the same things that I am today!
Part of the focus of the book is to become a woman that is thankful. I am taking that focus to heart and I am in the process of mentally listing things I am thankful for everyday. Here are my top ten for this day:
1. Summer breaks. Our Yellar is home from Boyce College and Michaela and Jon-Mark have finished their end of the year school tests. It's "officially" summer!
2. Our cat Gunner. He has become one of our favorite pets of all times. He is full of personality and so affectionate. I'm so glad I picked out a great Christmas present for Dan!
3. Logos Bible Church. The Pastors, the people, the things that I'm learning.
4. Impromptu Dates. Dan surprised me with a delightful one a few days ago! Not knowing where we were going, I dressed up (dress, heels, shawl). We went to Cap City Diner (crab bisque - need I say more?) and then to the theatre to see "Toy Story 3" in 3D! This was my first 3D experience. It was fantastic! We shared the theatre with 4 other people and I splurged and bought popcorn. Great movie! Great buddy.
5. Our Older Children. They make me laugh! (and cry sometimes).
6. Our Younger Children. They make me laugh! (and cry sometimes).
7. Our check balance. For the second year in a row, I have consistently had the funds necessary to pay our bills. THANK YOU GOD! If you haven't had the necessary funds available, you may not understand how wonderful this is!
8. Our new friends. Charles and Bernice, Adam and Ginger. You guys have blessed us with your lives, your laughter, your tears and your transparency.
9. Our pool. It has been in the 90's lately. Need I say more?
10. My bike. I have been out riding 8 times now. I'm riding between 5 - 11 miles either with Dan or Danielle. I love it!
Well, that's about it.
Wait, there is one more. I am thankful for this quote that was sent to me years ago:
"Love God and Do whatever you like". St. Augustine. I figure, if I am loving God, I will be loving the things He loves. If I love the things He loves (people, truth, character, etc.) then I will naturally learn to walk in a way that is uncluttered by rules and regulations. My heart motivation will be to live my life to the best of my ability and look forward to the day I'll be with Jesus forever.
