On Sunday I was very much in a mental daze. It is one of the drawbacks that I willingly embrace after spending a weekend with minimal sleep and being in the company of a big group of people half my age. I gave myself the freedom to stay home from church that morning. Yeah I was that out of sorts. But there was an afternoon picnic that I really wanted to attend. I am so glad I did. See who I got to hold.....

This is Kelly's new grand baby. Isn't she beautiful?

(I didn't ask if I could post these pictures but she has a picture on her site so I think it is okay. Kelly I am sorry if I am overstepping my boundaries. here.)

Isn't she tiny? It always amazes me how quickly they grow. My babies were once that small. It all happens so fast and it is easy to forget. It takes my breath away to think about the unique and wonderful thing that God does with each baby, each child, each life.

I never fail to find myself in another world when I am in the presence of little ones. Whether I am sharing goofy faces and giggles with a toddler or looking into the angel glow of a newborn; the rest of the world stops for me. I look in their eyes and see the pure joy and acceptance that surrounds them. I see their future destinies that sit on the horizon just waiting to unfold.

Often people will look at me while in this state and say things like, "Oh Julie you need to have more kids." My reply is always a firm no (with a smile). I have too much fun being 'family support' on the side lines.

God is so very amazing in what He creates.

What He did and does with each life is no accident or chance happening.

If you haven't seen this video, I encourage you to take a few minutes and watch it. It is encouraging, impacting, exciting, and inspiring.

Introducing...

We were at a baby shower, of all things. I have never been much of a game player but the games were fun, as far as games go. Then the hostess said, "The buffet is open. Please help yourself to the goodies."
As ladies tend to do, no one wanted to be the first to the table. Ladies think that it might insinuate that they are actually hungry or enjoy food a bit too much. Again the hostess made a table call. This time, Kelly Ann and I looked at one another with an expression of 'let's start a new trend'. We jumped up and started sampling everything as we hovered around the yummies proclaiming goodness all around.

That was how Kelly Ann and I met. Since that time we have often teased about being each other's 'eating buddy'. But really, she is so much more than that to me. Kelly has been a huge blessing in my life in the 6 and half years that we have known one another. Her insight, hugs, and great sense of humor always puts a smile on my face.

Now Kelly is starting a new venture...blogging! She is simply too wonderful to not share. So, drop by her place, appropriately titled Inside The Garden of my Heart, when you get opportunity. I guarantee you will be blessed.

Counting Blessings...

Nothing I write here this evening would make anyone say......
"Shazam and Great Scott! What an amazing post! I must share this with all of my friends and keep them in the know."

Instead this is simply for my own purpose. Several sweet and encouraging blessings have happened over the weekend and I don't want them erased from my mind by the ravages of the continued ticking clock of life.

1) I have now made it through the first week and a half of school. I think we might actually be having some fun too. Seriously, all of the students are doing great and trying to comprehend the new concepts I throw their way. There are only minor groans as I hand out assignments of essays to be written and algebra to be learned.

2) Our Saturday youth fun event was a success. I was really starting to worry by Friday night. It was my job to organize the long sought after Capture the Flag event. Even though I heard all summer long from the youth as to how desperate they were to play it, I couldn't get any commitments out of them for who would actually attend. This made planning carpools and food quite a headache for me and I feared the game would be a flop. Ultimately that little voice in my head was saying it would flop because of me. Why do I ever give that little voice the time of day? We had a turn out of 26 youth all decked out in camo gear and recon equipment. It was a huge success and today they showed off their blackberry bush battle wounds proudly as if they were golden medals of pride and honor.

3) The person who encouraged me to get involved with TIP asked me today how things were going. He was such an encouragement and wanted me to tell all the details of my calls so I could feel proud. When he asked me if I had any frustrations at all, I confessed that it is the driving to a destination that turns my nerves into a jumble. Don't get me wrong....maps are easy and I can read them no problem. It is just the idea of figuring out a super quick route from point A to B and arrive to any given place in the WHOLE Portland-metro area within 20 minutes that freaks me out and makes my nerves a wreck. And yes I must obey ALL traffic laws.
He asked if I had thought about an after market navigation system. Yes definately I have been thinking about it but as with most everyone else raising a family, finances are tight right now. so, he blew me away by telling me this....
"You do the research, talk to your husband, and let me know what you come up with and I promise I will pay for at least half of it."

Boy that came out of left field for me. Who does things like that?

4) Destiny's grandma came up to me today with tears of gratitude for making childrens classes happen at church. She said that it is such an encouragement to her to know that when she can only bring Destiny to church sometimes once in a month.......that Destiny is learning about the Real God of Realationships of Heart and Grace. That blessed me so greatly. Sometimes I get tired and my discouragement questions why I put all of the energy into it when I can't see emmediate results before my eyes.

After teaching a room full of energized 10 year old boys.....I needed to hear that today.