Just Stuff...

Today I attended the funeral for my husband's grandma, Lillian. She was a dear, sweet lady--married to "Pop" for 65 years! How amazing is that! And Erick did a fantastic job preaching at the funeral. I was so proud of him, as I know it was hard to pull it together and lead the service like that, while grieving for his grandmother that he'd known all his life. I was very proud to be his wife today.

But as he talked, God laid on my heart a new perspective that I've known before but tend to forget...After I'm gone, and others are left behind, it won't matter what kind of stuff I have. They won't talk about the house I have, or the car I drove, or how much money I have. They will talk about what kind of person I was, what my character was like, and how I helped other people. They will talk about the impact I had on others, my family and my friends.

There are so many times when I wish we had a new house, or I drove a new car, or had a new this or that. I love new stuff, just like the next gal. But I have to remember it's not the most important thing. What is important, what will last, is how I lived my life for Jesus Christ. And how I impacted others for Jesus as well. Man, it's hard to keep this type of focus in this material world. Thank you Lord for reminding me of this.

"The question for each man to settle is not what he would do for the Lord if he had more money, time or education, but what he will do with the things he has. It's not who you are or what you have that matters--but whether Christ controls you." Author Unknown

Cousins at Play!

Here we have Jaden and Hunter, cousins and friends. They were playing at Aunt Stephanie's wedding reheasal dinner a few weekends ago. It was so much fun to get to see them laugh and play, along with Hunter's sister Kaydee.

Stephanie had a beautiful wedding! We were so thankful that we could help with the preparation and attend the wonderful ceremony. We pray for Stephanie and Cody, that as they join together they would continue to follow God in their new adventure of marriage.

Playtime with Ethan!

During one of the fun days of summer, I got some individual play time with my little Ethan. He was so cute that I had to pull out my camera. He is so different than Jaden. Ethan will play on his own for about 15-20 minutes, if he has enough toys around him to keep him occupied, as noted by the last pic. He is also very intense about what he is doing, usually with some kind of goal in mind.

By contrast, Jaden usually needed Mommy beside him to be happy playing with toys for any length of time. I don't know if it's the first child syndrome, or if their personalities are just so different. Jaden was very laid back, and very dependent on Mommy, while Ethan is the independent, curious investigator. Either way, we are enjoying the differences which make them so unique and beautiful. So hope you enjoy the pix of my cute 14 month old baby having fun play time at home!

Selah

Selah...meaning think about it...praise the Lord!

"The great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer; nor those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time and pray.They have not time. It must be taken from something else. This something else is important, very important and pressing, but still less important and less pressing than prayer."

S.D. Gordon

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Last Saturday, July 11, Jaden and Daddy had a fun guys night out at the ballpark as they went to see the Astros take on the Washington Nationals. Afterward, Jaden told me, "The Astros like to play baseball. I didn't get to play, but the Astros play baseball all the time because the Astros like to play baseball."

Jaden also enjoyed the yummy hot dog supper and walking around the ballpark. And Daddy got to add to his Astros cup collection. It was an exciting night for father and son!

Celebrate Freedom!

So for this 2009 Independence Day we went out to see the Friendswood 4th of July Parade. It was fun to be there as noone in our family had ever seen it before. I enjoyed viewing the bands, and all the red, white and blue floats, and the kids on their decorated bikes. But as it wore on, it got hot, and my boys got tired and cranky. Yea for the Houston heat of summer.But it was great to be outside, celebrating with the others in our community, givng thanks for the wonderful freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Yes, I, along with everyone else, take them for granted. But I am thankful for the many who faught in the past, and the ones still fighting overseas as I write this, for our freedom of religion, of democracy, and the many other rights I enjoy every day.

"Thank you Lord for the big things and the small things we enjoy as Americans every day."