Happy Memorial Day

My son leaves in 8 days for the United States Army.  Would you please remember him in your prayers as well as all of the brave men and women who serve our great country. 

Happy 18th Joshua!!

Well, today is the day.  My young man turns 18!  At 9:05 am, he entered this world 18 years ago at 8 pounds, 5 ounces and 23 1/2 inches long!  Things were a big tenuous for me on that day.  My heart did not handle the anesthesia well and my heartbeat was lost three times.  It left me with a heart condition known as cardiomyopathy.  However, God in His infinitie mercy, allowed me the privilege of being called "mom" by this young man.  It has been my honor and my joy these last 18 years.

Some of the funny things along life's jouney with Joshua.  At the age of three he was walking outside holding my hand in the dark.  He looked up and saw the moon and was completely delighted.  He exclaimed "I found the moon for you, Mommy!"  It would be years later that he would realize that he didn't really discover the moon but to this day we can be walking somewhere at night or even driving in the car and look at the moon and each other and either mouth the words or say them aloud "I found the moon for you".  It is one of those precious moments that has never gone away and I thank God for. 

Joshua loves my homemade spaghetti.  It's not like I am the world's greatest cook, but in this arena, he makes me feel like Emeril!  He and his buddies will gobble it up and will ask specifically for my pasta and then go on and on and on about my pasta.  He makes me feel like a queen.

Joshua has told me everyday that he loves me as well as this statement "are you glad your my mama because I'm glad I'm your son".  He would bound up three flights of stairs to make sure he hugged me and told me these things before he left the house before football practice. 

Joshua loves to eat!  Anything really.  He loves that God made food and all kinds of it and he has the healthiest appreciation of it.  Especially potato chips!!  A trip to the grocery store will entail at least 5 different bags of potato chips and you'll be hoping this makes it through the week.

Joshua loves people.  He is a chatterbox.  He knows no stranger and he loves to talk about the things of the Lord, politics, and the military.  He will be joining the US Army on June 9th.  He graduates next Friday.  There are so many changes coming his way.  He is excited about all of them.  I'm happy to have been a part of this young man's life thus far and can't wait to see what the Lord has for him.  He is a joyful young man who makes my cup run over on many occasions. 

Happy Birthday, Son.  Thank you for finding the moon for me.  My life would not have been the same without you.  You are such a joy!  I love you so much!

Word for Wednesday

Psalm 36:5 "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies"  Amen and Amen

Making every moment count.....................

I missed blue Monday but as you can see, our family went out on the River this past Saturday and there was a lot of Blue and had there been more than 24 hours in a day, I might have had a post ready for blue Monday, but alas.....I'm past midnight and just getting this ready. 

I am not daunted though.  We had a great time on the river enjoying each other and making each moment count with the time we have left with Joshua.  He leaves in 23 days.  For those of you who haven't heard me recite the countdown a hundred times, please bear with me.  My son turns 18 this Friday.  He graduates the following Friday and then leaves for boot camp June 9th (though technically we get him one day less because we have to take him to Tampa on June 8th and leave him for the night....sigh). 

Here's some pics of our time together.  This first set is baby Jason and his father enjoying the shade.  Don't you love  when the Psalmist writes in the 121st psalm verse 5 "The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand".  It reminds me that God cares about us in all areas of our life.  Even the smallest things...even enough to give us shade in the hot sun.  He is so good!

And Brendan is showing off some of the crabs that he and best bud Aaron were catching in plentiful supply. 

The next set is my soon to be 18 year old son (no, I'm not grappling with this issue at all) who was trying to relax at the shore line after riding the wave runners.  I thought he looked like he was doing a sit up so I snapped a shot.  He confirmed to me that this is why I would NOT be allowed to go to basic training with him.  I'm still confused at that remark.  (not really). lol

The picture next to this one is a shot my sister took so it will be the best one since she is a great photographer.  This is myself and my son (who turns 18 on Friday...for those of you who forgot).  Yes, he was humoring me at this point.  He was ready to get back out on the water (which was so beautiful).  Each time I'm around the water I'm mindful of the verse in Genesis 1:2 "And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters".  I often wonder if it is why I am at such peace there.
I am thankful to the Lord for the gift of the oceans, lakes, streams and bodies of water that give us pleasure.  He is so good!

The next set of pictures is my beloved sister Candy and her oldest son, Brendan.  Doesn't he look tired?  He had just jumped off the wave runner and swam a long distance to shore.  Candy is such a great mom.  She has the perfect balance of discernment and discipline as opposed to yours truly who jumped up a few times and ran to the water thinking the children's imminent demise was upon us.  Again, my son pointed out this would be another reason why I would not be allowed at boot camp.  He is a wise son!

Then there is Candy and my son (who is turning 18 on Friday, by the way.  Not sure if I mentioned that or not).  They have quite the bond, those two.  She lived in California when I gave birth to Joshua.  She came to see him when he was a few weeks old.  She laid eyes on him, held him, loved on him, and there was no turning back.  Well, there was a return ticket, so she did go home a week later but then she called in tears and wanted to move here and couldn't bear to be away from us (that would be Joshua) and within a month she had moved in with us! 

The last picture is the baby of the family.  Baby Jason.  He is a hoot!  Full of curiosity.  He loves the river and catching crabs, fish, creatures of all kinds! He makes friends easily and will play all day throwing dirt at anyone and everyone.  (not always fun for others) He loves the wave runners and seems to love to "go faster daddy"!!  Candy handles this well.  I close my eyes.  Another reason I won't be allowed to go to boot camp with my son.  Sigh.

Luke 1:47 "And my Spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior"

Sunday Blessings

Don't ever forget it! Have a wonderful day, blessed in the Lord!

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

I'm linking up with Amy today and playing a favorite worship song to my King Jesus.  I've picked Mercy Me singing "All of Creation".  I pray it blesses you as much as it does me.  I find myself singing it over and over again.  Hope your day is filled with a beautiful lifesong to the Lord.  ((hugs))

Friday Funnies

It's Friday Funnies!  Yay!  Linking up with my friend, Kimmy, and posting a clip from one of my favorite funny guys, Brian Regan.  Hope you get a giggle out of him!!  Big hugs today from me to you.
God bless you.

Word for Wednesday

Psalm 59:16 "I will shout for joy each morning because of your unfailing love.  For you have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress"

 May the Lord bless you this day.

Blue Monday

Happy Blue Monday.  I'm linking with Smiling Sally today and splashing some blue your way.  My nephew, Jason, had his final soccer game this weekend.  He received his first trophy and he was the most excited young one to receive a trophy.  He even slept with it Saturday night.  It was so adorable.

Here he is in all of his glory.  Take a look at the beautiful blue skies the Lord provided for us on that day!  The smiles and the laughter of the childrem brought us all so much joy! I praise the Lord for  the giggles and the smiles of children.

Matthew 18:2 "And He called to Him a little child, amd set Him in the midst of them and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn and become as little children, ye shall in no way enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Happy Mother's Day

Proverbs 31:24-28 "She maketh linen garments and selleth them.  Strength and dignity are her clothing. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; She looketh well to the ways of her household. Her children rise up and call her blessed."

Thank you, Mom, for everything you do.  Thank you, Mom, for being you.  We definitely rise up and call you blessed.  Happy Mother's Day.  Love you so much.

Debbie, Rhonda, Candy & Paul

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

Today is the day I link up with Amy to play a worship song.  My nephew, Brendan, asked me to play "Beautiful One".  This is By The Tree.  We hope you have a blessed day knowing the Beautiful One is

watching over you!  Love ya bunches!!

Friday Funnies

Happy Friday!  I'm going to link up with my friend, Kimmy, and post a video that was forwarded to me.  I've posted it on Facebook and had several requests for it so I've decided to post it here today.  It is funny in one respect, but it is just so amazingly true!!! I hope you enjoy Tamara Lowe and her Jesus Rap! 

Word for Wednesday

John 4:14 "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life"