Family . . .

Babies, babies, babies . . . From left: daughter Beth and baby Emma Jane; daughter Molly and baby William; my sister's daughter Priscilla and baby Julia; my sister's daughter-in-law and baby Karis; daughter Katie and baby Samuel.

This evening, we had a gathering of the Harrises who were in the vicinity. That is my family. Our three daughters and families were there, including one son-in-law who has just come home from weeks on the road. Thank you, Lord! (Our son and his family have had to travel to his wife's hometown to be with her family during an illness.) My brother brought three of his grandchildren, and my sister's family was well represented. And of course we were all blessed when my beautiful mother was able to be there, after spending the day ministering to my father in the VA. It was a lovely evening together, just for fellowship. We don't live far from each other, but we don't always make the time to fellowship among the larger family. This was one of those good times!

We couldn't help but be aware of so many babies right now! For a while it seemed that our grandchildren were basically growing up, but in the last year or so, we have been blessed with 4 grandbabies. Then tonight when the extended family was together, we just had to take a picture of all the babies! (and moms, without which some babies wouldn't hold still long enough for a picture!)

There were the usual stories and remembering, the children playing outside (from babies all the way up to the 18 year old -- hey, we are different -- our teens love to run and play! Well, in the right way and at the right time, anyway!) We celebrated Margaret Anne's birthday and enjoyed the other children's joy and anticipation as they watched her open their gifts. Danny took the grandnieces out to see baby chicks and help feed the cows their hay. Another golden day at Dayspring Farm. Thank you, Lord, for your amazing blessings on our family.

Delightful Day!

Sweet sixteen, Caroline Susannah! Blessings on you, Callie!

Cousin Gracie and Callie's sister Mary

Callie Sue with cousin Kitty, friends Olivia and Jessica

Three of Callie's guests, cousin Sarah, friends Rachel and Ariana.

Grandmama and the honoree, beautiful Callie. I call this my "Aunt Bee" hat!

Today, we had Callie's 16th birthday tea. She had chosen a 1940's garden party theme, and what fun we had preparing for it! We found vintage hats and glued silk flowers on them, search and found white gloves for everyone, brought out the lace linens and floral china, made punch and finger sandwiches, as well as other lovely delicacies.

Callie was surrounded by her mama and aunts, both grandmothers, sisters and cousins, and lots of sweet friends. It was a precious privilege for me to lead in prayer asking God's blessing on Callie. After dinner, the girls entertained each other with piano and violin pieces, and Callie and Gracie each sang an opera piece (in Italian!). Then it was out to the garden for little shortbreads, cookies, and lemon bars with punch. (Dinner was enjoyed inside, since it was well into the 90s today!)

It brought back so many sweet memories to me of my childhood, when ladies wore hats and gloves for such occasions, and the girls really played it up bigtime! Another milestone for a godly young lady taking her place as a woman of God. Happy Birthday, sweet Callie!

Old Paths, part 2

We were talking last month (well, I couldn’t get many of you to talk, so I guess I was talking!) about Jeremiah 6:16. I gave my word to return to the topic and continue on to the last part, and it is about time I did! This verse relates how the Lord once more extended His mercy to His people and gave them instructions for accomplishing His plan, which would result in rest for their sin-sick souls.

In Jeremiah 6:16, we find several imperatives, “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls . . .” Let me say “sorry” to the folks who see them as suggestions; you know, if life really gets discouraging or hopeless, you might try these. Hey, couldn’t hurt, could it? No, that is not God’s way. He has given these imperatives:

STAND – take time to stop and stand still. Contemplate.

SEE – Open our eyes, the entrance of God’s Word gives light to the eyes. Really see.

ASK – Take the initiative. How foolish to sit back and wait for the Lord to snap us to attention (although He does this sometimes). Actually ask the Lord for the old paths, because that is where the good way is.

WALK – begin to take steps down the old paths. Move one foot in front of the other, do the next thing. Take action. Obey His imperative.

THEN! Then you will find rest for your souls. I cannot tell you how many people, mothers mainly, who share with me their heart-sickness over their children. They are not at rest. They are at an age when they should have rest in their souls about their children. But they did not choose the old paths. They thought the world was so much more up-to-date and “enlightened”. They thought, “Oh, everything will work out okay.” It is almost as if they have quoted the remainder of the verse in Jeremiah 6:16, “We will not walk therein.”

Can you imagine arguing with God, contradicting Him, when He gives imperatives? Can you imagine thinking we know more than Him about what will give rest to our souls? Some know the truth and refuse it, because it is an inconvenient time for them to take the old paths. It is not fun and does not bring what the world paints as “fulfillment”. Others truly do not know. They have not been shown a better way.

God help us to be faithful women of the Word for His glory. May He bring those across the paths of our families who need rest for their souls, women and families we can show a better way – those we can teach by example and precept. He will use His faithful women if we will ourselves submit to His plan for us and follow the old paths. Thank you, Lord, for Your goodness and mercy in giving us hope and light on the path.