I have been quite blind (legally) for some time now. Well, actually, if my eyesight was not correctible, I would be considered legally blind. It is a burden I have borne since childhood, and I thank God that corrective lenses are available and affordable for my condition. In my early twenties, Danny bought me contact lenses, when they were still fairly expensive and novel, and what a blessing they were! I wore contacts until one particularly difficult hurricane season, which caused me to be plagued with sinus headaches, and contacts exacerbated the problem. So I went back to glasses.
Well, those who know me know I don’t care for going to the doctor, any doctor, no matter what the occasion. But I had been bringing shame and disgrace on my poor husband’s reputation for long enough. The legs of my glasses frame have been loose and coming off for several years. I figure there is always something you can do, some creative home remedy, to show how frugal you are and stay out of the doctor’s office! So, for years, I have been . . . ummm . . . using superglue, toilet paper, and brown mascara to “fix” them.
See, you just superglue a little (teeny) piece of tissue paper into place on one end of the leg, and then force it onto its place on the main frame. When it dries (they are right, it dries QUICK!) use the mascara to color it darker to match the frame. See? Another trip to the doctor avoided!
Well, this past Thursday, Danny insisted we both go in to see where things stand. He has good eye health, slight near-sightedness and slight far-sidedness. With the close work he does in engineering, the doctor thought he should get a pair of prescription “cheaters”.
My turn came. I am still legally blind, but my prescription has changed woefully. I will be getting another pair of glasses in a week or so, with cheaters built in. In the meantime, the doctor gave me a pair of contacts to see how I like them. I put them in today.
WWWOWWW! What a difference! I can see! I did not know how blind I really was, and have been for years, until the doctor opened my eyes. With these contacts and a nice little pair of librarian cheaters (sit on the end of the nose) I feel like I have new eyes! Of course, the contacts will take getting used to again, but I have been wearing them today for quite a while and all seems to be well. How nice!
I have been thinking about our spiritual eyes. We think all is well and we are seeing just fine. But things have been slipping, even deteriorating. We try all sorts of creative ways to avoid an appointment with Dr. Jesus. We think we can do just fine in our own “sight”. Never mind that we aren’t seeing what He wants us to see. Never mind that our way is never a substitute for His.
Then He gets ahold of us: “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened”. We are excited when we finally see. We are flooded with sorrow and shame that we resisted so long. We are grateful to the Great Physician, Who will make us whole if we submit our will to His. Thank you, Lord. Your principles have been Clearly Seen this week. I am so grateful that your mercy is everlasting.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
WHAT IS THAT??
That’s what I was saying a couple months ago when I looked around my house and found . . . google eyes!! Everywhere!! Grandson Matthew found a small packet of “google eyes” with self adhesive backs in my sewing/craft room one day. He (trusting in his knowledge of Grandmother’s sense of humor) proceeded to place them here and there in surprising locations around the house – on the fridge, inside cabinet doors, under shelf ledges, on mirrors, behind curtains, on the ceiling, etc. Not obvious, but not hidden either – kind of “hiding in plain view”. Well, we chuckled for a few days, then I asked him to take them down, which he willingly but reluctantly did.
Now it is months later and, Boo! One pops up in an unexpected place! The one above is over the key rack in the kitchen. I think it got overlooked because it just blended in or something. But I decided to leave it there – for a reason. When I was finding them here and there, they reminded me, every single time, that “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Prov. 15:3)
One of my favorite studies in the Word is the fear of the Lord. There are, of course, consequences for turning a blind eye to the proper fear of the Lord, but oh, how many wonderful blessings! Do a search on the phrase “fear of the Lord” or “those who fear Him”, and see the blessings He pours out on those who fear Him. Why, did you know there is even a book of remembrance being written in Heaven for those who fear Him and think on His name?
Somewhere, years ago, I read and clasped to my heart this definition of the fear of the Lord: “The constant awareness that I am in the presence of a holy God, and that I will give account to Him of every word, deed, and thought.” In our Bible studies together, the grandchildren and I have added “and attitude” to that definition.
Google eyes popping up unexpectedly are a visible reminder. His eyes are over the whole earth, even my kitchen. He further promises that His eyes are over the righteous and His ears are open to their cries. (Psalm 34:15) What a blessing! What a benefit! If we walk in His righteousness, we can know that He is providentially watching on our behalf, and He is listening for our cries – what a precious promise from our wise Heavenly Father! Thank you, Lord, for silly little reminders of your faithfulness!
Now it is months later and, Boo! One pops up in an unexpected place! The one above is over the key rack in the kitchen. I think it got overlooked because it just blended in or something. But I decided to leave it there – for a reason. When I was finding them here and there, they reminded me, every single time, that “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Prov. 15:3)
One of my favorite studies in the Word is the fear of the Lord. There are, of course, consequences for turning a blind eye to the proper fear of the Lord, but oh, how many wonderful blessings! Do a search on the phrase “fear of the Lord” or “those who fear Him”, and see the blessings He pours out on those who fear Him. Why, did you know there is even a book of remembrance being written in Heaven for those who fear Him and think on His name?
Somewhere, years ago, I read and clasped to my heart this definition of the fear of the Lord: “The constant awareness that I am in the presence of a holy God, and that I will give account to Him of every word, deed, and thought.” In our Bible studies together, the grandchildren and I have added “and attitude” to that definition.
Google eyes popping up unexpectedly are a visible reminder. His eyes are over the whole earth, even my kitchen. He further promises that His eyes are over the righteous and His ears are open to their cries. (Psalm 34:15) What a blessing! What a benefit! If we walk in His righteousness, we can know that He is providentially watching on our behalf, and He is listening for our cries – what a precious promise from our wise Heavenly Father! Thank you, Lord, for silly little reminders of your faithfulness!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Oh, My Stars!
Oh, my stars! Is there anything more wonderful than fresh, wild blackberries?? Yesterday, we went back to Uncle Robert’s (our son-in-law) secret bayhead to pick the most gorgeous, huge, juicy, sweet blackberries. We took 3 trucks this time, filled with grandchildren of every size and shape, and parents and grandparents – almost everyone joined the fun. Even 2 week old Baby William came along and did remarkably well out in the wilds.
It was a beautiful day. The property is back behind ours, even more secluded. Robert and his boys have permission from a local large property owner to seed the woods and edge of the pasture for hogs, turkey and deer (in anticipation of hunting season), and thus they discovered the treasure trove of berries.
We picked and ate and ate and picked, and every family came home with plenty. Tonight, I got out the fillo dough and put together a quick berry roll with agave, butter and berries. Danny raved and enjoyed with coffee. That’s his kind of treat!
Picking berries like this reminds me so of my Grandmother Whitley, my mother’s mother. We were close to my sweet grandmother, even living with her a couple of times in my childhood. She was a widow from the time I was 5 months old, and we did many old-time activities with her. I loved it. She would tell us stories of the old days – she was born in 1898. We went berry picking with her out in the woods, and it is my hope that my grandchildren will have the same kinds of precious memories I have of time with my grandmother.
What a joy to see the faces of the 17-year-old as well as the babies when they came upon an especially large plump jewel. And what a blessing that they were so willing to help Grandmother and Granddaddy fill a cooler, too. Margaret Anne brought me several longer than an inch, and Gracie found some wild begonias (believe it or not!) and made me an old-fashioned nosegay with flowers, berries, and leaves. Of course, the boys interspersed adventuring with picking, which was just fine. Oh, what a lovely day! Thank you, Lord, for Your wonderful world.
It was a beautiful day. The property is back behind ours, even more secluded. Robert and his boys have permission from a local large property owner to seed the woods and edge of the pasture for hogs, turkey and deer (in anticipation of hunting season), and thus they discovered the treasure trove of berries.
We picked and ate and ate and picked, and every family came home with plenty. Tonight, I got out the fillo dough and put together a quick berry roll with agave, butter and berries. Danny raved and enjoyed with coffee. That’s his kind of treat!
Picking berries like this reminds me so of my Grandmother Whitley, my mother’s mother. We were close to my sweet grandmother, even living with her a couple of times in my childhood. She was a widow from the time I was 5 months old, and we did many old-time activities with her. I loved it. She would tell us stories of the old days – she was born in 1898. We went berry picking with her out in the woods, and it is my hope that my grandchildren will have the same kinds of precious memories I have of time with my grandmother.
What a joy to see the faces of the 17-year-old as well as the babies when they came upon an especially large plump jewel. And what a blessing that they were so willing to help Grandmother and Granddaddy fill a cooler, too. Margaret Anne brought me several longer than an inch, and Gracie found some wild begonias (believe it or not!) and made me an old-fashioned nosegay with flowers, berries, and leaves. Of course, the boys interspersed adventuring with picking, which was just fine. Oh, what a lovely day! Thank you, Lord, for Your wonderful world.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Golden Day
Wow, what a negligent friend I have been! The grandchildren have been so involved in the Jamestown 400 Treasure Hunt that they commandeered my computer for the last few days (with Grandmother’s willing compliance) so they could multiply their efforts.
Mother’s Day . . . what a picture that evokes! This year, the mothers in this family spent it in our favorite way – with family at home. The children all stayed after homechurch, and we grilled out hamburgers and hotdogs. Being a family close in proximity as well as in emotional bond, it is sometimes a quandary how to spend Mother’s Day – do my siblings and I quibble over our mother? If one of my children hosts me, will the others feel hurt? And what about them? They are mothers, too. Their children and husbands want to celebrate with them also.
So this year, the grandchildren and husbands honored me and my daughters in a golden afternoon of food and fun. Just plain cook-out food was our feast, but it was easy and good, and the clean-up was simple. Our sessions around the table always drift into lingering story-telling and laughter. This was one of my favorite things as a child, so I am sure it is building the same memories for the grandchildren.
The youngsters took turns helping before and after the meal, with cleanup and with babies. What a blessing that Jason and Ashley came down, so little Savannah had a chance to just be one of the youngin’s and get to know her cousins better.
In the afternoon, there were some naps, and Uncle Robert corralled a gang to get in the back of the pickup and head for the woods to pick wild blackberries. Oh, what wonders they found! Huge, sweet berries (not without thorns, so those were a story in themselves), and the giant old gator with algae growing on his back (a safe distance away). There were enough berries to make two wonderful cobblers that evening, and still send home at gallon with each family. And there are still more to pick!
After dark, the grownups played Rook, a family favorite, while others watched a silly old movie with the little ones. If you have never seen “It Grows on Trees”, with Irene Dunne, it is worth the effort! Hmmm, just imagine opening a bud on a tree and finding a baby $10 bill!
Well, the evening finally came to a close. The sweethearts left my house in order and went to their own snuggy nests. It was another Golden Day.
Mother’s Day . . . what a picture that evokes! This year, the mothers in this family spent it in our favorite way – with family at home. The children all stayed after homechurch, and we grilled out hamburgers and hotdogs. Being a family close in proximity as well as in emotional bond, it is sometimes a quandary how to spend Mother’s Day – do my siblings and I quibble over our mother? If one of my children hosts me, will the others feel hurt? And what about them? They are mothers, too. Their children and husbands want to celebrate with them also.
So this year, the grandchildren and husbands honored me and my daughters in a golden afternoon of food and fun. Just plain cook-out food was our feast, but it was easy and good, and the clean-up was simple. Our sessions around the table always drift into lingering story-telling and laughter. This was one of my favorite things as a child, so I am sure it is building the same memories for the grandchildren.
The youngsters took turns helping before and after the meal, with cleanup and with babies. What a blessing that Jason and Ashley came down, so little Savannah had a chance to just be one of the youngin’s and get to know her cousins better.
In the afternoon, there were some naps, and Uncle Robert corralled a gang to get in the back of the pickup and head for the woods to pick wild blackberries. Oh, what wonders they found! Huge, sweet berries (not without thorns, so those were a story in themselves), and the giant old gator with algae growing on his back (a safe distance away). There were enough berries to make two wonderful cobblers that evening, and still send home at gallon with each family. And there are still more to pick!
After dark, the grownups played Rook, a family favorite, while others watched a silly old movie with the little ones. If you have never seen “It Grows on Trees”, with Irene Dunne, it is worth the effort! Hmmm, just imagine opening a bud on a tree and finding a baby $10 bill!
Well, the evening finally came to a close. The sweethearts left my house in order and went to their own snuggy nests. It was another Golden Day.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Baby William
Chris and Molly and children Callie, Mary, Abby, Margaret Anne, and C.J. welcome baby William yesterday, May 4, at 8:24 a.m. (Above, he is given the official “kiss on the hat” by big sister Abby!) He weighed just at 8 pounds and is a beautiful, healthy new blessing!
Callie called us about 1:30 a.m. to say they were all heading to the midwife, and Katie and I soon followed. Beth and her older girls were right behind. Molly is such a beautiful laboring mommy and always manages to keep her composure. Oh, there is definitely pain and weariness, bu she knows what works for her. All the girls quietly came into the room (at Molly’s invitation) for the last few minutes, and we rejoiced together when William was safely in the arms of his family.
He is grandbaby number 22 and is just as special and loved as the first. It was probably a unique occasion there at the birthing center yesterday, where all the grandchildren present were born, most in the very same room. Kitty is 18, and I remember as if it were yesterday when she was born. All my children were born in a hospital, under the influence of drugs, and I had never seen a baby so bright and alert and ready to take on life as Kitty!! She was the beginning of a whole new direction for this family. I am so glad the girls have never turned back.
Thank God for good medical care in our country, and we certainly thank Him for having it so available when baby Samuel needed intervention last summer. But we have been blessed with seeing the benefits of considering childbirth a normal life activity, rather than an illness (which was my experience in the ‘60s and ‘70s).
Well, thank you, Lord, for precious baby William. May he be a mighty man of God, as his father and grandfathers before him. May he carry on the heritage of faithfulness as it is imparted to him day after day through the years to come. May Molly recover quickly and be stronger than ever, and may the whole family get some rest today!
Callie called us about 1:30 a.m. to say they were all heading to the midwife, and Katie and I soon followed. Beth and her older girls were right behind. Molly is such a beautiful laboring mommy and always manages to keep her composure. Oh, there is definitely pain and weariness, bu she knows what works for her. All the girls quietly came into the room (at Molly’s invitation) for the last few minutes, and we rejoiced together when William was safely in the arms of his family.
He is grandbaby number 22 and is just as special and loved as the first. It was probably a unique occasion there at the birthing center yesterday, where all the grandchildren present were born, most in the very same room. Kitty is 18, and I remember as if it were yesterday when she was born. All my children were born in a hospital, under the influence of drugs, and I had never seen a baby so bright and alert and ready to take on life as Kitty!! She was the beginning of a whole new direction for this family. I am so glad the girls have never turned back.
Thank God for good medical care in our country, and we certainly thank Him for having it so available when baby Samuel needed intervention last summer. But we have been blessed with seeing the benefits of considering childbirth a normal life activity, rather than an illness (which was my experience in the ‘60s and ‘70s).
Well, thank you, Lord, for precious baby William. May he be a mighty man of God, as his father and grandfathers before him. May he carry on the heritage of faithfulness as it is imparted to him day after day through the years to come. May Molly recover quickly and be stronger than ever, and may the whole family get some rest today!
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