Living the Dream

Just living the dream……oh what fun it is to ride and drive and jive! This sweet, little man, my youngest grandson, Bryson, and I are having a great time of summer fun. This is the first time, since my first grandchild 26 years ago, to have alone time for any length of time with one of my other grandchildren. I’m savoring every moment! Usually, our time together includes big brother or one of the parents, but here we are, while big brother is at summer camp in Seattle.

Bryson’s main request while in Tulsa: Incredible Pizza – a place he remembers well and gone away from way too long! We spent several hours there yesterday -- jumping on trampolines, laser tag, and bumper cars (I wasn't jumping OR tagging or bumping, but taking it all in). But, together we rode the go-karts, played miniature golf and lots of games and enjoyed yummy pizza. I listen intently to his musings, his quick little retorts to something silly I said, and to the answer he gave to someone’s question “What’s your favorite school subject?” He said, “Math!” What kid says “math”? I’m thinking…P.E., lunch! I love his desire to impress me with his diving and swimming the length of the pool skills. I love seeing the difference in his miniature golf today (after he’s had many golf lessons from a golf pro versus the non-skilled and, quite frankly, a little bored with the game years ago). I love it when I ask him to pray for our meal and isn’t resistant in any way.

The Michie’s (my dear friends and our Tulsa home) son was by last night and we talked about his 3-year-old and 10-month-old children and I, on my bandwagon, urged him to savor the moments. Yes, I know, when our little ones are little, the days are long and the years go by fast. But even when those days are long, I urged him to stop and listen to their words. Joseph told us that the 3-year old woke him up to tell him “I love you. I’m going to miss you today.” Oh, treasure those words today and tomorrow and for years to come.

It won't be long before this little guy and my little guy will be grown up with families of their own. I know I must sound like a broken record – but I’m passionate about the little things, the simple pleasures, the things that money can’t buy, the beauty of a tender hug and soft kiss on the cheek, a question “Nana, can I sleep with you tonight?’ These special simple pleasures keep reminding me that the greatest blessings on earth come without a price tag.

Treasuring these times, noticing simple pleasures, and counting our blessings. It means learning to live our lives as if everything were a miracle. Tomorrow may never come, so being aware on a continuous basis of how much we've been given. Gratitude shifts our focus from what our life lacks to the abundance of what we already have. Maybe, the best prescription we could take to dispel the common "woe-is-me" attitude is to offer thanksgiving for the "simple pleasures". We just might be re-energized, have new vitality and excitement for this beautiful life that is made up of "simple pleasures"! Mine starts again today -- in a big way when Bryson and I will go see Great Granny, spend time with a little cousin, swim with a friend, climb a tree house, tell silly stories, laugh at Nana singing “Cool Kids” and “What can I say but you’re welcome!” I'll savor it all and hold it all close to my heart because my heart is full and overflowing.

These Two Gals With Me From the Start

Day 354 of Photo Inspirations -- These Two Gals With Me From the Start
Yesterday Mom (my mom-in-law) and Karen (my sis-in-law) had our little gift exchange before I head to Texas today.  These two gals are so dear to me. We've been together since the very beginning of the courtship of my sweetheart and I.  Mom was always for me.  She and my Mom were in cahoots as they prayed and conspired to help these two kids see the light about our "match made in heaven and on earth".

And, Karen, four years younger than her brother, would sit at our booth when we went to Kip's Big Boy Restaurant after Sunday night church.  Karen would snicker when she'd look under the table and see Ronnie and I holding hands.  

God blessed me with these precious women, who are not only my Mom and Sister (forget that whole "in law" thing), but have been my prayer partners, confidants, encouragers, loving caregivers, and dear friends for 54+ years. They've stood with me during the best of times and the worst of times. When I think of God's blessings....they are right up there at the top.

We were almost rolling from laughter when we were using my selfie stick to get the photo of the three of us.  Mom said, "I just love using that 'mirror'.  We've come a long way in photo technology since the start of our relationship.

For many years, one of my Christmas gifts to Mom is the "Photo Calendar" that I make for her.  I love to be "in the moment" in taking photos throughout the year for the main purpose of putting together her calendar.

Mom loved looking at each page of photos -- some that I pulled from the archives -- like the one of all Mom's grandkids and great grandkids playing her organ, as well as the one of Alexia and Madison in their princess dresses and Payton laughing hysterically at them.   Mom keeps the calendar in a prominent spot in her kitchen.

Before the two gals were ready to head home, we did what we've always done best together.....we prayed earnestly for each other, our families and friends, and for our country.  It was prayer that bound us together years ago and prayer that continues to bind us together today.

And those prayers have stood the test of time......we've seen so many answers to prayer, some of which weren't answered the way we wanted, but the answers came the way God wanted.  Father ALWAYS knows best.  

We'll continue to pray because, of all the uncertainties in this world, there is a CERTAINTY that is unfailing.....God HEARS and ANSWERS our prayers.

I'm so grateful that this beautiful time of the year gives us plenty of opportunities to be thankful for those things that matter most.....those things that money can't buy.....those things that we'll take to eternity with us.  

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,  I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."  Ephesians 1:15

Sweetest Treasures -- the Things Money Can't Buy!

Zig said, "Money isn't everything, but it ranks right up there with oxygen." We need money -- no question about it -- and, besides the necessities of life, I have to admit that I like the nice things that money will buy. I like to live in a nice house, drive a nice car, wear nice clothes, travel to nice places, going out to eat at nice restaurants...etc.

Though I really like all of those things, but, more importantly, the things that money can't buy is what I love the most -- my family, friends, joy, peace, comfort, freedom from doubt and worry, being able to forgive, saying, "I love you" -- and REALLY mean it, to sleep well at night with a clear conscience, and to know the gift of God's love and presence in my life.

I sleep really good at night; I love my home where I'm never lonely because of God's sweet presence that lives here with me, and I have lots and lots of friends. Yes -- how wealthy we are when we realize the people and things that really matter most.