Thursday, May 29, 2008

Happy Birthday Alisha

Happy Birthday Alisha
May 29
You are a very special daughter and wonderful mother. You have instilled good Godly things into Preston, and it is obvious that he adores you. I know it hasn’t been easy but you have bravely taken the role of both mom and dad - and provider - and are doing an outstanding job with the Lord by your side. I am proud that you pursued your dream, and went forward to receive a Master of Health Administration and a Master of Geriatric Health, which has allowed you to work in the health field that you love - and what you are doing will benefit so many. Have a wonderful day. I love you dearly, Mom



Tuesday, May 27, 2008

A Bridge to Cross


"Discipline is the Bridge
between Goals and Accomplishment."



Monday, May 26, 2008

Memorial Day 2008


The greatest tribute we can pay
to our men and women in the Armed Services
is to continue holding them up in prayer.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Design's Struggle

Design's Struggle
by KJ Hopper

Evidence of struggle is visible in the potter's room,
with a shapeless mass heading for probable doom.
In considering the form on exhibit that day,
one hardly visions beauty being made of the clay.

The potter positions the mass upon His wheel,
clay endlessly resisting, grasping to hold to its will.
Visibly stressed, spinning in a circular motion,
one realizes this effort not an instrument of notion.

Endless designs created, none worthy to redeem,
it once again pressed down, nothing left to glean.
On goes the battle of two wills entangled in war,
a potter, a lump of clay, rivaling for the ultimate score.

Why can't the clay desire to be one of honor and glory,
surrendering to become a part of salvation's story?
The potter desires only a vessel to divinely create,
but the clay, not the potter, must choose its own fate.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Riding the Elevator

Genuine love is like an elevator,
It willingly travels up and down.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Happy Birthday Cameron

Happy Birthday Cameron
May 20
To a wonderful son whose desire to follow after God’s wisdom and being guided by Him has and continues to be a blessing. You are such a great dad to Madison and Cassidy, not only making sure that they are well cared for and educated but most importantly instilling in them a love and faithfulness to the Lord and His work. You are such a tender and caring person. I love you dearly, Mom.




Sunday, May 18, 2008

Happy Birthday Kellee

Happy Birthday Kellee
May 18
You are a remarkable daughter who has not only made a place for yourself in the business world - but more importantly has given your love and devotion to serving the Lord. You are such a blessing, particularly through your anointed singing and caring for others. I love you dearly, Mom



Thursday, May 15, 2008

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

It's Almost Dawn!



We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise,
when we have waited in darkness.




Monday, May 12, 2008

Saturday, May 10, 2008

A Tribute to Mothers

What is a Mother?

A Mother Is STRONG


A Mother Is WISE


A Mother Is PATIENT


A Mother UNDERSTANDS


A Mother Is GENTLE


A Mother Is LONG SUFFERING


A Mother TEACHES


A Mother PROTECTS


A Mother Is IMPARTIAL


A Mother LOVES AT ALL TIMES


Happy Mother's Day!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

My Inheritance

In doing my spring cleaning, I have come across so many things that my children and grandchildren have shown interest in. I am in the process of boxing them up, and when opportunity presents itself, they will be transferred into their hands.

True, I've been talking about material things. But what will they inherit that truly tells my life's story? What part of my life do I love and relish more each day? What are the things that I want most to give my children and my grandchildren? Let me share them with you.

My Inheritance
by K.J. Hopper

An inheritance is a marvelous thing,
Dignity of character proudly to bring.
My inheritance is not the trophies of man,
but treasures built by a spiritual hand.

One a Bible, its pages tattered and torn,
telling of daily reading until well worn.
A small handkerchief stained by salty tears,
testifing to supplications made through the years.
A miraculous healing, righting a medical wrong,
stating miracles happen when faith is strong.

Children raised knowing there is but One God,
manifested in the flesh by His blessed Son.
An inheritance of baptism in the wonderful name,
Of the Lord Jesus Christ who forever shall reign.
And then the greatest endowment given of all,
The Holy Ghost, a gift unveiling eternity’s call.

And to My Loved Ones (if you happen to read this),
You may cherish the vintage angels, the china, the die-cast collections, the watches and clocks, the knives, the California pottery, and everything else Dad and I have collected because they are a part of our makeup. BUT most of all I pray that you cherish the heritage in the Lord that was collected through many a trial, many a heartache, many a valley. Yes, that's is the inheritance I want to give you the most.
Love, Mom (and Nana)


Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Keep Sewing On


I just became the proud owner of a new sewing machine. It has been 27 years since I've had a new machine. In fact, for the last two years, I haven't had one at all. What would necessitate that I buy one now? Projects - namely, window coverings, a Pergola cover, to mention a few. With its purchase I started to think. About what? Well, the making of garments, and the importance in a covering.

As mothers, our greatest commission is to prepare our children for life. The 31st Proverbs talks of a virtuous woman - a woman who gave much thought in readying her family for the various seasons. She knew there would be days when storms would rise - when hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes would appear in an attempt to destroy her children. We, like this woman, must ready our children for such times. We must design our patterns through prayer, and sow the garments with threads woven in peace. Then, when the elements beat with all their fury against our precious ones, we will have the assurance that the enemy cannot destroy them. Yes, it will take hours, weeks, months and years of preparation - time we could spend doing things for ourselves, doing what we want - but, I for one, want to make sure my loved ones are covered - as I am sure you do.

What are the instructions to make these special garments?
Believe in His Word each and every day. Have faith for His keeping. Implant in your children's hearts a desire to serve Him. Saturate them with love and thankfulness. Teach them to pray and read Biblical stories. Reward them for good works. Discipline them with wisdom. Strive to be a godly example.

The storms are brewing round-about us - getting stronger with every day. How do I know? Just listen to its sounds, and read of its destruction. It is imperative that we sew through the day and during the night. We must fill our children's closets with life's needed garments, ensuring that they will be wrapped in proper clothing so that life will not devour them. We must Keep Sewing On.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Huh? What Did You Say?

Some days we don't need to talk,
but just listen to what our children have to say.
"...He that hath ears to hear, let him hear".
Mark 4.9

Friday, May 2, 2008

Pleasant Homecoming

It seems that when one gets closer to home after being gone for some time, there is a certain excitement and anticipation that comes in the last few miles. We can hardly wait. We want to get back to the comfort of our four walls, our bed, our yard, our church, and the list goes on. We had a few surprises when we returned a few days ago. Our yard had burst into blossoms. What a joy to behold! However, with it comes the weeds and the snails. Ah, the vicious circle: Plant, Water, Tend, and Reap. But that's okay, the pleasantries outweigh all the labor. Guess pulling, hoeing, watering, etc., are things to do until we head for that final trip home. It's hard to imagine what beauty is in store in our heavenly home. Just think, we are getting closer - in fact, we may be only a few miles away.



Disclaimer:
I cannot take credit for our beautiful yard, except part of its design. This is one thing my husband loves doing and tends to with a passion, along with some moderation, lots of Roundup, drip irrigation and special sprinkler systems. He doesn't want anyone to touch it, and says when he can no longer take care of it, it is time to sell. I worry because an acre of bloom is a lot, but he is a tough-old-bird as many of you know.

PS: If you look on the fence in the picture with the tree roses, there is a blue jay. He has been with us since a baby. At first, he would holler from the roof, and we would talk back (See what retirement can do. We are now spending our time talking to a bird!!!???). Well, to go on with my story, this is his second season with us, and he follows my husband around the yard, hopping along beyond him jabbering (guess telling of all the things going on in his day). He's quite a character, and wouldn't you know it, he got in one of the pictures.