Our Miracle. . .

Hello, dear friends, just a little note to let you know that Olivia Kathleen arrived last Saturday, January 29, weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces and 21 inches long. My daughter-in-law, Corina, had to have an emergency c-section. Things were pretty frightening for a little while, but thankfully, momma and baby are both doing great now. I am on my way tomorrow to Roswell to see them all. I am continually thanking God for his tender mercies and for this wonderful miracle of new life. I am now proud grandmomma to 7 beautiful grandchildren. I love each one of you and wish a happy weekend to you! p.s. That is big sister, Henna, holding Olivia. Olivia has three older sisters to love on her and take care of her!!

Love is. . .

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

As I was reading this scripture this morning, it really spoke to my heart. I hope it will speak to yours as well. Every time I read this scripture, I am reminded how I need to read it more often as it truly does tell us so clearly what love is all about.

Enjoy your week ahead, dear friends. The holiday where we celebrate love for others will soon be here. It is one of my very favorites. Love and blessings to you!

Friendship. . .

Friendship makes the flowers bloom,

Puts sunshine in the spring,

And in a way that's all its own,

Adds joy to everything!

May you have a wonderful weekend, dear friends. . .I have been watching the weatherman, and it looks like it is pretty cold all over, so stay warm and enjoy some hot chocolate or hot tea. . . Love and blessings to you!

Forgiveness. . .

"To forgive. . .

is to set someone free,

and then find out. . .

it's you."~Rob Bell

Hello, dear friends, I am wishing you a blessed New Year full of peace and joy!! God bless you, each and every one.

Okay, I am ready for spring now...

Once the holidays are passed, I am ready for spring!! Yes, yes, I know I am rushing things, but you know I am a pink rosy kind of girl and so, this morning I started taking pictures of the things around my home that I love the most. I hope you don't mind me rushing the seasons as it warms my heart to think about spring and my upcoming garden. The sweet, sweet little bird cloche with the cupcake inside was a present from my children, Jeremy and Lindy. It surely reminds me of spring. The rose covered plate was a present I bought for myself. Loved it the minute I saw it. Dear friends, I hope you had the best of Christmases with your family and friends. Wishing you a new year full of peace and love and all of those things you love the most!!

Mary wrapped the greatest present. . .

Merry Christmas to each of you, my dear friends. . .Love and blessings always!

"True Grit!"

I have always loved those two words. I am not sure why. Maybe it is because I can imagine my two pioneer Texas great grandmothers saying them. For sure, they must have had some of that "true grit" to settle in this wild land of Texas!!! As I was watching my neighbors put up their Christmas lights the other day, those two words came to my mind once again. It was mother and son doing the decorating this year. Daddy is far away in Afghanistan serving in our military. He won't be home this year to see the tree and beautiful lights. I am sure momma took plenty of pictures of the Christmas decorations to send to daddy. You see, it is their way of saying: "We are here. We are carrying on while you are away. We are being strong and brave as we anxiously wait for you to come home to us." I see this example of "true grit" time and again here in our military community of Fort Hood, Texas.

"True grit" was definitely in force some two thousand years ago when a young couple made their way to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. They were from a small village making their way to the big city. She was very young and very pregnant. Her husband tried with all his might to find a safe, comfortable place for them to rest that night. Unfortunately, all that was available was a stable. And so amongst the animals in a not so warm and comfortable stable, the Savior was born. I know that the young couple must have rejoiced when their son arrived safely and in good health. Their son, of course, was the One to ultimately show his true grit as he ministered to others here on this earth and give his life for many. Today, I thank God for his unspeakable gift!!

Dear friends, I hope you are enjoying this Christmas season. I am thankful for each one of you and for the difference you make for good in others lives. Have a blessed Sunday and terrific Christmas week.