I AM THAT WOMAN!!!

Today in church I looked down at my bulletin and I could not see a thing. It was blurry. I held the bulletin closer and still blurry. Then I held it out at arm's length...and it was clear. I almost chuckled out loud when it hit me...I am that woman. You know her. The one who has to hold everything at arm's length in order to see. The one who has to remove her glasses so she can read. The one who is always looking for her "readers". I wondered when the time would come that I would need others to hold my menu across the table so I could see it. Don't get me wrong. I am excited about shopping for cute reading glasses.

I need to embrace the changes that come our way as we age. It made me think of other things that have changed in my forties. I can't stay awake as long as I use to. I enjoy watching the news more. I think a little more about saving for retirement. Of course...other changes I won't mention except to say "I hate hot flashes in the summer."

I realize that with age also comes maturity. (hopefully) I know that I make better decisions than I did when I was younger. I think that I may be a little more patient with others. I know that I am not as spontaneous and make less hasty decisions. I know that I find myself seeing things in light of eternity and not in the "now." I know that I love the Lord more than I did.

Some things became clearer to me today...even my church bulletin.

NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE

I wrote today on facebook that I truly know how it feels to "praise Him in the storm." This experience with dad is not an experience that I would want anyone to go through...but I hope everyone is allowed to see God work like we have. As I type...I am in dad's room. He is sleeping so peacefully. He is off the ventilator and breathing smoothly. He is not fidgeting. He has great color to him. I can't believe he has come so far in 4 days. I will admit that there was a time when it did not look good for him. I am convinced that it is all because of prayer. Prayer is something that is hard to understand. I am not sure how it works...but that's okay...I just know it does and that's enough for me. It has taught me not to wait on the big crisis in life to pray. I know that God wants me to pray about everything. He even tells us to pray without ceasing.

I have such peace today. This makes me want to shout from the rooftops that "JESUS CHRIST IS LORD."

Yesterday as I was getting ready for church...I was listening to Chris Tomlin sing "How Great Is Our God." I just raised my hands in praise. I actually stood on my tip toes just wanting to get as close to heaven as I could. I actually wanted to touch the robe of Jesus. I know that there is no way you can reach heaven on earth...but I know that I am connected to the one who awaits me.

PRAISE HIM TODAY...ON YOUR TIPTOES

THIRTEEN ON YOUR THIRTEENTH

Today is Austin's birthday. It's hard to focus on a celebration when you have a loved one in ICU...but we are trying to make it a special day.

The girls are making Austin and a cake and we will shop for a gift later today. For now...here are thirteen things that I want to say to my son:

1- The most important relationship that you will ever have in your life is the one with the Lord. When that one is weak...so is everything else.

2- You look much cuter when your underwear is not visible from the top of your shorts or jeans

3- A good rule of thumb is that your hair should never be longer (or prettier) than your mother's

4- Save that first kiss

5- Always be a dreamer. Always know that you can do or be anything if God (not man) has called you to be

6- Just a reminder of that first kiss thing

7- I will never forget the night you were born. We were driving as fast as we could to the Air Force Academy hospital in the wee hours of the morning. Some airman tried to get us to stop and show our military i.d.'s. When he saw a women huffing and puffing in the car and pointing to her belly...he let us through with a military escort.

8- Your favorite yellow "ducky" is packed away in the basement if you ever need it

9- Did I mention something about your first kiss?

10 - You are loved more than you will ever know

11- Smile...a lot.

12- Slash is a great guitarist...but not a good role model.

13 - We love you and are very proud of you!!!!