Triumps and Trials

From my last blog, you probably know that this past weekend was full of trials. However, we had a special triumph to celebrate also. My grandmother (better known as mamaw) celebrated her 80th birthday! We threw her a surprise birthday party at the church she's attended all her life. Many don't realize she's 80 because she acts and looks about 20 years younger. She just got back from a Hawaiian cruise with all her children and their spouses in June, and then ventured to Israel where she rode 2 camels!!! She is one amazing woman!!!
Keith, the girls, and myself stayed with her on Saturday night and it was so much fun. We stayed up until 11:30 reminiscing about old times, discussing projects for Keith to do on our next visit, making plans for a Longview Christmas, and sharing some Blue Bell (that's always been a nightly ritual when staying with mamaw). We can't wait to plan our next visit.
I also got to visit with some old friends from high school after we attended our classmate and friend's funeral. The circumstances for our being together weren't good ones, but nontheless, it was great to see faces that I haven't seen in many years.
Until next time....stay safe and enjoy each moment given to live life to the fullest! Love you all

My first blogging attempt....a reminder that life is short

As I sit here this morning, I am realizing how fragile life is. I find myself very tired from the events of last night (more on that later) and almost frustrated that my kids are running around playing and loud. However, I've had to stop and remember that life is short and I must enjoy these times with them as they will soon pass.Last night I received terrible news that a friend from high school killed himself. WOW, words aren't enough to express my shock and sadness. He left behind a wife and three children. I've been up most of the night praying for their sweet family and find peace in knowing that they KNOW the Lord, and so did he. Romans 8:38 reminds me that "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." I find my solice in that verse remembering when Casey accepted Christ as his Savior. No matter what was going on in his life to trouble him, I know that death hasn't separated him from his Savior. Casey is with the Lord.
Shortly after receiving the news about Casey last night, my parents had a wreck. A drunk driver hit them going at least 80 miles per hour. After some time in the ER, my mom is okay but is very sore. Again, a reminder to not take life for granted; it can end at any given moment....they were only 2 blocks from their home.
As I finish this blog for today I would like to end with 2 Samuel 22:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in Him I will trust, My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge." I am so thankful for my salvation and I'm thankful that I came to that knowledge as a child//before my wordly wisdom could take root. Although I don't always understand the happenings on this earth, I take comfort in knowing that He is in control. I don't have to be! I don't want to be!