I turn 55 in less than 2 months. I've lived more than half of my life....assuming I won't live to be 110! I'm inconsistent in journaling, and as I think about what dreams and goals I have for the rest of my earthly life, there are things that God has placed a passion in my heart for.....
Of course, my family is first and foremost! They are the living reminders to me that God answers prayer, and He blesses above and beyond anything we could ask or imagine! (see Ephesians 3:20) Being a wife of over 34 years, a Mom to three adult "kids", Mom in law to two terrific "sons", and Grama to the 5 most precious little humans ever created is enough to fill my heart to overflowing, and yet.................
I remember being a young wife and mother, and longing for a "Titus 2" woman to invest themselves in me. An "older woman" in age, and in their faith-walk, who would share their failures and successes with me, and be "real", but show me the "map" along their journey.
We have dreams of participating as leaders in marriage retreats, and encouraging young parents. I knew Focus On The Family's phone number by heart when my kids were little! Right now, we are struggling business owners, and some of the above-mentioned dreams will just have to wait a while! However, these last 34+ years as a married woman, 33 years of being a mother, and 6 years of being a grandmother have definitely plotted a journey....a colorful, multi-terrain path. Sometimes, a peaceful walk along the beach, other times, a hike on a rocky mountain path, sometimes in the desert---dry, hot, and lonely, and yet more often than not-- beautiful rainy Spring days bringing tulips, daffodils, and blossoming crab trees!
Some people hate the rain. It ruins their plans, and does nothing for a woman's hair-do! Sometimes, lightning, wind, and hail accompany the rain...........but God speaks to me in the rain. In Old Testament times, God's judgment ceased the rain. When times are tough, and I just don't feel God's presence in the circumstances of my life, all He has to do is send a little rain, and it is SO comforting! He's here.....he sees, and although I am just one little grain of sand when putting all of the people of the world in His hands............He knows my name. It is written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and I am His!
So, there are LOTS of things on my heart to share with you! I have some amazing women to introduce you to that encourage, mentor, and renew my focus. After all, there is NO better place to be than in the CENTER of God's will. I will NOT be moved from this narrow path. If my failures, experiences, and life journey can encourage you.........God be glorified!
Honestly, when God teaches me something......I just can't wait to share it! And, at 55---I have to share it quickly, or I totally forget what it was I wanted to say.
Sometimes you will not agree with me. I'll share from God's Word. It is my guidebook. I've made a lot of mistakes in my 55 years. I've hurt feelings when I said something I should have kept to myself, I've been judgmental, I've been impatient with my kids, placing unrealistic demands they could never accomplish. But God-----He fills in the gaps! I'm still very happily married, and have a very fulfilled relationship with Dave. My kids remember mostly the good times, when it comes to their upbringing, and God has grown me. I just remember that He has not completed the work he started in me yet! (Philippians 1:6)
Well----------hopefully, I can figure out the rest of this blog set-up! I don't know how to give an "about me" description. A lot of the other side-bar categories are beyond my ability to understand. Hey.....please feel free to teach me! Comment on my posts, ask questions, challenge my knowledge of God's Word...give me your prayer requests. I'll do what I can to answer them.
If this blog gives you encouragement, pass it along!
I love you already!
I'll try to post pictures, as soon as I can figure out how to do it! Until then, thanks for reading this FIRST POST!
Have a blessed week!
Pam
