Queenies Little Kingdom

It’s times like these that make living so far away from family tough. Today marks a special birthday for hubby’s grandmother. 99!! Mamaw has been around to see a lot of life. She’s lived it well, too. We like to tease her that she eats whatever she wants (that’s why she’s lived so long)…..and she does eat whatever she wants. Everything must accompany some jelly or buttermilk! Now that’s impressive!

Mamaw hasn’t wasted any time here on earth. She’s used her time very intentionally. She is an amazing Bible student. Her “lessons” have gone out all over this world. For years, Mamaw has written her own commentary to go along with her Sunday School lesson. If you were a relative or a friend…..you received it in the mail. Thank you Mamaw! Those are treasured resources that we will have forever.

I’m thankful for you, Mamaw! You have been a blessing in my life and in my family’s life. Thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter (my MIL) and for the investment you’ve made in my husband (your grandson). I’m a blessed lady because of the three generations that are a part of my life. I love you!

I hope today is a wonderful day…..spent with Krispy Kremes or cake or jelly. All of which I’m betting you will have. I just wish I was there to share the fun!

HAPPY 99th BIRTHDAY!!!

Some think being a Christian is all about following a bunch of rules. If we ponder on it…..in a way, there are rules to follow. Just that’s not all there is to being a follower of Christ.

I can see sinful behavior a mile away. Maybe you can too. It seems as if we train ourselves to “be good”! I like to call it legalistic. We put up boundaries that we refuse to step over. Thinking in our heads that we are so good (since we refrain from what we think is over the edge living).

In Revelation 2….the Ephesians are commended for being good. The angel points out that they have followed sound teaching, perservered in opposition, resisted immoral behavior and worked hard to be genuine followers of God. But….one thing that they’d overlooked?

First love.

They had become so good at fighting off bad behavior….but so bad at loving one another (and truly loving God). Isn’t that how we are? We tend to focus on doing every little detail of our Christian walk by the Book. Yet, we find fault in our brother/sister in Christ. And that is probably higher on the “to do” list than anything else God wants from us.

I am reminded.

Lord Jesus,
Help me to love other’s like you do. Show me that I cannot follow any rules or laws that do not include this act of obedience first. I want to return to my first love.
Amen.

Revelation 2:4 “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love”.

November 9th, 1994 was an exciting day in our lives! We hadn’t planned on a third baby…..but God did. I can testify, He knows best! We are so very thankful that He chose our family……to share Gates. Fifteen years ago, I had no idea what an impact this little person would have on my heart.

Gates,
You have the biggest most sensitive heart. Everyday I spend with you in my life…..I want to be a better me. You’re a blessing that I never want to live without. You used to tell me when you were little that when you grew up…..you were going live right next door to me. That way, we’d never have to be apart. I hope you do! You are precious to me!
I love you….soooooooo much!
Mom

You know that person in families that willingly takes care of aged parents?
Yea….that’s Gates!

Aren’t ya glad….
to know a smidgen of how much God loves you?
to have a family that loves you….in spite of really knowing you?
to have a home that’s warm and most likely filled with fun things, food, and comfort?
to be a friend?
to have friends?
to work?
to be able to go to God with anything?
that He trusts you with His kingdom work?
that He gave you the life that He did?
someone shared Christ with you?
that you’re going to heaven?

Yea…..me too! I was just wondering if anyone else was glad!    🙂

HAPPY SATURDAY FRIENDS!!

I’m happy to have all my chicks in the nest today. Gavin came in last night and surprised us with a visit (little did he know that today was LEAF WORK DAY!!!). Only 2 more days until my baby turns 15!!! Geez, Gates….come on girl! You’re just a baby!  I luv U!