Radiating Happiness

She awoke saying, Mama in quite a nice voice.
When I arrived to get her out of the crib, she says "Hi Mama" in a sweet endearing voice.Followed by a growl, she then raises her colorful Lion up into the air. We grab Lion and Belle the black dog out of the crib and proceeding for the diaper changing station. Lydia is happy! She is joyful!I realized the other day that I have not blogged much about Lydia. I suppose it is probably because Sophia has many more words at this point in life...therefore, she has plenty to spout about and write about. But today, I could not resist to blog about Lydia. Usually I awake tired and grouchy and many times so does Lydia. But, today was not one of those ordinary mornings. It was actually delightful. Lydia is in wonderful mood and it dripping off of her. You can't help but join in. So this is about some beautiful moments of the morning that really inspired me to have a great day and sing His praises.She kissed her Lion several times before changing her diaper. While we changing her very wet diaper, she is giggly. She says, "Me Mimi, Me Poppy, Me Belle!"I said, "You love Mimi? You love your Poppy?" AND, she nodded, "Yes" profusely.We went into the Living Room to watch some Sesame Street. She says "Juice, please" Yes, she even remembered to say please.She got her Lion and Belle situated by her chair while I got her juice ready. She came into the kitchen and gave me the big smile cringe and happy feet on the floor dance. She was doing the happy dance. It was as if she had so much excitement that she could not contain it any longer.I gave her the juice and what do you think she said? You are correct...she said, "Thank you".She begins to watch the show and dance to Sesame Street.She put her juice on the table without being asked.She claps her hands.She shares her muffin with Sophia.Even Sophia was recognizing Lydia's radiance of joy...."Isn't Lydia cute right now?When I walked out, I smiled at her because she was so cute."Sigh.So precious. So precious.It sure does make the day a lot more enjoyable when we make the point to allude happiness from our minds into our actions.So off to do the happy dance of life today!

More Sweet Pics of Grammie

Some more precious memories with Great Grammie....

Legacy: Painting on a cloud

Valera Mae Marshall
Born Dec 1, 1920
Died Mar 15, 2007

Grammie said to Grandaddy (or vice versa---someone could correct me on this) that one day they would each be up on a cloud in Heaven painting side by side. ....I believe they will be painting a legacy. A legacy that they have left behind. I am so thankful to be a part of the legacy that Grammie has sewn...that she has so dearly painted with her life. She is beauty to me. She has given me such insight and precious pearls of wisdom. I am thankful for all those moments that I have breathed with her. Gleaned from her.
Hopefully, my family that views my blog can add some stories they have of Grammie....there are so many memories we have...so many special moments that we shared with her... she continues to live on in our hearts.... Here is my letter to Grammie about some things I remember of her...

Oh, Grammie, how I love you! I can still hear your voice and your laughter. “Hi Sugar Babe!”

I can still feel your soft time-worn hands. The smell of your coffee laced breath. I think I may even have some clothes with a trademark of visiting with you---cat hair!

You have lived a life of rich experiences.

You made me feel special when I came for overnights by myself. You taught me to sew a pillow and crochet.

Meatloaf. Lemon drop Candies, Punkie Pie, Coffee, ice-cream sandwiches

Taking my driving test in your Toyota Celica car

Reader's Digest magazine, Bible on Tape, History Channel, Western Movies, Vaseline Intensive Care Hand Lotion, Rummy Card Games

Your love of animals (and boy, did you have a crew!)

Your love of history.

You loved growing flowers and having them in your yard.

You were a master painter, writer, seamstress (Little Cricket), crocheter, storyteller....

God saw you were getting tired. You were ready to go home to see your Maker and Lord!

So he put his arms around you and whispered, “Come to me.”

A golden heart stopped beating. Hard working hands at rest. Peace. Beauty. Home.

I believe that God sent us you
As our legacy from above,
To share the moments of our life,
As extra measures of His love.

Until then, I want the whole world to know how blessed our family was to have such a wonderful person in our lives.

LEGACY (Song, by Nicole Nordeman)

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

Ignite my heart

I was torn. I was moved. I was shaken. I was broken. I was soothed. I was encouraged. I was uplifted.
Wow!
I have been on a uproaring journey with God lately. There has been uPS and DOwns quite often these past couple of months in my life. But, I know that God is working and smoothing out bumps and bruises and bringing me into His presence.

It is He who measured the waters in the hollow of His hand. It is He who weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in a pair of scales. So, I know that it is HE that can get me through these tough times. He is the one in control.

Now, control is hard for me to let go.

Through the might of His Holy Spirit released through the authority of His Word, I am empowered to say no to the things I should—to my excesses, withholdings, compulsions, and harmful consumptions—and say yes to freedom, moderation, and better health. When I bow to God’s authority, I invite Him to take control, and He is the One who does it!

Truth be told, I want my life to be effervescent.
I want to be passionate and bold for God.
God wants to completely captivate my heart and cause it to burn with passion for Him.
Evolving into this kind of intimacy with God takes time, but the road trip is half the excitement!
I will not settle for mediocrity! When Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, the Author and Finisher of our faith, takes the wheel, I won't lack excitement, amusement, or a seat with a view. He has nothing less in mind for me than a great adventure. A wild ride awaits me. All aboard!

"My bathtub is overflowing, but I am drained"

This is for you Aimee Dear!

From the encouragement of my friend...reminding me that my,"blog has not been updated in awhile...and wondering what happened...is everything okay with you?"
I am here to shortly and sweetly say to all of you devoted readers of this blog..YES, I am alive....BUT....

"The bathtub is overflowing, but I feel drained"

I think I saw this quote on a book title somewhere. I am sure if I google it, I could would find the book, but I will let you do that if you are really intrigued.

I state that quote, because that is utterly how I feel right now, and truly how life has been sustaining for me. I do feel that I have so much going on in my life...to do lists...this and thats....my bathtub is overflowing with things to do...and I am really tired, worn, and overloaded (drained).

So forgive me for not writing a quote more stimulating...such as,"My bathtub is overflowing and the fish are doing the hula dance"

Taking a nice relaxing bath by candlelight and soft music does sound relaxing right now though...
Hmmm, Ahhhh...
Ahem!

However, another dear friend reminded me today of this:

Let the Lord speak into every decision – wait for Him
“you shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace”

So, eventhough my bathtub is overflowing....I am to tackle each thing with the Joy of the Lord for He is my strength. There are many decisions that Ric and I are facing right now regarding the direction of our life and this is so promising that the Lord will lead us out with Joy and give us Peace through it all.

My friends, family, fellow bloggers....is your bathtub overflowing? I suggest that you light some candles, put on some soft music, and be a fish and do the hula dance. Joy!