Celebrating Life

Yesterday I attended a baby shower for my niece. I watched her as she opened gifts with the awe that governs mothers as they anticipate their unseen child.  I watched and wondered the usual things. Will the baby be healthy? What color eyes will she have? Will she be tall like her mama or petite like her auntie. I can only imagine the possibilities, but the things I pray most for her are not external. 

I pray she sees her life full of blessings and doesn't harbor the skepticism that kills dreams and erases hope. I pray she sees Gods hand as it works in her life as an exciting adventure and not as an intrusive power beyond her desired control. I pray she has a sense of belonging and being loved beyond the circumstances that govern other peoples behaviors and emotional contradictions. I also pray that I might be a better cheerleader than I was for her mama. 

In the chaos of raising my own children I'm afraid I have not been the kind of aunt I always thought I would be. I don't know about all of her "firsts", or what she hoped for, feared or dreamed about. I prayed for her, but I didn't live much out with her. 

I guess that is why babies give us so much to celebrate. They are a new opportunity to love and be loved, and maybe this time we'll do it better than we did before. I want to know Gabriella's first word, make a fuss when she falls down or giggle with my niece at her first brain freeze. I've heard it told that babies are God's way of saying that He's not finished with us yet. He brings us new opportunities to love along with all the challenges we face to live. 

Dieu est bon, Tojours.

How to Write your Own Love Story

I wrote this for Ehow.com. It was so much fun I thought I'd share it here as well. 

Valentine's Day is just weeks away. Want to have something memorable to give the love of your life? How about a love story based on your own relationship? You'll both enjoy the re-telling and your story may become a favorite for generations to come.

Step 1: Characters in any love story consist of two protagonists, and perhaps a few antagonists. Were there any individuals who opposed your getting together? Perhaps an old love, or a prospective one who tangled up your plans for a bit? Also include key secondary characters such as parents, siblings and friends.

 

Step 2: Plotting out your love story is a fun exercise to re-visit as you recall your first dates, first kiss, first phone calls and the first time you met the parents. Make sure your key events are shared with the humor, sensitivity and wonderment of your then budding romance.

 

Step 3: No story is complete without a conflict. What was the greatest challenge the two of you dealt with? Conflicts arise due to loose strings from previous relationships, confused feelings, misunderstandings or perhaps children, religion or politics. There may have been more than one, but whatever they are, no matter how many, share them within the story.

 

Step 4: Resolution comes when the conflict is resolved. Often times in a relationship it is the epiphany that occurs when your sense of attachment is stronger than any fear you may have over the conflict. For example, the moment when you realize he is really listening to you, your heart, and for the first time you feel the connection of truly sharing your soul with another human being.

 

Step 5: Share your “happy ever after” ending. If it hasn’t happened yet, perhaps this is where you start to dream, (or hint), of how it all comes together for the two of you.

 

Step 6: I like to call the extra’s in a story the seasonings. A little salt, (wisdom), a little pepper, (spice) or a little sugar, (humor) adds a lot to any story. My idea of Salt usually comes in the form of poignant quotes. For example, C.S. Lewis once said, “We read to know that we are not alone”. He was, of course referring to that sense of finding the other half of yourself in another. Spice and Sugar comes from your individual stories and intense emotions of passion, elation and infatuation.

 

Step 7: Give your love story a fitting title.  Mine would be entitled, “Falling on the Stairs” since I first saw my husband while I was ascending and he was descending a flight of stairs. Right under the title is a great place to put the quote you found. It helps to set the mood for the reading. 

Ryan Cook Died

The first time I saw Ryan Cook I was struck by his all-American look. He wore a collared knit shirt, wore his hair short and looked a bit like a young Affleck. His folks built a house behind ours to be next door to their grandparents. We were glad to call them our neighbors. 

Ryan's folks put in tireless hours in support of local sport groups. We would often see Ryan riding his four-wheeler to the lake, or his brother, "Cookie" alongside him. Over the years we knew Ryan had gotten in a bit of trouble, sometimes deep trouble, but we believed in him, that somewhere down the line he'd turn it all around. 

Saturday night his line ended. 

The police don't have any suspects, but they have stated they believe it was drug or gang related. 

We grieve for Ryan's folks, his brother, his family and his friends. But we are also reminded of the great need for compassion. It seems so easy to leave the troubles of others on their doorstep. It's too late now for us to reach out to him, to love on him and maybe let him know, a little louder, that God had a plan for his life, and maybe show him the way toward it. 

To look back and know we could have been the hands and feet of Christ leaves us grieving not only for Ryan, but for ourselves. I'm once again reminded that there's nothing worse than a whoopin' from the Lord. 

Nick's small college business - great T-shirts and sweatshirt designs

For those of you who would like to see a deeper side of Nick, our son attending UCSD... go to this website: http://www.passeisanempire.com/passeisanempire/nick.html 

This website was designed for two purposes: 1) Display artwork and creativity; and 2) Sell a merchandise line developed by these talented artists. Nick is a poet, so you can read some of his work. It's at times a bit dark, but as he says he usually writes while going through difficult times. The clothing line is small, but has some terrific designs built on quality materials.

While writing this blog entry I realized it was quite long, going into extensive details of the numerous wonders of my son. However, then I realized, "I am SUCH a mom!" So I cut all that bragging out. 

Resolutions

The word "Resolution" is defined as: Determination, Strong Will

I have a distinct fear of failure. That's why New Year Resolutions frighten me. I've tried in the past to lose 20 pounds or exercise daily, only to find myself wallowing in the pit of overwhelming defeat. But this year, I'm facing my fears and making only two distinct resolutions for the year. 

My first resolution is too private to share here, but one I'm committed entirely to. My second one I feel just as passionate about. I am determined to make better, purposeful choices daily. 

It could be a healthier meal, a casual conversation with one of my sons about the ways of God, or perhaps a sweet note to my husband reminding him of the reasons I love him so. I think of the possibilities as these positive choices accumulate over the year. 

My husband, sons and daughter are my most precious blessings. As I look at the next two years our lives will inevitably change. We will have Sunny continuing in her new-birthed career, 3 in college and our baby-bird Nemo facing the high school years. What do I want to leave my three collegiates with? What impression of life do I want them to have as they leave these hallowed doors of home? 

 We've had so many changes this year. We join the majority of those feeling the financial hardships of the future. We've left our home of 4 years in Texas, our Southern friends and continue to miss them. We have a new home, new schools, new careers. These changes and these hardships can bring about the best, or the worst. Our attitudes are the rutters and our faith is our compass.