Monkey Boy

Does this monkey not make you smile?

Soulful eyes. Dimples so deep his cheeks get lost. Grin as big as Dallas!

You've got to watch him though. You can get lost in his boyish charm and start agreeing to things you never intended. He's definitely our baby...but sadly, the baby-ing days are drawing to a close for him...

My cute little two year old will soon be a rambunctious three year old in a matter of weeks. Three is a hard year, from my experience. At least the first half of it is...

So it's time to batten the hatches and hold on tight. As my Daddy always says, "Hold on now! It's gonna get rough. It's gonna get rough."

But you know what else my Daddy always says?

"This too shall pass."

Oh Boys

This makes me smile!

I told the boys to line up so I could get a perspective picture. (No I didn't use that word at the time, but that is what I was going for.) They asked if they could hold the cats. Obviously I said yes, but Nathan wanted to participate in the holding of the cats too.

So he did.

Then I told him to move over by Andrew, so I could have my "stair steps" in  order. He still wanted a tail to hold. :)

One of those cute moments I would like to freeze in time.

S'mores

Who doesn't love s'mores?

Simple.

Gooey.

Fun.

Of course, s'mores are traditionally a campfire favorite. We do love us some camping and campfires...but lets face it. It has been much too hot for sitting around fires! Not to mention the burn ban...

The last couple of times we went camping I made sure to bring along the proper ingredients. We have an electric s'more maker that is fun to use if you don't want to burn your tushy next to a fire in the dead of summer, just to get that roasty flavor and have the fun of turning your marshmallow on a stick.

The thing is....we never did make them on our trips. So I had the stuff, and you know I couldn't let it go to waste!

The s'more maker takes too long for an impatient gal like myself. No, I much prefer to zap 'em in the microwave and shove them directly into my mouth before you can say "S'more please!" Not only are they ready to eat in a hurry, you also don't have to scrape off black crust or ashes. It is perfectly white goodness.

Here's what I started with....

Have you seen these graham crackers? They are already in squares, so no more uneven breakage of the rectangles! Yes!

OH, and these marshmallows! They are GIGANTIC. So gigantic, in fact, that I actually had to cut them in half. I found this good though. It made it where they sat flatter and stuck a little, so they didn't fall over during inflation in the microwave.

And then of course the chocolate. Hersheys. Is there any other kind?

No, I didn't think so.

Maybe when I am a really good blogger (HA!) I will take pictures of every. single. step. in the process.

Until then, you just get the glorious finished product.

Okay wait...before I show it to you, I have to admit.

I may or may not have taken this picture before the actual nuking in the microwave for no more than 30 seconds. Your microwave temperature may vary, so close observation is required. You'll want to hit stop as soon as the marshmallows puff up a bit.

Serve yourself immediately.

Getting a Little Face Lift

This blog is...that is.

It had been awhile since I perused the available options in Blogger. There a few new things that are pretty cool. Some time ago I had added the "reactions" feature to the bottom of the posts. I didn't edit the available choices at that time. It was either "like" or "dislike". Of course no one ever clicks dislike! Even though it is anonymous, who would do that? Anyway, I decided to change my options so that maybe it would give me a little better idea of what people like to read about here. Unfortunately, I lost all my accrued "likes" by changing it. :( And gee, I guess I better make sure I like how it is now or I'll lose those too, if I change again. :/

Anyway...I just wanted to point that out. But please, don't let that stop you from leaving a comment! Like I said, when you click on a reaction, it is completely anonymous so I don't know you were here.

I've also added an option for you to sign up to receive emails whenever I post.

My next project is to get updated pictures of the boys in the sidebar.

Be looking for some new posts this week!

It Takes All Kinds...

...to make the world go round.

What is your special place in this world? What gifts did God give specifically to you to participate in life? What is your purpose? Your calling? Your passion?

These are questions I ask myself on occasion. I think it is good for all of us to evaluate the answers to them from time to time. If not because they have changed, then at least to remind ourselves why we do what we do.

I'm blessed to have a husband who feels he is doing what God made him to do. He has always had such a servant's heart, and he feels that he can use his work to serve and bless others. Yes, he earns a living cleaning floors (and other things), but it is a ministry for him as well. He tells me all the time, "it's the little things that make a difference."

Taking the extra time to listen to the lonely elderly gentleman tell stories from long ago.

Offering to move furniture, at no extra charge, for the widow woman with no one to help her.

Being honest and professional in a time when those things are rare treasures.

Indeed, Craig has a ministry in his work. So do I, and so do you.

Sometimes it is hard for me to see my ministry amongst the mundane. I guess you could say, "I can't see the forest for the pine trees." Sometimes the big picture is not clear when I just look at the moments. Sure, some moments are precious reminders of what I'm doing...

Like when I'm rocking a sleeping baby, or laughing at silly jokes, or listening to Scripture memorization...

But what about the times when we are enduring the third temper tantrum of the day, or an animal did not get fed, or the math paper is still not done at supper time?

It is at these times that my vision gets blurry, but it is also these times that count the most! If my ministry were only cuddles and smiles, that would be easy. But, that wouldn't be much of a ministry would it? Having a servant's heart requires more. It means doing dirty work. It isn't all fun and games.

I know I will continue to get lost in the frustrating moments, but I hope that someday I can look back and see the beautiful tapestry that God was weaving all along. While I was viewing it from behind, where all the colors looked backwards, He was seeing the big picture from the front and carefully laying it all out as He'd planned long ago.

So what about you? Do you ever get a glimpse of the big picture?

Books

I've still got to get back into taking pictures... It's just something that I laid aside for awhile.  I'm sure the excessive heat played a factor, since I prefer taking them outdoors....This picture is from the beginning of summer. I need to get one to compare and see how much they have grown in the last 3 months!

I've been thinking a lot lately about books. I've never been a big reader. The literature that was required in high school, I pretty much just read the Cliff's Notes. Sad, I know. But what is even sadder....that's pretty much par among students these days. Or at least, I'm guessing it is. It may be better or worse than I imagine. Who knows?

Anyway, back in the spring, Craig and I attended a Homeschool conference and for weeks and weeks I thought about all the great things I learned there. One of the speakers who impressed me very much is a man by the name of Mark Hamby. He has an extraordinary publishing company by the name of Lamplighter Ministries. They publish books mostly written in the 19th century and all of them have been carefully selected for character content. Each of them teach powerful lessons about things like: laziness & perseverance, choices & consequences, courage, obedience & boundaries, peer pressure, pride & willfulness, salvation, self-control, selflessness & selfishness, sibling rivalry, virtue & purity.  They sound very interesting to me on the outside looking in...I just wonder if I could really get into them. I'd like to try, and most certainly would like to get the boys interested in them. They do love to read!

Lamplighter Publishing says: " Building Christ-like character....one story at a time" is the compelling mission of Lamplighter Publishing. Guided by the biblical mandates of Malachi 4:6, Luke 1:17 and Romans 5, Lamplighter is turning the hearts of parents and children toward eternal values through the influence of godly role models who demonstrate enduring character. infused with biblical insights, this family collection of rare books provides a wholesome substitute for our sedated, media-saturated culture that is "amusing itself to death."

...."amusing itself to death." Do you know the literal meaning of the word amuse? It means 'not to think.' Now isn't that a sobering thought in our entertainment and amusement driven society?

What about you? Do you like to read? What type of books are your favorite? Are there any you see as "must reads" for your children?  Does character count?

New Technology

Can you believe I am posting from a phone?! I can't. I am not known to be up on the latest technology and this smart phone may be too much for me. Good thing it is Craig's. Just wanted to try it out, and to let you know I will try and get another post up soon. We are looking forward to a fun and full weekend.

Until next time!

Fast Train

WARNING: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK! Very random thoughts...

Be still my heart. This picture makes me want to cry for two reasons.

1.) I gave this little guy a haircut after this picture was taken and got it WAY shorter than I wanted to.

2.) It reminds me that time is flying by like a really fast moving train.

As I mentioned a few days ago, I have looked back at old pictures recently and find my jaw on the desk when I realize how big the boys have gotten!

It makes me think...

I've only got one shot at this Mothering thing.

How many regrets will I have?

I'm sure I will have some... I do.

But today is new. This moment is new.

Each a gift wrapped with the hope of redemption.

It's not about me anyway.

It's not me.

That's a good thing too, because I mess up way too much.

Grace

Mercy

Peace

Breathe in, Breathe out.

The dried Play Doh that has been collecting dust on the entry table.

The cereal crunching under foot.

The naked toddler streaking through the house.

The puddles under the toddler streaking through the house.

These are the things that quietly fade away...

Piles of LEGOs littering the floor.

Dirty boots flung by the door. (This really isn't a poem....or is it?)

The constant ring of nasty around the toilet bowl on the floor.

I'm sure hoping that last thing will quietly fade away...

Children have a way of growing so slowly that you don't even notice that you have to stoop less and less to be at eye level.

One day not so very far away, I will be looking my eldest eye to eye.

I have no doubt that not long after he'll be stooping for me. (or I'll need a step stool..)

A fast moving train.

Time keeps chugging along and I hope that somewhere along the way...

...all the right lessons are taught.

...enough hugs are given.

...enough pictures taken.

...enough memories made.

...enough love shown.

No real regrets because........

God was the Author of it all.

Twin Cousins

Okay, no.

That doesn't even make sense.

This is Andrew with my cousin's daughter, Raelee.

Why did I call them Twin Cousins?

Well..... That is because they were born on the exact same day!

They are around an hour apart, and were born in hospitals about a half an hour apart.

Pretty cool, huh?

We had the opportunity to spend some time with Raelee on our July camping trip and she kept thinking that one of them was older than the other by a year.  I can't remember which.....I think she thought she was older than Andrew.  I finally reminded her that they were born the same day, same year.

They thought that was neat.....and so do I. :)

Stronger

It's everywhere. It's everyone.

No matter where you go, you'll find troubled people.

People hurting, people sick, people worried, people needing help, people needing hope...

For many, like myself, music ministers to the soul. There are all types of music, but different styles speak more to some than others. Sometimes, though, the lyrics of one style may be just what a lover of another style may need.

Recently I was listening to my favorite radio station KLOVE and realized how very beautiful the message of Mandisa's song "Stronger" is. I thought of people in my life who may not care for her style, but could certainly be blessed by the message of her song.

So for all my family and friends out there who are needing HOPE, please take a moment to read the following lyrics. Or, if you would like to listen, play the video.

Enjoy and God Bless!

Stronger

Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather

Oh, don't hang your head
It's gonna end
God's right there
Even if it's hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you ...

Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it's gonna end
God's right there
Even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares

'Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
In time it's gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger

Back in the Saddle

It's already that time again...SCHOOL time! Summer has flown by in an overheated blur, and I have little to nothing on this blog to show for it. BUT! I'm back in the saddle again, so to speak.

Here's a brief catch up....

Since my last writing we have endured the HOTTEST summer ever in recorded history, and although we have had a break in the temps as of late, summer is far from over. It literally has felt like stepping into a preheated oven. Unfortunately, Craig's truck was without A/C for the majority of the summer. It's all good now though. Praise the Lord!

The end of June was a fun week for Josh and Craig as they went to camp. I think all the kids really enjoyed having Craig there again this year. He can be quite silly and entertaining. He also provides some much needed structure for a lot of the boys who need a good role model to look up to. I get tickled each time I hear him tell about their first night, when they lined them up drill instructor style and told them they had 2 minutes each for a shower. Gave them a little dose of shock and awe right off the bat!

We enjoyed another 4th of July at my Aunt Mona and Uncle David's lovely place. The food, fun, fellowship and fireworks were spectacular, as usual. We so admire and appreciate their hospitality to family, friends and strangers alike.

Next up was our annual Kid's Music Camp at church. This was my second year to help and I have to be really honest here. I wasn't looking forward to it. At. all.
But just as I expected, my heart was softened as I was blessed by the kids day after day. We had....oh....I want to say maybe 76 kids participate. They are broken up into small groups and rotate to each class where they practice about 3 songs. I was responsible for the first 3 songs of the musical. Usually there are some groups that sing really well, and some groups that, for the most part, just sit and look at you. This year I can't say that. Every group sang their hearts out!

Having fun really is contagious. Seeing them enjoy it, made me enjoy it. Seeing me enjoy it, made them enjoy it. Hmmm.....maybe I could use this phenomenon in homeschooling this year.....

Near the end of July we took an unplanned camping trip to Branson along with my Uncle Jody, his family and friends. We truly had a great time and are already planning and hoping to go back soon.

Craig and I then celebrated 15 years of marriage. We've come a long way baby! I can say, although we have had big ups and big downs, we are better friends today than ever before. I look forward to what the next 15 years and beyond have in store.

So here we are....a full week into the new school year, and I have yet to take beginning of the year pictures. I've slacked off way too much on picture taking in general, but that is going to change.

I've spent some time recently looking back at old posts and realized how much the boys have grown and changed. I don't want to wake up one day and have anymore of a chunk missing from my memory than there already is. I want to continue with this blogging journey, not for anyone else, but for two clear purposes.

1.) To bring glory to God.
2.) To have a record of my life's work.

If anyone enjoys the journey with me, that is all the better.

P.S. Pictures next time, I promise!

Summer

Whew! It's been almost 2 months since I've done any blogging....except for the post dated one I just put up for Josh's birthday.  Don't forget to scroll down and read it too.

Summer vacation is now in full swing. We started it off by taking a camping trip to Texas. We arrived VERY late at night at Cooper Lake State Park, near where my brother, sister-in-law, nephew and niece live. The following day we arose after about 5 hours of sleep to head out for Dallas. I had made reservations for a birthday surprise for Josh.

It may appear that the younger boys were the most excited, but did you catch the grin on Josh's face? He doesn't always show his emotion quite as exuberantly as his little brothers. I think the reaction would have been bigger had he not accidentally seen Legoland Discovery Center listed in my bookmarks on the computer. I had done such a good job of keeping the surprise a secret until the day before.... It was still a fun surprise though. I would say it wasn't everything we expected or hoped it would be, and it would have probably been just as fun to take them to a plain Lego store...but we can now say we've been there and done that. I hope it at least is a fun memory that they will hold for a long time.

We spent the remainder of our trip relaxing and enjoying doing nothing. We were able to visit with Rudy, Christy, Gillan and Gracie each day. Gillan and Gracie got to stay in the trailer with us on Friday night and then they all went swimming in the lake the next day, after Craig cooked them a "beastly breakfast" (Gillan's words).

We made it home without incident just in time for a week of Vacation Bible School and Josh's actual birthday day. VBS was a fun week for all. It is an amazing (unheard of) blessing to be in a church where they actually have to turn volunteer workers away!! Wow! There is such a sweet servant spirit among our church family. I spent the week keeping the nursery for the worker's children. Along with Nathan, we had 3-4 more toddlers each day. It was fun and easy.

 
So now here we sit on this side of VBS with the remainder of summer ahead. Josh has camp coming up soon and then in July we have music camp. Between that I'm not sure what all we will do. Maybe some swimming, reading, organizing......and MATH!

June 6

Today our Joshua turns 10 years old. Ten years old!! How can that be? We're in the double digits now and over half way to "adulthood." Impossible.....

Josh is such a neat kid. He is a thinker and a question ask-er. He likes to be in the know about things, and remembers most of it. Though he is not fond of math, he still has such an 'engineer' mind. He can imagine, draw and build complex things. He is interested in how things work too. I haven't seen it yet, but was thrilled when I learned he found an old lawn mower in a junk pile and dismantled it. Maybe someday he'll put it back together.... It would be nice if he could get it running since ours is broken. ;)

Josh also loves history, science and reading. He is like his Daddy when it comes to reading random information. If either of them are sitting at a table eating and there is something there with words on it, they are reading it. Cereal box, paper, junk mail, camera manual.......anything! Soaking in information to be filed away.

Josh is a great big brother to Andrew and Nathan. Though he can be a bit bossy at times, he loves them fiercely. They are his best friends and I love that.

I recently had the unfortunate opportunity to witness Josh's raw emotions in grief when his kitten was killed by a stray dog right in front of his eyes. It was both heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time. What I mean by that is, yes, it was heartbreaking to see him so sad and to know what he had witnessed, but at the same time, it was beautiful to see the deep care he had for the life of that little kitten.

This year was the year Josh made his profession of faith public and was baptized. He is like me in that, he has a very quiet faith. He doesn't talk about it a lot, but you can tell it is there and he exudes a sweet spirit.

I haven't recently done an official height check, but Josh is quite tall next to kids his age, and some even older. He is up to my shoulder and wears a size 7 to 7 and a half (men's) shoe. I'm not prepared to look him in the eye and then soon be looking up at him. That's going to feel really weird...

For now, I want to try as best I can to be in the moment....for time is flashing by.

Happy 10th Birthday Joshua!! We love you SO very much. Keep growing and learning about all kinds of things, but most of all grow and learn all about the LOVE of God!

Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ's love for you was like a sweet perfume.  -Ephesians 5:2

Childhood

Do you ever long for those simple childhood days?

• Days free from worry, concern, or responsibility? 

• Days with beautiful blue skies, gentle breezes, and short sleeve (holes in your jeans) kind of temperatures? 

•  Days when your only decision in life is choosing between playing in the sand, riding your bike, or jumping on the trampoline?

I do.

Thankfully, life is not quite as hectic as it was a few weeks ago. I keep finding that my heart is restless to be more childlike again. I want to relax and have fun for awhile. I know that I am a parent, and that I'm not supposed to try to be "the friend." However, I think it is okay to be friends with your kids too, as long as it isn't that way all the time, and the parenting still gets done. 

The trouble is....I'm still the Mom. There is still constant supervision and correction to be done.

And I'm left wondering......How do they view me?

At this point....I prefer not to speculate. I'm afraid of what I might find. Instead, I'm going to publish this post, and set out to make sure that, if only for this weekend, they see in me a glimpse of the Mother I long to be.

She is pleasant, she is firm, she is filled with lovingkindness, she seizes the moment, she smiles, she teaches, she laughs, she loves............

A Little Mixture

Since it's been such a long time since I've posted anything, much less pictures of the boys....I decided to put a variety up. They really aren't in any particular order and were taken on two different days. I guess you can figure that out based on the clothes.  ;)

Peek a Boo! This little guy says he is a Jedi.

Making a "fortune teller." Do you remember those?

Another Book Worm

He's getting long and lean.

Wagon Ride  (Yes, he does sit when the wagon is in motion.)

Walking to Grandma's house, cap under arm.

It is hard to get a natural smile from him for pictures. Not too bad here.

Sandbox Fun

Growing fast!

Loving on Shadow

JUMP!

Lazy Dog Days

Getting in on the fun.

Look Mama, I found a "motor." (It's a motorcycle.)

AhHA!

This was funny and a  little sad. I wanted to take a picture of them together. Andrew put his arm around Josh, and Josh made him take it off.  :(

So then, this is what I got.

We are busy trying to finish up the end of 1st grade and 4th grade. We are loving the spring weather and looking forward, with much anticipation, to the summer ahead. Craig and I plan to attend a homeschooling convention in a few weeks, and will be preparing for 2nd grade and 5th grade.  It is hard to believe we have been a homeschooling family for, soon to be, 4 complete years. I am by NO means an expert yet, but I'm feeling more confident as we go.

As for the little guy....he's as busy as ever.  Just today I discovered something he can enjoy while we work, that kept him quiet and occupied for a very good little while. Play Doh! We will likely be trying that again.

I still really want to learn how to convert videos to be able to upload them to the internet. I've got a couple of really cute ones! If anyone can help me, PLEASE let me know.

To Do List

Right now I should be sleeping.  I've vowed to be up and exercising no later than 6:30 in the morning, which is half an hour later than I'd like for it to be.  Well....no.  I guess technically it isn't later than I would like it to be, but rather, later than it ought to be.  Anyway....

I sat down at my computer to try to do a couple of the things on my To Do List before heading to bed, when I got distracted reading blogs and remembered.....Oh YEAH!  I have a blog too!

I'd love to be clever, or witty, or sentimental, or anything really....  The only thing I have on my mind is that To Do List and how it continues to grow. I'm not an all the time kind of list maker, but I take spurts where I do, or when it becomes a must. This week seems to be one of those times. Each day I've been making a list. The problem is, some of the tasks are either too big to fit in, or I simply avoid them.  So consequently.... They keep getting transferred.  I can at least be happy for the fact that some of the things get checked off.

Maybe no one could care less....but if nothing else, someday I can look back and see what exactly was on that list that I was talking about.

-Till garden (I'm thinking this is a task to be delegated to Craig and Josh for Saturday.)
-Get boy's clothes down from attic (to be sorted and switched out for season).
-Address postcards about business (There are 500 of them...)
-Finish taxes (***shudder***) I will be so glad to get this one checked off!
-Next week's lesson plans
-Register for Homeschool Convention
-Check on accompaniment track for awesome song heard on the radio. (Wait, I DID do that one! Unfortunately, there isn't one...)

Add to that all the regular stuff, and well, you can see why I should head to bed now.

Now what else is it I'm forgetting.....?

New Business

I have been meaning for quite some time to write a post about our new business. I am sure that most of you are aware of it, but we are always finding people who are not up to date on our latest news. 

So, back in October, Craig left his job at ServiceMaster and began a joint venture with his dad, Terry.  CaTO Disaster Solutions offers many different services including, but not limited to, fire and flood restoration, carpet and tile cleaning, all types of floor care, and trauma cleanup. 

Like any new business, start up is a challenge, but we are thankful for God's provision everyday. He continues to amaze us with His faithfulness. Craig absolutely loves this type of work.  He has been in the industry, off and on, for more than 15 years, and takes great pride in doing a job well. It is kind of a joke between us that anytime we walk into a building I'm looking forward and he's looking down. He always notices floors, and I often will hear him gasp and comment on the beauty of a shiny polished floor. Don't worry though....he doesn't use equal drama when pointing out dirty floors.  Actually, he likes seeing those just as much, if not more, because it's like his canvas! A really dirty floor that he can make clean makes him happy. :)

I am thankful and humbled that Craig is able to do what he loves for a living.

If you are interested in learning how you can hire our services, you can comment or email me, and I would be glad to give you more info. We do covet your prayers that the Lord would establish this business to His Glory. Thanks.

Life is Busy

As much as I still would love to blog daily, it just isn't feasible in this season of life. I really can't figure out how others manage to "do it all," so it seems, and still live find time to blog about it. Many days, I don't even have time to turn my computer ON, much less blog.

Anyway, I just wanted to touch base and say we are doing well.  Just busy....

I will try to to give a better update next time. ;)

Blizzardmagedon 2011

That's what they're calling it around these parts.  The term "blizzard" is just not a word uttered by our local meteorologists on a regular basis, if ever.  The forecasters have been talking about this storm for a week or two.  I half paid attention.  I knew that our weather was about to take a drastic change from the nearly 80 degree temps we enjoyed over the weekend, but I didn't know we were seriously expecting a blizzard until yesterday.  Many laughed at the hype and mocked when schools closed before a drop of precipitation ever fell.  In fact, closings began before the temperature ever even dropped below freezing!  That is unheard of! 

But not anymore....

Snow it did.  And blow it did.  Snow + Blow = Blizzard

So this morning, I asked Craig, "Are we going to make the boys bottle their calves themselves or....."  Before I could finish my sentence he said, "YES!" 

And really....there was no reason not to.  They are healthy and come on!  They are 7 and 9.  What kids that age wouldn't be thrilled with the chance to go out in blowing snow?  That's awesome stuff right there.

They loved every second of it.  And I loved every second of watching from the window.  :)

Bringing the bottles from the barn, to the calves.

Can you see them? 

All done.

Hurry back to the house.

They had trouble getting the gate open.  It had snowed that much in the short time they were out!

Finally in the gate.

Whew!  That wasn't so bad.

Time to thaw out.

The Pathway

I love the writings of Roy Lessin.  In fact, I have one of his quotes framed and hanging next to my bathroom sink.  I knew I was in for a treat when I received an e-card from Craig's Grandma, and saw that Roy Lessin was the author.  I was so impressed by it, I just had to share.  I hope it speaks to you.  Enjoy!

The Pathway

One day, a follower of the Lord knelt before his Father in heaven.  With a prayer on his lips, peace in his spirit, and faith in his heart, he gazed into his Father's eyes.  He noticed that the Lord's eyes were clear and brilliant and sharply focused.  The follower turned in the direction that the Lord's eyes were focused.  Looking out, he saw a pathway.

The pathway was only visible for a few hundred yards and faded from view behind a small hill.  The follower also noticed other pathways close by.  Each of the other pathways were only visible for a short distance as they turned either to the right or left.

It was at this time that the Lord spoke to the follower.

     "If you ever wonder where the pathway is taking you, simply look down and you will notice my footsteps ahead of you and behind you.  ~ As you walk, you will notice other pathways close to yours.  Some pathways may get your attention, and draw your interest and curiosity.  They are pathways that I have chosen for others. ~ You may be attracted to these other pathways because of the flowers that border them, the trees that shade them, or the direction in which they are heading.  What you don't see is the depth of the valleys and the steepness of the mountains through which these pathways wind. ~  Those whom I have called to travel these other pathways will have My grace for the journey.  It is My perfect plan for them. ~  I do not want you to waste your time imagining what it might be like traveling down someone else's pathway.  If you did travel one of them you would not have My grace upon you, and the valleys and hills would be a burden to you and create a weariness within you. ~ The time and energy I give you will always be enough for each day's travel, and you will find My resting places along the way.  Give yourself completely to the pathway upon which My eyes are focused.  As you do, continue to look upon My face, for My smile will be upon you.  And never forget that everything is significant and is working together for the good that I have planned for you. ~  I know where the pathway is taking you.  I have already traveled it, and believe Me when I say that you could never imagine the incredible things that await you."

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  

Psalm 16:11 

Author:  Roy Lessin