Happy Saturday and Mother’s Day Eve to all of you.

My apologies for not writing last night, but the time had come to begin to clean out, sort, get rid of and part with things I no longer wore, carried or used any more. I am still not finished, but I am on the journey to using what I have and getting rid of stuff. I have discovered that the older I get, the less stuff I need and the more time I need with my family.

It being the day before Mother’s Day, I have asked my family to just spend time together and we are making the trek to the Dallas Farmer’s Market. I have been to the market before, but it was forever ago before we had children. They are pretty excited about going. Travis got all of his shifts at work covered for today and sometime this morning we are going to head over. We are having a cook-out at my brother’s house tomorrow with Mom and Dad and I am in charge of the veggie tray. The market should provide all I need to take care of this offering to the party.

Joshua 1:9 “I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I remember when Casey was a week old and he was laying in bed with me on a Saturday morning. I remember looking over at this amazing little creature that had entered my life and being scared to death when it dawned on me that I was responsible for this little life for at least the next 18 years. I remember being overwhelmed with emotion and trembling as I cried and asking myself if I was up to the task of raising him. I began to think of my own mom and wonder if I could even begin to be as amazing at this task as she was and still is.

It takes a lot of courage to be a mom. I think I am grateful that God does not show you what is ahead of you when you sign on for this job because the world would be a lot less populated if He did! I am so grateful that God in His infinite wisdom allows us to grow up with our children, learn as we go and assists us along the way. My meditation this morning said that as soon as the doctor hands us our first born we are forever changed and we enter the world of Big Love. Everything we ever knew about love pales in comparison to the love we feel for our children.

I think this must be how God feels about us. Ever since the first man and woman were created and he blew His very breath into their bodies, God’s love was forever changed. For now He had hearts and souls to care for and He became part of their very lives and beings. These first creations were completely trusting and with a faith they did not understand believed that all their needs were met and they were loved.

Our children will not always be babies and we cannot protect them forever just as God could not keep His firstborns from sin and hard times. Skinned knees, broken hearts, illness, sadness and even death will happen to our children. We cannot protect them from these things, but what we can do is be there for them just as God is there for us. God’s Word in Romans tells us that nothing can separate us from His love, and may our children know that same unfailing love.

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes, count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.

Gcapplenotes@aol.com

I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.