Merry Christmas!

I don't know why I find this so funny, but I love it!

Finally! A Reason ...

... my husband loves me: he said I know he's insane and it doesn't matter.

We're Celebrating!

Today is our 26th anniversary ~ woohoo! We've had good times and hard times and we seem to still be going strong.

Tonight we're grilling ~ I'll have a nice thick ribeye and he'll have a lovely lamb chop with roasted garlic potatoes and corn/zucchini vinaigrette. Maybe he'll make a chocolate cake for dessert, too.

And I have a 5-day weekend!

Uh Oh!

Does it mean what I think it does when you look in the mirror and see your grandmother?

110

It was 104˚ here yesterday and it’s expected to hit at least 110˚ today. I am very grateful for air conditioning.

A New Beginning

John 14:1-6

Dad was promoted to Heaven a week ago today. He celebrated the best Easter possible ~ in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

I didn't make it back in time to see him alive here on earth but I will see him again someday.

Being Happy in the Sadness

My Dad is dying. His heart is giving out after serving him well for 78 years. He has gone from approx. 215 pounds to under 140. He is on oxygen at home and he cannot speak easily because of fluid on his lungs. He never smoked but his docs think he might have lung cancer. They don't want to do a biopsy or drain the fluid because of his frail condition and the invasive techniques that are required.

Dad is at peace about his death ~ he knows the Lord is waiting for him with open arms. Last night I spoke with Mom and had to apologize for snapping at her (I had a tension headache, nausea and a bad backache). About 10 minutes later Mom called back, said Dad wanted to pray with me and put me on speaker. It was beautiful listening to my Dad, who loves me so much, pray with complete assurance that even with his halting speach his prayer would be heard and answered. I cried.

All of the funeral arrangements have been made except for the date. Three of Dad's pastor friends were at his house last night ~ discussing the service and praying with him. They were able to have a short communion service with Dad and Mom, which they all appreciated.

I'm very glad that I was able to attend the last Sunday morning service (in July '09) that Dad was able to lead. He's been my pastor since I was 7 or 8 years old and I still compare every preacher I hear to Dad. 

There are many reasons I'm blessed to have had this man as my Dad. I'm crying again thinking about him being gone but I know he doesn't want us to be sad. He'll be waiting for us with open arms when we go Home.

I spent 3 weeks with my parents last summer and I am, Lord willing, going to see them again this Friday ~ it will be much harder this time.