He's in the Army now!

Where has the time gone? He was so young, the sweetest boy you could imagine. Then he grew up. Right in front of my eyes, he became a young man. I'm not sure I realized it was happening so quickly, going from boy to obnoxious teenager to young adult. Did I look away for a brief second? Was that when it happened? All I know is that the last 18 years have flown and he's ready to spread his wings and fly. Two weeks ago, he walked across the stage and became a high school graduate. What happened to grades 1-11? Next month on July 16, he will leave for basic training, having chosen to trade college colors for Army green. I am proud, prouder than I ever thought possible of his decision to serve and protect the freedom we cherish.

A part of me is happy.  After almost 40 years with a child in my house, it's time for a little empty nest. I know I'm going to miss him, the sweet goofy kid who knows exactly how to push my buttons, but I know in my heart he's ready to forge ahead and make a life of his own.

Hopefully he has learned the order of things: God, family, friends.  May those lessons guide him as he enters this next chapter of his life.  So when you think of him, say a little prayer, a prayer for wisdom, protection and guidance............

Venting......

Life is sometimes unpredictable and sometimes life is complicated by unknown things. I went to work early today, worked through lunch and left early to attend my son's baseball game. After rushing home, changing into clothes appropriate for 30 degree temps later tonight and rushing to arrive at the ballfield on time, we were greeted with.........NOTHING! The game had been cancelled but my son could not call me because he can't find his cell phone. I guess the school or his teammates do not have phones. I was happy for the hour long wait at practice to calm my mind. We did discuss that consideration of other people is vitally important in life. Hopefully it's a lesson learned. Now if he can just find that phone:)

He's 15!

Today is Richard's 15th birthday. Where have the years gone? It seems only yesterday he was a baby, all cuddly and sweet. Now he's a strapping teenager, all sweaty and smelly (especially after ball practice). He's now a freshman in high school and will go tomorrow and take his driver's test for the all important permit. I'm sure I will turn around shortly and he will be away at college. Time flies.....savor the moments, good and bad, happy and sad. Before long they are grown and gone, living lives of their own.

Catching Up.........

My good friend, Lisha, gently asked if I was ever going to blog again. Guess that was her way of telling me that I needed to put words to the screen.

A lot has happened in the last 6 weeks:

1. School finished. Richard will be a high school freshman in August!

2. VBS went off without a major hitch....just a few minor blips. Great job, Lisha!

3. Richard's baseball team won their league championship. He hit 7 homeruns this year, tying the league record.

4. Richard made the 14 Year Old All Star Team!

5. Richard is now my son. Adoption Day went off without a hitch. We were joined by Craig, Zac, Abby, Mark and Lisha. Everyone, plus Dan, went to Red Robin for lunch.

6. Richard's team won the Sub-District Championship, but came up short in District play.

7. Bob and I had dinner with Dan & Lisha in celebration of their 21st wedding anniversary. We attended an off-broadway production of Jesus Christ, Superstar after dinner. Thanks for asking us to join you!

8. Lisha, Valerie, Tanya and myself spent last weekend in Atlanta attending Deeper Still:the Event. What a blessed time of spiritual renewal. What a wonderful time of hanging out with the girls. I look forward to our next trip together.

9. Tomorrow we will travel to Lake Martin to celebrate the Fourth of July at the cabin of my BIL, Sonny. Lisha and her family will join us. This is the first year mother will not and I know I will miss her. She is unable to get out of bed these days............

10. My nephew, Bobby is on his way home from Iraq for some R&R. Hopefully, we will travel to ATL to pick him up on Saturday!

I could elaborate on any of these topics and may one day soon, but this is the best I could come up with at the moment. God is good and I am blessed..........

Random Ramblings..........

PTL - We are finally in the new facility at Mulder. More and more people are hearing about God's Church here on this hill in Redland, so the space is definitely needed. I wish I could tell everyone I know how awesome it is to be able to serve God in this place. I'm blessed......

VBS is just around the corner and my friend, Lisha, is doing a great job getting everything ready. I hope she doesn't stress about the process. It always works out great and to the Glory of God! So Lisha, here is your mantra until June 13, "God is in control and He will be glorified in all we do". Bring on those 300 children........

Baseball is in full swing. Richard is having a ball (pun intended) and has 2 homeruns under his belt. Many thanks to Mark, Craig, Bruce and Kit. They are all great coaches......

My husband is the kindest man I know. We've been married a looooonnnngggggg time, but I seem to love him more each day!

Wednesday Supper is almost ready. Joan is a wonderful cook who takes great care of our members by preparing these good meals. Mexican tonight!

Adoption Day is scheduled for June 17 at 9:30 am. While Richard has been with us his entire life, we've never made the situation permanent. Praises to God for allowing the process to go so smoothly.

No matter how badly things go, I am always reminded of God's ove for me...............................