I Was Once A Mother

I always enjoyed reading "Are You My Mother?"  It was sweet and everyone was kind to the new little hatchling.  That books and show like that were just comforting, funny and made you feel good about how life was going.  Learning was taking place, new words were being identified by the one being read to. Soon, so soon, she was literally covered in all of her books.  Reading them as fast as she could.  She knew the "jist" of every story at age 3, just not all of the words..who cared?  She had developed a passion for reading.  As the bystander in this little life, I had prayed for this and found my prayer answered in spades.
I also prayed the ocean would be a place of incredible delight - the vastness would not scare or be a place that felt dirty due to the sand.  To this day I see a 2 yr old - holding her arms full out, looking at the ocean and the sky...as if in worship for all she was taking in.  I said thank you.
These past few years have taken a toll on me, on both of us, that is indescribable.  We remember HER.  The core of her.  The being God created.  We are now seeing another side.  Things I cannot discuss.  I DO know this.  The precious word that God started in her is being hidden.  It's being put under a bushel basket.  She is alone and does not know where to turn.  She has chosen to turn to the world for answers and it is a void. 
We've literally prayed 1000s of prayers for her.  As have our friends and family.  People who do not know us, utter fine and precious words to God on her behalf. 
She is in so much noise (to quote a friend) she cannot hear Him knocking, every so gently upon the door to her heart.
We are confused.  We live a simple and quiet life.  We know things we cannot discuss at this time or maybe never.  We simply beg you pray for Jim and I.  We had entered the land of giants, they are all around us.  However, we know we have a God who can squash a giant with merely a thought.  Our God loves her.  Loves us.  Is not wringing his hands but is weeping the prayer of lament over his little lamb. 
Pray specifically for our anger...though it's part of this process...to use it for good.  Pray for sleep.  Jim sees a neurosurgeon on Tuesday morning in Phoenix.  We do not know (though we've asked) what he is going to say to Jim.
You are always a blessing - like gold, spun gold, in our lives.  There is not one of you who has not crossed into the fast moving waters or stood on the edge of a mountain and wondered how you were going to get out. 
We want to live in grace.  Be God's precious children.  We want peace restored as well as calm.  We may not get that.  We pray for strength to be what we are called to be.  Though surrounded by great darkness, He is the Light of the World.
love kathryn

T.G.F.A.V.G.F. (thank goodness for a very good friday)

Jim's colonoscopy was a success.  Two small polyps (just so sure he doesn't mind sharing this type of information...just sure....sure,I'm sure).  They were removed.  He does not have cancer.  The polyps are benign.  Now THAT information is the TerriFic!!!
Our nurse prayed over Jim that his doctors would find a resolution to the other problems.  To receive that kind of blessing, without a second thought on her part - the Lord spoke to her heat and she listened.  She said the Lord heals and blesses all who ask. Her touch, was healing, brought tears to our eyes - we were all blessed.  Be a blessing by surprising others in need with your prayers.  Take their hands; pray for them. It stops the pain or hurt, it sets people back on their heels - they are blessed.  Jesus touched people with his hands.  It was a blessing.  It also puts them in touch with the truth -what is truly real.  He is the lover of our souls. Whether the person chooses to know more or not, their hearts and lives are changed.  It is a mind bending, heart changing gift. It lifts the heaviness from any and all situations. We never know when those words could be drawn from at another moment.  A touch, a hug, a smile.  These things change our world....as well as theirs.

I found a blouse, purchased by the one and only owner - circa1970.  I feel so young wearing this tunic/embroidery shirt.  I am 17 again.

1. Bridge Over Troubled Water, Simon and Garfunkel 2. (They Long to Be) Close to You, The Carpenters 3. American Woman/No Sugar Tonight, The Guess Who 4. Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head, B.J. Thomas 5. War, Edwin Starr 6. Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Diana Ross 7. I'll Be There, The Jackson 5 8. Get Ready, Rare Earth 9. Let It Be, The Beatles 10. Band of Gold, Freda Payne 11. Mama Told Me (Not to Come), Three Dog Night 12. Everything Is Beautiful, Ray Stevens 13. Make It With You, Bread 14. Hitchin' a Ride, Vanity Fair 15. ABC, The Jackson 5 16. The Love You Save/I Found That Girl, The Jackson 5 17. Cracklin' Rose, Neil Diamond 18. Candida, Dawn 19. Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)/Everybody Is a Star,        Sly and The Family Stone 20. Spill the Wine, Eric Burdon and War 21. O-O-H Child, The Five Stairsteps 22. Spirit In the Sky, Norman Greenbaum 23. Lay Down (Candles In the Rain), Melanie and The Edwin Hawkin Singers 24. Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today), The Temptations 25. Love On a Two Way Street, The Moments I can still sing a few lines from all of those 70's hits.  (how scared do you want to be?) Anyway...her mom, washed it, starched and ironed it and it's been a cedar  chest since 1970...mint condition - all for $12.00.  Now about those wrinkles on my neck and the man who gave me a senior discount at the movie theater - without asking......hmm. I'll leave you with my favorite photo of the moment. ..and you shall find rest for your soul...                           I am going to stand in Hope and live in Joy                                              Today. love kathryn

"There are no tulips around here so I'll tip toe through the zinnias and morning glories." sophie

Call Him and Listen

" On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul."
Psalms 138:3