Not Ready

I was just thinking...Mom, I'm not ready. I know you're 84 years old, but I'm just not ready to lose you yet. That's selfish, isn't it? I'm pretty sure you're not ready to leave yet, either. I keep thinking, we don't get to "pick." God's already chosen that date for us. Ecclesiastes says there's "a time to be born and a time to die." Well, I'm not ready for your time. Then again, I suppose I shall never be ready. It's just, this last week has been so much fun! I love being with you, and talking with you, and caring for you. I love that you're "quiet as a little mouse" when you get up early to take your medicine, making sure you don't wake me on the couch where I sleep. How you watch TV without the sound--or closed caption--is beyond me! I love it when you make a funny remark and then giggle.  (Like the joke about my "nighttime attire,"--sweat pants and a t-shirt.) I love how we share chocolate together after a meal. Hmmm...guess you could say, "I love you!" Reminds me of that book, I'll Love You Forever. "I'll love you forever. I'll love you for always. As long as I'm living, my mommy you'll be!"

Headin' North (and it's not me this time!)

I was talking to my dear mom on the phone the other day when I noticed a large flock of birds flying over the house. White, with black wing tips, I identified them as Snow Geese. Having just moved my desk next to the window, I watched all day as hundreds and hundreds of geese flew swiftly overhead. (So much for "working!") At one point I went out on the porch to listen to them. What a beautiful sound!  Spring is indeed almost here (even though it snowed 4 inches that same day!). Spring makes me think of "new life," like the new life I have in Christ. I am His daughter. I ponder the really new life that my 84 year-old mom will have someday soon, as she struggles with leukemia . This quote really ministered to me today: she's not "going" anywhere, she's "coming" to be with Jesus! Mom, the battle's not yours...it's already won! Your Savior Jesus conquered death and the grave so you don't have to. I love you!! Jesus loves you!!  Fear not. "Behold," He says, "I make all things new!"

He Sings Over You!

I recently travelled to Wisconsin to see Mom--spent the week with her while brother Jim and his wife Lynn went to Florida. Ahhh, tempted to be jealous, except it was almost warmer in the midwest! We had a great time together; went out for lunch(es), shopped, had coffee at St. Arbucks, watched the Olympics, discussed current events, past events, present events, and even non-events. Unfortunately, Mom got sick the week after I left. She's in the hospital now in Burlington. We laughingly talked about how she "keeled over" after walking into the kitchen. Thankfully, God has been watching over her, and got her the help she needed.  We've both been reminded that He loves us so much...this morning He whispered quietly to me that He rejoices over me with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).  This holds true for you, too! Listen to God's Word and let it penetrate your heart:  "Our God is mighty to save! He takes great delight in you!! He wants to quiet you with His love, and rejoice over you with singing!" ...the battle's not ours. THANK GOD!