Hope

Most mornings before getting out of bed and that first cup of coffee, I say Thank You Lord-I am Yours,let everything I say and do glorify You.I have found when I do that my attitude is so different.My intentions will be purer.Not my will but Thy will be done.So this day began as any other.One patient after another.As I told Justin a few weeks ago sometimes the best medicine is not medicine at all-it may be a smile,the touch of your hand on their shoulder,or a silent prayer sent up on their behalf.I had first seen the man 6 weeks ago.He had enough health problems for several people and he was losing hope.On our first visit he talked about his headaches and tightness in his midback.The thing that really got my attention was when he said his lower back was his biggest problem but it was too bad for me to even touch him.Those are the times when I have called out to God what shall I do-be my hands ,guide me Lord.So we began.A divine appointment that would effect us both in different ways.Now the man walks in with a smile on his face,looks me in the eye and says ...I had lost hope but I have a life now thanks to you.For a moment I think back to all the events that had come together to put me on this path-an encouraging wife,selling our house and a building in one week,the Owens moving out of the "pink house" after living there 20 years,and of couse driving from Rome to Life everyday for almost 4 years.It truly was a leap of faith on a path made by God.Now almost 30 years later I am still amazed how God uses us especially those of us that should have been discarded or who seem so unworthy.As the man prepares to leave I tell him how thankful I am that he is doing better and that I am grateful to have had a hand in the process.

Collide – Howie Day Lyrics & Listen

Collide – Howie Day Lyrics & Listen

The Gift

As I sit on the back porch I start to cry as I think back to last night as Jessica softly said" we are having a little boy".The gift of life is a priceless treasure.Damien and Jessica continue to amaze me with their courage to step out in faith and their abundant love for their little ones.They will move in a few months to their new home 40 minutes away.There there will be 4-wheelers,swimming,and woods to wonder in. A haven for growing memories.Of course as a grandparent you want to protect them all from danger but not keep them from living life to the fullest.As I sit here I am reminded of the seemingly never ending to do list that I wake up to.That really is the trick to life-be productive yet enjoy being with those you love.In a few weeks all the kids will gather in Lexington for a rare get together.Of course we will have an endless selection of names for the little fellow.Jessica got a dog a few months ago and by phone we all text suggestions.When Justin texted "Blokkey" I thought he was joking and of course that was the name they chose-maybe we should wait until he is at work before we suggest any names.Since they had 3 boys and 1 girl the natural choice would be another girl,however, we know that God always gives us what we need.February 28th will be here before you know it -better get started thinking about names.

David

September 1st was the third year since he left us.Sometimes it seems like only yesterday since he was here and at times it seems like it has been forever. He was about 10 when I first met him.He had 2 pretty older sisters and 2 younger brothers but even back then you just knew he would be someone very special.I always enjoyed watching him play basketball. He would have been a great coach.I would date his sister for a few years and eventually we both wound up at Berry College playing baseball and sporting curly perms.Of course he would be going with Brenda and I would eventually win the lottery and marry Brenda's sister Jolene.So many miles and so many memories shared.David would become the brother I never had.When Lamar and Patsy's daughter Christy died in a car wreck David was there loving them through that time.Once when I hurt my back he came and prayed for healing-the first and only time any one had done that for me.We both had restless spirits.Both looking for something.I remember making 5 calls over several weeks to Rome about them getting into foster care. Finally they did and ours paths were linked again.David would fall and a short time later I would fall even further.Almost five years later I am still trying to make sense of it all.I always thought David ,Brenda ,Jolene and myself would grow old together.Watch Georgia football.Spoil our grand kids,and talk of all the times we shared.I feel so fortunate to have known him and so blessed that he passed my way. I guess the inevitability of time does add beauty to the moment.As Jessica wrote "Remember all the good times and simply blow the others away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca9ub9rpNK4