Sweet Baby...

I am blessed x 2 with beautiful granddaughters. This is my most recent photo of sweet Lilia Carolyn. Having little ones around reminds me of God's amazing creativity--these two little girls are so different in personality, but each is so uniquely special.

Isn't it incredible to imagine the love of a Creator who cares more for us than we are capable of caring for our loved ones? That just blows me away every time I think about it!

Don't Do It!

This is a friendly reminder for all you husbands out there in the blogosphere. I think it's pretty funny. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-lv8745InI

20/20 Insight...

Tonight, John Stossel introduced 20/20 viewers to Rinkonomics--a very compelling example of why less government is always best. If you missed it, check this out~ http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=6048937&page=1

Boy oh Boy...

The following makes me sad. I hate to think that this might be indicative of the ignorance of the voting public--but who knows? Maybe THIS is the problem... It would explain so much.

http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=194983

A Week Ago Today!

A week ago yesterday was our first granddaughter's first birthday. One week ago today we had a celebration to honor her, and let me just say it was incredible. She was delighted to be the center of attention and thrilled by the opportunity to make a mess with wrapping paper and cake. What a blessing she is in my life! Thank you Lord, for Ava Grace!

TGIF...

It's a Fabulous Fall Friday--time For some Funnies! (Can you tell I felt the need for some alliteration this morning?)

Next weekend, I'm speaking at a women's retreat at Mecklenburg Community Church, so please pray for me and for the event. Also, pray for my friend Sara who is the other speaker, and my daughter-in-law Nichole who will be leading worship. The retreat theme (From the Inside Out) is exciting in itself, but there are so many amazing elements including dance, drama, etc., that have gone into the planning of this retreat I just can't wait!

In preparation for the opportunity to encourage women, I discovered these thought provoking truths that I don't plan to include in my talk next weekend, so I decided to share them here:

1.Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

2.Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

3.If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

4.Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

5.Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

6.The quickest way to double your money in this tough economy is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

7.There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

8.Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Happy Friday!

Good-bye Supper Time...

Last week, we closed a chapter in our lives. For those who don't know, we were 1/3 partners in a Super Suppers Franchise in Huntersville. We have now officially closed our doors, but we'd hoped that the great concept of being able create and take home 12 gourmet quality dinner entrees in only 2 hours would be a business that would thrive as it served to bring families back together around their own dinner tables.

One of the hardest things for me when I had a young family was thinking of creative meals that were healthy but not overwhelming to prepare. We made it a priority to eat dinner AT the table rather than on the run or in front of the tube as many nights a week as possible when my kids were growing up. It was often difficult and some weeks it was almost impossible, but I believe that having that goal contributed to the great relationship we enjoy to this day with Leslie and David (and their beloveds). The dinner table was where we laughed, solved world problems, debated, and discussed what was happening in our lives. We discovered things around our table that we'd never have known about each other if not for that practice, and I cherish those memories.

It's sad that we've had to close Super Suppers for many reasons, not the least of which is that we are saying good-bye to some very disappointed loyal customers, but the fact is, there just weren't enough of them.

Okay...before this starts to sound like a "woe is us" post let me say that my purpose isn't a plea for pity. I actually want to praise God for the hard lessons learned as we've labored to stay afloat. But my primary reason for writing is to take the opportunity to urge young couples who have children to turn off the television and eat dinner together at the table as often as you can. You'll be doing yourself a favor and giving yourself a gift because the best happy meal happens at home!

Politics...

This morning I was lamenting the arrival of my favorite season because I'm so disgusted with the barrage of political ads that all contradict each other and sling mud and muck that is beyond ridiculous. Honestly, I'll be glad to see election day come and go, even though I am a passionate believer in the need to be informed and involved.

That said, the Women for Sarah Palin blog links an article from "National Review" that every concerned American should read this morning. Please take a moment to consider the disturbing information reported in this piece and join me in adding another prayer request to my previous post. Pray for America--God is either going to judge us, rescue us, or allow us to suffer the consequences of our own apathy.

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=M2MxMWJlNzcwMDU3ZTJkYjRmZjU3N2U0OGNlZmE1ZDg=