It's only a thing

Sorry to have been away again for a bit.  The latest thing to go wrong in my life is the computer.  It has been having reliability issues for several months and is now on it's last legs.  The long lived, and overworked dear is going on strike and I can only get it to turn on sporadically.  I will be learning how to post via text message.

I was sharing my computer woes with a friend when she remarked "Things keep falling apart around you."  I chuckled and told her it made sense, after all I seem to be falling apart lately.  I was thinking of the last time I had a computer to die. I remember how much I missed it and had to work on my attitude to accept the disappointment.  I can't believe I was so disturbed by the loss of a thing!  I am so grateful God has worked in my life to help me see what is important.  I know He is the reason I have learned to remember to keep my focus on the blessings of my life. I am not be able to do so on my own.   Otherwise, I would not have moments of forgetfulness when He reminds me to seek joy.  A heart that is bitter sees no gift. I pray my heart will always recall  how much I have been gifted.

Thankful for lessons learned and joy revealed,

jené

 

...and a little child will lead them

Saturday night found me with my three favorite little girls.  We gathered in the kitchen to cook dinner together and caught up on our time apart. After we had finished eating, the twins were playing with their Pokeman cards (Who knew they were still around?).  The oldest was helping me fold my laundry while telling me all about camp.  The evening escalated when a trade went bad and one sister demanded her cards back.  

After a mediation that would have made Kissinger proud, we had a long talk about having a generous spirit.  We took a moment to review the day to see how often someone had shown generosity to them.  All of the girls then began to offer ideas on how they could be generous to others.  They were grandiose and difficult to implement.  I listened until they came up empty and then suggested perhaps they could start with being generous in their own home.  I haven't heard yet how that plan has worked out, but am looking forward to the stories I am sure I will hear when we are together again.

Heading to bed a little later than I would have liked, the girls settled down for me to come and share nighttime prayers with each.  As would be expected each asked for God's help in their task.  Over the years, I have learned any surprises in prayer are most likely going to come from Julia.  This night was no exception.  She gets so excited talking to God, she stumbles over her words trying to get them out as fast as she can.  She took a moment's pause and then thanked God for "knowing what was in my heart even when I say something else." After hugs and kisses I told her I was glad she knew that God knew what was in her heart.  She said  "Even if you pray for something you think you might want, God knows what you really want and what you need."

I am always so blessed by my time with these girls, the love and joy we share never fails to be a balm for my soul.  I am doubly blessed to be able to have moments where I can see God's Kingdom as a little child does.  Being a part of their faith journey enriches my own, and I am thankful.

Looking forward all these sweet girls will continue to teach me,

jené 

Someone shares my thoughts

When I read Ann Rice's statement about giving up on Christianity, my first thought was she was going to make her journey with Jesus a personal one and remove herself from the corporate body. It wasn't until I began reading various responses to her statement that I began to feel no one else took her statement the way I did.

Then one of my favorite blogs tackled the issue.  As I read his thoughts on her decision, I no longer felt alone.  He said what I felt but much better than I could have said it.

Check it out for yourself, it's well worth the read, but then it always is. 

"Provocative Christian Living"

Praying Anne finds her answer in her commitment to Christ,

jené

From Great Aunt Jené

Dear Jackson,

I have yet to hold you in my arms but you are already being held in my heart. I began praying for you at the moment I knew you were on the way.  The announcement of your coming was a wonderful highlight from your Great Grandparent's Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary.  You were the hit of the party!

I will not be able to see you as often as I like, for that would be every day.  But I will be keeping you in my prayers.  I pray for all my nieces and nephews daily.  I have not been gifted with children and each of you are a gift I cherish all the more.  

My goal is to be the aunt everyone feels comfortable coming to with joys and sorrows.  The aunt you know will always be in your corner.  The one you can count on when life blows up in you face and don't know which way to turn.  There is nothing, absolutely nothing, you can do to lose my love for you.  You are stuck with me for the rest of my life!

So as you grow up, when you need a friend, a confidant, a co-conspirator, or just someone to be silly with, remember your aunt jené.  I will be delighted to be the one you turn to.

I love you Jackson William Taylor, and I always will!

Love,

aunt jené