It was a beautiful, sunny day in April.
The Lord sent us a precious baby girl named Kayla.
We love her...
smile...
laugh...
zeal...
heart to seek and love You...
faithfulness to serve You with all her heart, soul, strength and mind...
loyalty to friends and family...
high heels ...
creativity...
passion for the Wildcats and basketball...
stories,"Did you know?"...
gift of hospitality...
care and love for her "brother"...
joy in Jesus...
fondness for reading, and writing...
contentment in serving the Lord at COCUSA...
favorite foods - pie, black jelly beans, popcorn and sour candy...
willingness to try new things...
cooking skills...
desire to leave a spiritual legacy with junior high girls...

"Oh, Lord, you have made me glad
for what you have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of your hands."Psalm 92:4

"chickens"
Our church had a garage sale this summer. I bought these chickens. These aren't just any chickens, they belonged to my friend Marge. Marge died this summer. I was sad to see her go, even though I know she is in heaven. Marge was a pretty happy gal , at 83 years young or so. I really enjoyed visiting with her. One day last spring I took her to Chik-fil-a, it was her first time there and she really enjoyed it. Little did I know that that would be our last outing. And at the time I didn't know she collected chickens, it all seems fitting now. I am not that sentimental about "things" but these are special, like my great auntie's handmade Christmas pin and the quilts my mom has made for us, my kids artwork, notes my husband has written me and now the chickens. When I am older (maybe I should say today), I hope to be just a little bit like Marge was, loving God, loving my church and family, happy to accept the next thing.
"one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."Philippians 3:13-14

"good things"

1 Timothy 2:10 says,"I want women to adorn themselves with... good works" The Contemporary English Version says, "Women who claim to love God should do good things for others". As women we do notice one another, cute shoes, great hair, adorable earrings but God wants us to see the good things we do, to recognize one another by our "good things".
Picture a gal with hearts all over her, different sizes, different colors, some torn or with pieces missing, they are not all whole or perfect, each representing a "good thing" done for another.
As I look around at each of the women I know I see them differently now. I see the those good things that they are doing and have done for others.
I want to encourage you to see your friends differently, look at the good God is doing in and through them. Encourage them to continue.
And praise God for the work that He is doing through those women in your circle.
Blessings, Julie