Grizzly Adams

I love reading The Pioneer Woman's book and blog, and they reminded me that I have my own nicknamed husband.  I've had Paul (Grizzly Adams) a lot longer than she and Marlboro Man have been together.  Now, some of you are not old enough to remember Grizzly Adams, but if you Google it I think you'll agree with me about the resemblance.  He's a gentle giant, but can be imposing until you know the mushy side.  I love my big strong guy!

Calvary Calls

Got a CD from a musician friend of mine the other day (thanks, Eddie!) and one of the songs really spoke out loud to me: Calvary Calls.  I was in the car driving, thinking, hoping, and asking God to use me in the Kingdom for something!  I'm so unworthy. 

I could squander my existence-
Live my life in search of ease,
Give all my days to gaining man's applause,
Thinking only of myself and all that pleases me.
But Calvary calls.

Chorus:
Calvary calls me to surrender,
Calvary calls me to obey;
Into a dying world it calls me to be a light along the way.
For the cross demands allegiance
So I'll give nothing less than all;
And I'll answer, "Here am I."
When Calvary calls.

In the mumbling of a stranger, in the clamor of a crowd
I can hear the constant cry above it all;
Sometimes it's just a whisper-
Sometimes it seems so loud,
When Calvary calls. Calvary calls.

If I see a brother broken by defeat and left to die,
And no one comes to help him when he falls.
Let me be the arms of mercy reaching out in Jesus' name
When Calvary calls. Calvary calls.

(Lyrics by Marty Funderburk)

Valentine

What a great holiday is Valentine's Day!  A chance to really focus on the one(s) you love and those who love you mostly in all the world!  This morning the pastor in the worship service spoke about God's indescribable love for us.  Of course, He is above all others as our soul-lover, and the model we look to in order to know unconditional love.  God's gift to us, Jesus, is as the Southern Gospel song says, "above all words and beyond all things - Jesus is above and beyond!"  God, the Father, gave Him to die for us that all believers could live - how's that for a Valentine gift!  No roses or candy or diamond can top that!!  What a romantic - One who gives and gives and has unlimited resources - and all He asks in return is that we love Him!

Of course, we as humans (read: women) need something(s) and someone(s) to hold and look at in person; and God knew that so He did give us real life Valentines.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for the loves in my life. 

(1) In addition to my Heavenly Father, I have an earthly father who loves me even though I haven't always been the daughter (to either one) that I should be.  I love remembering the story Mama used to tell me of how he came into the hospital room after I was born and had seen me in the nursery - huge grin on his face, so happy with a baby girl.  I can see it now, making me smile too. 

(2) In the sermon this morning, above mentioned pastor asked if we could remember the moment we saw our spouses, the time we knew he/she was the one, and the times leading up to and including our wedding.  I do remember the very minute I first saw Paul and wanted to get to know him, then our first date and knowing that he was the one I would marry.  I absolutely know God put us together and the most vivid memory of my wedding is this one: when Daddy was walking me down the aisle I was looking around and thinking, "this is exactly what I've always wanted."  That included the dress, the church, my one attendant (Mama), and the groom/love/life partner that God had led me to.  Now, 27+ years later, I still feel he's the one and I love our life together. 

(3) As if that weren't enough, I was blessed with a baby boy - now a young man with his own wife - to love.  How great is our God?!  I guess a child is the closest we will come to God's unconditional love.  That's all they know: love and giving love.  I wish I could capture that innocent charming love to recall when I don't feel quite so loving and giving.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my friends and loved ones!

Walking with Dixie and Cookie

Tried an experiment today - time to get out and start training for the Breast Cancer 3Day every chance the weather will let me, so this afternoon I decided to get my 2 lazy dogs in on the action.  We have a golden retrieiver (Dixie) who's about 100 lb - I know, no judgement please - and a little pomerschnoodle (yes, she is just as cute as her breed name suggests!).  They both also need exercise - so to kill 3 birds with one stone, we headed out.  Paul has cut a "road" on the left side property line all the way back to the back property line and there was already a "trail" on the other side.  Since we back up to the wildlife refuge and power lines, it makes a good route to follow.  I took Dixie first with a 20' lead (turned out to be too long) and by the time it took us to go, it's about 1/2 mile route. She loved it and we'll definately do it again.  Then I came back to get Cookie with her harness and 3' lead (not long enough) and she loved it too.  Not the optimum walk for me since I need to build up to many miles at a time, but now I know the route length and I could take either dog with me and they can get some exercise too.  Now they're both laid out on the floor as if we'd walked a marathon.  Guess they'll have to build up their endurance too.  I'm excited about walking the 3Day again this year - please if you can, go to http://www.the3day.org/ and click on Donate Now and find my name and make a donation.  I have to raise $2300 - much harder than getting in shape for the event!  Thanks for any help!