A Life Well Lived

It's Christmas Eve and we are waiting on the weather to let up and then head to Lubbock. I've been thinking about my dad of course and that his chair will be empty, but he is spending Christmas with Jesus. It sounds so trite, but is so true. If we had his perspective, we'd be able to truly rejoice in knowing that our lives here on earth are truly but fleeting moments in God's time. The "dash" between the dates of someone's birth and death is so short, maybe God meant it that way, to signify the briefness of life. But on this side of heaven, a lot of living goes in to that "dash". He lived a lot--hard work, devoted wife, kids that adored him and grandkids that adored him even more as "Seymour". That's another story. He lived a lot of good life in that "dash" and I am so grateful to have been given to him for a little girl. Daddy, you are greatly missed, but we'll see you soon.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Gratitude

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Oklahoma with Ron's family. This was the first time they met Bella Grace and she was a hit. You can see her cuteness in every photo. Of course we had lots of good food and fellowship with relatives that we don't get to see very often. Ron's dad and mom are in good health and it was very special that they got to see Bella in action. YOu can read Emily's blog at ittybittysmithy.blogspot.com for more details. She is a GREAT blogger. (I've been concentrating on work, the website and Facebook so the blog has had to go to the back of the bus.)
We have so much for which to be grateful--family, health, jobs, homes, and abundant love in every direction. I took more time to appreciate Ron's parents since my dad died on Labor Day. We all miss him and his spot wil be so empty this Christmas, but we know where he is and that God's timing is perfect, as is His grace and mercy.
I saw a phrase somewhere--I'm not sure where it came from-- but it said "Empty Hands Filled With Grace." I love it but confess that part of what I like is that I know it holds a lot of meaning that is yet to be revealed to me. I know that His grace is "unmerited favor" and that it is renewed every day for that day's challenges. So for now, I want my hands to be empty of selfishness and the "stuff" that clutters my heart, so that His grace can fill me up and work through me. Be blessed....with His grace.

This is Mike, Emily and Bella--what a precious little family. They are loving every moment of Bella's young life and it's wonderful watching them relish parenthood like we did. God is good!

Granddad is always the science teacher. Priceless! And great-grandpa is so happy to have this little happy baby on his lap, enjoying the sunshine.
Then every baby loves to have only a diaper playing paddy-cake. Too cute! God is good!

And here's Allison and her guy, Brad, who is a great young man. She thinks so--just look at her face. God is good!

And then this is the little baby that I photographed 3 years ago when she was 13 days old and now she's almost three. I happened to catch this priceless moment between this little girl and her adoring daddy. I think she must be thinking "Daddy, you'll always be my number 1 guy." And he's thinking, "You will always be daddy's little girl." God is good!