Month: February 2025

This morning I was running a little short on time as I finished up my Bible reading. Ladies would soon be arriving for Bible Study, so my written out prayers would have to be shortened to a list.

I wrote “Ruby.” And next to Ruby, “You know.”

I wrote “Molly.” And next to Molly, “You know.”

I wrote “Mack.” And next to Mack, “You know.”

I wrote “Josh.” And next to Josh, “You know.”

God does already know. He knows alllll about allll the things I bring to Him regularly for each person in my family. He knows how I carry so much of their cares and concerns throughout each day. Right or wrong, a mom really can take on too much of what their kids are going through. And usually for me it is wrong. I mean, I should and I do very much care about the details of my kids’ lives. I pray for them (right). I worry about them (wrong). I encourage them (right). I get frustrated and sarcastic when no one seems to take any of my advice (wrong). I challenge them to stay in God’s Word (right). I stay up too late trying to figure out what is best for them (wrong).

The truth is God loves them more than I love them. God knows them better than I know them. God’s plans for them are better than my plans for them.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

And Romans 5:32 says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”

He is a Giver. He gives so we can have eternal life. And what exactly is eternal life? In John 17:3, Jesus says, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

Wow. Knowing more of God, knowing Jesus. This is where life is. And this is what I want most for my kids!!!!!! So I took my pen and drew an arrow from Know to You beside each of their names.

Lord, what I want most, What You want most and what will bring life to each of my kids is if they KNOW YOU. Know You as Savior, yes. But know You more and more in a growing, maturing faith that brings You glory and points others to You. Oh, You know the list of requests I pray for each of them. but more than that is the invitation You offer all of us to KNOW YOU. This is where the life is!

This morning was our fourth gathering for Esther Bible Study by Kelly Minter. Only six of the 9 were here today because schools were closed due to inclement weather—of which there is actually no inclement weather. But I am glad we decided to gather in my living room on this cold February morning. It does my heart good to see other people—especially beautiful ladies that I respect and love so much. Each of them has a story. Each of them approach our time in their own way. Each of them have a kind spirit, and I am alway encouraged after time with them.

I walked back in the kitchen after everyone left and began my regular straightening…putting up the tea, closing up the honey, pouring out the creamer, etc. And I decided to snap a picture of the mugs in the sink and add it to my album of “Things I am Thankful for.” Truly, seeing the mugs and spoons sitting in the sink made me smile. They represent people. Friends. Sisters in Christ. Encouragement. Bright spots in my week. Thoughtful ladies, caring ladies, kind ladies that I am blessed to have in my life. I couldn’t see this eight plus years ago when we moved here. But with taking the next right step day after day, month after month and year after year…..the faithfulness of the Lord shows up in the faces of friends. He has been with me all along. His presence has made all the difference.

We decided to go see the girls on Friday since Mack had the day off from school. We only stayed one night, so it was a whirlwind, but I am so glad we made the quick trip.

We started off at Molly’s house and waited on Ruby to get there after her class. Then, we went to Ruby’s apartment for a little bit, did some shopping at the mall, went to their favorite Mexican restaurant, then met some friends back at Molly’s house for crumbl cookies and ice cream and a game. They were a nice, funny group. Molly definitely has a gift of bringing people together, and I love her for it.

Saturday morning Josh and I had breakfast together, then went to Kroger to grocery shop for both girls…I felt like we were on a game show shopping a new store from two lists and keeping them separate and trying to do it efficiently. But we did it! Then, Josh filled up their gas tanks and took everyone to lunch. We also paid rent for each girl while we were there since it was Feb 1. So while it was a costly 24 hours, it was a sweet little visit. We headed back to CLT so the girls could get ready for a surprise engagement party. Ruby’ room mate got engaged on Saturday, and we are super excited for them.

We had specific topics to discuss with each girl. It’s just easier to talk about important things face to face, so I am thankful we made progress on those things. And Mack is still unsure of where exactly he will choose to attend college, so we also wanted him to see Liberty once more. To be continued on his next step!

I didn’t take a lot of photos…but I did enjoy the time together! And Josh and I stayed at The Virginian, which was a much better hotel than we have stayed in previously.

Five more weeks until Spring Break when we will see them (and 8 of their friends!) at Edisto Beach.