Reminiscing

Last night was a concerted prayer and mulling over the week before 12

This morning I told you of the cloud formations that I saw. One like a bowing praying person and the other like a black panther bowing in prayer. What a beautiful conversation we had about creation submitting to God's authority.

The baptism behind us, you and I are in sync praying for God to confirm His Word in your soul. You looked for your baptism certificate to remind yourself that it was behind us. There is always much tumult in a mother's soul at the spiritual development of her sons. I had this tumult with all of your brothers.

You couldn't sleep and I was exultant in spirit beyond measure that Christ is so held in your testimony. I hadn't this kind of confidence at the other boy's moving into manhood. There is always a duality of feelings in my mothering travail. Confidence that Christ is faithful and fearful of the outworking of His divine plan in your life. Requesting from God, the easiest path possible, but Lord, Thy will be done. I used to pace the floor, in the night and God has taken that from me and given me a confidence that His eye and hand are pacing enough for both of us.

I see great things in store, from God, but I also see hard things in store to make you a man for His using. No whiskey! and I hope no warfare of guns and knives as was the way of our patriarchs.

"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal!"

All Heaven and all of our believing predecessors are in fellowship of prayer for your holding onto God's unchanging Hand. I believe in the fellowship of the saints and the forgiveness of sins is the Apostle's Creed verbiage. It is a wonderful blessing of knowing God in the confidence of the pardon of your sins. They are not just passive bystanders in the cloud of witnesses above. They are already finished their personal battle, but in the fellowship of warfare with the Church militant on earth. They are prayerful and worshipful and extending their arms to welcome us in our victory when it is all over.

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

Keep your eyes open to what God is doing in your life in the happy things and in the difficult things. Becoming a man is a labor. Becoming a man of God is arduous and painstaking. Don't miss the joy of knowing God's Hand in your teen years. He is able to guide you through the tumult of your emotions and growth. Mental and emotional and spiritual guidance belong to God. Confusion belongs to our human condition, as Daniel reminds us in his prayers. But, wisdom and guidance belongs to God alone. Don't look to teachers and parents and counselors to ultimately show you what God alone can show you of His plan. His Word is where His heart is. His Word is the ultimate authority, although we have many educated and wise instructors. We must always cast our care and our plans before the Lord, for His direction and find confirmation in His Word for your directions.

God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life! I am grateful to have gotten to know you.

Ethan's parallel encouragements and thoughts Your Bible discussion was about Cyrus, in light of the sermon that we were hearing. Who was Cyrus? Is. 44 and 45 was the passage of thought. Everyone's guidance is different.

We've made it through the first week of seventh grade.

The first week is behind us. Now, we've got the rest of the year to work on.

Finally, at 11 years old, the last bottom tooth, fell out.

I still have a baby tooth in my mouth. That tooth and all of the bottom front baby teeth are so stubborn. I blame it on that noise you make. I thought they would never come out. Now that the front bottom single teeth are all out, we'll see if your teeth will find room to spread out. You are growing up, my boy. No more discussions of the tooth fairy necklaces, that I am waiting for, when I get to heaven, if I persevere in making you brush. Now we warn you of your own consequences. Manhood is looming behind you. Enjoy these moments, as from the Lord. Money under your pillow helps you enjoy, doesn't it?

It finally came.

THe MP3 player came in the mail today and we are listening to the radio and playing listening games with brother. Delayed gratification from a job working at Uncle T's house. No, I will not give you your money back. You paid for this little delight and now you have received it.

Kisses and Hugs from mommy!

E, you're "E"dorable

What, my son, what, son of my womb, what son of my vows?

What is a mother to do when the son's are no longer pulling at the apron strings as in earlier times?

Time to clean up the mess of a full ox stall.

The mess of a full oxen stall is a long process.

The husband of my loving partnership and the other children of the quiver have parts in the process, but the littlest part of the puzzle is exceptional. You are watching a season of life that is full of action and drama. There are more grown people than children.

I grew up with more children than adults. I was gone from the home before anybody grew up. I came home to celebrate Christmas and they made fun of the childish gifts that I had bought them. I guess I think that is the most important time of life, is childhood. I hope you stay a child in spite of our "grown"ness, or lack thereof.

don't miss the childhood that you are blessed with. I love watching your budding maturity. You are not grown yet! Thank God.

Mother, on "How Green..." said, if you ever leave me, Hugh, you'll make me wonder why I ever had children? I don't say that, but I understand the sentiment, now. You may not stay with me, but stay aware of your need to stay childlike in many ways. Don't rush the ride.

Where were you, my son?

Spring fest and you were allowed to spend your money to go and enjoy yourself. When we sent Enoch to pick you up, you weren't there! You had gotten bored and gone to Elisha's house. We were worried. Thank God you were there. Learn the lessons!