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This is our oldest grandchild. He turned nine this month! Wish I could see him everyday! November 30 Passing through a town where one of my  besties  works, I called to see if she could take a lunch break and meet for a quick bite.  It was probably the only time we'd see each other before Christmas.  I told her I decided instead of a gift this year I wanted to foot the hotel bill for us to take a couple nights away this winter.  She said, "That's a great idea, we do not need anymore  stuff,   we need the time to be together." Time and prayer are two of the greatest gifts we have to give away.  Isn't it interesting how the seasons of life change your perspective on what is important.   This holiday season has the ability to conjure up a deep loneliness and longing for many people.  Oh, what I've give to be able to go sit and visit with my nephew, my brother, my parents and grandparents once again.  When our longings creep in

This three year old performed a perfect lipstick application! Keep those kisses coming! November 29 The grands are growing so quickly, sometimes I think we should just sell Shiloh and make a continual grandparent circuit... Minnesota to Utah, to Louisiana, to Florida, to Tennessee and across Virginia. Then repeat the loop when the weather permits! They certainly all live in fabulous parts of the country. There is such a desire to be aware of all their accomplishments, whether a first tooth, loosing a tooth, their favorite things and wishes and dreams. There are just so many of them and I must remember it's really all about Jesus, not just about grandchildren. Isn't it an amazing thought that God is omni present and aware of every detail in every life!  For this moment I stop and stand in awe of who He is and all He does. This has been fabulous month to focus on the One who is the reason for our thankfulness and now we get to enter the precious Christmas season.  May we

November 28 Rising early one day last week, I headed over the mountain to the big city for a hair cut and errands.  As seems the norm lately, four hours later my brain was exhausted and I needed to rest. Placing my "Be Still" necklace one of our daughter in laws gave me around my neck, I laid down on our bed.  Then it hit me...with all my "to doing it" I hadn't stopped once to thank Jesus for his sacrifice or to simply say, "I love You." I wished I could call my grandparents and parents and thank them for the monetary and time sacrifices they made for me all those years. How often do we stop to give thanks for our forefathers and the sacrifices they made to establish this nation?  Do we ever contemplate the conditions on those tiny ships that sailed to the New World? Do we think about all the people who didn't survive the journey or the first winter? Living in the mountains and being the daughter of a road builder, I often think of the people

 A Thankful day at VA Beach November 27 One of the highlights of our visit to our son's home was taking two nights to watch  The Sound of Music  with this sweet family.  The two older children had performed a "Broadway Hits" program at their school for Grandparents Day and I inquired as to whether they had seen most of the movies from the hits they sang.  DoReMi was the impetus for the selection for my all time favorite movie! Before the movie I asked my husband to give our grandson a bit of background on World War II and who Hitler was.  This personality, along with the Baroness who really only wanted the Captain and not his seven children, led into a fabulous discussion on mean people  and our propensity to sin. " All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. " Romans 3:23  Hands down,  "My Favorite Things,"  with bed jumping and pillow fights was the favorite song.  Buzz, buzz "when the bee stings!" Novembe

Watching these two maneuver all over this house in VA Beach hanging lights at every level had me saying "Whoa!" The end result is enchanting! November 24 A couple weeks ago we had the Nashville grands at Shiloh for a visit, while their parents parents worked on details for their move to Charlottesville. The first morning they were with us I pulled out their favorite cinnamon minis for breakfast. Then I asked if they would like a banana, pear or apple slices.  In unison their voices cried out..."We never do that!  We don't have to eat anything healthy at breakfast!  Our mom never makes us do that!" "Whoa! Okay, Okay!" I replied. What was the last thing that set you into a quick panic, needing to set the record straight?  There might have been stories told around the Thanksgiving table yesterday that needed a "whoa there" and some correction due to a different recollection. Years ago I remember sitting in a book study on praye

Tuesday night I went from this costumed bedtime,  to a middle of the night potty hugging with an upset tummy. November 23 Had it not been for this 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge from a friend, I'm not certain I could have had the attitude I did waiting out an upset stomach at our son's home. I thanked God: For a beautiful home in which to feel lousy. For a private bathroom with clean floors, a cushy clean bath mat to sit upon, and a shiny spotless hug. For a cozy plush blanket I found to wrap around my shoulders and that I had changed from my spider man pajamas with the long zipper, to PJs that were easy to pull down to sit on the potty when needed. For the sound of fighter jets (we are in VA Beach) flying overhead reminding me of the incredible military our nation has practicing every day, so they are ready to defend us.  I also prayed for all those military families who sacrifice so much peace and comfort with their loved ones who selflessly put themselves i

Grandparents Day at Norfolk Academy Impressive public speaking in 1st grade. November 22 "Grandchildren are the crown of old men..."  Proverbs 17:6 Not saying his old, just crowned! What a blessing it was to attend Grandparents Day for two of our grandchildren. The program they performed, encompassed Broadway hits and was both entertaining and educational. Sitting in that gym watching close to 1,000 grandparents wave, blow kisses and click away taking pictures made you almost able to reach out and touch the love in the air. Do you ever stop and consider why God created family or why He chose to create us with this huge capacity to love others and not just Him? Not everyone has a loving family unit.  Isn't there a song that has the refrain..."Wont you find somebody to love?"  Let's pray for those who aren't finding it easy to be thankful this season. There are children who need nearby grandparent figures in their live and "old men

November 21 There is great joy in giving. Secret giving is fun as well.  Years ago a family snuck onto our property and left a gift each night for the 12 Days of Christmas. It drove us crazy with delight.  It became a tradition for our family to pick someone each year and pull the same pleasing prank. For years, each Christmas season, I've selected a worker at our grocery store to slip a $20 gift to along with a note of appreciation for how hard and faithfully they work. It's so much fun! This year I'm hoping to have the opportunity with some of our grandchildren to watch them be creative givers. Jesus set the bar high, by giving His life for our sins. May each of you find great joy in giving! “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive'” (Acts 20:35). But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother i

November 20 Sitting on my bed I watched the fog drift out of our cove.  It was such a reminder of all the things we cannot see clearly and just have to entrust to God. Immediately, three amazing wives came to mind who are walking through rough medical diagnosis with their husbands. Even though they can’t see clearly what is ahead with treatments and their outcomes, nor can they see God face to face, they know He is on his throne weaving things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose. Walking in the knowledge of who He is and how He loves us brings us peace.  I prayed they would be filled with peace, overwhelmed by God’s love and would find lots of moments to kiss their husbands with thanksgiving because they have them today! November Gratitude " We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in

It's a boy and they are moving to Charlottesville November 17 Most of you know our daughter had three heart breaking miscarriages. Last summer she gave up that desire of her heart and sold or gave away her baby gear. As Gomer Pyle says, "Surprise, surprise, surprise!"  They are pregnant with baby boy #3 and also her husband received a promotion and they are moving to Charlottesville, VA!  This will be the closest to Shiloh we've had a grand baby reside! Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah...just some of the many mothers who have gone before us and been surprised with the news of their pregnancies. "Behold, you are with child, and you will bear a son.. ."  Genesis 16:11 November Gratitude Father, I thank you for the gift of new life. I thank You that you are in control of our lives and know what is best.  Thank You for the opportunity to tell little ones about Jesus and to be thrilled by their precious faith. In Jesus' Name Amen

The doomed dollar mum. November 16 Walking through the garden center at Lowe's a couple weeks ago I noticed their mums were on sale. Some were at full bloom. Others had never opened up.  Inquiring as to the sale price I was informed they were $1. At that price, it was definitely worth the risk of seeing if this plant would bloom. I placed it in a planter at my front door where it would get plenty of sun, but nothing happened.  Maybe it was the chillier evenings that kept those buds from bursting forth.  As I brought a few other plants inside hoping they would endure the winter, I thought I might as well give this one a chance to see if it would bloom inside and it did!!!! Each day as I've watched it open up a little bit more it has made me think about those people who are bound tightly against opening up to Jesus in their lives.  Maybe if we take them in and nurture them their faith will bloom someday. The environment in which we live does affect our growth.  Just as p

This is one of the funniest pictures ever! This grandson was strapped in while his mommy went potty. Definitely designed by a mom! November 15 Sitting around the table, everyone of us in our small group had a prayer request related to a huge physical need.  We realized cancer seems to touch every family.  That evening and in the days to come as I looked over my prayer list, I found myself crying out for God to eradicate cancer from the earth! The other common bond we have is how thankful we are for one another.  There are people you will hear your plight and say, "Hang in there" and there are people who listen and PRAY! "Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. " Philippians 4:14  " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in  any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." Cor

November 14 " Be still and know that I am God ." Psalm 46:10 The Message translation says,  "Attention, all!  See the marvels of God!  He plants flowers and trees all over the earth..." As I looked out my bedroom window at  large buck nibbling the grass and a  loan fisherman pulling in breakfast I thanked God for all his provisions for us.  I could add to Psalm 46:10... He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, he puts cows, turkey and deer in our path and fish in the waters so we can eat!  (I need to get that cow and maybe a few chickens and a goat.) Sarah Young wrote in Jesus Always , "Trust Me to lead you step by step through this day. I provide sufficient Light for only one day at a time.  If you try to look into the future, you will find yourself peering into the darkness. My Face shines upon you only in the present!" " The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you." Numbers 6:25 November Gratitude F

November 13 After receiving a message from an elementary school friend, my mind drifted back to childhood memories and sleepovers! My husband and I deduced that girls seem to do this more than boys. What was interesting was reflecting on the "mood/temperament" within those homes and especially the fathers.  Fifty years later, I could still remember the father who joyfully made pancakes on Saturday mornings, greeting us in the kitchen with a smile and his big mug of coffee, while allowing his gorgeous wife to sleep in.  The father who was hardly ever seen and never acknowledge the children in the house. The father who took to his dark study and smoked cigars and coughed and coughed. As well as the friend whose father had died way too young leaving my girlfriend to be raised by her working mother and grandmother. I messaged my friend back and acknowledged the happy memories I had of staying in her home and how much fun her mother was.  She replied, "You had the b

November 10 Pulling out a favorite necklace to wear, I noticed that the clasp had tarnished.  My ride was about to pick me up, so I frantically scrounged around to find my polishing cloth. Recognizing there was no way I'd go out with a tarnished necklace, I was saddened by the realization I was willing to go out with unconfessed sin in my heart. Turning quickly to the Lord and asking Him to create in my a pure heart the much needed process began. " Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as now; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool."   Isaiah 1:18 November Gratitude " But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."   Romans 5:8 Revive Our Hearts quote: "The salvation we have in Christ is a 'many-splendored thing," a diamond with countless brilliant facets. Stand in grateful awe of His work for

Love these three Chuckleheads November 9 After praying with a friend in need, early yesterday morning, I suggested she put on praise music. As we clicked off our phones I thought...I should do the same thing.  Our daughter had just set me up with Pandora (a music option) on my phone so I hit that button. The song lyric that popped on said,  Sugar Pie Honey Bunch, I love you!" What a great welcome into prayer and praise time!!! " I sing to God, the Praise-Lofty, and find myself safe and saved."   Praise 18:3 "I'm thanking you, God, out loud in the streets, singing your praises in town and country. The deeper your love, the higher it goes; every cloud is a flag to your faithfulness." Psalm 57:9-10 November Gratitude Today's challenge is to see what acts of generosity might spring forth from our gratitude, by following through on the promptings of God's Holy Spirit in relation to our giving." The Revive Our

November 8 Back in the 80's when we would go to the UNC football games we had our children pick a cheerleader and a football player pen pal.  That gave them someone to focus on and us college students to invest in and pray for.  One of those players became a part of our family and we love him deeply.  It's been a blessing to watch him raise his family and invest in this next generation.  His oldest son dug himself deep into my heart as a little boy and is now a senior in college and I have the privilege of cheering for him as a college quarterback every Saturday.  This month he is on the cover of the Fellowship of Christian Athlete's magazine and the is a fabulous article about him.  Young men and women like this fill me with such hope for the gospel being carried forward. http://www.fca.org Saturday was Oklahoma State's rival game of the year against Oklahoma. It is nicknamed Bedlam  and that it was.  Our guy's team lost in the last minutes. Such a hear

Love this sister helping her brother whose vehicle was stuck! November 7 Baby sitting for two of our grandsons I was helping one deal with a little "having to go second" issue. I explained that the Bible says we are to think of others better than ourselves. "Be kind to one another with a brother's love, putting others before yourselves in honor." Romans 12:10 As we were talking, his younger brother was obviously listening in said, "Care for others and treat them with love."  I was blown away and inquired, "Where did you learn that?"  "At church," he said. "You have an amazing church, " I replied. November Gratitude Nancy Leight DeMoss said, "I think that an unthankful Christian is really a contradiction." She challenges us: "We need to thank the Lord out loud. We need to speak our thanks, not just think it.   We thank Him with music.  We sing to the Lord-'Sing unto the Lord w

"Let's go on an adventure," the older brother said to the younger. November 6 Life is full of hurdles to cross and mountains to climb. God's Word tells us to expect challenges and trials and recognize they have benefits. " Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing ."  James 1:2-4 "My desire is that you learn to trust Me in all circumstances."  Sarah Young Awakening for my middle of the night time with Jesus, I began praying over an overwhelming list of needs.  As I was praying a song from way back when, came to mind.  The lyrics were quite fitting. Song Lyrics for "People Need the Lord" "Everyday they pass me by, I can see it in their eyes.  Empty people filled with care, headed who knows where?  On they go through private

November 3 The Candy Queen costume this precious granddaughter selected just screams party!   (I think it's actually a lollipop, but for devotional scriptural reference we will go with "sweet".) My mama called everyone Sweetie!  I catch myself doing that these days, thinking "WOW, that sounded just like my mother."  Wouldn't it be a great testimony if we found the actions/words of Jesus unconsciously pouring out of us! " Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight,  a  sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9 " Listen, dear friends, to God's truth, bend your ears to what I tell you. I'm chewing on the morsel of a proverb; I'll let you in on the sweet old truths, stories we heard from our fathers, counsel we learned at our mother's knee. We're not keeping this to ourselves, we're passing it along to the next generation-God's fame and fortune, the marvelous things he ha

My stomach muscles are sore from laughing at this little one all weekend! His smile brings joy and brightens the day! November 2 Sunday night our church small group was breaking bread together around our table and sharing prayer requests.  I had noticed one of the ladies had her arm across her chest in an unusual manner and inquired if she was alright.  She sheepishly confessed she had fallen and injured her hand, which was quite painful.  When you get our ages you don't want people (especially your children) knowing you've fallen! I told her not to be embarrassed and shared about a fall I had taken that same week.  Well, that opened the flood gates! Five of us confessed to falls!  Even my own husband, who had not let me know about some tumbles. Like our three year old grandson above, my husband is a joy  bringer!  As he closed out our group's prayer time he began..."Father, we know we live in a FALLEN world..." Let's hold tightly  to Go

A t-Rex that needs to tee tee. November 1 The attitude transformation that takes place when we choose to say with gratitude "I get to" instead of  "I have to" is incredible.  The other day I was praising a friend in ministry for the sacrifices she is making. I said you have to give up three days a week to do this.  She nodded and then quickly said, "No, I get to give up that time!" Think about how many times we say we "have to" do something. Most often there's a negative, begrudging context that accompanies those words.  We are attempting to paint two bedrooms and transform stained baseboard and trim into painted.  (It's a three step process, UGH.) I was invited to go to Winston Salem for a fun day with some girlfriends today, but responded with all the things "I have to do."  Last night after 11 hours of prepping and painting I said to my husband, "How blessed we are to "GET TO" paint these roo