Sittin' Round the Table

A Tribute to my Florida Friends
(Disclaimer: Sadly, these pictures were taken when I was a bit thinner... That story could take up about 50 posts :) Also, there are a few of my Florida friends that I wanted on the post, but didn't have a picture that worked... Know that I am talking to you, even though you might not see your beautiful faces :)

Recently, I was in the McDonald's Drive Thru (A habit I need to break). As I drove by, I looked in the window. I saw three lovely, mature women sitting having lunch together (60's-70's I guess). They looked like they were having the best time. It just warmed my heart... Why?

Well, because I immediately pictured myself at that age, having lunch with my friends. One of the greatest gifts God has given me are my friendships. I was thinking to myself... that could be me and my friends sittin' round the table talking about the SON (Jesus). Can you imagine all the stories we could tell? All about the things Jesus will have accomplished in our lives, and He still won't be finished with us yet.

If the Lord sees fit that I am here in my 70's, I sure hope that I am sittin' across the table one day with you all... talkin' about our Jesus!!! What an awesome thought...

If the Lord has given you a good friend, or several good friends... Don't forget to thank Him.

Thank you Jesus for allowing me to have friendships with some of the best people I know in the World... My friends. I love walking this journey of life with them. Bless them with more of YOU!! To Know Him

Spring Has Sprung...

Ok, I know that you will have to tilt your head a bit to see the picture, but it is worth it.. This is my middle child, and oh, he has all the middle child traits...

But, he already at 5 years old has a connection to spiritual things. He is my deep thinker. He is deep in thought here, just in case you can't tell. He was thinking about a poor choice that he made :) One of many to come, if he is anything like his mommy.

Spring is alive where we are living.. the grass is growing, the flowers are blooming, and the trees are coming back to life.. Today my little "thinker" said that Jesus was standing up the trees again. Thank you Jesus for making yourself known to my little "thinker"...
To Know Him

His Shining Moment

Last night my oldest son was in a Second Grade Play at his School. The play was all about the Solar System, and Space. My son is absolutely in love with the Solar System. You could say he is a little expert on the Solar System.

He beamed on stage, and two (hubby too) parents in the crowd of people were never more proud of him. Not because he had a lead role, or even because he sang all the songs perfectly. Actually, he didn't always sing, he moved his hands when he was not supposed to, and he kept bending down looking for mom and dad past the stage lights.

Why was this such a grand performance for my son? Well, you see, my son is autistic, high functioning autistic to be more specific. The mere fact that he stood up on the stage the whole time is a miracle in itself. Not to mention, that he sang most every part of all the songs, and did the hand motions. Just a day earlier in practice he cried and got scared being up on stage.

Something that was so precious was when we (hubby too) saw our son getting candy in between songs. You see his wonderful aide was next to him the whole time coaching him, and rewarding him with a piece of candy between each song. It was so CUTE... Also, we saw the stress ball come out a few times for him to hold during times when children were speaking, and during "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" (he has an aversion to that song for some reason-he did not want that song to be first). But he squeezed his ball, and he made it through it.

After the performance, about 6 school staff came up to my husband and I, and they were beaming about our son's performance. I think I saw tears in one teacher's eyes. One teacher will be making him a chocolate cake today in school for a reward. Our boy has won the hearts of so many at his school.

My husband and I give Praise to God, and His Son Jesus Christ. God has blessed us beyond measure through allowing us to raise a child with special needs.

Thank you Lord for last night! May I always remember your goodness to my family....

To Know Him

My First Post

This is my first post. I am not sure what this blog will become.

My first thoughts are that this blog will serve as a way to keep my family and friends connected with me (and my hubby and kids). I live in Illinois and my family, and some very good friends live in Florida. So this blog will become a wonderful way to keep in touch with them.

But (I know..you should not start a sentence with the word but), I also have a passion to write and share my thoughts with others in hopes they will be encouraged. I have been on a wonderful journey getting to know Jesus the past several years, and I am passionate to share what He has shown me. Maybe, some of the things He has shown me will be an encouragement to others. Time will tell.

I warn all that read my posts.. you are likely to see some grammatical errors. I like to write faster than my brain can think. I also love to end sentences with ... So you can expect to see at least one series of ... (3 periods in a row) in any of my posts.

Well, time will tell what becomes of this post... God Bless, ToKnowHim