It was the best of times it was the worst of times...

It's been very busy around our house the past few days. Seth's Granny, who has been in the nursing home since November with severe Alzheimer's, passed away Monday afternoon. We knew that it was going to happen soon, but it happened a lot faster than anyone expected. Although she fought the disease for many years, she had a wonderful, long life. She was happily married to Seth's Papaw for almost 65 years, had two amazing daughter's, Shelia and Seth's mom, Becky, and touched the lives of anyone who knew her. I never had the pleasure of knowing her the way most remember her, but even while her memory failed her, she was kind and sweet. Every time I saw her, after introducing myself of course, she told me how pretty I was. Now, there's one thing to be said for people with dementia, they may not always know what exactly is going on or who they are, but they very rarely lie. I don't say that to mean that I really am pretty, just to say that it made me feel good, because I know she wasn't saying it just to be nice. She always had a genuine compliment for me. Even if it didn't always make sense.

This is the first death in the family, mine or Seth's, since we have been married, and I wasn't sure how to handle it at first. Afterall, I didn't want to step on anyone's toes or be in the way at any point, but I do want to do what I can to help. I hope I have done an ok job at that, mostly I wanted to be there for Seth's mom and help out in any way. It's not always easy to know what to do, but I pray that I can make this difficult time a bit easier. I can't imagine losing a parent.

The good, no, awesome part in all of this is the fact that Granny is now with her King, feeling no pain and she knows exactly what's going on! I like to think that she just "met" me for the first time on Monday, and I hope as she sees me that she approves of her grandson's choice in a wife! At least I know she thinks I'm pretty. Death is not easy for those of us who are still here, but let's remember that we were not made for this world. At least we weren't made for this world the way it is now. We were created for paradise, and I for one can't wait. I want to do as much good as I can here, but when it's my time to go I will be happy to be with Jesus. I know that Granny is so excited to be home.

Lovin technology

My new favorite thing? Dry shampoo! I have had a beautiful, voluminous, soft hairdo for 4 days now without washing it because of this amazing stuff. I don't think I'll ever really wash my hair again! Ok I probably will. But it's awesome and I'm so thankful to whoever invented it.

Today I'm enjoying a beautiful summer day. It's not too hot, so I'm sitting on the back porch swing doing a little reading, journaling and blogging. I had breakfast and good conversation with some wonderful friends this morning and look forward to a peaceful afternoon with the hubby. Life is good. God is even better. He is working in my life right now and it's so awesome to see His hand in everything I do. I was reminded this morning of a story I once heard. I'll share.

   A man woke up one morning to find a giant boulder blocking his door. He heard the Lord say, "Push the boulder." So he pushed with all his might until he could push no more. The next day, unwilling to give up, he pushed again all day. Everytime he thought about quitting, he heard the Lord very clearly telling him to keep pushing the boulder. But no matter how hard he pushed, the boulder wouldn't budge. Finally one evening he cried out in frustration, "Lord! You have asked me to move this boulder but no matter how hard I try it won't budge! Did I hear you wrong? I don't understand!" The Lord replied, "My son, I never asked you to MOVE the boulder, I asked you to PUSH the boulder." And with that the Lord moved the boulder.


So many times we hear God ask us to do something very pecific, and we assume we are responsible for the results. We try to do too much by ourselves instead of just doing the work He asks us to do and trusting Him with the results. That is so much where I am right now. I know God has called me to do things, but the results are out of my hands and I have to let Him do the rest. He is faithful and just and always wants what is best for me. I no longer want to settle for "good". I want God's best. Only He can lead me there. And He will. Do you trust Him to lead you to His best?