Wedding Memories!!!

They are here...the wedding pictures. Mindy sent me a text today saying she got the pictures. There are a ton to go through and it is so wonderful to look at them and reflect on how kind the Lord has been to give my son such a wonderful wife! The pictures bring back all the feelings of that blessed day!! I will post more after I get through them all!!

A Favorite Psalm

This morning one of my readings was Psalm 16. This is one of my favorite Psalms. I know it by heart, but love reading it aloud anyway. As I read, an unusual portion of the Psalm hit me. Verse 4 reads "The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply." "Hmm...I think that is true" I said in my head. (I know you are saying "of course it is true, it is scripture.") That became my meditation of the morning. What gods do I RUN after, not look at, not dabble in, RUN after. Sadly, the answer is the same as it has been for a long time. Two idols I often cling to are the idols of food and other people. I seek comfort from these two things regularly and I can testify that the Word is true, my sorrows increase, (so does my backside, he he) because this things cannot truly satisfy. Though both are good gifts from God, neither was meant to become the place I go to when something is out of line. I have a Strong Tower that I am to run to. He never fails and my sorrows will decrease as I gaze upon Him and am reminded that with God as "my chosen portion" (v. 5) there is nothing more I could desire.

Godspeed Dear Friends

This morning we stood in the darkness waving goodbye to some friends. We met them just a year ago, and yet, they nuzzled their way into our hearts and made us love them in that short time!! Rob and Michelle are on their way to the Sovereign Grace Pastor's College. They will return to Frisco next June. They lead our care group this year and we so enjoyed them. We drove together to care group each week which entails 8 of us piling in our Honda Pilot (and I mean piling) and driving anywhere from 45minutes to an hour and 45 minutes to where our group met. Though care group was always so good, the drives were a blast. We laugh and talked and became friends. It is amazing how friendship blooms in the mundane. Had we just been it their group, it would have been great, but in adding the driving together, care group night became an event!! They spent their last 2 days at our house just hanging, eating ice cream and cookies, having Chinese with cheap wine, watching the movie "Signs" and laying on the patio looking for meteorites. The mundane and yet treasured memories. We will miss them and their 2 little Bubbas, but we look forward to seeing all the Lord has for them this year, I am convinced it will be life changing. Godspeed Rob and Michelle, we will see you in October for lunch!! :)

So much to catch up on, July was a blur. The highlight of my summer was Tyler and Mindy's wedding. I was hoping I would have a picture or two from the wedding to show you, but I lent my camera to a friend that day so pictures will be forthcoming when we get then from the photographer.

The wedding was delightful. Tyler and Mindy's personalities shown through and we all had a blast. The Lawler's backyard was transformed into a romantic park with huge white tents and lights. It was so peaceful and elegant. It was so comforting to me, a mom 800 miles from her favorite boy, to see him united to a loving woman who will keep him company and take care of him. God surely has blessed that boy. Their apartment is so wonderful, fresh and new, just like this season they have entered. I loved seeing where they live and now I can picture them when I talk with them.

We also enjoyed seeing some of our family and having all our kids together. Violet made her Denver debut and the great grandparents got to meet her for the first time. So precious. We also enjoyed seeing old friends that still live in Denver and a few that made a long trip to join in our day with Tyler. The Lord has made our lives very rich by giving us such a wonderful family and such dear friends.

Right after we got back Janis came to visit for 24 hours. We chatted and then, of course, shopped at the Outlet Mall. No bargains were to be had, except for a cute outfit for Violet.

Then we were off to our Sovereign Grace Regional Conference, Fusion '07. It was a great conference in so many ways. It was weird to be at a conference where you hardly even know the people from your own church, let alone the people from the other churches. But, it was great! It really helped to dorm with others from our care group and get to know them better as we sat in the hall eating junk food (the guys were in a room discussing theology!) I love our church so much.

Summers always go so fast, but as least this has been a good one! So much to be grateful for and so many memories made with old friends and new. Ciao for now..

Steadfast Love Wondrously Shown

Last night seemed like any other night for us. Meg was tired from a busy weekend and went to bed around 9:30. We were having a lightning storm that brightened the sky. Around 10:15 Fred heard Meg breathing heavily and being restless so he went in to check her. The flashing of the lightning was affecting her. A little later I heard her having a seizure. As I sat there on her bed the words from Psalm 31 ran through my head, "But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'you are my God.' My times are in your hands." I coached Meg through, we have a routine now, I try to calm her and assure her that it is OK, when it is over I say the same thing "Are you OK Baby girl? it's OK Baby Girl, you are alright." Rarely can she respond or remember, but just in case she can, we talk to her. I sat with her for a while and watched her sleep peacefully. The lightning storms, both outside and in her brain had subsided. I felt the presence of the Lord with me, calming me, assuring me and reminding me that He is able to keep us from all harm. Our times are in His hands and nothing and no one can change that. We can rest in Him and trust in His divine sovereignty that all is well. The care we show to Meg pales in light of the care He shows to us.

This morn as I did my devotions the same Psalm was in my reading. A different verse in the Psalm read "oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have STORED UP for those who fear you." My heart takes comfort that His goodness is so full and abundant that it needs to be stored up. He is good, even in the storms and His love is steadfast even in our afflictions and the distresses of our souls (vs 7).

Coalie AKA Woof Biscuit

Today is a sad day around here. Coalie the Woofie Dog is ill and will be going to sleep this afternoon. It has been on our minds lately, but she really didn't seem to be suffering that much so we were struggling with whether we should do it or not. Last night she became ill and it is now very clear that we need to help her. It is sad to see her go. She was a good companion for the whole family especially in her earlier doggy years. We will miss her...

The 4th of July

Holidays!! I love them. Birthdays, Christmas, 4th of July! I love them all and look forward to each celebration. I specifically remember one 4th of July in Virginia Beach. We had taken the kids to Mount Trashmore, as we always did. As we were walking back to the car we were singing Patriotic songs and having fun. Tyler then asked me what the big deal was that we became independent. As I began the history lesson I was moved by the greatest freedom we have living in the United States of America...our right to worship God. I shared with him the wonderful gift we have to worship the true and living God and not be persecuted for it. We can proclaim God's truths and hear the preached Word and not fear that we will be tortured or have our children taken away. As we continued to walk I began to weep. Why, in the sovereign will of God, did I get to live here? I was overwhelmed by the kindness of God in my life. I am sure that my little boy heard much more than he cared to on that day, but hopefully he will remember that we need to set aside a time each year to remember the freedoms we have. We are warned in scripture not to forget all that He has done for us. So, on this 4th of July eat watermelon and flag colored jello. wear red, white and blue clothes, gather with family and friends and see the fireworks, but most of all let's all remember to ponder the very freedoms we are celebrating and give thanks to the One who made them possible. Happy 4th!

My Shirt!!

I forgot all about posting a picture of my favorite shirt, it was a gift. If you don't know what I am talking about, go back to my post in April and you will see. What do you think? Cool huh? (For those who don't know, I often refer to my great hubby as "my boyfriend" even though it has gotten me some odd looks over the years.)

Kept for Jesus

This morning I was reading in Jude. It starts out with "To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ." I thought to myself, "Hmmm, I am kept for Jesus." I pondered that thought for a while..what was I kept for Jesus for?

The answer came in V.24. I was kept for Jesus so that he can present me blameless before the throne of God. Oh, what a glorious thought.

"Now to him who is ABLE TO KEEP YOU from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy..." Jude v. 24

He will present me in glory, not as one who never has been faulty, but as one whose faults will not be taken into account!! And, it brings HIM great joy? Oh, it brings me great joy!!!! I am kept for Jesus so that He can present me before the throne, clothed in His righteous alone, all my sins blotted out and Jesus will be there with great joy. Mind boggling, absolutely mind boggling.

As I meditated on these verses Romans 8:1 took on a whole new meaning, "There is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." None, our sins will not be taken into account, only Christ's righteousness will be counted. What a glorious comfort.

P.S. The picture of Violet has nothing to do with this post. I just thought you were probably ready to see her again!! he he

Home Again

Well, we are home from our wonderful trip to San Antonio. It is a beautiful city, hilly, trees, old and full of character. There is so much to do that we are already thinking about when we can go back there and explore some more. The first day we arrived after taking our time to get there. We stopped at 2 different Outlet shopping centers (one was amazing and definitely a girl's weekend dream trip) and we enjoyed a few shops. Then we stopped at a Czech bakery for some yummy nourishment. When we finally arrived at La Cantera we found the place to be gorgeous and the views wonderful, though it is no Colorado. We spent the rest of the afternoon roaming the grounds and learning about the place. After dinner we enjoyed the sunsetting as we sat in the hot tub and then had a smores from the fire pit. It was so relaxing and breath taking. I felt the cares of the world fading away!!!

On Sunday morning we took a long walk and discovered more little special things on the resort grounds and then had a wonderful breakfast brunch. Then off to Target for sunglasses (I broke mine) and cheaters (I tore my close up vision contact :)) and a disposable camera (of all the things to forget.) Then, we hung out at the adult pool for the rest of the day until the late afternoon.

The afternoon found us in downtown San Antonio. An old city, amazing architecture and character.The famous Riverwalk was more than I could have imagined. We took a boat tour through it all, this is the 2nd most popular tourist activity in Texas. Truly amazing and pretty. I felt like I had been swept away to another country.

We ate dinner at Rio Rio and had one of my favorite meals, fajitas! Yum. Then home for a quiet evening in our room while a horrible storm blew through the city!

The next day we went exploring in New Braunfels, an old German town and home to Schliterbahn, the world's biggest and best waterpark. The rivers in the town were full, swift and breathtaking. You can canoe, raft, kayak and tube on these rivers. Unfortunately, due to the storm the night before you couldn't get near the raging river. We ended our time there with a tour of Gruene, another German town. Again, I was treated to more than I had imagined. We ate at a restaurant that was an old cotton gin and on the river. The restaurant was built into the hill of the banks of the river, so the decks of the restaurants were in the trees overlooking the water. Then we roamed this little town. Quaint, quiet and so relaxing.

We enjoyed all the scenery, but more importantly, we enjoyed one another. One question we pondered was "When you look at our lives, what is different than you would have expected." We had many different things, but more than anything, we both said, our lives were far richer than we ever could have imagined and God had been kinder to us than we could ever have thought.

It is so good to stop life and ponder. It is so good to hop off the merry go round and look at what you are doing and where you are going. It is good to look back and see where you have been, where you could be and how incredibly amazing God has been. That is what this little getaway was for me, a time to reflect on the incredible journey i have enjoyed with my favorite person in the whole world.

Off We Go!!!!

Tomorrow my boyfriend and I will leave Frisco for a romantic get away. We are going to LaCantera in San Antonio. It is a resort owned by the Westin group. It has been a long time since the two of us slipped away, so we thought since it was our 25th anniversary this past week, we would continue the celebration and head to romantic San Antonio. (The place all good Texans go.) We will be there for 3 days enjoying the beautiful Texas hill country and one another. We have been recalling the years we have been together and all the things we have experienced that have shaped us and made us who we are, but more importantly, those experiences that have shown us who God is. What a faithful God we have. He has helped us through many difficult seasons and blessed us with many wonderful ones! We are humbled that the Lord has given us breath each day that we may serve him and enjoy him and have one another. For all you young marrieds that read this, the journey is worth it. The giving in and letting go, the swallowing of your pride again and again, the dying to your so called rights, the forbearing and overlooking, it is all worth it for the reward is so much greater than the cost. The reward is waking up each new day to someone who has worked hard to provide for you, out of love, someone who has seen your body grow and stretch and bear the reminders of that and still somehow thinks you are beautiful. Spending each day with someone that adds to your wrinkles because he make smile so much. The reward of sharing the joys of parenting and grandparenting and recounting all the stories that no one else will ever thing are special. Having a warm body to press your cold feet against. Having someone to lighten the load when it seems overbearing and to cheer you on when there is no way for him to help make it better. The reward is having a constant companion in the journey of discovering over and over what the cross really means and how it has saved me and someone to remind me of the Gospel when I fail to remind myself. The reward of knowing that if we honor God in our marriage we will reflect Christ and his love relationship with the church. I could write all night on the rewards of sticking it out, but you get the idea.

We will let you know what we discover in San Antonio, I know it is the birthplace of someone special!!

"The boundary lies have fallen for me in pleasant places." Psalm 16:6 This is a verse that I have gone back to over and over the for the past 2 years. It has comforted me many times when life didn't seem so pleasant. This week I see the pleasant place the Lord has brought me to, sometimes I remind myself of that verse in faith only. This past weekend Tyler and Mindy came to visit. This was the first time for them to see Violet and their first visit since they became engaged. It was a wonderful time. Tyler was smitten by the baby and it was so precious to see him with her. I so enjoyed sitting back and watching all my kids and their spouses and fiance interact, laughing, teasing, remembering. We went through all our family photos and a few choice videos. What a riot!! Things that seemed boring and uneventful way back when are now hysterical and interesting to us. Our videos of Meg provided tons of laughter and delight. She was so cute and funny without meaning to be. I often just watched the kids enjoying one another's company and I was overwhelmed many times at how kind God has been to me. Not only do I have four children, but they are all serving God. I am aware that it is His work in their lives that has brought such delight to me. He has shown favor to me when I least deserve it and He has chosen to give good gifts when I deserve punishment. Amazing. My heart is filled to the brim with emotions from my Savior. He not only saved me, but then chose to bless me. How can it be?

Life has had it's bumps and bruises and many delights and in the good moments it is easy to state that the lines are drawn in pleasant places for me, but the Word is truth and even in the greatest difficulty and trial I still must declare that I am in a good place. He never changes and whatever comes my way has passed His throne first, so all that occurs is ordained by my Savior to be the very best thing for me. Oh, I can rest there knowing He is good and when I struggle to believe it, I can recall to mind blessings like the one this weekend was to me, to help me believe.

I am a Mimi!!

This morning I don't care anymore about the jiggles that hang from my upper arms, the extra "fullness" around my tummy or the gray hair that shows well against my dark hair. I don't care that when I get out of bed my ankles and knees take a minute to work right. I don't mind that I can't remember where I left my grocery list. I am a grandma now and those silly signs of aging now have fallen into proper perspective! It is so wonderful to see the handiwork of God. I think I am more amazed with Violet than I was with my own babies! She is absolutely beautiful and my heart is FILLED with love for her! I love watching Violet as she gazes on he mama when Erin feeds her and I loved seeing Fred hold her and talk to her. Our lives will never be the same!!

Counting Down!

We are (or shall I say say Erin is) in the last days of Erin's pregnancy!! By the time many of you get to this post, Violet will be here!!! On Thursday morning Erin will be induced!! Of course if Violet wants to show her sweet little face before that, well that would be great, but we are counting on Thursday. We all head to the hospital about 6 in the morning and then Dr. Bailey will get Erin all hooked up. Please pray for a safe delivery. We are going to try to keep everyone posted on the days events via Erin's blog, www.thebloginmylife.blogspot.com. So on Thursday, just go to that link and you will get the latest updates. That is, of course, unless we get carried away with all the snacks, DVDs and games we are bringing with us! (he he) I figure if we come prepared for the long haul, then we won't need the stuff, but if we don't bring anything we will! I am so excited I can't wait! I never did think of a name for the baby to call me. I actually found one when my sister, Kathy, was here visiting, but I can't remember it!! Well, enjoy the pics....

My New Duds

This past week I received one of my all time favorite clothing items!! Hosanna found the perfect shirt for me. You know how it is when suddenly you put something on and you know, without even looking in the mirror, that this shirt was made for just for you? Well, that is this one. She found it at a store I would not normally even look in!! I think it will be my most worn shirt this summer. Tomorrow or the next day, when I get all dolled up, I will take a picture with me in my new shirt and show all of you. Stay tuned......

Mercy Reigns!!!!

We recently went on a short trip to Siesta Key, Florida with some of Fred's family. It is a vacation spot that holds dear memories for us. The main purpose for this trip was for me to meet my nephew for the first time, and he is 2 1/2!! Owen Shaw!! It was pure delight! Owen reminded me so much of my own son, Tyler, when he was a toddler, very similar in personality. It brought me back to a place of long ago (do I sound like I am suffering from Alzheimer's!) I remembered being on that same beach with my own small children and hearing their peals of laughter and glee as we played in the waves and looked for shells (which Grandma bought at the store and planted on the beach!!!!) I remembered how much I enjoyed those early years of motherhood and how much joy my children gave me, somehow the drudgery of always having 2 in diapers is fading.:)

When we got on the plane to come home, I was overwhelmed by God's kindness that I was able to go on that trip and get to know Owen. It was such a gift for me. Then, I put on my Ipod and listened to Chris Tomlin's rendition of "Amazing Grace" and when it came to the words "and like a flood, His mercy reigns, unending love, amazing grace" tears poured down my face as I once again was overwhelmed at the mercy of God as I thought about my little granddaughter who will soon make her first appearance! Talk about mercy reigning! I cannot imagine how much I will enjoy this little treasure, how much joy will I derive as I get to watch her run around the backyard and discover the beautiful gardens her Papa has planted. I look forward to teaching her songs and rhymes that I taught her Mom and digging out her Mom's baby dolls and toys for her to play with. I can't wait to just hold her in my arms and tell her over and over how many times I have prayed for her, how many times I asked the Lord to bless her mom and dad with a baby. I can't wait to watch my first daughter with her first daughter. I know Erin will be a great mom!! She fully devotes herself to everything God calls her to. Our God is full of mercy and grace and it gives Him great delight to shower us with it. Knowing how much I desire to pour into little Violet's life and bless her gives me a glimpse of how much the Father desires to pour into us. His grace is amazing and His mercy does reign!

MMM My Favorite Nap Spot

Recently, a friend and I were discussing how nice it would be to buy a home already furnished and decorated. Just move in your personal belongings and you're good to go. It got my mind thinking, of course, and I thought about what items from my own house I might miss. I realized I would miss my family room sofas. These things have history. They began their life in a friends house about 13 or 14 years ago. Due to some preferences, they decided to get different sofas. We inherited the "old" ones. We drug them to Denver (the sofas, not our friends unfortunately) and recovered them. That's where their life with us really began. Then, we recovered them again and drug them to Frisco. These sofas have become famous. Our kids argue over who is getting them next, they are the most comfortable couches you could imagine. We can mark how comfortable people are with us by how they use our sofas. Recently Fred found a young friend of ours resting on our sofas and commented to me later "he is getting comfortable with us." Who would have guessed how much these silly furnishings would come to mean to us.

If these couches could speak, I wonder what stories they would tell. They have shared many memories with us. Many peals of laughter, many tears, many, many snuggle times of throwing off the back pillows and laying side by side or just nestling deep in the pillows with one we love. They have heard many conversations of guidance, counsel, comfort, confession, correction, encouragement, of hearts being awakened and hearts falling in love. They have provided a place for thousands of naps for us. been the resting place of sick children and the the place respite on sleepless nights. Many friendships have begun or been furthered while sitting on these babies and soon babies will be tickled and read to on them. They have become a part of the Shaw family, they are definitely worse for wear, but treasures .



As I was writing this blog, my son called to tell me he just bought a sofa for the home he and his soon to be wife, Mindy will soon share. I told him I was going to give him our sofas, but oh well. He groaned. But, really, I am keeping them, I just can't let them go just yet. I will wish for him that the sofa he just purchased will provide at least a fraction of the wonderful memories ours has provided.

The Lord is Near

"The Lord is near: do not be anxious about anything." Phil 4:5-6

A dear friend reminded me of these words recently. They have rung in my head for a week now, soothing balm. What comfort we can take in the truth that the Lord is at hand, always near. It is funny that in trials we can feel estranged from the One we need the most and yet He is the One that never leaves. I am reminded again and again to trust the truths of God's word and not my fickle emotions. Regardless of my view of the present circumstance, the Lord is near, He cannot be anything but near to me. He is near to the brokenhearted, the weary and the one who is in a season of strength. He cannot abandon us, will not forget us and loves us the same everyday regardless of our performance. Oh, that this truth would be the rock on which I stand each day.

I am reading "the Gospel Primer" in my devotions and it is life to me. Simple truths, the ones we have heard a million times and yet somehow all new revelation to me. My favorite quote recently is "Because I am a justified one, He subjugates every trial and forces it to do good unto me." I find such comfort in knowing He rules every situation and forces my good to be the goal and by this He is glorified! Amazing grace!

Happy New Year

HHHMM, so it is a new year and I am contemplating what resoultions I would like to make. There is the famous weight loss plan, the exercise plan, the new Bible in a year plan, the plan to speak kinder and softer, the plan to call home more and complain less. I remember previous years that I resolved to change. There was the year I resolved to answer everyone with a kind smile, that lasted and hour. The year I thought I would begin running, that lasted 5 months! The year I decided that I would get back into my wedding gown (as if I had some use for it .) The year I resolved to be a happy homeschool teacher, I did great for 3 hours. Oh, the year I decide to always answer my husband with full agreement no matter what he said (you can imagine how long I lasted on that one.)

I can look back on many failed attempts at change, but I can also look back on many changes that have taken place in my life, not because I resolved to change, but because He decided to change me. I am not who I was even 2 years ago. Though I am very aware of the sin that still resides in me, I am also aware of the temptaions that no longer plaque me. He is our deliverer and redeemer. So, I guess as I look forward to 2007 I resolve to look for the power of God around me and to watch for His fingerprints in my life and in the lives of those I know. If I can keep this one resolution to watch for His work, then at the end of 2007 I will be able to say that I know Him more.

Cheaters, Yes, Liars, No!

Well, here is the story. Last night was family night and being such memory making parents, we decided to take a walk on the trail and take Tyler and Meg to Cold Stone Creamery. We had an enjoyable walk talking about how crazy this season of life is, we can't plan anything and we wonder what the future holds. After the kids enjoy the treat we got them we headed home. I thought that going along the road, on the side walk of course, would be faster than taking the trails. Fred disagreed and being the submissive wife I am , I suggested that the boys take the trail and Meg and I take the road and we see who is right. So off we went in our Amazing Race! Shortly after we got going, we heard a honk and looked to see one of Meg's friends in her car, we flagged her down, we ran about 100 yards to her car, jumped in and got a ride home. When the boys arrive we told them our way was quicker, they were stunned to to beaten. We did not find it necessary to explain how we beat them and they did not ask. Later in the evening Meg did tell them about us running and how lame her mother was (she is grounded for 14 weeks now).

Fast forward to today. Somehow we have been found out. Tyler is accusing us for lying, cheating and deceiving! I accept the charge of cheating, though we never set any rules, but I don't think I lied or deceived. Our home is divided now. The boys are walking around cocky and condemning, the girls feel falsely accused. We need your votes America. Did we lie? Deceive?

Also, as a final note. Forget making memories on family night. It is nights like these that make kids wish they didn't have a family. I mean who wants to remember their 44 years old, overwieght Mama running down a main street or who wants to remember that their Mom cheats!

Oh Yes one more thing, the picture has nothing to do with this blog. Just thought some of you would enjoy it!! ha ha!!