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!!

Goodbye Again!!

It has been an interesting couple of weeks. We said "goodbye" to dear friends and watched them move, we said "goodbye" again to our girls in Texas and friends, wondering when we will see them again. A Grandma died, her husband of over 75 years says goodbye. We remember one who has gone to Heaven a couple of years ago. I, also, was able to see my Grandma again, she is 96. I wonder if it was my last time to see and touch her. There was also a surprise visit from a Chicago friend, but then another goodbye. It is easy to just stay here and think about all the departures. It is easy to look at each day and decide that life is hard and often very sad.

I was very tempted to stay there this week. As my friend left for Chicago again, I wanted to stamp my feet and yell "I am tired of saying goodbye to everyone I love." But, by His mercy, I was reminded of how rich these loved ones have made my life. The goodbye is so hard because the time shared has been so sweet. It is because of the goodness and kindness of the Lord that we can love one another so deeply and our longing to be together and never say "goodbye" again should remind us that we were made for another Place and soon we will never depart from one another. This life here really is very short and it won't be long until we are looking back on this chapter of "earth life" and thinking to ourselves how quick time passed. Let us strive to cultivate gratitude for every moment we get together to share this life He has given us. Let us remind one another often, that the road of this life is often filled with potholes, but soon it will a street of Gold. I once again commit myself to make every opportunity to let my loved ones know that they are dear to me. So, precious friend, as you read this, take a moment to recall some of the times we have laughed and made memories together and thank our Jesus that we have walked at least some of this road together. I miss my friends, but , oh I have so much to be grateful for!!

Lucy & Ethel

Did you miss me?? Yup, I actually found something to do for a few days. I will fill you in. A few days ago our builder called to tell us he needed us to come to Dallas for an issue with our floor. He would pay for the trip and you know me, if it's free I'm there. While we were there we found 2 little dogs. Lost, wet, cold and hungry. Being the incredible dog lover I am (I take after LJB) I felt compelled to show kindness to these lost dogs. Callie, Hosanna and I went out looking for them again and found them We bathed them and fed them and gave them some TLC. We wanted to keep them, but Tim and Fred said no. I think they need to read Proverbs 12:10 and memorize it. "A righteous man cares for the needs of animals." So, with great sadness we took them to the SPCA and "surrendered" them. It was so sad. They were so cute and they loved one another. We' re hoping someone in need to companionship will adopt them. Or our house will sell and we can go back and get them. Maybe some engaged couple wants to care for them. Or a single girl who loves to snuggle. Or a Mom who has denied her children the joys and lessons of loving and caring for a pet. Lucy and Ethel deserve a chance. They deserve a warm bed and a kiss good night. Tonight as you lay your head on your soft pillow, I ask you to think of our friends in their cage at the McKinney, Texas SPCA and ask yourself "Could I live with myself if I stood by and did nothing to show the love of God to Lucy & Ethel?"
Look at these pictues and then live with yourself.

Coming Clean

Well, it seems we have a few viewers who would like to speak their mind, yet are really afraid to. I have done a lot of counseling over the years and find that if someone is afraid to publicly speak their mind they usually have major fear of man (hereafter referred to as FOM.) There are many cures for this. One is having to standing in your bathing suit in front of others and recent poetry, (if you need a suit see previous blog0 one is to ask a large group to call out all the things about you they don't like, another successful cure is to go to church without grooming. All of these will help to break your pride which is fueling the FOM. After trying one or all of these I bet you will be able to comment w/o anonymity, you will be able to stand up and state who you are!! You will be free from this horrible bondage that has held you. J & J I hope you get help.

So, another exciting weekend passed and I still have very little to tell you. Everyone who reads this knows we had 3 showings on Sat., but no calls as of noon today. So, I get to wait some more.

One thing that is new that (hope you don't all get jealous) my figure is definitely taken on a more "womanly" shape. You know they say men like curves, so I am excelling at making Fred happy. I now have a nice "curve" hanging over the top of my jeans! I weigh more now than I have in 5 years! Now, it wasn't really the thing I was looking to accomplish, but who am I to argue with my Creator, does the clay argue with the potter???

Other than that..Nothing new. Oh yeah, I forgot, Linda sent great ideas for swimsuits this year. You know hanging at the pool will be a big pastime for this Texas Girl (words of faith) so I am looking for ideas on apparel. Check out this items, Jen you may want to think about one for the honeymoon! Go to www.biblicalwomanhoodonline.com/swimwear.htm. Remember, function and modesty should be our biggest decision makers when shopping for swimsuits!

Well, off to check email and see if anyone did the Sudoku in the paper today!!

SO, it is a new day and I still can't figure this thing out! I want to post pictures and tell you all about my exciting day, but can't. I guess I can tell you that I had a little fender bender in the Target parking lot. I figure though, if you average how many times I have been there with how many accidents I have had there, well then, I am still a good driver. So, part of my day entailed getting an estimate for the damage I did to my Pilot (by the way, be careful of what you do in Target parking lots, they have cameras all over tha place, so LJB...they probably saw you last date night!! The other part was baking cookies to send to my girls. Valentine's Day crept up on my and I must keep with the tradition of our double decker cut-out cookies, so off to Texas they go in the morning. I also cheated a bit on my diet by eating a few of the delicacies. I mean, I couldn't send them without knowing if they were safe!! Plus, how many calories could there be in 14 cookies???

Tomorrow holds absolutely nothing, so make sure you check back for more excitement.

Well, I think that I have way too much time on my hands. I have resorted to entertaining you in a new way, so stay tuned....