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!!

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....