Friendship is "Priceless" in Any State

When I was laid off from my position last August, I never realized the huge impact it would have on me since I had been working most of my adult life. I thought that I would absolutely be loving the fact that I no longer had to set my alarm clock and fight the miserable, gridlocked traffic of a daily commute. I have to admit that the first two weeks were pretty blissful but by the third week, boredom was starting to settle in. I never even toyed with the idea of what I might possibly be doing if I were not employed anymore, other than look for more work. The one thing I discovered was that I truly missed interacting with other people since I am and always have been a "people person." Barbra Streisand phrased it so perfectly in her song, "People, people who need people, are the luckiest people in the world."

My biggest issue since I moved to Texas back in 1998 was: I really had no people. Sure, I have my wonderful daughter, son-in-love and grandchildren. My youngest son is also in Texas with my two youngest grandsons but I had no people of my own to call, friends. I'm partly to blame for this dilemma because I never felt like Texas was my home and that all of my best friends were back in California. I wasn't giving Texas a chance and I was really suffering because of this mindset.

So sitting alone day after day got to be extremely, unbearably lonely and I slowly started to become somewhat of a paralyzed recluse which frightened me to no end. I did not want to be a recluse for I am a "people person." Our Heavenly Father never meant for us to be alone either. So after many months of being alone, I decided that I was going to go over and introduce myself to my neighbor across the street who was also, alone.

In the 10 years that I have lived in my house, I only knew my neighbor to the left of me and we seldom spoke other than a simple, hello. This was a defining moment for me as I nervously approached my neighbor across the street who was out doing yard work. As I introduced myself she extended her hand and said her name was, Gabrielle. She is most definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, a most delightful "angel." And I absolutely had no idea that she was saying to herself as she was winding up her garden hose, "Today is the day"...that she was going to approach me, as well. I know and felt in my heart that it was a God thing that brought us together. She has been all alone in her house for over a year and a half and we immediately shared a common ground. She had left her family and friends in Oklahoma and felt like she was in a foreign land just exactly how I felt when I made my move to Texas.

I had her over a few days ago and we spent the whole afternoon getting to know one another, laughing and talking like there was no tomorrow. We drank tea, I made lunch, we exchanged numbers and did a little shopping. It was a wonderful day and we are planning more wonderful days ahead. We are planning to attend Bible Study and church together along with added social functions. Friendship is priceless no matter where you live. God is so AWESOME and GOOD!! My Almighty Father opened my eyes so that I could feel acceptance and love in any state!
-Little Sis Kathi

"It Was Refreshing"

Sometimes it all comes together...the Sun, Moon, and God's Will, and more often than not, without our effort. It was one of those times a couple of weeks ago when my teenage granddaughter called me and said "I really want to visit you". There was a sense of urgency in her voice and because I follow her on Facebook, I had an idea it was about a recent breakup between her and her boyfriend.

When I picked her up, my intuition was correct, she had broken up with her boyfriend. She has been wearing a purity ring for about a year and when she came to the conclusion that he didn't have pure intentions, she took a stand and broke it off with him. I was so proud of her, but her tender heart was still hurting for as she told me of her decision her eyes filled with tears.

Mother's Day was around the corner and my daughter-in-law and I were making plans for the special day. I discovered that she was attending a special woman's event the Saturday before Mother's Day at her church that was geared for young women. She suggested that maybe I could bring my granddaughter. Although I thought it was a wonderful idea, I found myself struggling with the idea of driving for over an hour to the church and back, taking my granddaughter home that evening and then I would have to drive back home again. It would be a lot of driving...and would she even like the seminar? Mother's Day I had another event and even more driving. I really balked at all the effort I would have to make, but in the morning my granddaughter was still interested in going, so off we went.

My Mother is an "Angel"

As Mother's Day approaches, I am reminiscing and missing my precious, wonderful mother "Francesca Rose" who went to be with the Lord over 6 years ago on March 12, 2005. For reasons unknown, she named all six of her children with names that began with a "K". When she called for one of us, she would sometimes just stammer with that letter and even make up some new names for us that began with the letter, "K". She was such a unique character who was so out-going, fun and she never met a stranger. It did not matter where we were, she would strike up a conversation with someone and tell them her entire family history. I used to get very embarrassed every time she would introduce herself because I knew what was going to transpire. She was such a people person and my father was the complete opposite. As a child, I vividly remember our camping trips with our huge family. My father would want to find the most secluded area to set up camp but my mother would always manage to meet new people and invite them over to socialize which would drive my father absolutely over the edge.

We always looked forward to our holidays and family get togethers because she so loved to entertain. She also enjoyed cooking and being the center of attention. She had a language all of her own that would make us laugh until our sides ached. She was the life of the party and the glue that held our family together. She was not demonstrative with her affection but we all knew that she loved us, unconditionally. And she taught us by example, how to love unconditionally. She truly deserved the highest medal of honor for her bravery with the challenges of raising six children.

As we became adults, we actually taught her how to say "I love you" and we would hug her until she pulled away. She was raised during the "Great Depression" without that kind of affection, verbally and physically but she grew to use those tools we taught her until the end of her life. I enjoyed the special times that I shared with my mother and many times we would just hold hands and laugh ourselves silly. I loved to hear her infectious laughter. Even at my age, I desperately miss so many wonderful things about her. Her voice, her touch, her smell, her laughter and especially her love. Thank you, Mother, for a lifetime of treasured memories. Happy Mother's Day, "Frannie"..... I love and miss you so very much. Rest in most Perfect Peace until we are reunited again!!!

"Easter In A New Light"

Yesterday we celebrated Easter Sunday and I have so many different, ambiguous feelings erupting in my heart. I was so elated to hear that my oldest son who is a Pastor in California was portraying Jesus in their Easter production of "The Messiah." What mother would not be bursting with pride to say that her son could walk on water? Or at the very least, do tricks on water with an air-chair behind a boat in which I have witnessed on several occasions. I am so thankful and blessed that Mom#2, Carolynne, was there to experience this awesome and powerful performance. She was responsible for sending us the first live, on stage pictures which made us feel like we were there. We love her Christian heart and soul!!

I was also equally elated when my youngest son announced that he was going to church with the family which was another miracle in itself since he had been through so many trials in the past 5 years and was too depressed to go anywhere....And what an extraordinary, happy and blessed day we all shared. I could sense that God's work and presence was evident in the hearts of both sons.

I was joyfully rejoicing this morning while listening to "How Great Thou Art" that Big Sis posted on Facebook (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eiEaK4GXtw&feature=share) when it dawned on me that my little brother, Kevin died on Easter Sunday, 6 years ago and I was moved beyond words. My heart that was feeling so much joy just a short while ago was starting to feel extremely heavy again with a sadness and loss of such a wonderful, fun-loving brother that I loved and adored so much. Kevin's end of life was tragic and horrific. He was taken from us way too soon and then it hit me like a huge bolt of lightning. So was our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ's life tragically and horrifically taken as well, to save us from our sins. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that who ever believes in him, shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). And after reciting that Scripture repeatedly, I'm feeling a strong sense of reassurance and peace instead of anguish and pain. I will continue to pray for wisdom and revelation to remember Easter in a new light, next year.... Little Sis

God is Bigger Than the Boogie Man!

"Grandma, leave the light on, I’m scared!" It wasn’t the first time Gavin had asked me to leave the hall light on while he was staying at my house in what I refer to as the “grandkids room”. Full of cars, dolls, tea sets, and a trundle bed, I thought I had provided everything to make this 3 year old comfortable. I asked him if he would like me to read to him, I thought it might help soothe his little heart. I rummaged through the bookshelf and found “God is Bigger than the Boogey Man” a really cute Veggie Tales story. I read it through it and smiles replaced his tears. In the middle of the story, the book's character Junior remembers a song that helped him when he was afraid so he sings it::

“Cuz God is Bigger than the Boogie Man!

He’s Bigger than Godzilla,

Or the monsters on TV!

Oh, God is Bigger than the Boogie Man!

And He’s Watchin Out for You and Me!

After I sang the song in the book and finished reading the rest of the story, I left the light on and it wasn’t long before Gavin was fast asleep.

A couple of weeks ago, I found my heart filled with fear. Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Nuclear Meltdown, Radiation Threats…does it get any scarier than that? I was overwhelmed with the destruction and the pain of others. The news of the situation was constant and there didn’t seem to be any relief or solution. Threats of the huge nuclear reactor melting down grabbed the airwaves and spurting deadly radiation into the atmosphere and the situation remains serious to this day.

As my heart was stirring with fear, a tune came to my mind and I started singing it to myself, “God is Bigger than the Boggey Man...”. I then pictured in my mind the ominous nuclear reactor that I had seen on TV that no man couldn’t control, like a huge Boogie Man….but God was greater!

“Cuz God is Bigger than the Boogie Man!

He’s Bigger than Godzilla,

Or the monsters on TV!

Oh, God is Bigger than the Boogie Man!

And He’s Watchin Out for You and Me!

A smile came over me, peace in my heart replaced anxiety, and sweet sleep brought me to the next day. What Boogie Man is in your life right now?...sing along with me.