Mimi...What If...

It has been a "hustle, bustle time of year" around our home, and we have enjoyed our family being with us so very much. I will post pictures and a post later, but our little Ashlyn, three years old said something to me as she was getting ready to get in the car to leave to go home with her parents that will not leave me alone. After all of the gifts she received for Christmas her little mind went back to the "real reason for it all." I can hear her little voice as she asked..."Mimi, what if we were all in one room and all of us opened just one present, then...JESUS walked in?" I answered by saying, "Oh, Ashlyn that would be AWESOME! That would be a whole lot better than Santa Claus, huh?" And to that she replied, "Yes, ma'am!"

As this day has been passing by I find myself in the quiet of my home. The kids are gone back to their homes, my Christmas decorations are all put away, and my house is clean, so I am relaxed and pondering over the Christmas holiday, and Ashlyn's voice keeps resounding in my mind.

I sat down at my desk to do some updating on my computer and decided to check the blog world. My sister, Ronda posted the other day about the song that follows.



Out of all the new "things" Ashlyn received for Christmas she brought me back to the reality of what it's all about. JESUS...you're the real reason for it all. Help me remember in my "grown up world" to welcome you into the activities of life, because..."Of all the gifts I may receive, there’s only one I really need. And it’s Your presence, Your presence for Christmas."

Wrapped In Arms of Love

It was a quiet morning. I was getting dressed for the day, and planning on getting on the road to Wichita Falls when I heard a little voice, "Mimi, I'm cold!" I looked down at my little three year old granddaughter who was standing in the doorway looking up at me with those big, beautiful eyes that are always full of expression. I noticed she had a "snuggle blanket" wrapped around her and at that moment it didn't matter if the world stopped spinning, I was going to stop and hold her until she got warm! I looked at her and asked, "Do you want me to hold you?" Her little head nodded up and down and I reached down and wrapped her up. Holding her close I walked over to the rocker and rocked. She never said another word, and neither did I. We were both content to relax and rock. She went to sleep and I enjoyed the quiet morning for a little longer.

I got on the road.

I don't know when it happened. But, I remembered...

There have been times in life when I was "cold". I really didn't know where to turn, except to my Heavenly Father. I could hear myself saying, "Jesus, I'm cold!" No, I didn't say it quite like that, but in essence I did, and it was at that very moment I felt Him stop what He was doing, reach down, wrap me in His arms, and rock. It didn't matter what it was that made me "cold", I just needed to feel His love and strength warming my heart, and as it did I was contented to......stay awhile.

I really believe I felt the heart of my heavenly Father that morning as I sat and cradled Ashlyn in my arms. I realized once again that anytime I tell Jesus what it is I'm feeling, He WANTS to stop and make my world better.

Come to think of it...I really believe He ENJOYS those times with ME!

God Loves Us S-O-O-O-O Much

God has shown us how much He loves our family, once again.

Last night while visiting with Andrew and Mandy they told us the story of our little Ashlyn almost being run over by a car this past week. I will not go into the story, but it was such a close call that Mandy KNEW Ashlyn had been hit. Then, she saw her come around the car, crying, and holding her hands out. Mandy said they were dirty, and all they can figure out is that she actually reached out and touched the car as it came to a stop! Andrew told us that he ran out of the house and heard Mandy screaming J-E-S-U-S!!!!!!!! In her fear of seeing her baby "hit" Mandy did not know she was screaming that precious name! In her desperation, and a helpless situation Mandy knew the Name that would save her child!

There is PROTECTION in the Name of JESUS!

As Mandy was telling us this story, my mind raced back to last week when I felt impressed to pray for the "kids". I was in bed, about to go to sleep when I had this impression to pray. I didn't get up and go into travailing prayer, but simply prayed. "Jesus, please keep your hand on Jonathan and Brenda. Be with Andrew and Mandy. Lord, protect Savanna and Alayna as they go to school. Keep them from harm and danger. And Lord, take care of Scarlet and Ashlyn. I plead Your blood over them...in Jesus Name!" As I finished praying a thought crossed my mind..."What would we do with Mandy if something happened to one of the girls?" Then I said, "God, that just can't happen!!!!" After praying, I turned over and went to sleep as I placed my trust in Jesus, our Protector.

"Thank you, Lord, for covering my family with Your precious blood!!! THANK YOU for protecting our little Ashlyn Kate!"

IMPORTANT note: The lady that almost hit Ashlyn was talking on her cell phone!!!! Let me just say.....HANG UP AND DRIVE!!!!!!!

Saturday Surprise!

We were leaving Ranger when my husband took a turn that I wasn't expecting to take. I looked at him and asked, "Where are you going?" He told me we were going to Andrew and Mandy. He wanted to see the church after it got flooded. Then, he said, "They are having a birthday party for Ashlyn at McDonald's." Well! Of course, I wanted to go!

Andrew wasn't going to tell Mandy that we were on our way, but she knew something was up when he heard Andrew giving directions to someone to be at the party. She quickly assessed the situation, looked around and saw that everyone was already there, so she was curious. She's such a sweetheart and is always happy that we "show up", but she was real happy that Ashlyn was going to have at least one set of grandparent's at her party. It's not easy for Darrell and Jeanetta to always be at the girls parties, and it's not easy for us either, so it was special for us as well!

All the kids were out playing in McDonald's playground when we arrived. When we walked over to where Alayna and Ashlyn were, Alayna spotted us first and came running and yelling, "Mimi! Papa!" The excitement in Alayna's voice got Ashlyn's attention and when she saw us she hardly knew what to do!!! It was so cute! It only took her a second and she came running! She threw her arms around my neck and hugged and hugged me, then as we turned towards Papa I felt her little hand patting me on the back. Ahhh...there is nothing like it!

We had a wonderful afternoon enjoying our "3 year old's party"!



I love surprises, especially when I get to see my grandbabies and their parents. :)