Awww. Real Tears

I Can't

Would you believe that my granddaughter is talking? She is now 14 months old, walking with the help of anyone's fingers nestled in those two little chubby hands. She could let go and walk, but has beyond-a-shadow-of-a-doubt let us know that she can't. That's right...clearly said and frustrated to the limit she cried, "I can't." The tears flowed and we all responded with amazement.

Is "I can't," going to be the first words of this little amazing creation? At first I thought so, but as I look over the family videos and DVD "papa" made, I hear some other wonderful phrases clearly from this little wonder kid. "Love you," "Okay," "Bye," are all a part of her vocabulary, not to mention she has mastered the majic of signing "please," "eat," and "more plesase." So, I'm breating a little easier now that I have figured out "I can't" is NOT her first words.

What does a child have to look forward to if "I can't" is her first words? Do we spend a lifetime convincing her she can? Do we ignore the cry of the little giver uper? No, we just laugh and go on. Literally, we just laughed. Well, at first we were amazed that she said it. Coming from a very positive mother and father, I couldn't imagine where she could have picked it up...but she did and in her short 14 months of life she put it together and knew what it meant.

Alas, there will come times in her life that she will cry, "I can't." But we will be there, encouraging her to take another step, telling her to try again, brush herself off and face the world. We will be there to help her understand that of course she can't. She can't do anything without the help of God. We will be there to remind her that when she feels she is not able to do something, her trust is not in her own ability, it is God's ability to empower her. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I can't wait to hear her quote that verse.

Jes Checkin'

Yup! There you are, sittin' at yer computer. Hope you have a wunnerful day!

Check out my Slide Show!

Father's Day

Although my father will probably never read this, I want to give him honor. I've been blessed with the most compassionate, most caring father. As a pastor of a small church, he was busy raising four small children, pastoring a church and working full-time as a barber in our home town of Pocatello, Idaho. Yet, on one of the busiest days of his week, he took the time to take us kids to the park on Sunday afternoon between church services. Now I look back and realize the sacrifice he made just so we could lay on a crisp hand sewn quilt and watch the clouds slowly drift by. It was as if we had all the time in the world. Memories like this one caress the lining of my soul and warm my heart today.

Thank you, Daddy, for being a great example to your children. I will always love and respect you for the sacrifices you made to make my childhood full of rich, precious memories.

Your loving daughter,

Gayla

Sharing

Sharing, I'm learning sharing

If you're without now

I'm learning caring.

I'm sharing, I'm learning sharing

Like Jesus taught me

I'm learning caring.

Sharing...or NOT

So, the boy always has to hold the book? I DON'T THINK SO!!!!!!

New Favorite

One year old and living life to the fullest! This picture just had to be posted. It is my new favorite! Isn't she a scream? She has just enough hair to put into ponytails...and the shades just kill me! I love 'em! This kid is more fun than a barrel of monkeys (of course, I've never been in a barrel with monkeys...but I have been in a car with my grandbaby). You should hear her laugh. It is contagious! Ha Ha. See what I mean? Ha Ha!

Something about a son.

I don't know what it is, but when I'm with my son there is a special feeling going on in this Mother's heart. I can never get enough time with him. I want to just sit and look at this young man that was once my baby. He still makes me smile. He still makes me proud. He still makes me wonder what I did before he came into my life. The sleepless nights when he was sick are only a distant memory. The laughter when he tried to walk for the first time still lingers and tickles the corner of my heart. My contented son. Once my baby, now my young man. I love him more than I can say. I pray every day that his life will give glory to God. He is talented, funny, real and gifted. He is chosen by God to do something very special in His kingdom. I can't wait to see what God is going to do next in his life.

Hang Loose!

As a college professor, I try to keep a good relationship with my students. Culminating another wonderful year, our choir sang some beautiful songs at the graduation last Saturday. At the end of a very beautiful piece, I stood up to face the choir behind me. I wanted to let them know what a great job they did and how much I loved them. I used some common sign language to get my message across without distracting the audience. My first “sign” went quite well, I might mention. I gave them the common “thumbs up” sign and mouthed “awesome job” with a big smile. Then I attempted to give them the more difficult “I love you” sign. As I stood there facing them in full regalia, yes, cap, gown, tassel and bachelor hood, this fifty+ professor of Social Etiquette, gleefully waved the Hawaiian “hang loose” sign. When I realized I was waving the wrong sign, it was too late; the choir was laughing out loud and I was as red and the velvet stripe on my hood. What a day.

I love this picture! Like mommy like daughter.

The Plug

A miracle tool. I don't know why it works. It doesn't really taste good, but it keeps me occupied while I try to figure out if I want to keep it plugged in! Ha!

Mommy and Me

Mommie and me are friends forever. She shared the color of her eyes with me.

Angel's Kiss

There's nothing like an angel's kiss. It brushes your cheek so sweetly and leaves it's fragrance on your soul.

Delinquent Data

So sorry I've been out of pocket. My dear friend informed me tonight that I REEEAAALLLYY need to update the pictures on this blog. So I shall do my best to accommodate her request. I guess that is the least I can do for the privilege of my friends visiting this site. Thanks so much and I promise I will try to do better.

Airport Jubilee!

We just couldn't resist getting that little grandbaby in our arms at the airport. What a joy!

Annual Conference

I've had some very special guests at my house this week. Christian Life College sponsors an annual Landmark conference each year at this time. Preachers from all over our country come to this great conference. Some of them are renowned and to Pentecostals are somewhat of a household word. Famous men like Lee Stoneking, Wayne Huntley, Kenneth Haney, Gordon Mallory, and many more. To me, there are none greated than the visitors I was honored to host in my home.

On Friday before the conference started I rushed to the airport to meet two very important people. My daughter and granddaughter. Of course, you know I threw out the red carpet, rented a lemo (which in truth is a white Taurus...I'm still dreaming for a Lincoln) and whisked them off to the Baughman castle near Honey Bear Lane.

Three days later the Elder and Mrs. A.J. Baughman joined us in our celebration. It was the first time the paternal great grandparents were introduced to this beautiful little girl. She did not disappoint us. With arms waving through the air and a big smile that covered her face from cheek to cheek, she made the great grandparents feel like a million bucks in the first few moments of introductions. Their hearts were captive as our already were the moment they laid eyes on her.

We had three full wonderful days to share with this little angel and her equally loved mommy. There is nothing like a great conference to bring your families together.

Happy New Year!