You have got to visit my friend today! She is launching her new blog She Cooks!
She is a fabulous cook and a dear friend. Paula Dean should watch out. I'm just sayin'
Jump over and tell her Luann said hello.
She is a fabulous cook and a dear friend. Paula Dean should watch out. I'm just sayin'
Jump over and tell her Luann said hello.
01/06: Missing In Action
I waved goodbye to the last of the family today, my youngest. Because family rose to the top of the priority list, my blog was in the rear view mirror. I'm sorry I've been missing in action.
From conception of the first born until....well, I'm not sure it ever ends, your life morphs into the
MOM-O-MATIC
When they are babes you smooch their face, snuggle them close and watch them sleep.
As they grow you wipe their face, try to keep them close and make them get some sleep.
As teens you wonder what is on their face, keep their friends close, and at noon demand they stop sleeping.
When they leave the house then come back to visit, you smooch their face, snuggle them close and watch them sleep.
This mom-o-matic is turning on auto-pilot tonight. Good night.
From conception of the first born until....well, I'm not sure it ever ends, your life morphs into the
MOM-O-MATIC
When they are babes you smooch their face, snuggle them close and watch them sleep.
As they grow you wipe their face, try to keep them close and make them get some sleep.
As teens you wonder what is on their face, keep their friends close, and at noon demand they stop sleeping.
When they leave the house then come back to visit, you smooch their face, snuggle them close and watch them sleep.
This mom-o-matic is turning on auto-pilot tonight. Good night.
12/22: We Are Family
We just returned from Indiana for our Christmas celebration there! It was a whirlwind trip, but all good. We visited mom in the Alzheimer unit and had a good time. I had a collage of pictures to give her with the title saying, "We are family."
She looked at each one very closely then much to my surprise, she read the title! I wasn't sure she could still read, but she did. My sister Dot went with us so we grabbed a snapshot of Dwight and I with her and mom.
Of course I wanted to get one with mom of just the two of us.
We stood around the piano in the dining hall and sang Christmas carols and sat at a table working children's 24 piece puzzles. This woman who was once able to handle 5 children at a time in our home while dad was gone on the job for 2 weeks at a time, now fumbles with wooden floor puzzles for entertainment. It is surreal. She was so happy to have company, even if she wasn't sure who we were. She just knew we belonged to her.
I was excited to see more family at my nephew's house.
My two sisters, their families, two cousins and an aunt all made arrangements to gather for some fun laughs and food.
I treasure those moments.
I remember a former boss who sat bent over his desk for days sending Christmas cards. Someone asked, "Why do you do that?" He tilted his head, peered over his glasses and replied, "I think a friend is worth 25 cents a year, don't you?" I have never forgotten those wise words.
Yes, a friend is worth that and so much more. And family is priceless. We often don't see eye-to-eye, but our hearts are forever connected. There is history there that cannot be replaced.
We then went to Dwight's family Christmas and shared more laughs and food. It seems whenever we gather, there is food involved!
Precious times.
We traveled home Sunday night and are now preparing for more family who will arrive at our home. We are blessed.
She looked at each one very closely then much to my surprise, she read the title! I wasn't sure she could still read, but she did. My sister Dot went with us so we grabbed a snapshot of Dwight and I with her and mom.
Of course I wanted to get one with mom of just the two of us.
We stood around the piano in the dining hall and sang Christmas carols and sat at a table working children's 24 piece puzzles. This woman who was once able to handle 5 children at a time in our home while dad was gone on the job for 2 weeks at a time, now fumbles with wooden floor puzzles for entertainment. It is surreal. She was so happy to have company, even if she wasn't sure who we were. She just knew we belonged to her.
I was excited to see more family at my nephew's house.
My two sisters, their families, two cousins and an aunt all made arrangements to gather for some fun laughs and food.
I treasure those moments.
I remember a former boss who sat bent over his desk for days sending Christmas cards. Someone asked, "Why do you do that?" He tilted his head, peered over his glasses and replied, "I think a friend is worth 25 cents a year, don't you?" I have never forgotten those wise words.
Yes, a friend is worth that and so much more. And family is priceless. We often don't see eye-to-eye, but our hearts are forever connected. There is history there that cannot be replaced.
We then went to Dwight's family Christmas and shared more laughs and food. It seems whenever we gather, there is food involved!
Precious times.
We traveled home Sunday night and are now preparing for more family who will arrive at our home. We are blessed.
09/04: Time Blocking
Life needs boundaries.
The ringing phone, the urgent emails, the looming deadlines all sound an alarm in my head. It screams, "LOOK AT ME! FIX ME! NOW, NOW, NOW!"
When I had 5 children in the house I got very good at Time Blocking, however since I am an empty nester that habit has been broken. The kids are up and out of the house, so we should gain more time, right? Wrong! It's an illusion!!!!
Let me tell you a little secret that the super organized don't want to share: ( there will always be just 24 hours in a day!)
That's right! So how is it that some people seem to flawlessly check off their to-do lists with ease while you struggle with simple every day tasks?
In my home each child was allowed to be involved in two things...however when you multiply that by 5 kids, there were 10 activities happening often at the same time! It was imperative to sit down on Sunday night with the calendar and mark off the upcoming events. Blocking time slots for each thing made sense. We controlled the schedule instead of the schedule controlling us.
Now, we have the same hours in a day, yet we allow the day to slip into autopilot. Before we know it the computer has sucked us in, the phone has curled our ear, and the errands have exhausted our energy.
Ok, it's time to Time Block - a habit you don't ever want to kick!
p.s.
I have a request.
My daughter Jennifer graduated from SheSpeaks last year and has just gotten her first speaking engagement! The audience will be children from K-8th grade. She called to share the news and to ask for topic ideas for this diverse age span. We have given her our thoughts, but I would love for you to share your insights with this young mother of 3. Will you jump over to her blog and encourage her? Thanks!!!
http://cincodedonaldson.blogspot.com/
The ringing phone, the urgent emails, the looming deadlines all sound an alarm in my head. It screams, "LOOK AT ME! FIX ME! NOW, NOW, NOW!"
When I had 5 children in the house I got very good at Time Blocking, however since I am an empty nester that habit has been broken. The kids are up and out of the house, so we should gain more time, right? Wrong! It's an illusion!!!!
Let me tell you a little secret that the super organized don't want to share: ( there will always be just 24 hours in a day!)
That's right! So how is it that some people seem to flawlessly check off their to-do lists with ease while you struggle with simple every day tasks?
In my home each child was allowed to be involved in two things...however when you multiply that by 5 kids, there were 10 activities happening often at the same time! It was imperative to sit down on Sunday night with the calendar and mark off the upcoming events. Blocking time slots for each thing made sense. We controlled the schedule instead of the schedule controlling us.
Now, we have the same hours in a day, yet we allow the day to slip into autopilot. Before we know it the computer has sucked us in, the phone has curled our ear, and the errands have exhausted our energy.
Ok, it's time to Time Block - a habit you don't ever want to kick!
p.s.
I have a request.
My daughter Jennifer graduated from SheSpeaks last year and has just gotten her first speaking engagement! The audience will be children from K-8th grade. She called to share the news and to ask for topic ideas for this diverse age span. We have given her our thoughts, but I would love for you to share your insights with this young mother of 3. Will you jump over to her blog and encourage her? Thanks!!!
http://cincodedonaldson.blogspot.com/
07/17: What Makes You Smile?
Since I don't have a brag book I can whip out of my purse to show you, you will have to endure my moments of weakness online.
This makes me smile.
Reading to Rachel
Why is he getting the attention?
My baby kissing Sarah baby.
Brothers being goofy!
Proverbs 15:30 tells us,"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."
So what makes you smile?
This makes me smile.
Reading to Rachel
Why is he getting the attention?
My baby kissing Sarah baby.
Brothers being goofy!
Proverbs 15:30 tells us,"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."
So what makes you smile?
06/13: Baby is Here!
Rachel Elizabeth Donaldson arrived at 6:12 tonight weighing 8 lbs. 7.2oz, 20 3/4 inches long. She is amazing! As it turned out, her water had broken at 11:30 p.m. the night before, however we didn't realize until this afternoon that she had another sack of fluid around her! Many of you may know that Jen has had numerous miscarriages but this baby was wrapped with a double protection to keep her hanging in there to full term. Since the second sack was not discovered until today, it prolonged her labor, but it was all so worth it when she arrived!
I am exhausted...haven't slept much in the past 48 hours...haven't eaten much either. But I certainly have witnessed a miracle in the birth of my new granddaughter!
Good night...resting in his arms tonight,
Luann
I am exhausted...haven't slept much in the past 48 hours...haven't eaten much either. But I certainly have witnessed a miracle in the birth of my new granddaughter!
Good night...resting in his arms tonight,
Luann
06/12: Granddaughter's Arrival
As with all my girls, this one has a mind of her own. My sweet daughter is swollen, hot and ready for this little angel to appear...however, she has decided to give them a taste of what girls do best...make you wait.
I got the call yesterday from my daughter saying that she was on her way to the doctor. He did the things that normally encourage labor to begin...but this little missy is just not quite ready.
I took off and drove straight here expecting to meet her at the hospital, but alas, she is home waiting. God has allowed me to be present for the arrival...I am THRILLED. This also gave me a chance to play with my adorable grandsons, David (5) and Matthew (3).
Today we go back to the doctor for him to kick this in high gear. So later I will write to tell you about the arrival.
In His grip,
Luann
I got the call yesterday from my daughter saying that she was on her way to the doctor. He did the things that normally encourage labor to begin...but this little missy is just not quite ready.
I took off and drove straight here expecting to meet her at the hospital, but alas, she is home waiting. God has allowed me to be present for the arrival...I am THRILLED. This also gave me a chance to play with my adorable grandsons, David (5) and Matthew (3).
Today we go back to the doctor for him to kick this in high gear. So later I will write to tell you about the arrival.
In His grip,
Luann
05/26: Memorial Moms
You've heard it your entire life, "God uses everything." So when you can step back and see Him in action, you simply have to share it!
We got the call on Tuesday of last week that my husband's mom was at the hospital and they were running tests. She lives in Indiana, 8 hours away. When we got off the phone we agreed to change our plans from making the original trip next weekend for two graduations to this weekend to check on mom.
We arrived a 2a.m. on Friday morning. She had been released and was home. It seems she was suffering from confusional migraines. After talking with her she encouraged us to visit my mom as well, 2 hours further. I was a little apprehensive because I had not seen her since she was admitted to the Alzheimer's unit. My brother had told me that his visit did not go well at all. So I was fearful that I could not stand it if she cried and clung to me, as she did him.
My mother-in-law just lost her husband last year to this very same disease. She coached me on what to say and what to avoid. She told me how to visit and how to leave. Her words were like soothing balm on my hurting heart. So Saturday she agreed to accompany us on the visit.
It was a beautiful sunshiny day, which for my hometown in Indiana, is often rare! When we arrived I was delighted to see such a beautiful facility! The flowers and yard were so well manicured. The people were so friendly and the place was incredibly clean. Not what I remembered as a child when we visited my grandmother in a nursing home. Those memories haunted me for years.
We entered the Reflections Unit and discovered my mom sitting outside in the gazebo sharing some chatter with a few residents and a nurse. For several moments I simply watched from her window which overlooked that side yard. She seemed at peace. My mother-in-law suggested we just meander out and sit with the others, not calling attention to ourselves. So we did. She looked up and realized that she should know us, then said, "Well, look who is here!" She reached out her arms and gave us each a big hug (if you ever wondered where I get the tendency to hug total strangers...now you know).
We sat down and commented about the lovely yard. She sat agreed and told us how much she enjoyed just sitting there and looking at the beauty. Several times she would abruptly say, "I haven't seen you in such a long time, can I have a hug?" And of course I would jump up and give her a nice long one.
After about an hour she saw the workers inside setting the tables and decided we should check to see if dinner was ready. We walked in and she took me by the arm and paraded me around the dining hall to meet everyone. She looked at me and said, "Tell them who you are." I reached out my hand and said, "Hi, I'm Luann." It was as if a light bulb went off behind my mother's eyes. She looked at me for a minute and then said, "That was my daughter." No matter how hard you try, you are just never prepared for those moments. I choked back some tears, but she was so happy, I didn't want to spoil it.
I sat down at the piano trying remember a few tunes I once played for mom. They were so rough, but she and all the other residents seemed to like it. I sat down at the table after helping each lady there place the dishtowel bib around their neck. Suddenly the natives became restless and many began grumbling that they were hungry.
Another piece of advice that had been given to me was to treat them as if they were my grandchildren. So my brain quickly scanned the past several weeks when I had to entertain the grandchildren before dinner....what did I do? Sing! I broke out in Jesus Loves Me and everyone joined in. One song lead to another until I had to dig deep in my memory bank to recall mom's favorites. Suddenly she started one, "This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior, all the day long!" Her hands reached high in the air praising Him. A lady yelled out, "That's a good one!" Everyone in the room loved it...well that isn't exactly true, one woman threw a paper wad right into my temple and another gruffly snorted, "That's enough." But it didn't daunt the spirits of the singers. They continued until the food arrived.
My mother-in-law told me to always try to leave when something was happening; an activity, food, something that would distract her. She also advised never to tell her I was leaving, just slip away because two minutes later she won't remember you were ever there. So when her tray was placed in front of her I said, "I'm going to check on something while you eat." She said, "Well, you have to eat too!" I said, "I will, but right now I need to check on something while you eat." She agreed and we slipped down the hall. Before we could get past the door she came running after us with her arms wide open. I turned back to her and she said, "I want a hug." I hugged her and said, "You go eat while it's hot." Then I whispered to her, "I've got to go potty!" She smiled and went back to her dining room. We slipped out.
Two hours had passed and I didn't even realize it. How incredible is our God? He used my mother-in-law's illness to bring us for 'such a time as this'. She was the perfect tutor to help me visit with my mom. My husband was the perfect comforter who held me when I sobbed afterwards. The God in the heavens was the perfect Prince of Peace who tucked my mom into such a lovely place.
Here we are:
(The missing tooth is from her flinging her dentures down. :0)
Thank you Jesus!
We got the call on Tuesday of last week that my husband's mom was at the hospital and they were running tests. She lives in Indiana, 8 hours away. When we got off the phone we agreed to change our plans from making the original trip next weekend for two graduations to this weekend to check on mom.
We arrived a 2a.m. on Friday morning. She had been released and was home. It seems she was suffering from confusional migraines. After talking with her she encouraged us to visit my mom as well, 2 hours further. I was a little apprehensive because I had not seen her since she was admitted to the Alzheimer's unit. My brother had told me that his visit did not go well at all. So I was fearful that I could not stand it if she cried and clung to me, as she did him.
My mother-in-law just lost her husband last year to this very same disease. She coached me on what to say and what to avoid. She told me how to visit and how to leave. Her words were like soothing balm on my hurting heart. So Saturday she agreed to accompany us on the visit.
It was a beautiful sunshiny day, which for my hometown in Indiana, is often rare! When we arrived I was delighted to see such a beautiful facility! The flowers and yard were so well manicured. The people were so friendly and the place was incredibly clean. Not what I remembered as a child when we visited my grandmother in a nursing home. Those memories haunted me for years.
We entered the Reflections Unit and discovered my mom sitting outside in the gazebo sharing some chatter with a few residents and a nurse. For several moments I simply watched from her window which overlooked that side yard. She seemed at peace. My mother-in-law suggested we just meander out and sit with the others, not calling attention to ourselves. So we did. She looked up and realized that she should know us, then said, "Well, look who is here!" She reached out her arms and gave us each a big hug (if you ever wondered where I get the tendency to hug total strangers...now you know).
We sat down and commented about the lovely yard. She sat agreed and told us how much she enjoyed just sitting there and looking at the beauty. Several times she would abruptly say, "I haven't seen you in such a long time, can I have a hug?" And of course I would jump up and give her a nice long one.
After about an hour she saw the workers inside setting the tables and decided we should check to see if dinner was ready. We walked in and she took me by the arm and paraded me around the dining hall to meet everyone. She looked at me and said, "Tell them who you are." I reached out my hand and said, "Hi, I'm Luann." It was as if a light bulb went off behind my mother's eyes. She looked at me for a minute and then said, "That was my daughter." No matter how hard you try, you are just never prepared for those moments. I choked back some tears, but she was so happy, I didn't want to spoil it.
I sat down at the piano trying remember a few tunes I once played for mom. They were so rough, but she and all the other residents seemed to like it. I sat down at the table after helping each lady there place the dishtowel bib around their neck. Suddenly the natives became restless and many began grumbling that they were hungry.
Another piece of advice that had been given to me was to treat them as if they were my grandchildren. So my brain quickly scanned the past several weeks when I had to entertain the grandchildren before dinner....what did I do? Sing! I broke out in Jesus Loves Me and everyone joined in. One song lead to another until I had to dig deep in my memory bank to recall mom's favorites. Suddenly she started one, "This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior, all the day long!" Her hands reached high in the air praising Him. A lady yelled out, "That's a good one!" Everyone in the room loved it...well that isn't exactly true, one woman threw a paper wad right into my temple and another gruffly snorted, "That's enough." But it didn't daunt the spirits of the singers. They continued until the food arrived.
My mother-in-law told me to always try to leave when something was happening; an activity, food, something that would distract her. She also advised never to tell her I was leaving, just slip away because two minutes later she won't remember you were ever there. So when her tray was placed in front of her I said, "I'm going to check on something while you eat." She said, "Well, you have to eat too!" I said, "I will, but right now I need to check on something while you eat." She agreed and we slipped down the hall. Before we could get past the door she came running after us with her arms wide open. I turned back to her and she said, "I want a hug." I hugged her and said, "You go eat while it's hot." Then I whispered to her, "I've got to go potty!" She smiled and went back to her dining room. We slipped out.
Two hours had passed and I didn't even realize it. How incredible is our God? He used my mother-in-law's illness to bring us for 'such a time as this'. She was the perfect tutor to help me visit with my mom. My husband was the perfect comforter who held me when I sobbed afterwards. The God in the heavens was the perfect Prince of Peace who tucked my mom into such a lovely place.
Here we are:
(The missing tooth is from her flinging her dentures down. :0)
Thank you Jesus!
05/20: Out of the Wreck I Rise
At our age, prayer requests seem to be geared in two directions, up...and down. Up the age chart to include our aging parents and their issues; and down the age chart for our grown children who venture off into unguarded waters.
My brother visited my mom for the first time in her new Alzheimer unit at the nursing home and then called me. My brother is pretty strong, but I could hear the shakiness in his voice. When they first arrived they watched mom interacting with the activity and seemed like she was happy. When she caught a glimpse of them, she recognized their faces, although she didn't know exactly who they were. She told them that she had been talking with her parents on the phone and they had a room that she could stay in and wanted to know if my brother could take her there. My grandparents have been gone for over 40 years. When he left it was an agonizing scene because she cried and desperately pleaded for him to take her with him.
Last night we got a call from my husband's sister telling us that his mom is back in the hospital. We aren't sure what is wrong, but we will be making the trip this weekend to find out.
Our youngest called this morning who just moved and said, "I'm not in North Carolina anymore mom!" The sweet southern hospitality is vacant in her new surroundings and she is realizing how precious her hometown is.
Have you ever read Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest? What I read yesterday was exactly what I needed:
"Out of the Wreck I Rise"
'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?' Romans 8:35
God does not keep His child immune from trouble; he promises, "I will be with him in trouble (Psalm 91:15). It doesn't matter how real or intense the adversities may be; nothing can ever separate him from his relationship to God. "In all these things we are more than conquerors..." Romans 8:37. Paul was not referring here to imaginary things, but to things that are dangerously real. And he said we are "super-victors" in the midst of them, not because of our own ingenuity, nor because of our courage, but because none of them affects our essential relationship with god in Jesus Christ. I feel sorry for the Christian who doesn't have something in the circumstances of his life that he wishes were not there.
"Shall tribulation...?" Tribulation is never a grand, highly welcomed event; but whatever it may be-whether exhausting, irritating, or simply causing some weakness-it is not able to "separate us from the love of Christ." Never allow tribulations or the "cares of this world" to separate you from remembering that God loves you. (Matthew 13:22)
"Shall...distress...?" Can God's love continue to hold fast, even when everyone and everything around us seems to be syaing that His love is a lie, and that there is no such thing as justice?
"Shall....famine...?" Can we not only believer in the love of God but also be "more than conquerors," even while we are being starved?
Either Jesus Christ is a deceiver, having deceived even Paul, or else some extraordinary thing happens to someone who holds on to the love of God when the odds are totally against him. Logic is silenced in the face of each of these things which come against him. Only one thing can account for it-the love of God in Christ Jesus. "Out of the wreck I rise" every time.
And today I rise and give praise to the One who will never leave me or forsake me.
My brother visited my mom for the first time in her new Alzheimer unit at the nursing home and then called me. My brother is pretty strong, but I could hear the shakiness in his voice. When they first arrived they watched mom interacting with the activity and seemed like she was happy. When she caught a glimpse of them, she recognized their faces, although she didn't know exactly who they were. She told them that she had been talking with her parents on the phone and they had a room that she could stay in and wanted to know if my brother could take her there. My grandparents have been gone for over 40 years. When he left it was an agonizing scene because she cried and desperately pleaded for him to take her with him.
Last night we got a call from my husband's sister telling us that his mom is back in the hospital. We aren't sure what is wrong, but we will be making the trip this weekend to find out.
Our youngest called this morning who just moved and said, "I'm not in North Carolina anymore mom!" The sweet southern hospitality is vacant in her new surroundings and she is realizing how precious her hometown is.
Have you ever read Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest? What I read yesterday was exactly what I needed:
"Out of the Wreck I Rise"
'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?' Romans 8:35
God does not keep His child immune from trouble; he promises, "I will be with him in trouble (Psalm 91:15). It doesn't matter how real or intense the adversities may be; nothing can ever separate him from his relationship to God. "In all these things we are more than conquerors..." Romans 8:37. Paul was not referring here to imaginary things, but to things that are dangerously real. And he said we are "super-victors" in the midst of them, not because of our own ingenuity, nor because of our courage, but because none of them affects our essential relationship with god in Jesus Christ. I feel sorry for the Christian who doesn't have something in the circumstances of his life that he wishes were not there.
"Shall tribulation...?" Tribulation is never a grand, highly welcomed event; but whatever it may be-whether exhausting, irritating, or simply causing some weakness-it is not able to "separate us from the love of Christ." Never allow tribulations or the "cares of this world" to separate you from remembering that God loves you. (Matthew 13:22)
"Shall...distress...?" Can God's love continue to hold fast, even when everyone and everything around us seems to be syaing that His love is a lie, and that there is no such thing as justice?
"Shall....famine...?" Can we not only believer in the love of God but also be "more than conquerors," even while we are being starved?
Either Jesus Christ is a deceiver, having deceived even Paul, or else some extraordinary thing happens to someone who holds on to the love of God when the odds are totally against him. Logic is silenced in the face of each of these things which come against him. Only one thing can account for it-the love of God in Christ Jesus. "Out of the wreck I rise" every time.
And today I rise and give praise to the One who will never leave me or forsake me.
05/18: Action-packed!
As you know we have had vacation with grandkids, many guests, and a college graduation. The day after she left I sat at work reflecting and celebrating my daughter's life, when the phone rang. It was my counseling minister at church calling to ask for help. He just hung up from talking with a distraught mother who discovered she was pregnant...again. Her life was in turmoil and she had an appointment the next day for an abortion. He knew my story and asked if I would consider calling her.
Isn't God amazing? I was just thinking about how close I came to aborting my Tiffany, how incredibly hopeless I felt 22 years ago, and yet God sent a 96yr. old angel by the name of Mrs. Metcalf to gently pat my hand and proclaim, "This baby will be a blessing." How those 6 words bounced around in my head as I sat in the waiting room at Planned Parenthood. When they called my name I cried and ran for the door. Was my life without bumps from that moment on? Absolutely NOT! But this week I rejoice that God urged a neighbor to come along side me and whisper words of hope.
So here I am, with the opportunity to share my story with someone so close to the same decision. I called her. I didn't preach, I only told her my story. Revealing to her that I understood her panic, her fear, her doubt brought us together. Then I shared that 22 years ago I could never have imagined standing and applauding my daughter at her college graduation. So many others had been touched by her joyful, bubbly life who stood with me that day. How could I have known the plans that God had in store for that precious baby in my womb? There was no way!
For the moment, this woman has decided to wait to make such a permanent decision. Please be in prayer for her and her baby.
Is God calling you to gently come along side a hurting heart today?
My cup is overflowing.
Luann
Isn't God amazing? I was just thinking about how close I came to aborting my Tiffany, how incredibly hopeless I felt 22 years ago, and yet God sent a 96yr. old angel by the name of Mrs. Metcalf to gently pat my hand and proclaim, "This baby will be a blessing." How those 6 words bounced around in my head as I sat in the waiting room at Planned Parenthood. When they called my name I cried and ran for the door. Was my life without bumps from that moment on? Absolutely NOT! But this week I rejoice that God urged a neighbor to come along side me and whisper words of hope.
So here I am, with the opportunity to share my story with someone so close to the same decision. I called her. I didn't preach, I only told her my story. Revealing to her that I understood her panic, her fear, her doubt brought us together. Then I shared that 22 years ago I could never have imagined standing and applauding my daughter at her college graduation. So many others had been touched by her joyful, bubbly life who stood with me that day. How could I have known the plans that God had in store for that precious baby in my womb? There was no way!
For the moment, this woman has decided to wait to make such a permanent decision. Please be in prayer for her and her baby.
Is God calling you to gently come along side a hurting heart today?
My cup is overflowing.
Luann
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