Special Sisters

This past weekend I had my "accountability sisters" over for dinner. This is a group of six ladies that get together several times a year. I love each one of them tremendously. Such wonderful creatures they are. I love to cook for them too. Several times we have gone to dinner or each one bring a dish for us to sample but the last few times I have cooked a meal for my girls. They all seem to love it and it warms my heart so much to serve them. All of them mean so much to me. There is no doubt in my mind that I could call any of them at anytime day or night and they would fall to their faces before our Holy God and lift my need up to Him. I would do the same for each one of them. We are an odd lot. First there is Kelley. she is a wife, singer, potter, mother of two Godly children and "Leita" (little grandmother) to four precious babies. She is our rock. Automatically when we are discussing anything when she speaks we all listen. She is so wise and sound. Next is Sandra. She is our touchstone. Never have I met a woman who is so real about her faith and her testimony. She knows how to pray...exactly what needs to be prayed. She is a wife, mother of two teens, youth sponsor and devoted daughter to two ailing parents. Next is Sherry. Teacher, mother, daughter and the most God seeking woman I know. After a huge pit. She has lifted her hands and face to the One Most High to lift her out and she is ready to serve 100%. She just makes me smile. Next is Angie. Our fighter and defender. Wife, mother, maw-maw and crafty stamper & card-maker. Secretly, this is a trait I do not possess nor understand. I hate crafts. She has been through a few pits herself and now she is climbing up to the Most High. She is the biggest witness to a family that needs the LORD and I know that He will answer her prayers. Next is Kim. The baby of our little gang. She is a Pastor's wife, mother, youth sponsor and devoted caretaker of two precious grandparents. She is our prayer warrior. It is no surprise when I open my email at 6 a.m. and see that she has already sent me an email to say that God put me on her heart to pray. She truly walks what she talks and lives for the LORD. I don't know what I would do without these sisters. We love to get together and laugh, eat, cry, pray, praise and love on each other. When I think about heaven and how glorious it will be to just be there. I would love it if we were all neighbors up there. We have one sister there already that we lost a year ago to breast cancer. We all miss her so much but we are also thrilled that she got there first. Ellen will be an awesome welcoming party. I so desire that all women have solid friendships that go deep like we have. I cannot describe the comfort that these ladies give me when I am going through a deep valley. Or how much we all praise the LORD when we see His hand. I love being there friend and their sister.

Bless Y'all

Cindy

Fresh Starts

This is a strange time for me as a mom. My girls are all grown up and branching out. Yesterday I helped my youngest move into her campus apartment at college. She is just 2 hours away but it sure seems like the other side of the moon. We worked hard all day driving, hauling, moving, placing things, shopping etc... all the things it takes to start up a new residence is tremendous. At least it seems so with girls. She has 3 other room mates who are so sweet. They all seem to be a good fit. When we left each other there were a few tears, lots of hugs and kisses. Back at home I see my oldest daughter and she is looking for a "career" job now that she is a graduate from college. Strange for me. Where has the time gone. If it continues to go this fast I will be a great-grandmother in about 45 minutes! Both my daughters are so precious to me. Not that we have not had our rounds mind you. There have been times when I could have snatched them bald-headed in a minute flat. Many times! I realize that they are gifts from the One Most High. Put in our charge as parents and as their examples. I just pray that they remember that each day they are granted new mercies and many do-overs and fresh starts. I am so glad for them and the new things that God is blessing them with each day.

Bless Y'all

Cindy

Waiting......

Who out there likes to wait? I honestly cannot think of one person who truly enjoys the act of waiting. Today I am waiting for my youngest daughter to return home from a weekend trip to visit an aunt and this day is just dragging out so long. I also have been waiting for many other things in the last bit. Waiting in line at the grocery store on North Carolina's tax free weekend. Big mistake on that one! You only get a tax break on school supplies, clothes, etc... but not groceries. I am also waiting (not always patiently) on the Lord for some very big prayers that I have been praying. Some for years. It seems when I reach my absolute edge somehow the Lord reaches down and sends me either a song or verse in a devotional or a card will come. Just some little thing to lift me up. So precious. Then I get all weepy and pray harder and longer. Yesterday was an exceptional anxious day and I blew it....bigtime. So when I got up this morning and later checked my email a sweet dear friend I have not spoke to in a few weeks sent me a message. She said I came to her mind as her feet hit the floor and she prayed right away for me. How good is God? That, sweeties is a new mercy each day.

Bless Y'all

Cindy