Christ in the Clouds

It seems like just yesterday I was changing diapers, up for nighttime feedings, and rocking my son to sleep .  Before I knew it, he was going off to school...first preschool, then kindergarten. Those were emotional times for this young mom. Of course, when middle school and the teenage years hit, I wasn't as sad, as I was anxious and frustrated...a s his emotions and unpredictable behaviors kicked in overdrive! High school was more of a time of honing in on his interests, gifts, and talents. Encouraging more responsibility and preparing him to be an independent young man. High school graduation was more of a relief...we got him through his basic schooling. Then it was time for seeking out a college and career path... There were many side-tracks before making a decision about what he wanted to do with his life. Patience,  loving advice, and encouragement were top on my list. Sometimes, I wondered if he was ever going to make a decision about his...

As a wife and stepmother for 26 years and a full-time mom for 20+ years, I understand the strains and stress of parenting and fulfilling all the wife's duties in the home. Parenting is a full-time job, whether you work full-time, part-time, or are a stay at home mom. And, depending on the needs/responsible-ness of your husband, being in charge of home duties/finances may also fall heavy on the wife. Sometimes in the daily grind, we are rushing around to take care of everyone else in the family, and we wives/moms forget the importance of taking care of ourselves first.  I've heard this quoted many times:  " You can't be anything for anybody else unless you take care of yourself ." In fact, for me anyways, I have had to re-evaluate my relationships within my family.  There were some unrealistic expectations, some unhealthy habits, and even some misconceptions of each role that we played within the family. Things had to change (and we are still working on t...

I was a litt le unsure how the weekend would go. W e drove the 4 hours to get to our destination early Saturday morning. We hadn't seen our son for almost a month.  He moved to Bloomington, Indiana in February and seemed to be doing pretty well. H e has a new job and lives with a friend in an apartment. It all seems too good, though. Along with that, I'm not sure how I am feeling. I've missed him so much ! But I'm not r eally sure how much he's missed us. Not sure how this time will go, seeing him after this little time apart.   But, when we ar rive, he is so happy to see us ! We walk around town and fi nd this beautiful botanical garden, right in the middle of the city.  We enjoy the walk and I take lots of pictures (I really am enjoying having a nice camera ! ). It turns out to be a really good day. The weather is a little coo l and rainy, but we enjoy seeing the sights... ...a nd just spending quality time togethe...

In our day, the term " watch " has lost much of its original power. Is there anything more passive than watching television? We live in a spectator nation. We watch movies, news, the markets, and sporting events. Watching has become an activity that puts us on the sidelines and not on the field of battle, an idea foreign to the original meaning of the word. At the time of the King James translators, "watch" emphasized the carefulness, attention, and vigilance in the way a soldier kept alert for any sign of enemy movement. Many Bible verses raise the flag of being watchful, along with prayer. God r eminds us to always be watching  and discerning. These are the last days before Christ's return and we are to look for the signs and be cautious.   Romans 16:17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 1 Thess...