Guest Blogger!

Hi everyone. Mommy is pretty tired today so I'm filling in for her and typing a blog.  Mommy says this blog is like her diary, some deep thoughts that she writes, but unlike diaries a blog is meant to be read by others.  I think it is pretty cool that people like to read about us, but then again I am a pretty cool kid so I guess it is pretty natural!

Mommy has had a hard few days. I've caught her crying a few times and when I offered her my bottle it didn't help.  So, last night I had her sit in the rocker and we read some of her favorite books (about a family of bears that live in a tree house, I wish they were my neighbors, Honey Bear and I could be friends) and then we chatted.

It turns out that only a couple of weeks ago one of mommy's friends had to bury her baby. Now I don't understand all this, but it made mommy sad, so I let her rock me. Then I clasped my hands to remind her that we need to pray and talk to God about everything.  After that she was better and we played with some of my toys. I have some pretty nifty toys. Before bed I told her a story, but that is our private story.

My nephew is 3 and he comes over and plays with us while his JJ and mommy work.  He is a lot of fun, he has lots of energy and likes to chase the dog. I'm not sure the dog is too excited, she gets tired easily! I like to watch him.  Turns out that running around the grass kicking this round thing (mommy says it is a ball) is fun.  I'm going to have to try it when I figure out how to walk.

Well, mommy is here so I need to get this posted and surprise her! But first I have to find a picture. Since she always posts pictures of me, I'm posting a picture of her! Seems fair! I better hurry it looks like mommy has a bottle ready! YUM!

-Punky Jr.-

Play Dough!

I have recently started watching my 3 year old nephew during the days. So far it has been a lot of fun. He is a typical 3 year old boy. He has a lot of energy, a great imagination and is full of personality!  I want our days to be full of fun, exercise and learning- if we can do all 3 at the same time, even better!

I had some air dry clay that he played with and he really enjoyed it. Since air dry clay is expensive and is not the best idea for a 3 year old (due to price and it really is designed for modeling not just playing with over and over) I decided to do something a little more appropriate. So, I hopped onto Pintrest and looked up the recipe for homemade play dough and we set to work.

In 30 mins we had 4 batches of the play dough made and ready to play with! We went with Red, Green, Blue and we attempted orange, but it turned out to be a bit too Tangerine. Oh well! It was home made (which means cheap), it was quick and it was easy. And even better- it is should last longer than the store stuff, and if accidentally ingested by anyone it is safe, because the ingredient list is simple and stomach friendly (though I doubt it tastes yummy).

For those of you out that that want to try and make it here is the simple 1, 2, 3 of it all.

In a 2 quart sauce pan mix:
           1 cup Flour,
           1 cup Water,
           1/3 CUP Salt (yep),
           1 teaspoon Cream of Tartar, and
           1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
 Add your food coloring (the more drops the richer the color)

Turn on the stove to medium. use a plastic spoon to mix the dough up till it is a ball and looks like play dough.

Remove from heat and let the ball of colored (or white if you left it white) cool on wax paper.

That's it! Takes about 5 minutes (Took me a little longer because I couldn't locate our Cream of Tarter)  Repeat as necessary for different colors.

I just stored mine in plastic containers we had in our cupboard, I used clear containers so we can see what color is in each one. You can also use Ziploc bags as well. As long as it seals out the air to keep the dough at the right consistency.

It was a fun little project and now we have Play Dough that will provide hours of entertainment!

-JLP-

PS. If you have ideas for fun at home, educational activities with kids pass them along!

Get Over It!!!

I have been trying to keep this blog free of politics, but I wouldn't be doing my job as a mom if I didn't show Punky Jr. that you have to stand up for what you believe. Remaining silent is the path of least resistance, but it isn't what changes things.

For years now atheists have been fighting to get the 10 Commandments out of courthouses, to get the Bible out of the courtroom and the cross off the sides of streets and memorials.  They claim that using a cross is unconstitutional, based on the First Amendment.

I am pretty well educated, I understand our political system, and while I'm not a Constitutional scholar, I do know what it says. I don't get their argument. The argument seems like it has more holes in it than a pound of Swiss cheese.  A marble carving of the 10 Commandments is just sitting there. No one is forcing anyone to read it, much less abide by them (though most of them are pretty much common sense, don't steal or kill). Just because it is there, doesn't mean you have to believe. And by the way, the 10 Commandments are not strictly Christian. God gave them to the Jews first.

A cross at the side of the road, or on a memorial. Yes, the cross is the traditional symbol for Christians. Once again, by putting the cross there to commemorate something (most notably a death) we Christians are not forcing anyone to believe in the power of the cross. It is there as comfort.   You do not have to stop and pray, you don't even have to look at it.

GET OVER IT!!!  Just because our symbols are up places doesn't mean we are forcing you to believe something. America was partially founded by people that were tired of being forced to believe a certain way. It wasn't founded by people that wanted an absence of religion, but a freedom to worship as they pleased. By forcing us to take down our symbols. Little pieces that bring us comfort in a crazy world, you are actually infringing upon OUR rights, and our religious freedoms.

If you don't like the cross or the 10 Commandments, if you don't want to believe in Jesus and God the Father. That is your choice. Don't go to church, don't put up a Nativity at Christmas, but remember you can't stop me from believing in the truth. There is room for both of us. If you don't like it, move or just don't look at the symbols, but I have a right to put things up. So, please just get over it and let's worry about issues that matter, not how a memorial is designed.

-JLP-

PS... I am praying for you. Praying that you will want to seek the truth, and that you will see God revealed in your life. :-)

Who Deserves My Forgiveness?

Earlier today I was reading a book to Punky Jr. about forgiveness.  Of course we talked about what it means to forgive and that we are sinners and Jesus has forgiven us. Yes, I know she is just 3.5 months old but it is never too early to train up a child in the way she should go. Her daddy and I want to give her a firm foundation.

Thinking about the story lead me to think about today's post. What did I want to say about forgiveness? I have been thinking long and hard since we read the story. On the 7th anniversary of my rape I was finally able to sincerely say "I forgive you for what you two did to me, for how it totally changed my life. For the fear, pain, and angst. I forgive you."

It took 7 years to get there. Yet, so much freedom has come since that day. Forgiveness is not for the person that hurt us. Forgiveness is for us. It helps us put the wrong in the past and to continue on in love. Refusing to forgive is a sin and it hinders our relationship with Christ.

I also remember one night saying "God I know you did me no wrong. You have loved me perfectly, you have saved me, and I am in your book, and someday I'll get to see you. Yet, for years I have carried around this pain because you didn't keep me from harm, you let me go through it. I will never totally understand why, but I am going to accept that you have my best in mind, and I am going to move on." God certainly doesn't need my forgiveness, He didn't sin and do me wrong. He does need my understanding and faith, and that is what that night was about. Telling God that I understand that while I can't see the whole picture, I have faith that he has my best in mind. He is orchestrating events to increase his kingdom, for his glory.

I also learned on those nights that if I can forgive my rapists, if I can learn to accept God's ways even when I don't understand them, there is no one I shouldn't forgive. Everyone deserves my forgiveness because we are all beloved children of God. He wants us to treat each other with love, no matter how much we've been hurt, no matter how big the betrayal. Even small things need to be forgiven. That is one of the lessons Jesus was teaching us on the cross.

If Christ can forgive us, shouldn't we who claim to be his followers, who claim to love him, shouldn't we be quick to forgive and shouldn't we want to emulate our King, Master and Savior???

5 More Minutes

Waking up each morning is not always the easiest thing to do, a lot of us like to stay cuddled in bed for just 5 more minutes. To be cuddled up in my blankets and holding my hubby's hand is just so relaxing and such a blessing. To see Queenie cat curled up at the foot of the bed and to look out the window and see the early morning sun starting to greet our neck of the valley, it is quite cozy and comfy. Yet, generally I am awakened knowing that in a few minutes Punky Jr. (miss Piglet's new nickname) will be needing some food.

I have always loved early mornings, but college, studying and then seminary and being married to a night owl have turned me into more of a night owl than an early bird. Being a mother now I am becoming both a night owl and an early bird. I am in the time of life where I don't get much of a chance to develop a deep relationship with my bed and pillows.

Yet, I wouldn't change a thing. Motherhood is the most wonderful thing. I have a husband that I adore and love to take of. I also now have a daughter that is such a special gift and as much as I love the art of crafting words, I have yet to find an adequate way to describe how I love my daughter. It is an indescribable love.

As much as I would love just 5 more minutes in bed each day, I get up because it is what I do. Taking care of their needs is just as much my job as building gorgeous log homes is my husband's. The Bible instructs me "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (Col. 3:23 NLT) By serving my family I am also serving the Lord. My family is a gift from God to be treasured. I need to treat them as such.

During the day as I clean the bathrooms, empty the dishwasher, fold blankets, read to Punky Jr., cook, and force Punky to do her tummy time (she hates it), I am not just taking care of our home, I am not just looking after my family, I am serving my Lord and Savior. I am also setting an example for Punky. How we live our daily lives says more to our children than any words. Yes, we need to use our words too, they are important, but we need to teach by example. From day 1. Consistency is very important. 

So, I'll willingly give up those 5 minutes if in order to serve, love, teach and take care of the best gift God gave me (after His Son, of course)! 

-JLP-

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.

There is a Time...

Since last night I have struggled to set miss Piglet down. I didn't want to let her out of my arms to go to sleep, and the first thing I did upon waking this morning was to pick her up and rock with her for a few minutes. I have just been eating up each moment I have with my precious daughter. She is such a delight. On January 5 my life changed and the change was a delight! Because I serve the Lord I am complete in Him, but miss Piglet filled a hole that God knew needed to be filled. I have always wanted to be blessed with children.

Not long after miss Piglet was born, one of my co-workers had a little boy. A precious, loved little boy. A little boy born with heart problems. After a couple months of fighting, the battle ended last night as God ushered this precious little child into Heaven.

I don't know my co-worker real well, but the pain has hit me hard. It is a very clear reminder that our days our numbered. We are not here forever, and just as we didn't choose how or when we entered this earth, we don't get to choose how or when we will leave either.

There is a time for everything. A time to be born, and a time to die. There is a time to be sad and cling to our children, and a time to be happy and dance with them. There is a time to be thankful for all that we have, and a time to dream with the Lord about all we can do for Him.  Living joyfully does not mean that we get to skip over the harder times. It means that we recognize that we are in a valley and we focus on God as we climb out. Even in the valley we can offer God a "hallelujah", no matter how broken it is, we can still offer it to Him.

For now, I think today is a time to cuddle my daughter and say "Thank you Lord. Thank you for each day I have had with her. I commit her to Your loving care, knowing that You love her even more than I do. I thank you for all the moments I've had with her in my arms, and I thank You for all the moments yet to come. No matter if there are only a few, or years and years to come. She is just on loan to us from You. I pray that you help her daddy and me show her just how much you love her and may she grow to love and serve you."

-JLP-

Praying for each of you and you have a lifetime full of wonderful memories with your family.

A Life of Rejection, Ended! :-)

My husband and I have been through the wringer this week.  It has been one of those weeks where you wonder why Satan is picking on you so much, because what happened comes directly from Satan. Yet, for the past 48 hours I have been praying, "Lord let something good come out of all this and may you be glorified."

One of the good things that has come out of the events of the week has been that I've been thinking about a lot of different stuff (for lack of a better word) and my mind went back to my rape and my 8 weeks of hell. I thought about my attempted suicide and finally after 10 years I have realized just why I tried to kill myself that night.

It wasn't the rape, it wasn't even the miscarriage it was 19 years of feeling rejected. My whole life I have been picked on. I was picked on because I was short, because I was smart, because I didn't along with my peers. I was athletic but I liked many sports so in gym class I never excelled at any one sport (how often do you do gymnastics in gym class!) so I was always one of the last picked.

When I miscarried I felt like my child was rejecting me. I felt like my child was saying "I don't want you as my mother." That was the last straw. I was done being rejected, being treated like a throw-away.

This is why I am a counselor. I want to show people that no one is a throw-away. Even when the world rejects us, Christ is beckoning us. Christ experienced the ultimate rejection and I think He has a special place in His heart for those of that feel the sting of rejection's arrows.

Christ wants us to know that we don't have to live with those arrows piercing us. He wants to remove them. He not only picks us to be part of His family, He is pleading for us. While on the cross Jesus was saying "Jessie I WANT you! Please! Be my daughter! I want you!" (put your name in place of mine). If we let Him his love can cover the hurt we feel. The one invitation covers the 1,000's of rejections. Not only are wanted, we wanted by the King of Kings! God can have anything and He wants US!!!! 


I knew all of this before this week, but this week has really cemented it in my heart. God knows ALL of me and still He wants me! God loves me, and God loves you. No matter what our lives are like, God loves each of us and WANTS us. We are not the rejected, we are the loved, the privileged. PRAISE GOD!!!

-JLP-

Praying that you feel the love the God in every step you take and that you let Him heal your hurts.

Smiles and Giggles

There is nothing more relaxing, more fun than watching miss Piglet as she smiles and giggles. She is generous with her affection and will smile at just about anything! It makes my days go by so quickly. It is fun to watch her growing up. I know it has only been 3 months, but already I can tell she is growing.

Not only is she bigger, but her development is right on track too! She generally enjoys tummy time and is getting stronger, able to hold her head up for longer periods and move around a bit. She can grasp things and shake them, though she doesn't grasp things too often. It is fun as I watch her begin to realize what her hands can do. Everything in her world is new and exciting. She wants to know, explore and do.

That is how life should be. God loves to watch us grow. He loves seeing us explore His word. When we grasp a new concept, God smiles. When we throw away an old sin, God is overjoyed. When we pause to take in the beauty and the newness of each day, God is thrilled. Our smiles and giggles can light up Heaven.

As we begin to realize just how effective we can be for the kingdom, why the party is on in Heaven! Just as parents celebrate the growth of their children, God celebrates our growth. Are we giving Him reason to celebrate, or are we leaving Him waiting???

-JLP-

Finding Mr. Right

On a hot Saturday in August 2010, after a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains he asked the question and I said "yes"! A few weeks before that day I knew I had found my Mr. Right, but that day sealed it.  In December we said our vows in front of family and friends. We signed the marriage license and it was official, my Mr. Right was mine.

Just because he is Mr. Right doesn't make him Mr. Perfect. I know that.  Just as I know that I am not perfect either.  We are matched on many levels, but that doesn't make us the perfect couple. Perfection doesn't exist here on earth. Yet, he is mine for ever. Till death do us part, through thick and thin, if we are poor or loaded, healthy or sick. Come what may he is mine and I couldn't be happier.

We struggle.  The bills seems overwhelming. We argue. We don't always see eye to eye (especially since when I look straight at him I see his chest), but on the big things we agree.

We both love Jesus and we are doing our best to live for Him. We mess up here and we have to seek forgiveness from God and others. We both love miss Piglet and we are raising her in a home that puts Jesus first and family second. We may not always make the same parenting decisions you would, but we are trying. We both believe in honesty in marriage, we are open and faithful to each other. We both agree that while we can have our little secrets (I'm not going to tell him what he gets for Christmas till he opens it), marriage is built on honesty, trust and sharing.

He knows my background and makes me feel safe. That was a biggie for me. I needed someone that could take the darkness and erase. Since my rape I've been afraid. I wondered what sex would be like. Would I always feel guilty having sex, would I always have trouble reaching orgasm because in my mind I go back to that room in Colorado? With him, those fears are not there.

They are not there because he values women, yes he has his past and isn't the purest, but he is going to treat women the way we deserve. He isn't going to prowl around, he isn't going to hurt someone the way I was hurt. He isn't perfect, but he is more prince than monster. 

I love him because he loves me. I love him because he knows how to make me laugh and relax when I am stressed. I love him because he likes to cook. I love because he is a great daddy to our daughter. I love him because he is trying to live for Jesus. I love him because he is sexy. I love him because he is sweet. I love him because he takes care of us. I love him because he is real and authentic. I love because he is the man God set out for me.

If you are still looking for Mr. Right (or Mrs.) you will find them.  Most likely in the spot you least expect. Remember to look for the important stuff. Don't expect it to be perfect. We live in the real world, not fairy tales. That does not mean that you can't have a wonderful life. Marriage is what you make it. Find the person that is willing to walk beside you, that you would defend to the end of the world. The person that makes you want to be a better you. Most importantly find someone that encourages you to be the best Christian you can be.

-JLP-

Why Do You Weep???

One of my favorite scenes in the Bible.  A woman comes to Jesus' tomb to anoint His body.  She figures the soldiers guarding the tomb will move the stone for her, after all they understand about ritual and religion, and His body needed some attention.

She gets there and the tomb is empty! Jesus' body was missing! Less than 48 hours ago she watched an angry mob demand his crucifixion. She was there throughout the long hours and the strange sudden darkness and earthquake.  She stood near the foot of the cross as his last breath was drawn. When the men took his body to this tomb, she followed so she would know the way.

Now, someone had stolen him! WHY?? Who would do that? This was the last straw and she began to weep. As she was weeping a man came by. She was too distressed to look up.

"Woman, why are you weeping? Are you looking for Jesus?"

"Yes sir.  I don't know why, but his body is missing! That is so wrong.  Where is it, do you know."

"Jesus' body is missing because He isn't dead, He is alive. During His ministry he told you that this would happen. Quit weeping, you weep for a man that isn't dead."

Then she looks up and recognition is seen on her face. She collapses to the ground.  "Jesus! Praise be!" Oh the joy that quickly replaced the weeping.  Just seeing Jesus and understanding the truth.

It is like Jesus said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." Truth does that.  Understanding the truth of Christ sets us free to live boundless lives. It sets us free to be ourselves, because Jesus loves us.  It sets us free from serious weeping.  Yes, we mourn, but we don't have to weep, because we have a hope that passes this world. The truth of Jesus gives us peace.

So, do you weep because you don't know Jesus, or because you have taken the time to look up and form a relationship with him, so that when he speaks you will recognize his voice? His sheep know him by voice, and we are called to be his sheep.

No more weeping, for JESUS IS ALIVE!!! HE IS RISEN!!! GO AND TELL THE WORLD!!!

-JLP-

Silent Saturday

After witnessing the brutality of Christ's death the angels must have been perplexed.  The angels lived to serve God.  They lived with Him, knew Him and loved Him with the appropriate feeling.  The angels knew that all glory, honor and respect was due Him.  How it must have grieved their hearts and perplexed them to talk with God on that silent Saturday.

"Father, why do you love people so much? Look at what Jesus had to go through? Not only was He scourged beyond recognition, He was hung on a cross and suffered for hours! But, did you hear what those people said, how they mocked Him? How can you love them?"

"I love them because I created them.  Each person is loved beyond measure because each is mine and is made in my image.  I choose to love them because I see their souls and I see their potential.  Yes, Jesus just suffered and I had to turn away from Him for a time.  I can't be in the presence of sin, but Jesus knew this.  Jesus volunteered, because Jesus loves each man, woman and child.  Yes there was mocking, but did you not see how Mary, Jesus' mother wept, how she stood by Him.  Look now and you will her still weeping, you will hear her whispering that she loves Him.

Now, look ahead into the future and you will see all the souls that call upon Me, that worship Me, all the souls that believe in me through faith.  These people will not see me the way you do, but still they will believe. How I can turn my back on them? Jesus suffered for a time, the worst suffering ever, but remember this is not the end.  When the time is right He is going to get to claim His throne, at the right time everyone her in Heaven, in earth, and in Hell will bow down to king Jesus.

This time He had to die, so that the souls I love can come here to live with us in Heaven, but the future holds that mighty victory! All the heavenly trumpets will sound, and victory will be His! That is for another time though.  Tomorrow Jesus is going to show the world that death is not final.  He is going to walk out of that tomb.

Watch as his earthly Mother hugs Him again, watch as He shows his disciples that He is alive, and watch as He appears to many.  Tomorrow is going to be fun! But, we have to wait.  After tomorrow the world will be forever changed. No longer will innocent animals have to die for the people.  Jesus did it.  Heaven is offered, and many will take it.  This book here will contain all their names, as they believe in my Son I will write it down.

Alas, many will choose to reject Jesus, and for that they will pay.  My Son died for them and if they choose to reject Him their whole lives they are not invited here.

For now we wait.  We wait and we watch.  We prepare Heaven for all my children that will come home to Me and my Son.  You ask why I love sinners such as those.  I love them because I created them in my image and I choose to love them.  No other reason."

-JLP-

PS... Easter is coming!!! Will you choose to accept Christ's gift, to love God (He already loves you)?

Good??? Friday

The sun rose over Jerusalem and housewives across the city were busy preparing for another Passover celebration.  Men, women and children quickly woke and Jerusalem was a beehive of activity.  It was a crazy place to be, but an exciting place to be as well.  The crux of the activity was taking place at the Temple.  Many animals would be slaughtered to pay for the sins of humans and clear the path back to holy God.

Everyone was excited, people were greeting friends, parents were telling children to behave, and stay close.  Yet, one man walked the city with a burdened heart.  He saw not the faces of the crowd, He saw their very souls.  He was greeted "Rabbi do this" and "Rabbi heal me".  He did not mind, His heart burst with love for each person.  Yet, He knew that what He offered that morning was just temporary relief, what He was about to offer would bring eternal salvation.

This man was the rabbi called Jesus.  Some called Him Lord, a few even called Him Messiah.  While they got the title right, they were confused still.  They thought He would be a political messiah and bring them out from under the tyranny of Rome.  He certainly could have, but that wasn't His mission.  He knew that as bad as some earthly tyrannies are, there is something FAR worse and He was going to save them from the worse.

His time was growing increasingly short.  The hours were dwindling down.  He knew that He would face what was to come, but He didn't relish the suffering involved.  He knew he would be abandoned by all but a few, and even those few wouldn't be able to do anything.  His suffering would save them.

He spoke with his disciples, he gave his mom a hug and He went into a garden to pray.  He asked for strength, for courage and He prayed for you and me.  He did all this with his eyes on each of our souls. After He prayed a trusted and loved follower gave Him up for money.  Greed overcame loyalty.

He stood silent in the face of mockery, He bore no ill will for the fickleness of the crowd.  The very people that he was saving were the ones that condemned him.  He stood and endured the most brutal beating  man has ever endured.  He then quietly took up the heavy beam and dragged it as far He could.  He did all He could, and then He accepted help.

He did not fight as his executioners did their job.  He let them.  He knew that it was almost finished.  Satan was jumping for joy.  That man was not just a man, that was GOD that was just flogged, nailed and raised on a cross.  The crown of thorns were causing GOD's head to bleed.  The parched throat was that of GOD.  The tears streaming down for the souls of humanity were that of GOD.  Satan had finally won...or so he thought.

The earth shook, the thunder cracked and Satan was having a ball.  God was dead! Yet, He wasn't.  It was His son who voluntarily separated Himself from the Father and did this.  It was precious Jesus, the lamb of God, a partner with God, that was hanging dead on the cross. It was God and it wasn't.  Something that we need to know, but not something that we can really comprehend.

It doesn't seem like a "good" Friday at all.  It seems like an awful one.  Yet, the good comes from the reason.  It is good because now we humans are able to be reconciled with God.  We can say "Jesus thank you for all that you went through.  Thank you, and I accept your gift.  I believe and want to be called your own."

It is good because Friday was not the end, Sunday was coming!!!

-JLP-

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, Oh Wait...It IS a Plane!

Once upon a time, about 9 days ago, a mom and her infant boarded an airplane to begin an adventure in the "Wild West" (Wyoming).  Those 9 days have come and gone and the two females find themselves all packed up and spending one last evening with family before more planes will be boarded for the long day of travel East to their husband/daddy.

Traveling to see family and friends is always fun.  I was able to make lots of new memories with people I love, and pause to take a trip down memory lane and spend a morning watching family videos of when I was a young child.  I have visited my mountains, worshipped with a part of my Christian family that I don't see real often, I have spent many hours with family and friends, and had lots of yummy coffee.  Miss Piglet had a great trip too.  We are going back with an extra suitcase thanks to the generosity of friends.  

Piglet and I are heading back to Virginia knowing that we leave behind so many people that love us, bolstered by lots of prayers! Yet, we are flying toward another group of people that love us.  No matter where I have lived God has put people in my life that show me His love and that is a huge blessing.

It will be a little hard to board the plane tomorrow afternoon, but as hard as it will be to say good-bye to Piglet's Wyoming family, it will be with the knowledge that we will end up reuniting with daddy!  Thanks to modern technology we will cross the country in a matter of hours! 

Praying that everyone is having a blessed holy week!

-JLP-