Real Women

I’ve never watched an episode of any of the “Real Women” TV shows. I prefer to think about, reminisce on and count as life’s greatest blessings the “real women” in my life – our daughters.

These two special ladies rock our world. From strangle holds on new kittens and puppies, missing tails on rabbits, and the daily chore of feeding the catfish in our pond to gallons of mousse and hairspray, each new phase of their journey is etched into the walls of our home and into our memories.

When we moved to the country in l980, they survived being uprooted from city life and deposited squarely in the middle of nowhere. They made friends quickly, and our home was soon one of the gathering places for hay rides, youth activities, and just hanging out. We loved every minute.

When the time came, they were ready to assume their place in a world that was not protected or governed by Dad and Mom. Again they survived - and thrived. I love that they know who they are and have successfully pursued their God-given talents as career choices.

These special ladies are both amazing mothers entrusted with the lives of our three grandsons. (Introduced under the letter “G”.) They have a keen awareness of their special style for themselves and their homes. I learn so much from observing them and the great wisdom in their approach to life.

They put the twinkle in their dad’s eyes and warm my days with their phone calls. Fortunately, we live close enough to see each other fairly often, and they maintain a special friendship with each other.

The television shows have their reality, and we have ours. I’m very humble and thankful for these genuine young women.  

 "Many daughters have done nobly,

But you excel them all.”

(Proverbs 31:29, NASB.)

Being QUIET

The catch-up letter for today is “Q” – as in "quiet."

“Quiet” can be a good thing after a long day at work or with the kiddos. Sometimes it’s merely an elusive goal attainable after everyone else’s bedtime. But for the person who lives that reality day after day, it’s a state of mind. It’s a world where solitude is key; a place of sorting through situations and searching for answers. It’s a setting that houses a need to take time out and relax that cannot be ignored.


The quiet ones are usually found standing on the fringe of all gatherings, taking in bits and pieces of conversations. Most of our friendships begin with people who are outgoing and who usually take the first steps to becoming acquainted. It’s just a matter of God-designed balance in a world that seems to be tilted a little off center when it comes to human nature.

The reality is that we’re just ... you know ... quiet. We live normal lives, marry, have children and grandchildren. We love the Lord. Attend church. Sing (surprisingly much louder than we speak.) We’re content to let others lead in social situations. Those who know us best are allowed to see our dry sense of humor.

We're usually night owls, maybe because of the compulsion to have that "still" time. While we have been called insightful, analytical problem solvers, we must guard against being critical and judgmental.

The Bible addresses quietness in a positive way and sets a standard for each one being the best she can be, whether wonderfully outgoing or simply ... quiet.

“Your adornment must not be merely external ---

braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;

But let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the

imperishable quality of a gentile and quiet spirit, which is

precious in the sight of God.”

(I Peter 3:4, NASB)

Proverbs 3:5,6

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind

and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct

and make straight and plain your paths”

(Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP.)

     A few years ago, our Bible Study leader urged us to select a Life Verse from the Bible. My thoughts went immediately to Proverbs 3:5, 6. During the early years of life-changing decisions, I would admit to still being on a “milk diet” – spiritually speaking. But my faith in the Lord was strong enough that I knew to turn to Him, lean on Him to direct my paths.


     The first turning point was the night I was driving home from choir rehearsal and having a conversation with the Lord. The subject? The person I would marry. I laid out my case before Him, specifically naming characteristics that were important to me- like He didn’t already know. Within that hour, His plan was in motion. It would be a year before that request was met when the day His choice for me literally showed up at my door. Time would reveal that the check list was simply a description of my husband of almost 39 years. The one God had already selected. I was merely praying His will for my life.


     The second critical request was for the timing of our having children. There were many issues surrounding that prayer. Trusting Him resulted in bringing a precious three-year-old daughter into our home. The second sweet bundle of joy would be born three years after I silently acknowledged to Him that He knew what was best for us and, again, leaving that decision completely up to Him. These two young ladies continue to bring more joy than we could ever have known to ask for.


     When our younger daughter reached pre-school age, I was ready for another baby, a baby that never arrived. During that difficult time, I could go back to that specific prayer and know that God was in control, and our family was complete. Because He knew what was best, I could trust His perfect will.


     When we decided to pursue my husband’s dream of living in the country, we simply prayed the open door/closed door prayer. That time away from my family and friends resulted in a closer walk with the Lord. He took me out of my comfort zone so I would have to lean on Him. The door swung the other way when it was time to return to our roots; we are now near my mother who needs my help and our children and grandchildren – at least for now.


     My Life Verse has been at the core of every major turn in my journey. I’m confident it’s a prayer that will be prayed for future events, and just as certain that it will be answered as concisely and lovingly as all the other times.

     So tell me, what’s your Life Verse?

Orphans

One of the sad things about living on the outskirts of the city is the constant parade of helpless animals left by owners who, for reasons we cannot know, wish to abdicate their responsibilities to total strangers.


These little jewels appeared in our back yard a few days ago. Hungry and thirsty. Deserted. With occasional coyotes howling and hawks circling, we had to offer them refuge within our fenced back yard. Sadly, the puppy did not survive a severe case of Parvo. The cold evenings mean the mom is sleeping in the inside quarters for our two Shih Tzu’s. She rests quietly inside, willing to accept the care of her providers.

Last year a Bassett Hound was left on the blacktop road that adjoins our short all-weather road. Several of the residents, including my husband and myself, tried to rescue this squatty little body, but she would have nothing to do with us. Plastic bowls holding food and water accumulated in the bar ditches. One night there were four or five cars parked alongside the road as we used flashlights and an officer’s high beam light to try to locate her. A few of us had decided to adopt her. Guess it would have been first come, first serve had the search and rescue been successful.


But, one afternoon, my husband spotted our little neighborhood project trotting confidently down the road – two or three miles from her hiding place. He said she was running with resolve like she had remembered where her home was, and she was on a mission to return there on her own. Sadly, we’ll never know if she reached her destination. Unlike the terrier, she preferred to run from those who wanted to take her in.


Isn’t it reassuring that, in God’s economy, there are no orphans? We are all His children. We can run to His open arms at any time through the grace of His Son, Jesus Christ. We need to be an extension of that love to those around us who may not be aware of a Heavenly Father Who is theirs for the asking:

“A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows,

Is God in His holy habitation.

God makes a home for the lonely;

He leads out the prisoners into prosperity,

Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land”

(Psalm 68:5-6, NASB.)

We can choose to be orphans, like the deserted little pet who chose to wait for the one who abandoned her rather than accept the love and provision from ones who desired to be providers.
Or we can choose the sanctuary of the Heavenly Father Who promises:

“I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU”

(HEBREWS 13:5B, NASB.)

Enjoy Avalon’s “Orphans of God”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BkN-4NYQj0