Drugs...

I'm sure many of you grew up with the same DRUG problem I had:

14??!!!

My babies are 14 today. FOURTEEN?! I count and re-count and it still adds up to 14. What a blessing they are to me and their dad. These are two young women of strong faith - young women who refuse to go to bed at night until they have spent time reading the Word of God and written in prayer journals. They are young women I look up to every day and thank God for.

I love you girlies!

Mommy

A whole generation gone.

A week ago today, we received news that Hubby's last remaining grandparent had passed away in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. We were told earlier in the week that he could go at any time, so this was not a surprise. "Grandpa Ralph" was 94 years old, a Christian, and longed to go to his heavenly Home where he would join not one, but two Christian wives who had preceded him in death. There were approximately 100+ family members in attendance at the funeral, as well as many from the community - schoolmates of Hubby's mom, aunt and uncles, etc. What a lovely tribute to a man who had an incredibly strong work ethic his whole life. We learned that Grandpa Ralph worked at Northeastern State University and was responsible for putting leaf imprints in the concrete sidewalks all over the campus. While he is leaving behind an amazing Christian heritage, what a neat thing to think that the labor of his hands will be appreciated for years to come.

It is a strange thing to lose your last grandparent. I lost mine a few years ago. It suddenly makes you feel old. Too old. We have all been bumped up a generational notch. I don't like it. There is something comforting about still having a grandparent living. It's a safety net. It puts us each a step closer to our own demise. While many days I would welcome this, I also selfishly want to continue raising my children, meet grandchildren (in a LONG time!), and spend more years serving the Lord. A dear friend's mother died suddenly yesterday. A coach died suddenly during a game Hubby was refereeing last night. Our days are numbered.

"And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight - if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you have heard." (Colossians 1:21-23a).

Blessings,

Cheryl

What's 62 years old and contains neroli?

Give up? (And really, what IS neroli?) White Shoulders perfume!

WHITE SHOULDERS perfume by EVYAN was launched in 1945. This fine fragrance contains neroli, tuberose, gardenia and is accented with jasmine, orris and musk. WHITE SHOULDERS is recommended for formal use.

I can still recall the first time I was aware of this scent. I was perhaps 4 years old, with my head in my mother's lap at Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas, playing with her gold charm bracelet, and listening to her sing "I come to the garden alone..." (of course, without the instruments LOL). She not only sounded like an angel, but her scent was haunting to me. It was sweet, but not like the old ladies who wear rose perfume. It was light, but noticeable. THIS was what moms should smell like.

I received my first bottle at 19 years old. To this day, it is my perfume of choice, though I have dabbled with Jessica McClintock, Paris by YSL, and the Liz Claiborne fragrances, but I always go back to White Shoulders. As I spritzed it on this morning (commitment to loveliness - perfume is lovely!), I thought of my mom and how so many years have passed since those days in the pew. She is still the best mom, leavingthe bar so high for motherhood that if only wearing "her" perfume counted for mommy points. I am blessed to still have my mother around, even if she is 1200 miles away. I shall have a lifetime of memories, but her angelic voice singing praises to God and the scent of White Shoulders will forever be among the best.

Blessings,
Cheryl