Special Gifts

Yesterday was one of the best Mother's Days I've ever had.

All six of us were together worshiping in church. My beautiful "Marie" followed her Savior in obedience and was baptized. What a precious gift.

My sweet littlest gave me a precious homemade card and wildflowers.

My Oldest gave me his very first card just signed by him and picked out for me. (He hand wrote a message too; not just signed by him.) He also gave me an apron...I guess he must like my job. :)

My "Little Joe" agreed to have his picture taken alone with me. And put his arm around me...Whoa!

 This is a feat in itself. You understand this if you have teenage boys.

And My lover gave me the most beautiful card in 20 years together. He also bought me and the girls place tickets to spend time with my sister in Tennessee this summer. It's been 6 years since I've been able to do this. We can't wait!

Two Special Christmas Gifts

I have tried to make each of my children a crosstitch pillow. Here are the two I made for my girls this year for Christmas. Thanks to my Dad's wife, Lindi, for sewing the pillows. And as a special gift she made matching nightgowns for each of their American Girl dolls.

Our Favorite Christmas Gift....

...arrived home today.

Our precious son, whom we have missed so much, is home.

The Lord Jesus has done a work in his life. So many of you have been praying for the Ponderosa to be reunited. Thank you.

This Advent Holiday will be like no other.

For my dear mother is not here to celebrate with the family that she and dad nurtured and reared. BUT, she is with the King of Kings, my Mighty Counselor, the Prince of Peace, the Everlasting Father.

But, God has graciously given our son back to us.

This day we will all be together. Dad and Lindi; my sister, her husband, and their three boys; my brother, his wife, and their four children; 5 dogs; rabbits, horses, chickens.

This will be a year to remember. We miss. We love. We cry. We laugh. Memories are made when we are together.

(Pictures to follow)

Shhh! It's a Secret!

Today, Mr. Cartwright is leaving.

He is going to get a special present for the rest of us.

"Hoss" is coming home.

After 16 months of separation, we will be together again.

My heart soars!

Comparisons

Well, it has been 16 months since my oldest little lamb had to go away for awhile. We just received his school pictures. The first picture is from last year. The second from this year. What a difference! There is something "there" that was missing at this time last year. We continue to trust our Lord for the outcome. We pray He does mighty things in our son's life and for His glory.

My Four Favorite People

Thank you, Lord, for these special gifts.

Whom Do You Boast In?

Today at morning devotions, the Puebla Ponderosa read 2 Corinthians 10:12,17-18

"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. But, 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.' For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."

It is so easy for us to boast in ourselves or our accomplishments. But, God has given us every gift we have. He bestows on us the talents, energy and spiritual gifts to bless others.

When we serve, do we do it to be seen by others?

When we give, do we give to be seen by others?

When we use our talents from the Lord do we give Him the glory?

The next time someone praises you, respond with giving glory to the One who made it possible.

Oh, may our mouths and lives give Him the credit for all.

Journals Sent From Above

The day before I took off for Tennessee to take care of mom, I was hunting for something special.

A journal.

Just a little place to bear my soul and heart through the weeks of anguish and joy I knew would be coming my way.

I desired to find one for my beautiful sister, who lives near mom, and who I knew would be spending every waking moment with her too.

I was looking for just the "right" one.

I entered the store, which is just a home decor store with all kinds of odds and ends. You can find all those unique treasures that you would never find elsewhere.

My eyes scanned the shelves. There were all colors: red, blue, green, etc. The styles ranged from spiral bound to leather. I looked and looked.

My eyes finally landed on two different ones but from the same manufacturer. I pulled them both off the shelf...the only two left. One was black; the other turquoise.

One had an "S"; the other a "J". The initials from both of our names.

Just a small gift from God to start a very long valley in my life.

As I was caring for mom, I took time each day to record my thoughts, prayers, Scripture and whatever else was on my mind. Many tears splashed those pages. One page screams pain; the next joy and comfort.

There are notes that were taken the day mom expressed her desires for her memorial. Just a few pages later are my notes to speak at her memorial. I so badly wished that there were more pages between the two, but this is only a selfish wish.

God used this little gift to strengthen my faith; He cares even about the small things...like journals.