Good morning, friends. It has been a while since we've chatted. I am enjoying sunny California for a couple of weeks with my daughter, son-in-law and three of my most amazing grandchildren (high school, middle school and elementary age). 

My son-in-law is a busy pastor and my daughter had surgery this week, so one of my jobs has been the family chauffeur. Part of that responsibility included the "pick up" of my elementary-aged granddaughter. I have to admit, it was a bit stressful. Make sure you go into the proper entrance...then leave through the appropriate exit...make sure you pull up in the far left lane, 'cause she doesn't like to walk between cars... 

Of course, this has brought back memories of long ago days when I was doing this for my own three children. It seems like yesterday. Which brings me to the ever so popular topic of "seasons" in our lives. 

May I just remind you this morning to enjoy yours...whatever it is. Are you still single? Enjoy your freedom!! Are you a newlywed? Welcome to the greatest adjustment you will probably ever make in your life!! Have you welcomed your first little one into your home recently? Trust me, some day you will sleep again!
Are your children entering the pre-teen/teen years? Let the games begin! Maybe you are an empty nester. You still have a calling and a purpose, and you are, once again, in a place to find your own identity, instead of, "I'm _____'s mom. 

Whatever the season is, embrace it, and walk closely with the Lord through it. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" Ecclesiastes 3:1 

Have a great day. I think I'm going to bake some chocolate chip cookies... continue my "nursing career" caring for my daughter...then attempt the "pick up" again...and maybe a stop at Starbucks on the way home!

Blessings,
Kathy

Good morning, friends. Last evening we had the privilege of entertaining Heidi in our beach cottage. Heidi works for Food for the Hungry, the wonderful organization that we worked through, and how I was able to make three short-term mission trips to the amazing Dominican Republic. The children there are priceless, and I have left a piece of my heart there every time I have gone and then returned home. I had met Heidi shortly after my first trip there, and she has become a wonderful life-long friend. 

As I mentioned initially in my "bio" I have been blessed with so many amazing friends in my life, and God is continually bringing more across my pathway...almost on a daily basis. I have never been one that can do life alone. Friends are a necessary part of my life. At times like this I love to look back over the years...thinking about circumstances in my life that may have had a slightly negative slant...but then I remember the friends I made during that season. And the truth is...I wouldn't change a thing. When God says He makes all things work together for our good, He means it.

Proverbs 18:24b says, "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." As great as it is to be surrounded by my earthly friends, what a privilege it is to be able to call Jesus my friend. You have probably picked up by now that one of my most enjoyable activities is chatting with a friend over coffee. Even more important, however, is to enjoy that same activity with Jesus, my friend. He loves to listen to me as I spend time with Him and share the things that are on my heart. And it is equally as important that I listen to Him as He directs my path. 

The sun is shining beautifully here in the Pacific NW, and I have a busy day ahead of me. Praying you will be blessed today...and don't forget to spend some time with your friend...the one that sticks closer than a brother.

Kathy