Time To Say Goodbye

  

If you would have your son to walk honorably through the world, you must not attempt to clear the stones from his path, but teach him to walk firmly over them - not insist upon leading him by the hand, but let him learn to go alone."  Anne Bronte

Here's To 30 Years...

30 years ago today...

Life hasn't been an easy ride for us, but God has been faithful!  Happy Anniversary, Bob!  I love you!! Always say, "I married for looks instead of money", and you are still cute 30 years later!

ISWIS and San Francisco

Every month I get together with three other women, and we call our group ISWIS (It is what it is!).  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these women!  Each month, we take turns sharing about what is going on in our lives and the texts fly back and forth when we have prayer requests.  

Earlier in the year, Kim suggested that we take a trip to San Francisco this summer.  We I worked the election in June, I put the money I earned in a special envelope marked, "SF TRIP".  Oh what fun it has been to have something to look forward to.  Last week, we left at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday and came back on Wednesday night.  I can't remember when I have laughed sooooo much!  

Here's some pictures from our trip:

Beautiful flowers by the Ferry Building

We checked out the shops in the Ferry Building

Kim and I

Chicken Tacos with Sourdough Tortillas at Boudini's at Fisherman's Wharf

It was fun seeing all the different shapes of sourdough bread you could buy!

Went to a Farmers' Market

Walked down to Ghirardelli for ice cream

Ships on display at Fisherman's Wharf

We walked all the way across the Golden Gate Bridge and back!

Me, Kim, Becky and Karla on the Golden Gate Bridge

Beautiful flower beds at the Golden Gate Bridge

We ate at a restaurant called BJ's.  Becky's nephew works there and treated
us to these yummy desserts (called Pizookies).  YUMMY!!!

Ended our trip in Vacaville where we got pedicures and manicures

 I am soooooo hoping that we make this an ANNUAL TRIP!!!!!

My Soapbox

Saw this picture the other day, and it sums up exactly how I have been feeling the last month and a half.  I do try to stay off my soapbox.  I mean that really preachy soap box, but I can't take it anymore.  I'm not sure what good it does, because I think I have 2 readers (and it doesn't apply to those 2).  But, be warned that I'm officially "stepping up on my box".

Please don't tell me what I should and shouldn't feel.  Unless you have walked in my shoes and have the exact circumstances (and no one has), don't judge me.  Yes I feel things that I shouldn't feel.  Yes things hurt my feelings that shouldn't.  I'm not perfect, and to my knowledge I never claimed to be.

If you have never had children, please don't criticize me and tell me what I should have or shouldn't have done with mine.  I will be the first to admit that I sucked (excuse me for that word Judy) at parenting.  But one thing no one can fault me for is that I loved and still love my children more than anything.  I have great children who love the Lord!  And, just because you have raised dogs doesn't make you an expert on children.  Just saying...

How I spend my money is no one's business.  I hate that you make me feel guilty when I buy something. Yes, I am in debt and should never spend another cent or go anywhere, but I have to live a little.  A large portion of my debt is medical bills and other circumstances that you know nothing about.

Ok, I'm done, and stepping down from my box!  Most admit that I feel a few pounds lighter right now!

Father's Day

You never said I'm leaving

You never said goodbye

You were gone before I knew it,

And only God knew why.

A million times I needed you,

A million times I cried

If love alone could have saved you,

You never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,

In death I love you still.

In my heart you hold a place,

That no one could ever fill.

It broke my heart to lose you,

But you didn't go alone.

For part of me went with you,

The day God took you home.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY IN HEAVEN, DADDY!

Celebrating Grace

On Saturday, I attended a bridal shower for my friend, Grace.  What a fun time of celebrating with Grace and showering her with our presence and presents!  

Oh, what a testimony Grace has been to me and many others.  Like most girls, Grace always dreamed of growing up and getting married.  She has been patient all these years and trusted the Lord.  Oh, yes, there have been times of discouragement and wondering if it would ever happen.  But she trusted God with all her heart, and now (at 49 years old) she is getting married!  It was so fun to hear the story of how God brought them together.  I am so happy for Grace and for John, too!  John is a widower and also lost his only child in a car accident two years ago. What joy and happiness God has given John by bringing them together.

These two will make such a great team!

A Letter To My Friend

Dear Mrs. Bennett:

I find it hard to believe that you are really gone.   It is nearly impossible to find words to say when someone passes away too soon.  With sudden death, you have no preparation and no time to gradually absorb the reality that the world around you is about to change dramatically.

Unfortunately, I realize that you are only one of the big losses I will face in my life.  So many of my dear friends are getting older and no longer seem as invincible as they once did.  I am grateful for the hope I have in Jesus knowing I will see you and others again in Heaven.

I don’t know about Gary Smalley’s five love languages, but I do know that YOU spoke MY love language.  EVERY time we saw each other you would hug me  --  the perfect hug that is relaxed and sincere; a hug where your embrace wrapped around me so tight I could feel your heartbeat.  Then you would place your hands on my face, kiss me (yes, kiss me and it wasn’t weird), make eye contact with me and say, “I love you”.  You loved me unconditionally, and that changed my life!  It was freeing because you allowed me to always be myself with no worries that your feelings for me would ever change.  When someone loves you truly unconditionally, it drives you to try even harder to be the best person you can be.

Friendship is renewable, but people are not.  No person or new friendship will ever quite replace you.  But...your memory will always be alive in my heart.  When I close my eyes and whisper "Geri Bennett", I will always see your sweet face and beautiful smile.

Love,
Julie  --  AKA Mrs. Jones :0)