Today’s my baby girl’s birthday- she’s sixteen years old, and she’s one of my heroes. She stands by her friends, no matter what; she believes in them and encourages them. And she won’t stand for someone putting them down- woe to you if you ‘dog out’ her friends, because she’ll cut you off at the knees.
She goes her own path, and she marches to her own beat. She does things her way and doesn’t care if anyone else likes it or not. She’s not disrespectful, or mean, but she stands by what she believes in, and she’ll go toe to toe with anyone over it.
Jenn, I’m proud to be your Mama, and I’m glad to be able to watch you grow up into a beautiful young woman. I can’t wait to see what God’s got in store for you!

I’ll hit the half-century mark in just a few days – boy, that sounds old! I don’t feel that old, but apparently I am, because my kids say so… they think some of my views on life are wacky and outdated, but I know why I feel that way.
Some of my favorite memories of childhood involve what’s now called classic TV. I grew up when ‘Leave it To Beaver’, ‘I Love Lucy’, ‘Bonanza’, ‘Dick Van Dyke’ and ‘Andy Griffith’ were seen on television. I look at the world today through eyes that grew up on those shows, and I learned the truths of life watching them.
Uncle Jed was always as meek as a lamb, but wise as a serpent. He saw the best in folks, always tried to help out the less fortunate, but he didn’t let folks take advantage of him, and he stood up for what was right. He didn’t let all that money change him from the good man he was.
Laura Petrey always met Rob at the door, glad to see him, and she was sexy in her capri pants.
Lucy’s harebrained schemes rarely worked, but she always had good sense of humor when she messed up.
Ward wanted his boys to behave their best, and sometimes went too far in his expectations, but he also was man enough to admit when he’d messed up, and would ask their forgiveness when he did.
Pa Cartwirght expected his sons to work hard and play fair. He used the power his money and land brought him to help those around him, and make the whole community a better place.

My kids and I watched a movie called “Pleasantville” when it first came on television, and their response to the black and white section was ‘that is so boring’… as a parent in today’s society, I think sometimes boring might be a good thing. School shootings, teen pregnancy, drugs, and a general sense from most folks that there’s no such thing as the sanctity of human life – those things might be exciting, but I don’t think that makes them very good.

Our youngest grandson Reid’s birthday is next week, and we’ll celebrate his party this Saturday. He likes John Deere stuff, because his daddy feeds cows and drives a tractor (what better reason?); he’ll be two.
We’re also expecting another grandson next week, on Reid’s birthday as well. This will be #9 for us: four boys and five girls. We’re so blessed to have so many wonderful grandkids – they’re all beautiful intelligent children (and I am NOT prejudiced a bit). Each one is a joy to be around, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
The happiness they give us helps out in tough times, too. We’re facing the possible loss of two friends – while I’m trying to be positive and remember that God is in control, I’m human. I know each of us will die at some point, but when it’s a friend or family member, it’s hard to face.
I’m sad, because when we lose them, I’ll miss them. I’m happy, because I know they’ll be in heaven and I’ll see them again one day. I know once they get to heaven, there won’t be any more illness for them.
A word for you- if you’ve got loved ones, tell them how you feel. It may be your last chance… if you’ve got children or grandchildren, give them an extra hug and some sugar (that’s what my grandma used to call a kiss, just in case you’re not from around here).  It will sweeten you up.
If you’re not sure about heaven and whether you’re going, please take the time to find out. I’d hate for you to miss such a good thing. If you don’t have someone you can ask, you’re welcome to contact me. I’d love to share the good news I have with you…