Sunday, August 23, 2009

Growing Older

We have a very close family and I absolutely adore my nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. And I consider them my own children, and I never want them to hurt. While they were growing up, I was growing older in my marriage, going through all the things that big boys and big girls go through while being married - most of which is not fun. I always described things like this: having children was easier than being married.... because children come to you unmolded and you can kinda influence the mold. But husbands come with mold already and you can't unmold them!! Really, just being married is a lot of work. It is the most rewarding relationship this side of Heaven but it is HARD! So, while on the outside, you are setting this example for extended family, they never really see the hard part. Now that my nieces and nephews are themselves in this wonderful marriage relationship, they are living reality and it is even harder in this world we live in today. I just want to encourage them to see the big picture. God has a plan for your marriage ... it is to be able to say, in the end, we ran the race, we persevered, we will give You glory. While the everyday mundane business of staying in love seems like it is just too hard sometimes to accomplish, think about the big picture. Think about the legacy you will leave your children and think about how God views your relationship. You will be okay, you will persevere, you will be rewarded. But you cannot do it alone - He will give you the grace you need. I love you, and I am proud of you. You come from good stock.

10 Things I Love about Skip

10. He is just a really nice guy. Always, he has taken up for the underdog - even if it meant school suspension.
9. He came to my rescue when I needed him the most at the beginning of last school year - putting his plans on hold to help us.
8. He's kinda cute still :).
7. He is a gentleman. When we used to see him travel with teams, he was always the guy carrying the girls' stuff.
6. He can talk with me for hours - still. We used to do that a lot when he was a teen-ager.
5. He had a big time chance to rebel when he was 16 and we moved him away from home and friends - but he didn't. It was so hard for him, but he was respectful and dealt with a difficult time very maturely.
4. He is a great mediator and people person. He can resolve issues.
3. He overcame a serious childhood illness to grow big and strong.
2. He loves his brothers and will take care of things when we are no longer able to.
1. But the best part is that when all this junk is over in this fallen world, we get to spend eternity together !! Whoo-hoo!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

The Marietta Erdman's

When we moved to Georgia four years ago, we were blessed to live near little brother Steve and his family. This guy cracks me up! I met Steve in 1979. He was sitting in the back of a station wagon - you know, one of those seats that turns backwards so that you can see where you've been. I don't know exactly how old he was when I met him but he was way cool. I know he was in high school - Rich was 22 and Steve is 5 years younger - so he was around 16 or 17. ANYWAY, I should say he was suave and debonair but I will stick with "way cool." The first thing he ever said to me was, "I love southern girls..... they have such expressive eyes." Uh, hello, I was probably the only Southern girl he had ever met but his comment certainly left an impression. Like I said, he was way cool. So, I really have not spent much time with him in the 30 years I have been married to his brother, but the times we spend together are fun. The really funny thing is that he is the same age as his son is now when we first met!

I love to hear Steve talk about his family - not mushy gushy stuff - I like the challenging stuff. He has these really gorgeous kids that I thought walked on water until he starts telling his stories. He has a good outlook on stuff - he doesn't get really bent out of shape about anything and knows that "this too shall pass" with his young'uns and keeps it in perspective.

I love to hear Steve talk about his wife, Janet. She is a great match for him! She actually keeps him in perspective so that he can keep everything else in perspective.

This year begins his son's senior year - this is the year when all the parenting pays off. This is the year when the kid begins to really soar only this time with a little less parenting. While all of us know the time is coming, we all know that it IS time. Christian, you will be just fine. Janet, drink a lot of whatever it is you are drinking these days while you listen to a song that will wrench your heart out - you will thank me for this later - "Find Your Wings."

Find Your Wings by Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers
I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to knowYou're walking in the truth
And if I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories I pray that

God will fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

we love ya!