So many random things are rolling around in my mind today.

This past week, my baby Ethan, turned 9 - so I now really do have no more little babies, as much as I try to keep him my “baby” for as long as possible.  He really is a special child, so full of optimism and confidence.  I love him so…

Me and my little man

And so I move further and further from “mommy” and closer to just “mom”…but, I’m okay with it….well, yeah, I’m okay with it.

Next week Byron and I will go to Dallas for the fourth year now to the “Creative Church Conference”.  I remember that first year leaning over to Byron and asking “Do you think we could ever have an electric guitar on stage?” - of course, now we have 4 on some weeks…

I remember believing, back then, that I could bet my life on who my true friends were…who I could trust.  Things look very different today, I’m afraid.

Many, many things look very different today.

So, next week, we’ll fly to Dallas by ourselves - older (I older than he…a fact that will, sadly never ever change no matter how gray his beard gets) and wiser (wiser is not always more joyous….just wiser, that’s all.  I do believe that sometimes “ignorance is bliss”).  It will more than likely be our last trip to this particular conference - so we will try to learn whatever it is that we need to learn.

And this morning, I sang with the band (which included 4 guitars…and lots of “skinny jeans”!), and I thought about how things have changed - inwardly and outwardly.

That also may come to an end soon - I know I can’t do this forever…it’s a young man…woman’s game.  I don’t want to admit that I’m weary…but I am.

So much has changed over the past four years - much of which I would have bet any amount of money would never ever change.  We’ve seen so much change in our community of faith - so much of it so incredibly freeing and good.

But, these days are lonelier…they just are.  Doors open, others close.  People support you, then they go.

The sun rises and the sun sets..      .

And the Lord gives…and He takes away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Peace.

For a Little While…

Let me carry you for a little while…”

I hear it whispered in every gift He sends.

Still, I try - try to walk, to run, to give…

But my hands are so empty and my footing unsure.

I will fall, I know this - for I’m shaken and weak…

My hands are bruised for my trying - and still I fall.

Then, whispering…whispering softly I hear Him say,

“Why struggle so vainly…be still - be still…

Just let me carry you a little while longer.”

In my stillness I feel His power…In my weakness, He is strong.

Yet, in my stillness I travel further than I would have ever gone alone.

In His arms I am stronger than I was before…

For it is there that I am who I was created to be.

…it is there that I am truly free. -A.L.B.

Peace.