embraced

The cool morning comes so early, her sweet little voice sounds like a dream, "Mama, . . . mama, . . . MOMMY!" Her mother quickly throws off the warmth of the queen comforter and arouses abruptly desiring her to remain pleasant. Her head spins and causes a reaction of dizzy confusion trying to get everything situated about her feet and minds uncertainty.

It contains a brief disillusionment upon awakening the senses. The doorway, hallway and the opening of her room seems like the eye of a needle. Gosh is this like "vertigo" or what it is like before one passes out cold? Oh no, no it is just shooting out of bed way to rapidly and the spin of the mind catching up at a much slower pace as the limbs react sluggishly no where near being cognitive of the environment or the familiar surroundings. She tries eagerly to reassure the wee little princess, picks her up and caresses her with a warm hug. A hug that is easily returned but with her entire little body from the souls of her feet up to the tip top of her head, grasping with the intensity of a strong death grip of assurance knowing they possess a bond of LOVE that carries comfort for both.

Her body slowly rocks her while they return to bed and whisper sweet secrets of "I LOVE YOU," then the warmth of the bed embraces them both trying to soothe them to fall rapidly back to sleep in one an other's arms. May that sweet short moment forever be carried in that precious chubby cheeked cherubs heart and subconsciousness to know just how loved she truly is but even grander from the Lord of lords her creator. She snuggles close to her wee little princess and she melts in a soft pile with a gentle smile reaching for her parents to touch their skin.

Her smile comes to mind and her relaxed body shares her assurance in the dark of an all encompassing true love. Sweet little girl, her mama desires to whisper, "Rest in the embrace we call "LOVE" just like your sisters all did at this age also. Today was a total sweet embrace of joy." Leaving them both to dream once again.

life

Life

beginning, end

dreams, focuses, visions

fast, slow

Life

24-1+5 = joy

Twenty four hours that are cut short by one hour added with a quotient of five equally inequitable memories that are truly priceless. Four of five sisters enjoy one another and the company, the excitement of one set of eyes, eager to share a new world peeking through her life brings smiles and imprints for many hearts.

The hair is let down and brutal honesty can create a bond that is unable to be broken.

Here is just a peak.

But we are missing two to make a wonderful seven to complete us all!

be still and listen in the moment of shock

The spirit of God has been moving again. This time I called each and everyone of those productive spiritual movements to follow through in a phone call. I LOVED getting to talk to my mommy, now called marmie.

I couldn't understand, maybe I need to just be reminded to call her and tell her "I LOVE YOU MOMMY!" (yes I still call her mommy, mamasita, marmie) I thought I have been led because of loosing Mom K on this side of heaven and not telling her enough that I love her thinking I have "enough time to do that". But lately it has been different. Mom has been on my thoughts. Will I take care of her like I experienced my very unselfish sister in Love doing? Well I called her like I have been, once a day. But today it was the third call. I asked, "Mom, are you okay? How are you really doing?" I heard in a calm voice. "well, I went to the neurosurgeon and I am scheduled to have a procedure, a brain surgery on November 20. I have what is called Chiaris'." She began trying to describe to me what it is exactly and I listened but drifted. Shock mode kicked in and I leaned upon the Lord. "Open my ears, ABBA please. Help me to hear what she is saying. Help me to lean on you, trust you and allow me to be free to be scared IN YOUR ARMS so that I may draw upon your strength." Okay so marmie was born with it. Along with both of my living aunts and a few second and third cousins. Is it serious? Yes. Is it operable? Yes. Is it risky? Yes. It is hereditary. . . ..

I heard her, and I became frustrated with so many questions. Why didn't they find this earlier? Was it necessary for her to go through all these moments of the doctor(s) saying the past eight to ten years, " . . .. there's nothing we can do, we can't find anything, you are fine, maybe you have . . .." The the Holy Spirit reassured me to Be still Ana-Maria and LISTEN. Then give praise to the King of kings during the next moment when by yourself during the ten minutes up to bible study as you drive north when you drop off Em. Remember, He allowed it to be diagnosed now! The neurosurgeon is going to be of assistance. He is one with success because the Lord has allowed it. She is going to be in the Lord's hands. This to will be in the measure of His Glory to be revealed and used for His purposes.

I have the rest and assurance of peace. Everything is in His control, yesterday, today and tomorrow. "Holy, Holy, Holy, are YOU ALONE Lord God, Almighty. Who was, who IS and who is TO COME! YOU ARE HOLY!"

Thank You for your arms wrapped around my precious first LOVE! I am so grateful for you being in My LIFE and placing me in your life and Loving me with your undying compassion.

one step leads me

One step at a time. The rustle of the leaves. The sound and smell of autumn. Um mm. I will forever recall the walk in Bettendorf with six others. The cool breeze, the rustle of leaves, the sound of laughter, the sprinkler spraying water, the side walk run off dripping into the street. The shuffle of Papa's steps.

Tonight brought back last Wednesday late afternoon leading into the early evening. Hadassah laughing at the playground, the teasing and giggles of her voice while making the bridge bounce on the play equipment. It is the change of colors upon the trees in the mid west. Deep oranges, cool auburn's, greens, golds and reds. Amazing how the season so quickly transformed before my eyes. No rose colored glasses. Just the reality of transition of another season that carries a sweet memory.

One step at a time we heal and discover the joy in the midst sorrow through peace. Family equals LOVE. No matter how much we realize it, family is sweet. We are grafted in to the true vine and have the capability to produce fruit that matters. Fruit carried by promise, hope, peace and real joy to grant a harvest of love though His blood. The earth and all it's creation here in the bible belt is getting ready to sleep and slumber like a bear in hibernation. The coat grows thick, the leaves fall down and blanket the earth, the blood thickens and the eyes grow weary ready to slumber. One step forward giving way to the cool crisp air bringing in change. Our change has been significant for our family. Through this time our hope lies in the hands of the wonderful tender hands of the King, one step at a time. The one step that leads me and comforts me is the one to know and believe that God is good ALL the TIME, All the time God is GOOD!