Sunday, September 20, 2009

A LABOR OF LOVE


Greetings from the front porch.

Not your typical evening...weather has been rainy and everything looks more like spring than Fall... I can handle that!

Speaking of rain..I am finding that having huge trees right in front of our house is a great blessing but can also be a burden. Twice now this summer we have had some major tree branch breakage at the home place. Heavy rain, lightning?? not sure. Anyway, number 2 son, the 'baby' took several hours out of his busy busy schedule and came over and cut the branches-cut up for fire wood :) and did several other major 'parent do' chores for us! TIM, A SHOUT OUT FOR YOUR HELP! Me and the preacher just aren't as strong as we used to be. Those young strong arms of Tim's sure helped us out.

I pray blessings of many times over come back upon you Tim. Have a great week! May God pour out on you so many blessings you cannot count them all.

By the way this is one of my favorite pictures of me, Tim and his dad. Us on a younger better day and Tim as handsome as ever!


From the front porch to yours especially to Tim's Love ya!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!









































Greetings from a rainy (much needed) kinda cozy Sunday morning from the front porch!




Today is Preacher and my's daughter's birthday. She was born on a sunny Kentucky evening...just a few years back-so it seems. Preacher and I married young right out of high school-that seemed to be the thing to do back then...we were very young-very much in love and have had a roller coaster ride ever since! Ups and downs kinda sums it up after 39 years of marriage. But I would not change anything about my dear Preacher or the wonderful, blessing-the gifts as Joe pointed out the last time he preached or us...my family. I feel each one was sent by God..fearfully and wonderfully made-unique as can be.



Out of those 39 nine years came 4 children and 8 grandchildren and blessings and memories and good times and even a few bumps along the way. We had Julie 2 years after our marriage-we were still so young! I am the oldest of 8 children-Glen one of 12 .but I soon realized that being part of a being family dosen't automatically make you a wise parent! As a matter of fact-how strange it is that for the MOST important job in all the world-being a parent-the ONLY game plan/road map/user guide/manual/ that we have is the Bible...God's Word. It gives us directions...but still being a parent MUST be done with prayer and fasting and fear and trembling daily. I made countless mistakes along the way-hopefully my children now as parents themselves will realize just how hard it is being a parent...it's a challenge when trying to speak in wisdom, making decisions in wisdom-you just do the best you can and PRAY.




Julie kinda of grew up with us it seems...has always been there is seems...has been a steady constant part of our lives. Her and the Preacher always had a very special relationship..even from day one...he so often referred to her as 'his little pumpkin'...long story..but a sweet one.




Julie being the oldest..was an achiever-able to tackle and do anything she set her heart and mind on. I guess a mixture of the Lawson/Gabbard genes and therefore has accomplished so much in her life. God has blessed her with many talents and gifts and as a parent it thrills our hearts when we see our children-no matter how 'young' succeed in careers but even more so in the ministry.




Today is her birthday. It has been a challenging year for her and her girls...for her and her entire family. Julie, know that we love you-we are praying for you-God's blessing be upon you!


Better times are coming-that's a promise from the Lord.



From the porch to Julie...Happy Birthday to you!


















Monday, September 7, 2009

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTICE!







Justice Cole Gabbard! Born September 8, 2007...aka 9/8/07...kinda catchy and easy to keep straight.

Anyway from Grannies Front Porch here in TEXAS a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LITTLE GUY ALL THE WAY IN Lee Summit, MO a stone's throw from the Big K...Kansas City.

Little J reminds me of his Daddy so much...walks like him has the same kind of 'stick up on your head' hair..just a little sweetie. DID YOU GUESS??? The first picture is not Justice but Joe...about the same age..one of my favorite of Joe. Happy, smiling just waiting to make sure something exciting happens!!! I miss seeing him and his brother Jace and of course Ronnin and Joe....hopefully someday me and the Preacher can celebrate these long distance birthdays.

Once again Happy Birthday Justice!

HUGS, KISSES AND LOVE TO YOU

Love PaPa and Grannie