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!
What a great tribute to Julie. Love the pictures! The first one with you and Julie, you look like a fashion model, between the outfit, the scarf and the pose. :)
ReplyDeleteLori you are too kind! We were at Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati and on our way to a ball game-Cincinnati Reds! I remember that dress and back then all the dresses were so short-I took the hem out and still felt it was too short! Don't remember why I wore the scary...a Katherine Hepoburn thing maybe??? Julie wore the cutest little outfit...I also have a picture of her I could not locate when she is sitting right in front of the fountain and a blast of wind came and lifted up her hair and she has such a cute-astonished look on her face. Oh, and I think she must have had her first purse with her....long time ago it seems...
ReplyDelete