WHAT THE FRENCH TOAST?

Dear John,

OH NO YOU DIDN'T.

WAS THAT A BANJO I HEARD IN YOUR NEW ALBUM? THERE'S NO BANJO IN JOHN MAYER.

CALL TAYLOR. IT'S OVER.

G

THE SILVERSMITH

Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:

"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (Malachi 3:3).

One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject.

She went accordingly, and without telling him the reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver. After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"


"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith; "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

God sees it necessary to put His children into the furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?"

"That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."

HAPPY EASTER!

This Easter was a bit different for Betty and I. We spent Sunday with B's family in Gruver. I will admit I was dreading it a bit, mostly because I missed our regular Easter routine. However, I am so very glad we went and feel like it was exactly what we needed this year. B's brother recently adopted two boys from Africa, Emmanuel and Seraphin, so Betty and I met them for the first time yesterday. Can you say Amazing? Donned in their vests and Easter ties, they sat at the table wide eyed and sparkly. Precious. Both of them absolutely precious. They are still learning English but Emmanuel has YES figured out. Do you want more lasagna? YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!! Do you want chocolate on your ice cream? YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! Do you think Betty is pretty? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! As I sat with them, I felt so incredibly moved. I wondered about their life in the orphanage and what it would be like for them if Clay had not saved their tiny souls. They were charming and happy and had the most contagious grins.

I realize how fortunate I am. How blessed I am to have such a happy healthy little girl and that I can afford to feed and clothe her. I wondered about their mothers. How hard it must be to have no choice but to let your baby go. There are miracles around us every single second. Children saved and loved and given a second chance. Parents lucky enough to be able to raise children on their own. But most of all the miracle of a smile. Three little children, different from one another, yet the same. Smiles reminding me of how far TLC can go. How important we are in our children's lives and the difference we make in them. Kindess. It really is the key to all things isn't it?

AND SPRING COMES AGAIN

I'VE GOT THE MOVES LIKE JAGGER

A very long time ago my mother wrote me a letter and said, "You are a rolling stone. A rolling stone gathers no moss." I remember feeling very hurt at the time but realize today nothing could be more true. Indeed, I am a rolling stone. And somedays this is a very very hard thing to be. But not today. Today I am so very thankful for being a rolling stone that does gather moss. I change my mind A LOT. I love to go, go, GO!!! I love adventure and growth and reaching for the stars. Do I fall on my hine hine (courtesy of Betty)? I do but I always get right back up and give it another go. Yesterday my mom asked me how I would prevent Betty from having this MORE MORE MORE attitude. And the truth is I won't. It's not always the easiest road for me but along the way I have gathered some pretty important things. I believe I have made a difference in this life and I still have so much to do. So to Betty I say: ROLL ON SISTER. ROLL ON WITH YOUR BODACIOUS SELF.

I HEART SPEARMAN

HERITAGE DAYS 2012-SATURDAY, MAY 19TH-COODER GRAW-BE THERE!!!!!!!!!!!

SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE

THE AHA MOMENT. It's as if your heart is struck by a bolt of ligthning containing love, fear, freedom, pride, joy and more love.

She is not a baby any longer. She is not a toddler. She is a girl.

Last night my parents came over for dinner and to get Betty's 'signature' (yes, it's required if they can sign their name) for a savings account. And as I watched her tiny left hand write her name I experienced the AHA moment. The moment I realized the dimples in her not so chubby hands have disappeared. Replaced with the long skinny fingers of a little girl who can sign her own name. Betty Beatrice Calvert. Almost 5. Almost ready to start kindergarten. Almost ready for those hands to play an instrument.

As I type this I find myself almost breathless. I love that little girl more than I will ever be able to convey. She is my world.

Fear. Sheer terror. She is growing up so very quickly. Where has the time gone? It is almost difficult to remember her toddling about the house with a Cindy Who ponytail on top of her head. She pours her juice. She brushes her teeth. She ties her shoes. She writes her name.

And as I wrinkle my forehead to remember those days, I am reminded of sleepless nights, diapers and molars. I will always be hers but, somehow, as they grow you become free.

The striking flash of pride? I have had a hand in keeping this tiny person safe and well. She is incredible because I have loved her to the core and busted her tail a couple of times.

How blessed am I? How wonderful is my life? How fantastic is this gift I have been given? How lucky am I to spend my days with her? My cup runneth over.

And more. So much more. Words I will never find. Her very own signature. Truly, amazing.