'Little Women'..... Some Thoughts

I just finished rereading Little Women for probably (at a conservative estimate) the 20th time. Even now, some 15 years later, it remains fresh and readable. There's more for me to absorb each time.

I'm in my early 20's now and desire a husband and children, Lord willing. But, as Marmee said, "...Better be happy old maids than unhappy wives or unmaidenly girls, running about to find husbands..."

Often, Jo's ways remind me of myself, and not always the good things either... My temper gets the best of me more than I like and my too often sharp tongue is something I dislike about myself.

Bethie is a sweet example for me. I want to have her gentle spirit and servant's heart. She wasn't glamorous or famous, but she loved her family and friends and did the best she could.

If you are going to take examples from fiction, the ones shown in "Little Women" are better than many in contemporary books - fiction or not.

Traveler....

I have been in 6 states in 10 days. One state I went through 4 times. MD, PA, WV, VA, OH, IN among them. What a blessing it's been to be able to make this trip, in planning for almost a year.
I was privileged to visit with my Nana's siblings that are still with us. Her eldest brother and his wife are 93 and 94 respectively and they will celebrate their 68th anniversary on my birthday. They are wonderful examples.

I saw the pain, and dignity of 2 widowers - my Great Uncles. Both lost wonderful spouses who I loved calling 'Aunt'... Both have trouble knowing what to do with themselves without their other half. For one Great Uncle, he struggles with giving his late wife's things away over a year later. Another is just starting his journey through grief.

I saw a dearly beloved Great Uncle bowed with age, the only brother of 3 left, it's just he and his sister now.

I saw the simple joys of another Great Uncle and Aunt who live quietly, love much, serve the Lord, and serve others to the best of their abilities.

I saw an elderly cousin as tickled as if he was back in his 20's. (He got an old restored car, the same model as his very first one.)

I see a grandmother who endeavours greatly to make sure she sees her siblings on a regular basis.

I am blessed beyond measure to have such wonderful relatives as examples for me...

In Christ,
L.

P.S. Many thanks are due my beloved Nana - who hosted me and did so much driving!!!!

randomness

I am thankful to be able to feel pain.

I'm thankful for warm things to wear when it's cold.

I am thankful for a sense of taste.


I am thankful for uplifting music like this song.

 I AM REDEEMED
WRITTEN BY PHIL CROSS

VERSE 1
I WAS A SLAVE IN A FOREIGN LAND
SO VERY FAR FROM THE FATHERS LOVING HAND
HE RESCUED ME ONE GLORIOUS DAY
HE BROUGHT ME OUT, PAID A DEBT I COULD NOT PAY

CHORUS
I AM REDEEMED, I AM REDEEMED
JESUS LOOSED THE CHAINS OF SIN AND SET ME FREE
I AM REDEEMED, I AM REDEEMED
JESUS LOOSED THE CHAINS OF SIN AND SET ME FREE

VERSE 2
STILL I LIVE IN A FOREIGN LAND
BUT NOW I'M FREE ACCORDING TO REDEMPTIONS PLAN
SOON I'LL JOIN THE ROBED IN WHITE, THE REDEEMED
WE'LL SING THE SONG HOLY ANGELS CANNOT SING

CHORUS
I AM REDEEMED, I AM REDEEMED
JESUS LOOSED THE CHAINS OF SIN AND SET ME FREE
I AM REDEEMED, I AM REDEEMED JESUS LOOSED THE CHAINS OF SIN AND SET ME FREE

*Random picture alert*

On another note, Happy Birthday to my friend S.C.M's little "Crown of Praise" who turns 3 years old today!

The learning continues,

Leah ;P

So many birthday's... More thankfuls

  There are a lot of birthdays in my family in January. January 15th is my beloved 'Nana's' birthday. This year, she is 80 years young. This energetic woman is a wonderful example for me. She raised 3 children, helped her husband run an audiovisual business, cooked wonderfully and so much more. When her kids were grown, she traveled, wrote a book, started - and ran - her own business, helped her siblings write their family history, endured the tragedy of losing a child - and grandchildren, and on a regular basis travels 500+ miles 1 way to visit us.

I love you Nana, and happy birthday!

Thankfuls
#1. I'm thankful for friends who I can call up and talk with anytime.
#2. The privilege of being able to openly read God's Word.

Philemon:25,
Leah

Thankfuls

   Thankfulness, I believe, is contagious.

I am thankful for:
#1. Jesus. He is so wonderful to me, even when I am so undeserving of it.
#2. My job. It's not glamorous, and doesn't pay too great, but it's steady and I get Sundays off.
#3. Church. It is such a privilege to be able to meet openly with fellow believers and worship Jesus together. And I'm so blessed to have been a part of the same church for (roughly) 18 years.
#4. My church family. I've known most of these people for -quite literally - my entire life. They are such blessings in my life.
#5. My family. We aren't perfect, but we're us.
#6. My "birthday twin", 'Sandee' C. who is one of the sweetest girls I know. Also C.J.M. & Nat. who are wonderful examples of young womanhood. The 4 Musketeers. :D
#7. My hearing. It is such a precious gift.
#8. The gift of reading. You can travel the world from your chair.

More next time...

In Christ,
Leah

 

A small portion of my books

P.S. Happy 22nd birthday to my wonderful brother - S. T.!!!

I ♥ Thursday

This has been a bit of an odd week for me. But I DO love Thursday, because it means Sunday is just 4 days away! And Sunday means I get to go to church and worship Jesus!



                                                                                       This is so me - I love quirkiness like this!

This is so cool!

I want to make this so bad!

Can you imagine this hairstyle with a tunic sweater, dark wash boot cut jeans and a pair of Oxford heels?

ACKKK! Cuteness overload!

These guys are awesome!

ThePianoGuys

   This piece was my introduction to their awesomeness!

That's all folks!

Answered Prayers

It is so exciting to see prayers answered. Let me tell you a little story...
Years & years ago there was this sweet little lady named Margie who had encountered Jesus as a mother of a large family. Every day she prayed for her children, and later, grandchildren. Margie went home to be with Jesus in early 2001..... Today, I was privileged to listen to the teaching at church with 4 of her grandchildren and 1 daughter present.

I am seeing God answer prayers TODAY that were prayed over 11 years ago! Truly, Jesus is the SAME yesterday, today and FOREVER.
*Sorry for shouting, I get rather excited when I think about this!*

What really makes this special is that as a 5,6,7,8,9 year old I had the distinct joy of being watched by "Mrs. Margie". I still miss this wonderful, loving woman who was an amazing example of Christian womanhood.

Below is one of the songs we sang today. Lord Jesus, let this song be my prayer...
Today, I Choose

In Christ,
Leah