Sitting with the Lord this morning very early. When I wake up out the blue I just transition to my SWL chair and connect with the Holy Spirit. I had a dream about my mom and dad. I don’t often dream about either of my parents but when I do, I think of it as God allowing me to spend time with them. My parents were awesome! They weren’t strict parents. They were very supportive and loving parents. My brother says we won the lottery when it came to our parents. They encouraged our individualism. They worked hard and instilled that same work ethic in us. They were generous with others sometimes to their own depletion of time, energy and resources. They loved unconditionally  and nonjudgmentally. The neighborhood peeps that sat at our dinner table or came through on a Sat. afternoon to hang out. Our house was a home where everyone was welcomed especially those who needed extra TLC. My mom could spoil anyone with her warm nurturing nature. My dad could weave a tale that kept his buddies stopping by and hanging out in the garage with him. Our Sunday morning breakfast around the table reciting Bible verses and saying the Lord’s Prayer. It was an expectation to memorize a Bible verse weekly. Our Sunday afternoon family drives to visit relatives and friends and enjoy special treats. Me and Stephen made that our tradition too. The family summer and Christmas vacations. The debates, the board game marathons, the bid whist rise & fly, Friday night fish fry, the Sat. cleaning with music blasting, the farm work, the horses, the motor bikes, the organ with the built in beats (a phenomena back then), the piano, the dogs, the delicious meals, the sewing, the cars, the instruments, the basketball goal, the softball & yard games,  the front porch swing, the bicycles, the dolls, the books, the encyclopedias, the little Debbie snacks, RC cola, etc. As I reminisce my heart is bursting with gratitude! The memories take me to a time  and place where I felt safe and loved and supported. I realize how blessed we were growing up. I remember how surprised we were when my Mom announced that we were not rich because we thought we had it all! So maybe not rich according to the world’s standard which is what she meant. My dad used to say that we thought money grew on trees. We did, because they gave us such a rich upbringing in every sense of the word.  I learned to really appreciate my family upbringing when I went away to college and was exposed to other people’s stories outside the bubble of my family. I pray that whatever good memories we might be able to glean from our younger years will rise to the forefront of the mind. Because those memories are certainly stirring up joy in my heart this morning. I pray likewise. It’s good to remember the good times. May good memories bring us joy today! 

Just sharing my morning musings in hopes that we will take a moment to reflect on the good times of our past experiences. Not to compare but to detect God’s goodness in every season of life. He’s always right there! Jehovah Shammah – the Lord is there!  Ezekiel 48:35