I love it when Myra calls and says, "Go look at my Blog." I can't get there fast enough. I get a glimpse of a new event in Morgandy's life. What a treasure! What a gift! I hear Myra laughing at my joyful ramblings in seeing our little darlin. If you need a pick-me-up for the day, just go to Myra's Blog.
I love to hear all of Lana's adventures. She has started a new job, and with the best attitude, under the circumstances. I see God holding her up, after the highs and low of her Africa experience. One of her fun stories, is when men inquired of Adam if Lana was available for marriage. Adam gave them the price of obtaining her. "She is worth 15 goats and 3 cows." was Adam's reply. They knew with that price, they had no chance. As Lana & Adam walked away, she let Adam know that she was worth much more than that. "Next time throw a camel in the price." she said. Adam met his match when Lana came along. They both have a bit of their Papa John's quick wit.
Alex loves to call when he is waiting for the train or bus. If he's walking down the street, that Chicago wind can really interfere with the phone call. If he's waiting in line to order a coffee or lunch, I stand by as he orders. I guess I fill in the gap of his busy days, but that's o.k. It's good being connected.
One form of connection that has meant so much to me, is my screen saver. It is a picture of my three kids, taken last month. Getting 3 adult children in one place is so hard. But, I love this picture. Seems like each time I see it, I have a new memory. I find myself looking at them and thanking God for these awesome people.
Better go, (to Myra's blog) and get my pick-me-up for the day.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Keeping Connected
I love it when Myra calls and says, "Go look at my Blog." I can't get there fast enough. I get a glimpse of a new event in Morgandy's life. What a treasure! What a gift! I hear Myra laughing at my joyful ramblings in seeing our little darlin. If you need a pick-me-up for the day, just go to Myra's Blog.
I love to hear all of Lana's adventures. She has started a new job, and with the best attitude, under the circumstances. I see God holding her up, after the highs and low of her Africa experience. One of her fun stories, is when men inquired of Adam if Lana was available for marriage. Adam gave them the price of obtaining her. "She is worth 15 goats and 3 cows." was Adam's reply. They knew with that price, they had no chance. As Lana & Adam walked away, she let Adam know that she was worth much more than that. "Next time throw a camel in the price." she said. Adam met his match when Lana came along. They both have a bit of their Papa John's quick wit.
Alex loves to call when he is waiting for the train or bus. If he's walking down the street, that Chicago wind can really interfere with the phone call. If he's waiting in line to order a coffee or lunch, I stand by as he orders. I guess I fill in the gap of his busy days, but that's o.k. It's good being connected.
One form of connection that has meant so much to me, is my screen saver. It is a picture of my three kids, taken last month. Getting 3 adult children in one place is so hard. But, I love this picture. Seems like each time I see it, I have a new memory. I find myself looking at them and thanking God for these awesome people.
Better go, (to Myra's blog) and get my pick-me-up for the day.
I love to hear all of Lana's adventures. She has started a new job, and with the best attitude, under the circumstances. I see God holding her up, after the highs and low of her Africa experience. One of her fun stories, is when men inquired of Adam if Lana was available for marriage. Adam gave them the price of obtaining her. "She is worth 15 goats and 3 cows." was Adam's reply. They knew with that price, they had no chance. As Lana & Adam walked away, she let Adam know that she was worth much more than that. "Next time throw a camel in the price." she said. Adam met his match when Lana came along. They both have a bit of their Papa John's quick wit.
Alex loves to call when he is waiting for the train or bus. If he's walking down the street, that Chicago wind can really interfere with the phone call. If he's waiting in line to order a coffee or lunch, I stand by as he orders. I guess I fill in the gap of his busy days, but that's o.k. It's good being connected.
One form of connection that has meant so much to me, is my screen saver. It is a picture of my three kids, taken last month. Getting 3 adult children in one place is so hard. But, I love this picture. Seems like each time I see it, I have a new memory. I find myself looking at them and thanking God for these awesome people.
Better go, (to Myra's blog) and get my pick-me-up for the day.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Drive-in
I love Drive-In's. I have to say Sonic is my favorite. We also loved a Blizzard from Dairy Queen as we drove from east Texas back home. I guess you call those drive-Thru's. But, they aren't around here, like in Texas. I miss that.
Back to Drive-In's! Love the memories of our family going to a Drive-in movie. Could take your shoes off, move around, sit on the hood, wear your pajama's. Nice benefits to that rare form of entertainment.
One horrifying experience was the night I got to go with my sister and all her cool friends, to a Drive-In to see "The Graduate" We were there before dark, picked a good parking place, and waited. Cars drove by to find a place to park, and we were shocked to see our Mom & her friend driving past us. They never saw us, but I didn't enjoy this adventure at all.
I have just found a new (to me) type of Drive-In. I drove pasted it when we first moved here, but then decided I was mistaken, until I drove past it twice yesterday. It's a Drive-In Church. I guess it is large enough for 50 cars. There appears to be a small shed at the front of the lot. No individual speakers for the cars. Maybe, you tune in to a certain radio channel.
So, if I ever feel like fellowshipping with others, in my pajama's, with a Sonic coke, parked beside there car, maybe decline my seat back for comfort, and singing along, (where others don't have to hear) I may give it a try.
For now, I'll just drive by and try to get an understanding of the Drive-In church concept.
Back to Drive-In's! Love the memories of our family going to a Drive-in movie. Could take your shoes off, move around, sit on the hood, wear your pajama's. Nice benefits to that rare form of entertainment.
One horrifying experience was the night I got to go with my sister and all her cool friends, to a Drive-In to see "The Graduate" We were there before dark, picked a good parking place, and waited. Cars drove by to find a place to park, and we were shocked to see our Mom & her friend driving past us. They never saw us, but I didn't enjoy this adventure at all.
I have just found a new (to me) type of Drive-In. I drove pasted it when we first moved here, but then decided I was mistaken, until I drove past it twice yesterday. It's a Drive-In Church. I guess it is large enough for 50 cars. There appears to be a small shed at the front of the lot. No individual speakers for the cars. Maybe, you tune in to a certain radio channel.
So, if I ever feel like fellowshipping with others, in my pajama's, with a Sonic coke, parked beside there car, maybe decline my seat back for comfort, and singing along, (where others don't have to hear) I may give it a try.
For now, I'll just drive by and try to get an understanding of the Drive-In church concept.
Monday, February 19, 2007
"IS or WAS"
Yesterday was a new "Adam connection." We met the Kings, a great young couple, planning on moving to Jinja in September. They will be a great match to serve with the present team. Got to share our Jinja experience, and laugh alot. (Especially at Adam stories)
To involve others in our conversation, I would explain our connection.
It went like this...
"They Kings know my nephews Adam and Ben, & his family Kym & Eli"
"They will work with Adam and Ben, I mean Ben..."
" Adam is doing the Mvule Project, I mean was..."
"I have 2 nephews in Jinja... I mean 1 ..."
You get the picture, we've all struggled with it, when we lose someone who "IS" in our world.
Finally, I quit correcting myself, but would pause, and the response would be a gentle smile and nod.
Adam "IS" to me, and that's all I want.
On a brighter note, I have just sent out info on the Mvule Project to different churches and friends that love including their children in service. I encouraged them to see this as an opportunity for kids to help kids.
Got a response from a sweet friend, Suanna Davis, at our home congregation in Kingwood. She is putting together a mission booth (this weekend) in honor of Adam, and his contribution to this project. Pray that response will be life changing for the givers & receivers.
Knowing Adam, he probably said, "God, you know what we can do with Debby's interest in this website." Then they both grinned and the e-mail was formed in my mind and off it went.
He is still working every opportunity. That's Adams heart and soul. A man of God!
Thank you, LORD!
To involve others in our conversation, I would explain our connection.
It went like this...
"They Kings know my nephews Adam and Ben, & his family Kym & Eli"
"They will work with Adam and Ben, I mean Ben..."
" Adam is doing the Mvule Project, I mean was..."
"I have 2 nephews in Jinja... I mean 1 ..."
You get the picture, we've all struggled with it, when we lose someone who "IS" in our world.
Finally, I quit correcting myself, but would pause, and the response would be a gentle smile and nod.
Adam "IS" to me, and that's all I want.
On a brighter note, I have just sent out info on the Mvule Project to different churches and friends that love including their children in service. I encouraged them to see this as an opportunity for kids to help kids.
Got a response from a sweet friend, Suanna Davis, at our home congregation in Kingwood. She is putting together a mission booth (this weekend) in honor of Adam, and his contribution to this project. Pray that response will be life changing for the givers & receivers.
Knowing Adam, he probably said, "God, you know what we can do with Debby's interest in this website." Then they both grinned and the e-mail was formed in my mind and off it went.
He is still working every opportunity. That's Adams heart and soul. A man of God!
Thank you, LORD!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Random Ramblings
We don't know where the pictures of Morgandy went , sorry about that!
Look alike!
Had some pictures taken of Morgandy & then got out Myra's baby pictures...there's a close match. Sure was fun having them here.
Adam Connection!
I've found another "Adam Connection" "Big Steve" lived in Portland, knew Ben, now lives in Arlington (birthplace of Lana & Alex) came to Adam's funeral, now in Missoula this week end
for a youth rally that Lana is helping with.
Lana's style!
A traditional award at the Missoula youth rally is an "Ebenezer award". Not familiar with the emblem used for the award, Lana came across a classified ad " Giving away bowling trophies"
So, for this year the awards will be bowling trophies!
Quieter semester!
Alex claimed that this semester, he would spend more time studying & not overdo the acting extras. Next thing I know, he's in a school produced T.V. show, a school club "Musical", with a lead part, and still wants to go to one more audition... so that's it for a quieter semester.
New Job!
Lana is taking off this semester from school, and been looking for a job. She has been hired as an assistant physical therapist at a private nursing home. Training starts in March! Another prayer answered.
Look alike!
Had some pictures taken of Morgandy & then got out Myra's baby pictures...there's a close match. Sure was fun having them here.
Adam Connection!
I've found another "Adam Connection" "Big Steve" lived in Portland, knew Ben, now lives in Arlington (birthplace of Lana & Alex) came to Adam's funeral, now in Missoula this week end
for a youth rally that Lana is helping with.
Lana's style!
A traditional award at the Missoula youth rally is an "Ebenezer award". Not familiar with the emblem used for the award, Lana came across a classified ad " Giving away bowling trophies"
So, for this year the awards will be bowling trophies!
Quieter semester!
Alex claimed that this semester, he would spend more time studying & not overdo the acting extras. Next thing I know, he's in a school produced T.V. show, a school club "Musical", with a lead part, and still wants to go to one more audition... so that's it for a quieter semester.
New Job!
Lana is taking off this semester from school, and been looking for a job. She has been hired as an assistant physical therapist at a private nursing home. Training starts in March! Another prayer answered.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Pondering Blessings
Since Lana returned from Uganda, I'm reconnecting with how you transition back into this culture. One of the puzzling questions is "What is God's blessings?" Never even predicted that I would struggle with that question. I'll say more about that later, but for now I want to thank God for blessing me with amazing children.
I sit here, not even knowing how to convey the refreshing love of our sweet Morgandy. I see the love of her mother, and daddy, & I'm so thankful that God is working in their lives to give her a foundation that will sustain her in this world. Myra shines in all she does, and that is true as Morgandy's mom.
Patrick is a perfect balance in making this family work. I love that he loves his family so much, and I am so grateful, that he filled in the gap, and made hard phone calls when friends needed to be contacted about Adam. His nurturing will give Morgandy a healthy example of how a man treats a women.
Lana inspires me, even in the rough times. When naming her, we read that Lana means "a light in the dark" She doesn't get that nature from her name, but from her creator. No doubt, she is hurting right now, but she carries on with service to others. She has a way about her, that makes others have a better day.
Alex has been given amazing talents. Although he works at it, he really just has it. There were times when I reminded him that God gave him those talents to glorify HIM. But, even if Alex never sings or acts again, his life is a blessing and I am honored to be his mom.
These are blessings that I am sure of, and forever grateful for.
I sit here, not even knowing how to convey the refreshing love of our sweet Morgandy. I see the love of her mother, and daddy, & I'm so thankful that God is working in their lives to give her a foundation that will sustain her in this world. Myra shines in all she does, and that is true as Morgandy's mom.
Patrick is a perfect balance in making this family work. I love that he loves his family so much, and I am so grateful, that he filled in the gap, and made hard phone calls when friends needed to be contacted about Adam. His nurturing will give Morgandy a healthy example of how a man treats a women.
Lana inspires me, even in the rough times. When naming her, we read that Lana means "a light in the dark" She doesn't get that nature from her name, but from her creator. No doubt, she is hurting right now, but she carries on with service to others. She has a way about her, that makes others have a better day.
Alex has been given amazing talents. Although he works at it, he really just has it. There were times when I reminded him that God gave him those talents to glorify HIM. But, even if Alex never sings or acts again, his life is a blessing and I am honored to be his mom.
These are blessings that I am sure of, and forever grateful for.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Languages of Love
Have you read that book? The real title is "The 5 languages of love." Great book! Made me less judgmental about all those ladies who expect diamonds for a valentine gift. I'm not a jewelry person, not much on flowers, but as a sweet tooth, I welcome chocolate candy.
According to the book, I feel love from compliments. I knew that, just glad it was confirmed in a book. Maybe I appear needy, since for some people, they tell you once how they feel, and they will let you know when they change their minds. Luckily, I haven't been subjected to that
orneriness.
I believe part of my need for verbal affirmation, was due to my academic struggles in school. I was blessed to have great parents, who never compared by report card with my sisters. (She made straight A's) I was already beating myself up, and they never added to the wound. They never treated me like I was dumb, but encouraged me to keep trying. Things eventually got a lot better. I'm so thankful that home was always a safe place to be.
That situation influenced me to do the same for my kids, ( make our home a safe place to fall) and some feed back makes me feel like we was successful most of the time.
But what really thrills me, is that I'm sure they will do the same for their families. That's the "love language" of peace.
According to the book, I feel love from compliments. I knew that, just glad it was confirmed in a book. Maybe I appear needy, since for some people, they tell you once how they feel, and they will let you know when they change their minds. Luckily, I haven't been subjected to that
orneriness.
I believe part of my need for verbal affirmation, was due to my academic struggles in school. I was blessed to have great parents, who never compared by report card with my sisters. (She made straight A's) I was already beating myself up, and they never added to the wound. They never treated me like I was dumb, but encouraged me to keep trying. Things eventually got a lot better. I'm so thankful that home was always a safe place to be.
That situation influenced me to do the same for my kids, ( make our home a safe place to fall) and some feed back makes me feel like we was successful most of the time.
But what really thrills me, is that I'm sure they will do the same for their families. That's the "love language" of peace.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Filling In
I told my mom she needed to blog more so she told me to put something on her blog. That was a very bold move because there's no telling what I could post. I'm in a kind of funny mood (if you look at my blog from today you'll understand).
I guess I'll post what I think Mom would post if she were actually posting today.
"I know I need to post something on my blog because Myra told me too. But I'm too busy finding funny stories to things to send to my nephew Jesse who's in basic training for the Army. That and I'm also printing off blogs that talk about Adam and pictures of Morgandy and recipes to send to Grando.
Since Morgandy is here I want to spend all my free time (and money) on her. And I tried to post something the other day but it got lost.
Myra taught me how to "cut" and "paste" today so hopefully I can continue my computer education and blog more often."
Maybe this will teach Mom to not let me on her blog :)
I guess I'll post what I think Mom would post if she were actually posting today.
"I know I need to post something on my blog because Myra told me too. But I'm too busy finding funny stories to things to send to my nephew Jesse who's in basic training for the Army. That and I'm also printing off blogs that talk about Adam and pictures of Morgandy and recipes to send to Grando.
Since Morgandy is here I want to spend all my free time (and money) on her. And I tried to post something the other day but it got lost.
Myra taught me how to "cut" and "paste" today so hopefully I can continue my computer education and blog more often."
Maybe this will teach Mom to not let me on her blog :)
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Adam's Goals
My nephew, Adam Langford, died tragically, in a vehicle accident, while serving as a missionary in Jinja Uganda. He was 28 yrs old and we are heartbroken over our loss. He leaves us his vision of what he wanted in life, and we saw him glorifying God as he accomplished these goals.
Goals in Life
Play college soccer -done
Get a good degree- done
Ski for a season, after college- done
Get a job in the world of finance- done
Get a MBA or JD from a prestigious school.
Live overseas for an extended period of time, either work in schools or mission work.*
Get married (marry over my head)
Learn a second Language *
Write a book
Live a life worth writing a book about*****
Do consulting and motivational speaking*
Have kids
Be the greatest husband and father I could possibly be
Acquire a piece of land in the mountains & open up an adventure retreat and camping(?) business
Be Christ-like, even if it means never accomplishing the goals listed above*****
* Adam was accomplishing these goals day by day.
Adam, you did it, you obtained the ultimate goal.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
A Small World
Yesterday, a sweet friend, Wilma, from Kingwood called to see if we were affected by the horrible tornado's. We were spared from the storm, but I felt blessed by her concern. As we visited, she said that she had another friend in Orlando she needed to check on. Later in the afternoon, "her friend" called me and welcomed me to the community. I mentioned that we had barely settled due to alot of traveling. She then replied that she had heard of my nephews death, and even knew a couple, (from Orlando) that had attended the funeral.
I was choking up as she told of how amazing Adam must have been. My tears were not only for the loss I feel, but for the blessing of getting to be Adam's, Aunt Debby. Don't feel worthy of that honor, but count it one of the best gifts from God.
So, thankyou, Wilma, for calling me and your friend, and thankyou, Mary Margaret for sharing with me, how Adam touched the people he never even knew.
And thank you God, for showing your love through others.
I was choking up as she told of how amazing Adam must have been. My tears were not only for the loss I feel, but for the blessing of getting to be Adam's, Aunt Debby. Don't feel worthy of that honor, but count it one of the best gifts from God.
So, thankyou, Wilma, for calling me and your friend, and thankyou, Mary Margaret for sharing with me, how Adam touched the people he never even knew.
And thank you God, for showing your love through others.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
The Thesaurus says..
I've been ask if I could find a better adjective to say when I see my "precious" granddaughter. It's what naturally comes out of my mouth, don't even know when I say it, you know, like people saying" like" and "you know" all the time.
It's just like that! I see Morgandy and I say "precious." (You can see her on Myra's blog, she's so precious.)
So, this morning, I thumb through the Thesaurus, and I've narrowed it down to 2 choices, "priceless or exquisite." Mastercard has taken over the word priceless, and exquisite is not in my vocabulary.
Any ideas on a replacement word would be appreciated.
It's just like that! I see Morgandy and I say "precious." (You can see her on Myra's blog, she's so precious.)
So, this morning, I thumb through the Thesaurus, and I've narrowed it down to 2 choices, "priceless or exquisite." Mastercard has taken over the word priceless, and exquisite is not in my vocabulary.
Any ideas on a replacement word would be appreciated.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)