Growing Together Through Good Times

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

My brother is right. (Kinda normal for him.) We did have some really good times growing up. Think on those things. From three kids to six our family grew practically overnight. And oh the fun we had. God gave us all our own sense of humor and there were actually times when laughter was more than just kicked in by the defense mode.

Games, games, games. We learned through playing. Cards covered the table when Scrabble didn't. Scrabble taught us to spell, Monopoly taught us math, along with Yahtzee. And it all taught us to depend on each other. Chess strengthened our strategy skills. Our minds were always being challenged. With two decks of cards in our hands, and lips stained with koolaid, we told many stories over Canasta. We loved to play. We lived to play.

Summer brought trips to pools, movies theaters, bowling and beaches. Baseball uniforms, softball and walking the dog. Chicken being cooked on the grill, salad at the picnic table and frisbees. Family reunions, sinking boats in Uncle Bill's pond, and watermelon. We loved summer. “Do your chores. Stay outside” We came back inside long enough for a quick peanut butter and jelly lunch or boloney and cheese with mustard sandwhich then back out until mom called us in for supper or when the street lights came on. Which ever came first.

Grandparents. We loved when grandparents came in. Cookies, baked beans of butter beans and hot dogs. Fruit filled jello. Pennies in old tin cookie cans and dancing. Grandpa loved singing about roosters down on the farm.. Listening to grandma say ,”Stop that Herman!” when ever he got even a tad bit frisky..to steal a peck of a kiss .We missed out on daddy's parents. We were young when Jesus took them home. But I enjoy what I do remember. I loved my granny. She has such a tender heart. Washed us in her metal wash tub and let us listen to the radio at the sink... back in the day of “Jeremiah was a Bull Frog” and "When You Need a Friend". Grandpa could peel an apple without ever stopping until the entire apple was peeled with one long peel. WOW. We are so fascinated by the smallest of things.

Life was sweet during those times. Whenever I get hung up on the challenges we faced, I am going to pray that God shows me the good times. Times when we all sang together, Amazing Grace. He did supply grace. He let us share smiles. (Thank you my brother, Buddy, my friend David and my friend Valerie, for helping  me to think on those things.)

 

  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

I think today I will pray that “When life gives me lemons, I can make lemonade”.

Thank You Papa God, for giving me laughter and praises. I needed a softened heart. You are AWEsome in giving me what I need, always at the right time.

Are you having a hard time with the visions of hurtful times ? Try giving them to God and ask Him to show you the silver lining in the clouds of gray. These treasures are worth the search.