Remember, God answers prayers. Don’t give up!

 

www.thelist-themovie.com

“There are times when prayer is the only way out of our perplexities” (F.B. Meyer, Our Daily Walk)

As I sit down to write this short exhortation on the power of prayer, I sit listening to my daughter, Brooke, wrestling with a deep cough. It’s been coming on for days. No other symptoms, just a ever-increasing deep cough. In two days, she leaves for a missions trip she has been planning, preparing and praying for the last six months. Initially, I thought she was reacting to the intense effects of the wildfire smoke, blowing in each day from North Carolina. Our area has been on “air alert” - newscasters warning everyone to stay inside. Whatever the reason, I am compelled to pray. To believe God. To trust my Father on her behalf.

Have you ever felt that your prayer(s) are merely leaving your lips and bouncing off the ceiling? If I am honest, I would say yes. In fact, I’ve felt that way more than once in my life. Sometimes prayer is answered instantly. Sometimes it takes a while. Sometimes it seems as if I am climbing a mountain that keeps growing, right in front of my eyes. As I reach up to grab the next rock, it is jagged. My hands bleed, bruise and I find myself becoming weary. Ready to quit. Finished with praying. What good does it do? Nothing is changing. In fact, it is getting worse. Much worse.

Those were my exact feeling a couple of days ago. But, there, in the midst of my prayer crisis, God sent me an encouraging word through Netflix. Yes, Netflix. As I opened my mailbox, I saw the red envelope. Hmmm. I wonder what movie this is? I opened the envelope and discovered the movie, The List: Discover the Power. I tossed the mail on the counter and went about my business. That was last Saturday. The day I didn’t live my best moment (see “Are You Living Your Best Moment?) I completely forgot about the movie. Until, Sunday night. Nothing was on television, so I mentioned to Rob that I had gotten a movie in the mail if he wanted to watch it.

“Sure,” he said. “What is it?”

“Oh, it’s called The List,” I said. “Somebody sent me an email and told me to watch it.”

Two hours later I found myself a changed person. Being the visual learner that I am, the visual feast of this movie greatly effected me. It was exactly what I needed to see. I don’t want to give anything away, but I want to emphatically say, “SEE THIS MOVIE!” See it with an open heart. I really think it will encourage your prayer life. Help you SEE the effects of a prayer warrior. George Mueller once said, “Our very weakness gives opportunity for the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to be manifested. That blessed one never leaves us and never forsakes us. The greater the weakness, the nearer He is to manifest His strength; the greater our necessities, the more have we ground to rely on it that He will prove Himself our Friend. The greater the trial, the greater the difficulty, the nearer the Lord’s help. Often the appearance was as if I must be overwhelmed, but it never came to it, and it never will. More prayer, more faith, more exercise of patience, will bring the blessing. Therefore our business is just to pour out our hearts before Him; and help in His own time and way is sure to come.”

 

“Do you not think that a great deal of what we call faith is not worth the name? It is too flimsy to be called by so strong a word. Faith is the steel of the soul” (Amy Carmichael, Edges of His Ways)

“Being a mother means that your heart is no longer yours; it wanders wherever your children do.”

Last Thursday and Friday, Rob and I took Brooke to Early Orientation at Liberty University, her soon to be home-away-from-home. From the moment we arrived on campus, I knew Brooke was in the right place. The perfect place. Seeing her navigate through the orientation process with ease. . . making sure all her affairs were in order. . . housing. . . ID card. . . schedule. . . dining plan. . . made me pause and reflect on how far she has come. As a child, Brooke was severely shy. Quiet. A constant supply of “knee hugs” - always right there by my side. Afraid of dogs. Afraid of clowns. The shadow of her twin brother. Physically challenged by allergies, alopecia, eczema, sleep apnea, learning disabilities. Her childhood was an endless journey of praying through scripture. The Lord is Brooke’s shepherd. She shall not want (Psalm 23). Brooke will thrive like a green leaf (Proverbs 11:28). Every hair on Brooke’ head is numbered (Matthew 10:30). And, so many more.

Midday, we sat down with our friends, The Fletcher’s, to a beautiful luncheon, hosted by Dr. Jerry Falwell, Jr. Due to his laryngitis, he couldn’t address us, so he called upon Dr. Elmer Towns, co-founder of Liberty University, to speak on his behalf. His words were short and simple. Challenging. Fun. About twenty minutes later, he was moving through the crowded luncheon tables, when he came up behind Brooke’s chair, laid his hand on her head and began to pray for healing.

“Healing, Lord. Heal her mind. Fill this brain,” he prayed.

Somewhat joking, I think, he had no idea what he had just done. My mouthed dropped. Brooke’s eyes widened. He looked at me. I looked at him. “You have no idea,” I said. “Brooke has dyslexia. We’ll take that prayer.” He then shook all of our hands and introduced himself to Brooke and Kristen (Brooke’s close high school friend and roomie to be). He asked them several questions and found out they would be rooming together. A few short moments later, he moved on to the next table. A few minutes later, he returned to joke around, once again. He looked at Kristen, with a big grin on his face, and said, “Watch out. She snores bad.” Well, my mouthed dropped wide open. The entire table erupted in laughter, knowing Brooke’s long history of surgery, etc. to deal with her sleep apnea and snoring.

“Wow, Dr. Towns, you really have no idea. Brooke had major surgery in March to deal with her severe sleep apnea and snoring,” I smiled. “She used to snore terribly. Not anymore!” He wasn’t quite sure what to do. A simple joke really was a word of knowledge. He was moving in the Spirit and didn’t even know it! He leaned down and said, “Well, I wasn’t meaning to deliver a word of knowledge. . .” He told Brooke to make sure she takes his New Testament Survey class. I believe she will.

All in all, I share this story as encouragement. This might have seemed like nothing. Happenchance. A freakish moment of circumstance. No, I took it as God’s little kiss to me. I have Brooke right where she needs to be. Rest in that. You can let her go. She is going to be just fine. I have my eye on her. God knew that I needed a little extra dose of love. I have always felt a need to over protect Brooke. She’s been that little lamb who needed carrying. Well, not anymore. She has blossomed into a strong woman. A social butterfly. A close confidant. Friendly and loving. Well able to stand on her own two feet. And, I will be fine, as well. My heart will be wandering around Liberty University, beating strong with every step Brooke takes!

 

 

 

 

 

“Jesus was on a mission to save the world, the greatest mission in the history of mankind. Yet he took time to attend a wedding and take part in its festivities. We may be tempted to think we should not take time out from our ‘important work’ for social occasions. But maybe these social occasions are part of our mission. Jesus valued these wedding festivities because they involved people, and Jesus came to be with people. Our mission can often be accomplished in joyous times of celebration with others. Bring balance to your life by bringing Jesus into times of pleasure as well as times of work” (Life Application Study Bible, John 2:1,2).

 Jesus came to be with people. What an astounding statement. A few days ago, John 2:1-25 was my daily reading. The commentary, which I shared above, really caught my attention. For some reason, I wasn’t expecting the commentator’s note on verses 1 and 2. Tucked amid his theological musing on the how’s and why’s of Jesus turning the water into wine, he drew my attention to the simple fact that Jesus loved people. Jesus took time from his busy schedule to attend social occasions.

I don’t know, somehow I found this deeply moving, especially right now. The last 4-6 weeks have been heavy laden with social functions: high school graduations, college graduations, wedding showers, birthday parties, graduation brunches, college orientations, Father’s Day, and did I mention, more birthday parties? (Smile) Quite honestly, I am “party-pooped!” But, with each and every event, I tried to remember to live in the moment. Be present. One of my most heartfelt teachings is on “the ministry of presence.” The greatest gift we can give to our families, friends and loved ones is our presence at their special event. It may seem like “no big deal” but it really is everything.

Last Sunday, while getting ready for church, I turned on Bishop T.D. Jakes (which I often do on Sunday mornings). In the course of his sermon, he asked a poignant question, “What if you are living your very best moment. . . right now?” He continued, “Do you think Martin Luther King, Jr. knew he was living his finest moment when he was delivering his famed ‘I Have a Dream’ speech? And furthermore, most people don’t become heroes until they die. What if this is it?”

What if this is it? That thought walked with me the rest of the week. Whispered to me in the morning. Sat beside me in my car. And, rested on my pillow at night. What if this is it, Janell? Is this your best moment? Then, somewhere between menopausal madness, messy teenagers, traveling fatigue and people overload, I lost it. I let my emotions get the best of me. I became angry. It didn’t last long. About 40 minutes to be exact. That is about how long it took me to clean the upstairs bathroom (which belongs to my children). I scrubbed. . .mumbled. . .scrubbed. . .fumed. . .scrubbed. . . and vented. Finally, I wore myself out. Drained, I knew I had to go somewhere. . .alone. . .and talk to God. Cry.

 Lord, this is definitely not my best moment. Please help me get a grip. I don’t want to blame hormones. I don’t want to blame anything or anyone. I just want to control my emotions and handle my anger correctly. God, in his mercy, did help me. He lifted the agitation of anger and helped me gain self control. The rest of the day was a wash. I felt so drained. So sad that I had acted so immaturely. But, it is in the overcoming that we gain mastery of our emotions, refusing to let them control us. I’ve come a long way. . .anger and I have been foes for quite some time.

Later that day, I remembered I hadn’t read my lesson for a new Sunday School Rob and I were going to be attending. I picked up the book, Uprooting Anger, by Robert Jones, and sighed. Of course. I completely forgot that for the next 7 weeks we were going to be studying the role of anger in a marriage. Learning how to counsel couples in marital distress. Well, they say experience is the best teacher. What I experienced earlier in the day, a raging battle with my own anger, taught me way more than any book. It humbled me. It broke me. It made me, once again, realize my great need for Christ’s redemptive work in my life. Every moment of my life.

I’ve come to see that the best moments in my life are usually the hardest moments of my life. Times of brokenness and deep sorrow over sin that bring me to the feet of Jesus. There, humble and needy, I sense his divine hand touch my chin, lift my head and wipe my tears. His love washes away my sin and restores my joy.

May God open our eyes to living in the moment. To breathing in the beauty of what lies before us. Here’s to living in this present moment and making it the best moment of our lives!

 

 

 

The Struggle . . . The Victory . . . The Prize!

 

My two favorite guys had the opportunity to go deep-sea fishing last weekend. Up at 3:00 a.m., they headed out to Va. Beach to “catch some big ones.” And, catch they did. Tuna and Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi). Grant reeled them in, Rob by his side, and together, they had one great day.

Once again, it is never too late. . . never to late to have a happy family. Seeing the two of them, tired, but completely satisfied with their day’s work, reminded me of the great work God has done in our lives. Rob, whose father was an alcoholic, gave his life to Christ in his early twenties - allowing God to transform his heart. Now, after many years of following hard after God, he is enjoying rich relationships with his three children. The past year or so hasn’t been an easy one for Rob and Grant. The teenage years are very often turbulent and tiring. As Grant has sought after his independance and identity, he has often, without even knowing it, held his Dad at arms length. Just as there is tension on the line reeling in the big fish, there has been tension in the day-to-day lines of communication between father and son. I have stood on the sidelines, praying fervently and encouraging wholeheartedly, each one, as their relationship grows and matures. It hasn’t been fun. But, it is a necessary, normal part of God’s plan. Rob has had to learn when to give on the line, when and how to reel in his words, and how to wait patiently while the struggle accomplished its God-designed purpose.

I found an interesting article on “how to choose the right deep sea fishing rod,” that has amazing application:

1. Look for sea rods designed for use on the open ocean, rather than other types of rods. They are longer and heftier than other types of rods, built to withstand the stress of the huge fish found in the deep sea.

2. Think about the kinds of fish you intend to catch. Specialized rods are made for marlins, sharks and other types of big game fish, and these may serve you better than a more general type of sea rod.

3. Examine the construction of the rod. You want something that can withstand the pressure of a heavy fish fighting for its life. Big game fish can weigh hundreds of pounds, and a rod constructed of inferior materials will wear down under pressure. Any rod you pick for deep sea fishing must be made of materials that won’t corrode in the salt air. Graphite or fiberglass models can withstand the stress of the environment.

The third suggestion really says it all:

Examine the construction of the rod. You want something that will withstand the pressure of a heavy fish fighting for its life. A rod constructed of inferior materials will wear down under pressure. Will corrode in the salt air.

So many times, Grant (yes, I’m likening him to a heavy fish!) has resisted the rod. Fought the rod. But, Rob, in God’s grace, stood strong. He remained 100% connected to his heavenly Father, believing unswervingly in the power of his father’s words. A lover of Proverbs, Rob took Proverbs 13:24 to heart:

“He who spares the rod hates his son,
       but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (NIV).

 ”A refusal to correct is a refusal to love;
   love your children by disciplining them” (MSG).

Tomorrow is Father’s Day. May God help us all to remember His words, written for our benefit. I know I’ll be writing more about this . . . because we all struggle in our relationships. BUT, I pray that in the midst of the struggle, we will persevere. We will pray. We will believe. We will remember that it is never too late. . .the prize is so glorious. Better than you can even imagine. You, too, can and will have the rich relationships your heart desires. Have a blessed Sabbath and Father’s Day!

P.S. I’d love to hear your stories. . . has God restored a strained relationship? Let’s encourage one another and build one another up (Jude 20).

 

“The Devil’s brain is prolific with plans. He has many ways of doing many things. Perhaps he has many ways of doing each thing. With him nothing is stereotyped. He never runs in ruts. Fruitful, diverse, and ever fresh is his way of doing things. Indirect, cunning, and graceful are his plans. He acts by trickery, and always by guide. Sometimes Satan comes to us disrobed of his heavenly garments. He comes as a sharp, pointed, painful, poisoned thorn-a thorn that cannot be extracted by prayer. The saints who have seen most of heaven are often summoned to see most of hell. Saints who have the fullest and most transporting revelation of God often have the saddest experience with Satan. Satan may come to us in his own native character, the thorn-breeder and piercer. He may put thorns in us that no prayer power can extract-thorns that will poison and pain. But the thorn will enrich grace, increase humility, and make weakness strong and glorious. Satan’s thorns will clothe necessities with richest attire, and change distresses and persecutions into the most divine pleasures. Satan’s thorns will make room for God’s greatest power in us and on us. The Enemy’s thorns will make the lowest point of a spiritual depression the highest point of vision.”

-Guide to Spiritual Warfare, E.M. Bounds

I am soaking in this wise dissertation on Satan’s tactics, penned by Missouri-born pastor, E.M. Bounds, in the mid-late 1800’s. Known for his wise teaching on prayer and spiritual warfare, Bounds’ writings are worth meditating upon.

I should have known that my restorative week of walking on the beach would be followed by Satan’s attempt to undo the deep ocean of peace and rest residing in my soul. It didn’t take long. A phone call here. A sharp word from a friend there. A serious infection invaded my body-hence, physical fallout and sleepless nights. Here a little tension, there a little tension, everywhere a little tension. Before you know it, the ocean has become a pool . . . a puddle . . . and then poof! It evaporates into thin air. One might call it . . . spiritual erosion!

This past Tuesday, during an extensive “coloring” process on my hair (smile), my hair stylist and friend, Karen, and I were getting caught up on the graduations and beach week. Our conversation reminded me of something I had failed to tell you! While walking along the coastline, I began seeing the fiercest, ugliest jellyfish I had ever seen at the Outer Banks. Big blobs of opaque jelly, filled with deep red blood, their long, slimy tentacles stretching a good 10-12 inches. I thought their presence on the beach a bit odd. Typically, stinging nettles can be found, but these I hadn’t seen before. As I walked further, I saw more and more. Frustrated by their obstruction, I desperately tried to dodge them. All I wanted to do was walk and gaze at the sparkling ocean. But, I had to keep my eyes on the beach, in order to avoid the blobs! Karen commented, “You know, Janell, when you look at the ocean, from the surface, it is incredibly beautiful. Never in million years, would you think anything ugly or dangerous could be lurking under the surface. But, the ocean is full of things like those jellyfish.”

I could’t stop thinking about our conversation and those jellyfish! As I researched this sea creature, I discovered one thing: jelly fish have one purpose-to sting. To fire poison. To cause immediate, intense pain and burning.

“Jellyfish release toxin that fires poison whenever its tentacles brush against an object.”

Have you noticed that some people just “brush you the wrong way?” Their comments or conversation can definitely sting like a jellyfish. They glisten like gold on the outside, but under the surface, they have one purpose: to keep you from walking in victory. In one quick second, their words release a toxin that fires poison. The result: emotional paralysis.

But, I gleaned one very important lesson from all this. The jellyfish didn’t have an opportunity to sting me. I kept my eyes wide open and fixed my gaze straight ahead, as advised in Proverbs 4:25(MSG):

“Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
   that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
   avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
   ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
   and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
   leave evil in the dust.”

The jellyfish, an unwanted guest on my perfect beach walk, didn’t ruin my day. Didn’t impede my communion with God. Didn’t steal my joy. Didn’t keep me from moving forward. No, by God’s grace, I was able to enjoy the experience. By God’s grace, I was able to sidestep the distractions. Literally.

Take courage, dear one, if you find yourself brushing up against a difficult person, situation or circumstance. Remember Proverbs 4:25. Sidestep Satan’s attempt to distract you and ENJOY GOD!

 

“Our everyday environment seduces, taunts, and rages against the Christ-life within us. Without concentrated, deliberate action on our part to nourish our spiritual life, the oncoming tide wears away the undergirding foundation of our faith. To stanch the flow, to control the erosion, Christians must do more than hold our skirts higher. We must spend time apart with God. There is no growth in holiness without it.”

-Jean Fleming, Finding Focus in a Whirlwind World

I did not want to come home. There, I said it. Normally, after a week away from home, I am more than ready to return to the normal routine of life. Not this time. Six days of staring into the vast ocean, putting my toes in the crisp, cold foamy waves, staying up way past my bedtime playing RUMMIKUB, laughing out loud until my sides split, eating Starburst candies (only six at at time), taking long, listless walks where I wandered aimlessly, playing a mean game of competitive pool volleyball (for the very first time) and napping several times a day (free of guilt), did me in. My exhausted frame and crowded mind welcomed the reprieve from monotony and routine. From stress. From graduation parties, end-of-the-year soccer banquets and school activities. AND, from the day-to-day noises that surround my life. Cell phones. Answering machines. Email. Doorbells. You understand.

When I arrived home, a package was waiting at my front door. A book I had ordered. “Oh, I forgot I ordered this!” I said to myself. Jean Fleming’s Finding Focus in a Whirlwind World  is a book I have read and reread, with highlighter in hand, countless times. Perfect timing. I took a brief moment to skim it, once again. Oh, Jean, how I wish I could walk along the beach with you. I have so many questions I would love to ask you. This wise woman of God writes, “Our practical, materialistic society so values action over meditation, study, and prayer that we feel guilty when we stop to think, study, or pray. Even when we pause, we’re still racing inside. The needs of the world press in on us. The opportunities for service scream in our ears. How can we withdraw from the vital mainstream of action when the needs are so great?” I’ve toiled with this question for so many years. But, I have come to one conclusion: Jesus put a high price tag on solitude. He took deliberate action in seperating from the crowd, the masses, in order to be with his father. For without this intimate communion, he could not minister to the masses effectively. Why should we be any different? IF JESUS NEEDED SOLITUDE, DON’T WE? Stop and consider this.

Le’ts dig into the word deliberate. Consider its’ synonyms: purposeful, intentional, premeditated, voluntary. All refer something NOT happening by chance. Deliberate is applied to what is done not hastily but with full realization of what one is doing. Intentional is applied to what is definitely intended or done on purpose. Premeditated is applied to what has been planned in advance. Voluntary is applied to what is done by a definite exercise of the will and not because of outward pressures (dictionary.com). So, clearly, we must be deliberate in our pursuit of intimacy with God.

God gave me time to fill my spiritual tank. Those of you who know me, know how much I love the ocean air. It takes years off my life. Even though I have pale skin and am prone to skin cancer, I must breathe ocean air-even if it means 25 layers of SPF 50 (smile) and life under a beach umbrella. What recharges you? What restorative activity takes years off your life? Is it running to the break of the ocean and allowing the chilly waves to tickle your toes? Is it hiking to the top of a mountain and drinking in the vista? Or doodling in your sketch book? Or cooking an amazing dish for the first time? Or snuggling with a blanket, a good summer read and a chilled sweet ice tea on your veranda? (Yes, I am Southern!)

Be deliberate. Take one baby step today towards renewing your intimate relationship with God. Erase one activity from your weekly calendar and make room for God. Put your toes in the water. Let the refreshing water of God’s Word fill your spiritual tank. In her classic, Gift from the Sea, Anne Morrow Lindbergh exhorts, “Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should be empty, open, choiceless as a beach, waiting for a gift from the sea.” Would you share your gifts with me? What deliberate action did you take, this week, to revitalize and reestablish intimacy with your God? I can’t wait to hear!

 P.S. I am laboring over plans for my first “TOES IN THE WATER” Women’s Retreat-by-the-Sea. If you are interested in such a retreat, I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a comment or quick note at janellrardon@hotmail.com. Blessings and HUGS!

“Every sunset creates a new dawn.” 

For over twenty years, my husband and I have been coming to the OUTER BANKS of North Carolina for rest and recovery. One of our favorite things to do is to look at the signs posted in front of beach houses. You know, the sandblasted type, which announces the name of the cottage. Today, as I walked, I was intrigued by them, once again: “Simply Paradise”, “Livin’ Large”, “Blackbeard’s Treasure”, to name a few, and “Amazing Grace,” the one we have been blessed to live in for a week. My husband and I decided if we ever had a beach house we would have to call it, “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE!” named lovingly after the Jimmy Stewart classic Christmas movie. A tale of one man’s ups and downs in life, it resonates hope, healing and the power of family. 

So, I was thinking, if you had a beach house, what might you call it? It seems the owners put a great deal of thought into the name. Or better yet, if you could put a sign in front of your house, declaring your life’s message, what might it be? Loving the Journey? Learning to Be Still? Sweet Contentment? Pressin’ In, Pressin’ On? 

Let me know what you come up with! I’ll be back soon. I need to breathe in some more negative ions!

 

Wow! Wasn’t prepared for the powerful emotion of two children graduating at once. In my mind, I knew I had twins graduating high school, but my heart was completely taken off guard. Seeing them standing side-by-side, in cap and gown, opened a deep well of nostalgia, memory and love. If I had allowed the tears to flow, it would have been ugly. A real, ugly cry. 

Right now, my husband and I are chaperoning BEACHFEST for the twins. Eleven high schoolers. SO, for now, I must sign off, but I have lots more to share. Be on the lookout. The negative ions of the Atlantic Ocean are refueling my spirit - WOW! Nothing like a good dose of ocean air and sunshine. I am expecting great things from God! 

 

Graduation day is tough for adults.  They go to the ceremony as parents.  They come home as contemporaries.  After twenty-two years of child-raising, they are unemployed. 

~Erma Bombeck

I love Erma Bombeck’s sense of humor. And, the truth in between the humor. On an unusually chilly, windy, and rainy, May Sunday morning, my oldest daughter “walked the lawn” of Thomas Jefferson’s University of Virginia, a longheld tradition for UVA graduates. Throngs of people crowded walkways, making it very difficult to manuever. I asked one of the groundskeepers how many people they expected to have at the graduation and she said, “30,000 . . . we’ve been setting up seats for hours. And, we will have to take them down.” All I could do was say, “Bless you. Thank you. WOW!”

There were many moments in this important day, but the one special moment I will forever hold in my heart is seeing my daughter in the distance - her hand waving the “I LOVE YOU” sign - amid hundreds of black mortar board caps and gowns. Our eyes met, our smiles shared, and our hearts merged, yet again, in a beautiful moment of mother-daughter joy. Be still my heart. Through the years, the “I LOVE YOU” sign has become our family symbol. We raise it high in the sky whenever we leave each other, as a reminder of the powerful bond we share as a family.

It was a long day, but a great day. Every time I felt I couldn’t take another step, I remembered one thing. Next year I will have time to rest. Lots of time. She will be an ocean away. So, soak up every little moment. Dig deep. Pray for energy. Be watchful. Breathe. Love.

May God give us strength to be the mothers he has called and created us to be. Every minute of every day. Tomorrow, I move forward in graduation week by preparing memory tables for my twins senior tables. One down, Two to go. Even though I am swimming in scrapbook materials, years of photographs and overwhelming preparations for graduation and post graduation parties, I am praying for time to slow down. I am praying for emotional strength to soak it all in.

P.S. And, as a result of all this, I urge you to do one more thing. Don’t take so many pictures! Do we really need 100 photographs of every childhood event? What was I thinking! (Smile)