Recipes from Granny McCleary

One of Granny's recipe holders

Lemon Drop Cookies - sooooo easy and yummy

Ingredients:
1 Box Lemon Cake Mix
2 Eggs
1- 9 ounce container of Cool Whip (thawed)

Mix dry cake mix, 2 eggs, and the thawed cool whip well and drop by teaspoon into powdered sugar (confectioners sugar), roll into balls and place on greased cookie sheet (I use parchment paper to line cooking sheet and do not grease).

Bake at 300 until lightly browned (no time given however this will take 10-12 min. depending on the size of the ball you have made. Just check after 10 min. and cook until lightly browned and you will be good to go.

Variations: I have made these with the strawberry and orange cake mixes and they have turned out really great as well. These are a nice light cookie to have for summer and are very pretty for baby and wedding showers.

Enjoy!

Points2Ponder by Alan P. Scaglione

So…Sometimes, kids say the darndest things!


Nano and Nana got to spend the day with Jett on Saturday. We had him for the afternoon: he just hung out with his favorite Nano—that would be me!

Nana had to get her fingers and feet painted—that’s what I call it; she calls it a mani/pedi.

That left JJ and his Nano to check out our local Wal-Mart. He is two now, so…I don’t get to carry him everywhere anymore.

He wants to walk beside me—a lot slower than my normal pace, but…he is just such a handsome little guy, and so funny, I don’t mind the slower pace.

He walks with me throughout the store. He’s commenting on everything…most of it I understand; the rest of it, I just smile and go “Yes JettJett!”

Not sure what I just said yes to—may pay for that later when he takes the keys to the truck and drives off, swearing Nano said he could!

We pick up Nana—I can’t tell her fingers look any differently, but she is excited that they are done. Jett and I just nod! He’s already learning-- “Yes Dear!”

We get home. Start playing with his toys. The latest is “Puppy”. Should be called “Dog” but…we already have one of those, so…”Puppy” it is!

Nano buys Jett the dancing/singing/movable animals because Jett loves to dance and move and sing with them!

So far…We have “Dog”, “Monkey”, “Bird” and “Bear”! Hey, just realized…they don’t have real names…they are descriptions! How’d that happen?

We’re playing with Puppy…and all of a sudden, Jett stands up, and he gets that look….

What look? Any grandfather knows that look…it’s the look that makes us all say, “Nana, I think Jett needs to be changed!”

And then it hits you…accompanied with that look is…that scent…yes, something’s rotten in Denmark and Nana needs to fix it!

Sidebar: The last time Nano changed a diaper was when Jett’s Dad was 2 years old…make that 24 years ago…Nano doesn’t change diapers—Nana does!

So I call for Nana again. I say “JettJett needs his diaper changed!”

Then Jett—who has not moved since he stood up—still has “that” face on…like he’s working on something, or…something’s working on him!

Jett blurts out “No, Nana, No!!!…NANO!!!”

This kid is asking ME to change his diaper…we know that’s not gonna happen!!

So I tell Jett, “Nano has not changed a diaper for any of my grandkids. Nano doesn’t change diapers.”

Jett looks up at me, and opens his mouth and says, “Why?”

Nana is in the laundry room, and she yells, “Did he just ask you why?”

I just laughed sheepishly.

POINTS2PONDER Why is it that a child can put us on the spot and make us explain…our actions?

I have five grandchildren, ranging in age from six years to six months; all the others understood the deal: I play with them; Nana feeds and cleans them. Agreed!

Until today!

Jett just stood there—innocent in his question and silent in his wait…for an answer.

After what seemed like forever, Nano realized-- I didn’t have an answer!

Which meant….you guessed it….

Nano changed his first diaper…while Nana laughed uncontrollably and Jett just smiled that “Gotcha Nano!” smile.

Did I mention he had tacos for lunch?? You get the picture.

His father picked Jett up about an hour later. Dad walked in while Jett was walking away. Apparently one of Jett’s cheeks was hanging out.

He said, “Who changed his diaper?”

Nana and I just looked at each other -- and laughed!

"I'm Just Sayin" by Alan P. Scaglione

“He’s just doing his Best to improve His World!”

                                                                    

                                                                         “I’m Just Sayin’”


                                                                     by Alan P. Scaglione

So my wife got me this book by Katie Couric, “The Best Advice I Ever Got”, and it has advice from those who have been the kind of success that this world admires and seeks to emulate. There are remarks from some famous people espousing their wisdom based on their success in life. Katie put together this collection of advice for those just starting out in life…so they can learn from others…the ones who must have gotten it right…they’re successful, right?

Or are they?

After reading a few pages, it caused me to ask myself? “What’s the best advice I ever received and applied to my life?”

Funny….it comes from two places: I combined them into one-- to become my lifetime mantra.



The first: from an old guy who lived a long time ago...Shakespeare. He said, “To Thine Ownself Be True!”

That’s how I have always tried to live…true to self…looking myself in the mirror and asking…”Am I proud of the man I see?”

And in the moments when I am not, I set the course to get back to the place where I can see him again, in that mirror, and be proud to be me!



The second: from an old guy who lived a long time ago….and continues to live! It’s from Jesus. He said:

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you!”

Since I was 11 years old, when I made the best decision of my life, to accept Christ as my Savior, I have sincerely made that my #1 goal!

I have always set as the barometer in my life whether I was pleasing the Lord with my actions and my life. When I wasn’t, I sought forgiveness, set the course back to the direction that was pleasing to Him and did my best to do what was right in His eyes…my ultimate goal in my life!



I put these two together to make my life’s mantra:

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God…and you will always be true… to the “true” you!”



The Word says, “What does it profit a man to win the world…and lose his soul?” Mark 8:36



I know -- to the world, money=success; but I have never accepted that.

If it did, we wouldn’t see so many “successes of this world” put a gun to their head or a needle to their arm…and end their miserable life!

So I always knew: a true success must include peace of mind.



I’ve met people who were never financial scions of the industry, but…they smile, they laugh, they are at peace with the course of their life.

Did I mention? They each have a relationship with their Maker and look forward to meeting Him in Heaven.



If I were to share my quotes from successful people, those with “heart and soul” success, and give to those starting their life who want to be truly successful, here’s my collection:

- This world will either keep you from His Word or…His Word will keep you from this world!

- The BIBLE: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

- You can buy a lot of things, but you can’t buy peace of mind…only God can give you Peace in the Storm!

- Forgiveness helps the one who forgives more than the one forgiven- give it, even if no one is asking for it!

- When possible, live at peace with all men; when it’s not, move! Life is too short to stay angry with anyone.

- If you meet me and forget, you have lost nothing; but, if you meet Christ and forget Him, you have lost everything!

- You can never out give God; don’t be stingy with your giving if you don’t want Him to be stingy with His!



And you know what? I didn’t find a single one of these quotes in Katie’s book, but…I found a lot of them in God’s!

Who ya gonna believe? I think He’s got a longer history of being successful—

No matter how they try to ignore and replace Him—He’s still God!



Until next time,

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

Points2Ponder by Alan P. Scaglione

“Carpe diem! Seize the day!”

There he was, standing at the shore, drawn in by the roar of the tide, the cool of the breeze, the draw of the sheer fun of it all. Standing there, remembering what it was like to just be in the moment, not think of the consequences, the repercussions of his actions and its aftermath--all he wanted was…to walk into that water.


And he did….fully clothed, no change of clothes, no towel, no thought for the ride home in the car, drenched with the ocean water he just walked out into…

All he wanted was…to just respond to the moment…take in the air, really breathe it in, and…just live that moment…like he used to do…before the heart attack.

That spontaneous, in the moment, participant to life, not a stand on the sidelines spectator-- he used to be known for seizing the day, carpe diem!

POINTS2PONDER Why do we talk ourselves out of doing something that we want to do…out of fear of what others will say? Why can’t we just seize the day? When did our carpe diem get strangled and bound? Why did we stop being a kid just because we became an adult?

So…that was me, this past weekend. My wife and I took a drive past Melbourne, past Sebastian and found ourselves in Vero Beach, on the Atlantic.

And there it was that picturesque vista of summer breeze…those aqual teal inviting waves of liquid fun… calling my name!

I stood there on the shore, wanting to walk right into that water, but…

I didn’t have a change of clothes

I didn’t have a towel

I didn’t have anything to sit on in the car for the ride home

But…I wanted to respond to the draw of the water…that aqua teal vision of cool!

I stood there at the shore for what seemed like a million years… contemplating the consequences to my actions, like a mature adult would.

And then…like the guy I used to be…before my heart attack…I seized the day!

And I loved it!!!

Every minute of it…just taking back my spontaneity, my “make a memory” attitude, my “live in the moment” view to life!

As I walked into the water, each next step was more liberating than the last; each move toward the water was a step away from the shore!

I realized “fun” was not watching those waves from the shore; the exhilarating joy was waiting for me in the middle of those aqua waves!

I didn’t look at my wife as she pleaded, “honey, what are you doing? You don’t have a change of clothes? You can’t get wet? The ride home!”

Not this time…not gonna listen to reason, not gonna talk myself out of experiencing this “go for the gusto” moment, staring right at me!

This time…I was going to “seize the day!”

About 50 feet in, I finally did turn around…

There she was…laughing and smiling ear to ear…still on the shore, watching me…but vicariously, she was swimming with her husband!

And as we drove away, she didn’t even say a word about me hanging my shorts on the side of the window to dry!

She just laughed and said…”Good to have you back, baby…I’ve missed you!”

And I just smiled and thought…”yeh, it’s good to be back!”

I'm Just Sayin by Alan P. Scaglione

“My Favorite DAD: My Son and His Son!”

                                                                        “I’m Just Sayin’”

                                                                                                                   by Alan P. Scaglione

Father’s Day. It’s a day we pause to thank the man in our life who has been a father to us. That may be biological; may be heartDad! It’s the day when our country celebrates that role of leader of the pack-- The head of the house-- King of the Castle—man in charge – the chief kayuna! DAD!

But…in America—truth is, Dad is not always someone you celebrate. Instead, he may have been a deadbeat Dad, a biology donor, an absent father.

Let’s face it— Dads are not always looked up to, not always admired and adored, not always someone’s hero…sometimes, they’re just DUD, not DAD!

We know that…but, I also know…some of us are doing it right!

 Some men out there are still heroes to their kids, partners in parenting, committed to being an active participant in their child’s life.

 They’re: Available- Accessible- Approachable- Admirable! They make us proud to call them Dad!

Maybe you know one of these?

Just maybe, he’s:

your spouse - you see what a great father he is to your children even IF they are NOT his children—he loves them like they are!

your son - you’re amazed at what a great father he’s become, morphing from kid to dad, accepting the responsibility gladly!

your brother - you’ve seen him deal with divorce and seeing his kids less than he wants but always being present in their lives.

your father - biological or not, but he’s the one who always swoops in when you need reassurance and encouragement and…a bear hug!

Just maybe…we aren’t all deadbeat dads!

 The Word is pretty strong and clear concerning Dads:

-Proverbs 13:1 says that a wise son will follow the instruction of his father.

-Hebrews 12 states that whom the father loves, he disciplines; that’s such a bad word these days, but…discipline is instruction for growth.

-Ephesians 6 says fathers are not to provoke our children to wrath but nurture them.

-Proverbs 22 challenges fathers to raise them up in the way of the Lord; and when they are old, they will not depart.

When it comes to Dad’s role in a child’s life—We’re expected to be an example they can follow into adulthood!

Dad influences sons and daughters:

Sons grow up to treat their wife and children the way they saw their Dad act.

Daughters will seek out affection from all the wrong places if they don’t get it from the right place- Dad.  

It’s a heavy duty job, requiring hands on, on the job training; no man ever learned to change a diaper from a manual!

But today…I celebrate the DAD in Charge...the one you know who HAS been there for you, for your kids, for your nieces and nephews, your friends!

And so should you—right now, pick up that phone! Call that GOOD EXAMPLE of what a DAD can be!

Tell him how proud you are of him

Tell him you see his example in his children

Tell him he’s doing a good job in a hard situation

Tell him what a great reflection of HIS father he is--that may not be his earthly father; it may be his Heavenly Father!

 Isn’t God the best example of a DAD anyway? Never leaves us nor forsakes us yet loves us enough to teach us valuable lessons in life.

Sometimes, a man decides to become to his children the DAD he never had so they will have a good example of a man who loves being a dad!

My daughter gave me a plaque: “Anyone can be a father- it takes someone special to be a DAD!”

So on Father’s Day…. let’s celebrate the ones who are getting it right! That DAD – “Devoted And Dependable!”

They never talk about sacrifice—to them, it’s their privilege!

Got a couple of calls to make; bet you do, too!

Until next time,

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

Young love…aww, don’t you just love seeing it? Makes your heart smile and reminds us…when you were young and in love.

All of it: the giddy, nervous, smile that connects your ears; the butterflies in your stomach when you see them, not sure what to say, what to do; what they’ll say, what they’ll do. Yes, I remember it well.

My wife and I were invited to a wedding this past weekend, and we sat under twin oak trees, providing shade for this perfect spot, just enough for a gazebo and 50 white chairs. We were there to share in the wedded bliss of the young couple; just graduated from college in May, getting married in June. It was a perfect June afternoon, breeze in the air to lessen the heat of June in Florida. As I looked around, you could see it in the faces of the invited quests: anticipation.

 Anticipation for what? For witnessing the coolest thing…two hearts becoming one!

You don’t see the innocence of love much anymore. That look the couple shares that we get to witness: they have counted the months, weeks, days, hours and minutes until they will be surrounded by friends and family. Anticipation of the hope of their future, the joy of sharing their lives, the glee(yes glee!) over finally being together.

I’ll let you interpret the last part however you choose.

Most weddings today are after the kids have come or…in the way of some, while the bun is still baking in the oven.

I’ve actually heard them say, ”Yeh, we’re having a baby, but…marriage is just too big of a commitment”; you just smile, because you know-and soon, they’ll know too.

So you really don’t get to see “it” that often—you know it, that look only they share…they are just so in love, unaware of the challenges that may await them.

That’s for then; Today is all about love…and it IS contagious. Even we old timers catch it again just being around it. Don’t you wish they could bottle it?

POINTS2PONDER  Why do we allow the passage of time to fade the sheer joy of love we first felt when…we fell in love?

I watched the couple as they took each other’s hands to exchange rings— both so nervous—thought for sure they were gonna drop one!

But…the look, that look! They were just so in love with each other, so caught up in the moment, so full of joy and…anticipation!

And that’s just like it should be.

After the ceremony, while we waited in the barn (did I mention it was in a barn?) for the couple to join us, they played music.

One song came on that my wife and I used in our wedding. The words go like this:

“If in the morning, when you wake up, the sun does not appear…I will be here.

As sure as seasons are made for change, our lifetimes are made for years…I will be here!”

I leaned into my wife, started singing the song to her; we swayed to the music, reminiscing about our wedding 12 years ago.

And…unexpectedly, I remembered that feeling…

Anticipation—sure enough, it really was contagious!

Guess young love isn’t just for the young… some of us “notso young” still experience it, and…it feels real GOOD!!!!

Tasty Tuesdays........Recipes From My Granny McCleary's Collections

One of Granny's Recipe Holders

This weeks recipe is for Frosted Molasses Bars and Granny has written beside them "Very Good" and they certainly were!

Ingredients:
6 Tablespoons Oleo (Butter)
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Molasses
1 Egg
2 Cups Plain Flour
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Raisins
1/2 Cup Nuts ( I believe it says Pecans but not 100% sure) I would think that walnuts would be great as well or no nuts if you do not care for them.

Cream Oleo (Butter) , Sugar, Molasses, and Vanilla. Add Egg and beat until creamy.

Sift Flour, Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder together and add to creamed mixture above alternately with the milk. Once Milk and Flour mixture have been added into the creamed mixture stir in Nuts and Raisins.

Turn into a greased and floured Jelly Roll Pan (like a cookie sheet with sides). Bake 20 to 25 minutes at 350*
Remove from oven and while still hot spread with powdered sugar icing.

Powdered Sugar Icing (really a glaze)
1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla
2-3 Teaspoons Milk
Blend and pour over cake


Enjoy

I'm Just Sayin by Alan P. Scaglione

"Mama Mamie n her daughters who still call me Uncle Buck!"

  

"I'm Just Sayin"
by: Alan P. Scaglione

Sometimes, you lose contact with friends; sometimes, a disagreement happens that causes the breach. Sometimes, situations cause you to go in different directions; and sometimes, life just happens and friendships fade.

Have you ever wondered where those people are who were so important in your life at certain periods of the past?

Ever wish you could have them back in your life?

I know I have… And I said, if I had the chance, I would do things differently.

Sometimes…you DO get a do-over!

In fact, in the last six months, I have had five friendships renewed unexpectedly;

I am the one who is better for it. It’s my life that’s gained a friend. They have added value to my life!

And for that, I am thankful.

But…I had to be open to renewing each friendship.  I had to want to reconnect with these valuable people who were memorable parts of my past. So memorable, that I had to choose to put forth the effort to invite them back into my life, take the time to renew our connection, commit to being friends—again! When you get your do-over, you have to open your arms to your old friend.

My favorite scripture is Proverbs 18:24 “A man who has friends must show himself friendly; and there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother!”

I have always known that friendship is a two way street; it’s an investment of my heart into someone’s life.

Recently, a friend commented that I am the most thoughtful person they know; I immediately stated “friendship is about the details!”

A man who has friends must be friendly; you have to be open to friendship: not just receptive but open—with your heart.

People who don’t care-- don’t have friends. It’s the people who care who get cared about.

It’s the Word!

So, the value we placed on the fractured friendship determines the willingness to repair that breach in the relationship.

 Some relationships just die a natural death; they served their purpose for that time, but do you really “miss” them?

But…what about those “friends” you have missed?

 If you could have them back, how would it make you feel?

Try grateful!

Each of these five “found friends” honor me with their friendship:

-The Sunday school teacher who I always admired-He lives the Word and treats the world as his mission field.

-The Mama and her children who used to call me Uncle Buck. Her husband was my mentor growing up in the ministry.

-The old time pastor’s daughter who was always a friend to me, even during one of the toughest times of my life.

-The girl who taught me to play piano; and I passed it on by teaching my three children everything she taught me.

-The high school “best friend” who literally saved my life my senior year; she then made me her son’s godfather and named him after me.

I humbly welcome them back into my life and treasure their unique value. I am better for knowing each of them.

 That friend that sticks closer than a brother? He blessed each reunion and made it all happen. I thank HIM the most!

So…for those past friendships you think are long gone, keep yourself receptive. Who knows?

A text message or a Friend request; an email or a phone call; when it happens—just be a friend to your friend!

Because sometimes, the old ones are the BEST ones to have…BACK!

Until next time,

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

A case of "mistaken" identity by momma

Bella and Uncle David

Josh and Bella

Well.....I am now pretty sure I am getting old, losing my sight, and not being able to tell my boys apart! Yep at the ripe old age of 50 something I marked not one but at least 2 pics on my daughter-in-laws Face Book page with comments  such as "Bella sure loves her Uncle David" and something similar on the others as well.  It was not until I realized the shoes on the child (my grown child) were those of my son Josh and not David!!! Making the comments totally incorrect as they should have been Bella sure loves her "Daddy" and not Uncle David :)  How does it happen that you can not see clearly which child you are looking at???  At different times as they grew up people would ask "Are they Twins" or such as that and while I see a certain amount of resemblance they NEVER look like twins to me. I always thought David had more of the "Hembree" look from his daddy and Josh had more of the "McCleary" look from my side. When David started having children my thoughts on that changed a bit because people would say that Kaylee looks just like me BUT she also looks sooo much like her daddy so does he look like a McCleary??? I certainly can not look like a Hembree. At 3 years of age mine and Kaylee's pictures are sooo similar with the exception that her hair was curly with a heavy reddish tint and beautiful green eyes and my hair was very dark with dark eyes you know we are very related and as an infant she looked so much like her daddy. I look at my boys now and see that they look like their cousin Danny in so many ways so they are Hembree's but they are also McClearys and I think they are the most handsome boys around and love them dearly even if I can not tell them apart in a picture.

Now for the funny part...I called Josh over to the computer to see the pic of Josh holding Bella and feeding her an oatmeal cookie and he ask what she was eating, I told him and he THOUGHT it was a pic of David as well!!! See he can not even tell it is himself and then Heather admitted when she posted it she thought it was David as well soooo there you have it I am not getting old after all just have great boys that look similar at time and not so much at others.

Here are a few pics of Josh and David for your enjoyment including the ones causing the confusion on FB this week.



Hugs,

Suzann

Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

“Knock,Knock? Guess Who’s there? ”

Hello?


Knock, Knock?

Who’s There?

Orange?

Orange Who?

Orange ya glad I called ya?

Nano—it’s me, Mykai! I’m reading that knock,knock book you gave me last year.

Here’s another one!

And for 20 minutes, my 6 year old firstborn grandson read to me, one joke after another.

From the book I bought him last year and read to him—priceless!

POINTS2PONDER Why does it still surprise us that they grow up so fast? One minute they are learning to walk; next, they’re reading!

I listened and laughed and chuckled as he stumbled on the pronunciation of some words. He would say, “I don’t get that”, then Nano would help him pronounce the word he had just spelled—then he got it! And we laughed and giggled.

Here was walking through a door- a rite of passage for my grandson. His life was changing forever; and so was ours!

He was now a reader- in kindergarten, 2nd best reader in his class—my boy was reading to me!

He went on and on, page after page, reading his jokes. We laughed together, even when they weren’t funny.

He was entertaining his Nano, and he knew I loved every minute of it.

Then I heard my daughter call him to dinner. He said, “Nano, I have to go eat. Bye!”

And our memory making moment was over—but oh, what a moment!

I pondered what had just happened—and that parental pride welled up in me, along with a tear or two.

He was reading—our firstborn grandchild was reading—that was just so cool!

And yet? I was still surprised when I picked up the phone, and I heard “Knock, Knock!”

Tasty Tuesdays........Recipes From My Granny McCleary's Collections

Granny McCleary's Yellow Recipe Holder

I have decided for the summer to start sharing recipes from my Granny McCleary's extensive recipe collection. My Granny was perhaps the greatest cook I know and likely did not follow the recipes to a T however I do believe these will be correct and you can do as she did and just change them up as you please.  As my dear and wonderful Alan always says "Make a Memory" the foods that my Granny prepared for us are a wonderful memory and like her I have certain bowls that I like to make things in and I think my children and grandchildren will see this as time goes on just as I did and I will pass these bowls to the one(s) that want them. Now for our first treat!

Aunt Bea's Gingersnaps ( Aunt Bea was my Grandpa McCleary's Sister)
Ingredients:
3/4 Cup Soft Shortening (Like Crisco)
1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1/4 Cup Molasses
2 Cups Sifted Flour (Plain not self rising)
1/4 Teaspoon. Salt
2 Teaspoon Soda
1 Teaspoon each: Ginger, Gloves, Cinnamon
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Chill Dough thoroughly. Shape into small balls and roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Bake at 350* for 12 to 15 minutes.
Makes 4 dozen crinkly top cookies

This are totally awesome and really wonderful with a cold glass of lemonade on a hot day!

Enjoy!

Monday's Sweet Deals- Starts Monday morning at Midnight

Good morning Everyone,

Our sweet deal for this week is on GrannyZann's Little Guy Ties and Sammie Bags. Buy 1 get one 50% off. This offer is good for all Little Guy Ties and Sammie Bags currently listed and not on special orders. Please send me a quick convo prior to checking out so I can provide the discounted listing for you right away. Sweet Deal will run from Monday morning  at Midnight until Tuesday night at 11:59 PM.

Stop back by EVERY Monday for the latest specials and great deals!

I'm Just Sayin by Alan P. Scaglione



“Nano, Jett and Dad –3 Generations shooting Hoops!”

 



“I’m Just Sayin’”

by Alan P. Scaglione

Oh the things we’ll celebrate! But hey, every milestone in a child’s life is worth pausing and doing the happy dance, right?
Ummm…”The Happy Dance”—that’s something I do for my grandson Jett whenever he does something really spectacular!

Like when we shot some hoops playing basketball at his party—okay, okay, so I was the one getting the baskets.

And if you knew me, you’d understand why we were doing the happy dance—I am no Jordan when it comes to basketball.

Thus-why my 2 year old grandson was elated that I actually got a few of them in.

He did the “dance” with me! Hands in the air, turning around, marching his feet up and down, screaming “WooHoo!”

Now that’s a visual!
Just as important are those milestones, stepping stones, in a child’s life, on their way to independence from mom and dad.

Those moments when you know…soon and very soon, he won’t need me anymore…

And…it kinda makes you shed a tear…

Awww! It’s all those firsts…each a reason for celebration!
Like the first time… he “poopies in the potty!”
Yep—that’ right! My grandson has passed through yet another door on his way to independence—

He’s started that dreaded “long summer of potty training!”(Rule of thumb, first Summer after turning 2—that would be now!)
It’s a milestone, right? Every child has to go through it... let’s face it, we ALL want him to pass this milestone…

Maybe everybody but his mom. The rest of us—by October, no more diapers! Now, That’s Something To Celebrate!
This caused me to reflect on these celebrations, milestones, stepping stones from childhood to adulthood;

Don’t we have the same markers in our spiritual journey?
The Word talks about it like this:

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as I child;

But when I matured, I put away childish things. (I Corinth. 13:11)
And isn’t that every parent’s ultimate goal?

To produce a mature adult—who ever heard of a 30 year old crying “Mom, I poopied in the potty?”

If God is our Father, maybe that’s His goal, too?

Spiritually, isn’t it time for us to mature in the Word and in the reflection of Christ in our lives?
Think about your spirit man?

How long have you been in a relationship with the Lord?

Equate that to raising a child— based on your age, where would you be?

Think you should be further along than you are?
He has so much He wants to show you, teach you, reveal to you.
There so much of His Word that we can apply to our lives—

We just settle for repeating what we’ve heard in a sermon.
How are you going to know what God says unless…You read His Word?
I just completed reading a Psalm a day—not a lot to ask.

I have to prepare you—Psalm 119 may take more than a minute to read.

But…just a psalm a day…

150 days—a child couldn’t do that, but a mature adult could.
Let me challenge you—set this milestone as a goal—Read His Word.

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path!”
– Let me know when you find that one!
And I promise, no matter where I am— For YOU - I will do the “happy dance” !
Let’s face it-- You can only stand around a toilet so many times cheering “poopies in the potty!”
Until next time,

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”