Blessed [highly favored by God, prosperous and to be envied] is the one that does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way [follows after, taking advice from, or heading the example] of the wicked, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. Psalm 1:1
Welcome to Friday!
But their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law [precepts and teachings] they meditate day and night. Psalm 1:2
Life is a grand and beautiful blast. No one else but the Master could take the broken pieces, the chips and dents, the mix-ups and mashups, highs and lows and create from them a work of art. This week has been a masterpiece of intricately woven blessings and challenges, highs and lows and of course one constant - His perfectly irresistible and totally unconditionally love front and center and all around it all. Welcome to Friday!
So, last week as I was still recovering from being sick I had to head out to work. We had visitors from our parent company. As I made my way, hacking and coughing and barely in shape to go, Emma asked me if I was going to work. This week as I made my way to the door Emma would ask if I was going to work and if I had to go to work. And not only that, she also started asking me "Why?" Now, at first she was happy with a just because. Until Wednesday and Thursday (I think). On one of these days she asked again and wasn't satisfied with "because," so I said that I go to work so that I can help take care of her. Now today as I grabbed my bags to head out the door Emma asked if I was going to work. I said "Yes." Then she asked again, "Why was I going to work?" But this time, before I could answer with "So I can take care of her," she replied, "You can take care of me from home!"
Truthfully, somehow her probing eyes and honest questions are daily reminders, making me actually stop and think, "Why do I go to work?" Still thinking... and double checking...
So, how are you doing? How was your week? Did you have any deep and surprising conversations? Any moments of reflection and times to ponder your direction and journey? How is your day going and how have things been in your neck of the woods? I hope that you are in the middle of an awesome and fantastic Friday, and I hope that your week has been full, fun and a fabulous display of God's beauty and love.
*** Another disclaimer, I am very long winded today ***
We are doing well. We have been enjoying the summer and the return of the older girls from Salkehatchie. Well, some of the crew has enjoyed them more than others. Sydney and Paige were definitely enjoying the freedom and power of being the oldest two in the house while Cassarra and Gabbi where away at camp. Ava and Emma were glad to have their big sisters home, and so were their parents. They had some great stories to tell about camp, working, and thinking about the relationship with Christ and serving others. Please be sure to ask Cassarra and Gabbi to tell you all about it. I am proud of the two of them for going to camp and for recognizing how much of an impact they are having.
Trish and I enjoyed our date night. We went to "Old Chicago" pizza in the Vista, ran into one of our old friends from high school, and then went on to enjoy a fabulous meal and delightful and insightful conversation. As always, I love talking with Trish and I particular enjoy having her all to myself. Call me selfish, but with six kids I think one night a week isn't being too terribly selfish. We also had a great time playing cards and catching up.
The girls had a great week. We had a great dinner last night. The boys (my two nephews from Georgetown) were over at dinner. We had some good jokes, a lot of laughs, and told a bunch of stories. They told us about their trip to the pool. Yep, all the girls went to the pool. Even Emma got into the water. I made dinner last night a shrimp and tomato based soup with smoked sausage. I added cheese to mine as well. My nephew Jaziah and little Ava didn't have soup and so they missed out.
Cassarra has gone to work several days this week. She even treated herself to a taste of an 8 hour workday. She wasn't too thrilled at the end of those shifts.
Gabbi took me to the movies to see "Now You See Me 2." It was fun going to the movies with Gabbi. It was her treat for Father's Day. We went to one of the last late night shows, so getting home after 12 and waking up before 5 was a bit tough. The movie was really good, even better than the first.
Syndey has been burning through her summer reading. She also had flute lessons this week at school. It is part of her pitch to stay at the Irmo Middle School and part of her being just that talented and committed.
Paige, Ava and Sydney have been keeping everyone busy with a variety of things. There newest thing was playing Monopoly together. Ava doesn't fully understand the game, yet she has won already. I played once this week, and the end result was I had to treat the non-winners to a Slushie. Something about "all the property, money, and etc" and "they didn't expect to loose." I did promise that next time I would take it easier on them.
Emma made us all laugh with another funny conversation. Trish informed me that Emma wouldn't work on her letters. So I asked Emma why she wasn't working on her letters. Emma replied, "Babies don't do homework." Wow! Mind you now, when I asked if she was a baby, she replied she was not a baby. Homework aside, she is still enjoying the summer activities and mini excursions we all make.
Trish was working on a lot of photos mid week and enjoying some of the Bible studies that she is working through. She is reading a devotional and study guide by Priscilla Shirer. We are both working on the War Room Prayer study. She has done so many other amazing things this week that I could fill up the next few hours with. Everything from poems, to encouragement, laughter and jokes, dinner and lunch, trips and little excursions. The girls are blessed and so am I.
Well, I hope you are doing well. I pray that you will have an absolutely wonderful weekend. Enjoy the 4th and all the fun, food, and festivities it will bring. Please don't light any fireworks while in your hand this weekend. Please stay safe traveling and be sure to get some rest. Eat a few extra hotdogs or burgers for me. I plan to throw something on the grill, maybe some Red Hots. May you be surrounded by love and deeply blessed today and as always...
Welcome to Friday!
I am thankful
- Trish
- getaways w/
- date nights w/
- conversations w/
- being prayed for by
- time at the movies w/ Gabbi
- spending time w/ Emma and Ava
- trips to the Y to workout (its been awhile)
- Bible study
- Movies @ home
- laughter and jokes
- game times w/ the girls
- my children, all of them
- Slushie runs
- dinners and jokes
- early mornings w/ Sydney and Paige
- siblings
- friendship
- encouragement
- jokes and laughter
- parents
- two of the best parents - ever!
- yes, I am biased and I am blessed.
- in-laws
- the best in-laws - period!
- yes, I am biased.
- extended family
- friends
- tears
- scriptures - Trying to memorize more
- Basketball
- good music to listen to while working on peer reviews
- Go Cavs*
- coffee
- time to write (esp. today)
- Friday
- holiday weekends
- health
- getting over this sinus infection
- new t-shirts
- celebrating children's day
- dinner @ home
- dessert(s)
- joy
- prayer
- memories
- surprises
Gracious God, we have so much to be thankful for. Even in difficultly we praise you for your comfort, your healing and your power working things out on our behalf. In success we rejoice that you are victorious and our success is but a foretaste of our eternal and triumphant life in Christ and w/ Christ. In darkness we still cling fast to hope, knowing that you are the light of the world - come so that we might not remain or dwell in darkness. In times of great light we worship because in your light we find life, hope, and love. Gracious God, we are thankful for everything from your hand and we wait, with high expectations for what you will do next. And we ask that you would make our hearts and minds truly grateful for each breath, each moment, every memory, and all our blessings.
With love (& in triumph), Cassius Rhue
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