family

I love having my family near me. I think we underestimate the value of a close family. I did not grow up around my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. My girls have been blessed to have not only grandparents around, but great-grandparents, great aunts and uncles, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. We don't have a big family, but what we do have, we know.

I've offered (threatened) to build a compound for our family. I like the idea of an acreage that has houses on every corner for someone and a pool, fire-pit, gathering area in the middle. Course, my family looks at me like I'm crazy, but I'm not giving up on the idea. I'm not I tell you. At least not in my head... :-)

Anyway, that's my niece and nephew up above. They call me Nana. I like it and I've known them since before they were born and I've loved them.

Isn't it great to know God has known us even longer than that and has loved us. Does love us. Just as we are, warts and all. This is one of my favorite passages of scripture. I hope it speaks to you.

peace.

Psalm 139

O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,"
even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain! Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!