Mary's Heartbeats

34 years ago, at the age of 29, I married GQ on a snowy day in a little wedding chapel in Reno, Nevada.  Many thought our marriage wouldn't last---a second marriage for both of us.  But here we are, seven dogs later, a wonderful son and daughter-in-law, a house we've lived in for the past 26 years; differences abound, but still faithfully loving one another when all is said and done. I don't always get it, Lord, but indeed You have exceeded all my expectations these past 34 years.  What will the next 34 bring?  And here I sit with a "Kay Jeweler" package before me this early morning.  A surprise for me as extravagant gifts have not been our thing.  GQ is often a man of few words---but deep within him is a heart of solid gold. Thank you Lord for being so good to me these 34 years!! I'm recalling one of my mother's questions, she asked me long ago.  "Is he good to you, Mary?"  And I responded, "Yes, Mom, He's good to me," with full as...

What a mess! The blue toilet water ran like a cascading waterfall over the sides of the white porcelain seat. I ran to grab towels to sop up the mess. The bad news was that earlier that day the washing machine had busted out its "shut off valve" for filling up the bin. That too ended up being a flood zone, but now I definitely needed its services to wash up these disgusting towels. I would have to figure out some way to make it work. Then comes the news that a coworker has tested positive for the dreaded COVID19 virus. Thanksgiving plans were definitely in question. In just a few short hours, life again took an unexpected turn! Thanksgiving has held a very special meaning to me, especially over these past 2 years, as it marks the anniversary when I was first told of my cancer.  God has continued to show grace and mercy to me, and I am only here to be an image of that special favor.  I still do not fully comprehend the why and how that has been, but I  am deeply gra...