Every Little Girl Needs An Aunt Judy

Yesterday was a really hard day for me.   I think very few people can understand how hard it was for me to loose one of the most important women in my life.

I was around four years-old when Judy came into my life.  She was married to my uncle earlier but she became part of my life as they divorced.  Judy was a beautiful lady in every sense of the word.  She had the prettiest, softest skin, she was both gracious and graceful, and she was very stylish.  As a five year-old I loved to watch her put on make-up and put "Dippity Doo" in her hair.  

While we lived in Washington, D.C. at the same time, she would take me to see musicals and she cultivated my love for Julie Andrews through "The Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins."  We stayed in touch over the years even though we no longer lived in the same city.  I would send her letters and she would send me letters with pictures of her family.  It was impressive to watch her develop her career and then develop her family.  

When I was 18 I saved up enough money to visit her in D.C.  It was great seeing her so happy and I loved watching her as a young mom.  We talked about all of the ups and downs of life and shared many special moments.  We concluded my time with her taking me to see "A Chorus Line."

Judy and I continued to stay in touch.  I shared all of the big events of my life with her, the blessings and the challenges.  She was always a good listener and encourager.  She supported me through college, marriage, raising my children, and through developing and pursuing my dreams.

When my father died my mother graciously gave us some money to spend however we wanted to.  I wanted to give our children the experience of Washington, D.C.  My children were 13 and 16 and I wanted them to love the city as much as I did.  When I was planning the trip Judy offered for us to stay with her and her husband.  I wanted my girls to know Judy as much as Washington.  They instantly loved her.

I was able to see her one more time a number of years later.  This time Bill and I were able to enjoy a dinner out and share all of the memories of the past.   We also talked about family and our faiths. 

Judy has been a powerful influence on me as a woman and I cherish every moment I have had with her, whether it was in person or on the phone.  I can imagine the tender kiss Christ gave Judy as He welcomed her home.  

I will miss being able to pick up the phone and call Judy tremendously.  I love her so, so much.  My only hope is that I can be the same kind of role model she has been to me.  

With all my love, Judy...

Firmly Planted

January 1, 2017, who knows what it will bring.  My sweet daughter Bethany bought me my new planner for Christmas.  My planner is expensive, $50 to be exact, but I love it.  It helps me set goals, how I am going to meet those goals, and evaluates my progress.  It was a sacrifice for her but she is always so supportive of my goals and aspirations and understands my need for certain tools.

I have spent a portion of today thinking through my goals for 2017.  It is always a delicate balance between being a planner and letting God have the reins.  I always try to keep moving forward knowing that at any moment I may need to let go or change course.

The sermon today at church struck me.  We are always surprised by trials.  We don't anticipate them, we don't expect them, and we are shocked when they hit.  Why am I surprised?  Why do I sometimes react with, "Did I do something wrong?" or "Why is God not there?"  We know that in this world we will have trials.  We know there will be heartache.  Our job is to be ready when the storms come.  I have had many trials over the years.  Sadly, even though many of those have been tragic, they are common and have been a part of many people's journey.

For 2017 I am changing my focus on a few things.

• Understand that the storms will come.  Don't be surprised by them.
• Be ready for the storms and have my feet firmly planted.
• Keep holding God's hand. 
• Look for ways for any trial to bring others closer to God.
• When the storm runs out of rain, stop, listen and marvel at how God has brought me through the storm.
• Lastly, don't let the storms cloud the days that are sunny.  Yes, we will have trials, but we will also have many, many sunny days ahead.