I watched a family cross the street today...

I watched a little family cross the street on the way to school today.

Little brother is small, arms reaching up to hold tightly to

Big sister older and wiser walks alertly, so proud and careful. She holds onto her the little boys hand in love, looking both ways as they cross the busy street.

Holding tight to brother's other hand is Dad, straight and tall, wearing his son's small backpack. Upon his shoulders rests the safety of his children. They are trusting in him to get them safely to the school.

How like a Dad to let his daughter help lead the youngest along the way. Yet how obvious it is watching them that Dad is the true protector and shield against the dangers of this walk in the world.

And how this little scene reminds me of us. We are God's daughters and sons, so proud to give ourselves to help guide others on their way to Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life. So thrilled to think we can help someone on their journey to the Lord.

But all the while, on the other side, holding fast to their hand, is our loving Father, leading, guiding, protecting, taking care of both of us. Our heaviest burdens resting lightly on His strong shoulders, He leads us home in safety and love.

Thank You Jesus for reminding me what an awesome blessing it is that You choose to use unworthy, but willing hearts to use, blessing us amazingly for Your work here on earth.

Ruth, A Portrait, The Story of Ruth Bell Graham

Another glorious read, I finished this book over the weekend and I enjoyed it immensely! Ruth Graham is a courageous, stubborn, strong, independent, humble, prank-pulling, soft-hearted, sharp-tongued,family-loving, make-up wearing woman who has had a life-long love for her God. I was inspired and encouraged reading about this woman who isn't perfect, disagrees with her husband (and he's BILLY GRAHAM) and tells him so and has led such a wonderful life of serving and loving Jesus.

Here's my review:

What a relief to read that Ruth Graham wears make-up! Seriously, this insightful look at "the woman behind the man" is the story of a real woman, strong, independent, and full of good humor and pranks, compassionate and absolutely in love with Jesus."After it was finished, we did not speak for eight years", Patricia Cornwell says about writing the biography of life-long friend Ruth Bell Graham. With a line like that I was hooked, knowing I was going to hear the true story of Mrs. Graham, not just a "halo polishing" portrait. What emerges is a clear picture of a woman who is in love with Jesus and sold out to God.

"Brimming with anecdotes from four decades this is a biographical journey with stops at many of our country's epoch-making events."From Ruth's childhood in China, through her days at Wheaton College, marriage to Billy, being the anchor for the family, the homemaker/house builder and "wife of Billy Graham" Ruth's character shines through. Stubborn, compassionate, funny, adventurous, accepting, humble, Ruth is as fine an example of a woman of God as you would ever want to read about. She is not perfect, but forgiven and has spent her life seeking to give that hope to other sinners. Some of my favorite stories were those about how unimpressed she (and Billy) is with the celebrity & celebrities that surround them. Ruth is definitely "no respecter of persons", but treats each soul as a precious child for whom Jesus died.

The cover notes end with "Patricia Cornwell has seen firsthand the courageous spirit of Ruth Bell Graham, and gives us a full, rounded, and intimate portrait of one of America's truly extraordinary women."I could not have said it better.

COME LITTLE LEAVES

COME LITTLE LEAVES
by George Cooper

"Come, little leaves" said the wind one day,
"Come over the meadows with me, and play;
Put on your dresses of red and gold;
Summer is gone, and the days grow cold."

Soon as the leaves heard the wind's loud call,
Down they came fluttering, one and all;
Over the brown fields they danced and flew,
Singing the soft little songs they knew.


"Cricket, good-bye, we've been friends so long;
Little brook, sing us your farewell song-
Say you're sorry to see us go;
Ah! you are sorry, right well we know.

"Dear little lambs, in your fleecy fold,
Mother will keep you from harm and cold;
Fondly we've watched you in vale and glade;
Say, will you dream of our loving shade?"

Dancing and whirling the little leaves went;
Winter had called them and they were content-
Soon fast asleep in their earthly beds,
The snow laid a soft mantle over their heads.


I've loved this sweet poem since my daughter brought it home one fall afternoon long ago when she was in second grade. Researching it today, I found it is also a song. Anyone else familiar with it?

The year of reading gloriously continues with a biography of Ruth Bell Graham. Review will follow soon, I trust.