THE GREAT IMITATOR!

Today is not any different from any other day; Jude is making me smile again! This time a chuckle partners with the smile.

One of our favorite outings is going to the library.  On our last trip one of the movies Jude selected was "Happy Feet"!  It is about a little penguin who loves to dance.  This week we watched the movie and Jude loved it!  He did have a lot of questions, but what 3 year old doesn't?  It was today I discovered how closely he was paying attention...

This morning Jude arrived at Granna's with a little yellow kick ball.  Later when we were playing he had his tummy laying on the ball rolling back and forth.  I said, "Jude, are you exercising?"  He said, "This is what my daddy does."  I thought, "That is sweet that he watched his daddy exercise.".    Of course, from little ones the imagination sometimes crosses with reality.  That is a type of exercise and from Jude's eyes that is what his daddy was doing.

Soon after, Jude has this ball between his legs and walking side to side.  Assuming he was still exercising I said, "Are you still exercising?". Without a blink or a smile he states, "No.  I'm a penguin!".  Oh my!  I laughed and laughed!   You would too, if you have seen "Happy Feet" or know that the male penguin incubates the egg until it hatches.  He balances the egg on his feet between his legs.

Jude did not miss a thing in this movie.  He watched, he learned and as you see in the pictures, he imitated.

I heard someone say, "BE WHO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO BECOME."

Jude gave me another smile, but he also made me think.

UNCOMMONLY COMMON!

Lessons can be learned within each chapter of life's story if we will just listen to the storyteller – God.  Again, God reveals His great love through my grandson, Jude. 

A conversion van named “Rosie” is new to our family, but, not new to my life.  I have known her for 14 years.  She and I first met when the gospel trio I sang with, Southern Charm, purchased her for our traveling needs.  Yes, I name my vehicles and when I became the sole owner of “Rosie” the name she received back in 1999 stayed with her.  I promise there is a reason I am telling you about “Rosie”.   She is now also a part of Jude’s life; she is his ride to preschool.

So, since “Rosie” is a big girl, I have to arrive early to Jude’s preschool to get a parking space she fits in along the curb.  A few days ago we arrived early and just took in the scenery as we waited for the opening of the door to learning!

Waiting in the van I glance out the front window and see fluttering going on in the shrubs.  “Look, Jude!  There are sparrows!  Do you see them?”  I watch for his eyes to glisten meaning he has found what he was searching for.  “Yes, Granna, I see them!”  The lesson begins...  

Jude is facing forward, very still and has a concentrated stare toward the shrubs.  He then makes a very serious statement, “I have to face this way, Granna, so the birds can see my hair.  I want them to see I have hair like them.”  As you will see in the picture of Jude, his hair is very much in style with the bangs up in the front.  Although a sparrow's hair doesn't stick up that much, I still hear God.  Through this child’s eyes God has shown me once again how all of His creation is connected with a story to tell.

This Bible scripture is a portrait of love and provision as Jesus speaks of a little sparrow; “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:30-31.

If God loves and takes care of even the little sparrow, how much more will He take care of us?  Just like the sparrow, we all have needs and God is our provider; uncommonly common.

The door to preschool opens and Jude runs in to learn.  I leave in “Rosie” having already learned.   Driving away I have a smile on my face and am praising God for His provision!

GIVING HIS ALL!

It is amazing to hear Jude pray for others from the depths of his soul; makes me want to be more aware of the needs that surround me.  Today with Jude as our exercise leader it is a miracle my body survived!  But, it did and we had fun!  Oh and his laugh is so infectious and always makes me feel better... and smile.

Another day with Jude is guaranteed sunshine!  Today beams of sunshine are bouncing off the walls!  Jude is here!!!

After PawPaw cooked breakfast with love we sit down to enjoy the meal and each other.  He cooked eggs, bacon and biscuits; Jude chose biscuits and bacon!  Yum!  I told Jude, “We need to pray.” I was referring to thanking God for this wonderful meal!  Jude’s thoughts were somewhere else; his soul…

He prayed, “Heavenly Father, Thank you for my daddy.  Help his knee to get better and help him to put ice on his knee.  I love you, Jesus.  Amen!”  Every morning before breakfast Jude always prays thanking God for our food.  Apparently, he had a deep concern for his daddy; he had injured his knee while training for a marathon in memory of Briley Faith, his daughter, Jude’s little sister.  Normally, Jude is ready to dig into the breakfast plated in front of him.  Today, his daddy mattered more.  His thoughts were directed off of himself and on someone else.  Many times we are so concerned about what desires and even problems that are “plated” in front of us that we miss opportunities to “exercise” prayer; a helping hand for others.

So, our day continues and Granna has this great idea to exercise to music.  WHAT was I thinking?  Jude was the exercise leader!  I asked him what song he wanted to use and he said “Power In The Blood!”  This is one of many gospel songs I recorded with my dear friends and ministry partners, Diane and Karen.  Our group name is “Southern Charm” and we sang together for 17 blessed years!  It warms my heart that my grandson loves to listen to us.  So, I take a deep breath ready for my exercise leader to begin our workout.  Oh my body…

As soon as the first note jumps through the speakers Jude is sprinting across the room.  From the couch to the kitchen tagging the refrigerator and back again, over and over.  His little legs won’t stop or even slow down for Granna!  Tag the fridge, run to the couch!  Tag the fridge, run to the couch!  Thinking he might give me a cute answer, I ask him, “Jude, what is the name of this exercise?”  Matter of factly he states, “Running!”  Duh!  The song ends.  Relief!  What?  He wants another song?  He said only fast songs?  Breathe, Granna, breathe…

He chooses “What A Beautiful Day”.  It is more of a medium speed; I can do this!  Now he wants to go around and around holding hands.  Okay, easy enough.  Again, I ask the question, “What is the name of this exercise?”  He immediately says, “Ring Around the Roses!” The song ends and Jude presses on!  “What’s the next song, Granna?”  “Oh, there is a next song?  You want to keep moving?  Really?”  With excitement he exclaims, “Yes!”  I didn’t know he had so many gears!  Again he accelerates giving his all!  As I’m watching Jude exercising his little body, mine finally begins to give in to sisters, “Push” and “Pull”!

While I’m looking for an easy listening CD another fast song called “God Did It!”plays.    My heart is pounding fast, my steps are slower and I’m thinking, “Can Granna do it?”  I can for Jude, and I did.  Here we go again in full force from the couch to the refrigerator!  Uh oh… looks like he’s pulling a new one on me!  Now he is running sideways crossing his legs over.  “Jude, what’s that exercise move?”  He says, “Football!”  Yep, it was an exercise that I’ve seen football players do.  Hmmm… he might be ready for the Razorbacks sooner than we think!  Following my leader, Granna does these sideway sprints!  He is running hard and giggling at the same time!  Probably laughing at how my body tries to catch up with itself!  I’m feeling we need a cool down song…

Finally, the song “Rest In Me”; the cool down begins.  “Do this, Granna.” I look over and Jude is moving his arms like a bird flying.  Ahhh… my kind of exercise; slow and easy on the “old”.  Good one, grandson.  “What is the name of this exercise?”  I was not prepared for the answer to be so true to sight.  “Wings!” he says.  Surely he didn’t get the name of this exercise from seeing the extra cushion on my arms waving in the air as I’m trying so desperately to fly! 

Jude was better than any trainer or exercise video I have ever had!  He gave me reason to press on and give my all; my love for him. 

We ended with another exercise that is a little different but much needed for the mind; learning scripture.  “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”  Proverbs 17:22  We laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed some more!    

My soul is full from a child’s prayer, my body learns about pressing on, and I am mindful of the joy God continues to bring.   My Jude gives his all; soul, body and mind giving Granna many smiles!

MY LITTLE SUPER HERO FIREMAN!

Where do I begin in telling this story?  How can I convey the gentle touches God gives me through my more than wonderful grandson, Jude?  Only through God.  Thank You, my precious Heavenly Father, for this gift of infinite value! 

My grandson, Jude is into cars, trucks, tractors, rockets, anything fast, sports and hunting. He has a few favorite super heroes he loves to mimic and he wants to be a fireman when he grows up so he can rescue babies.  He used to say he wanted to be a fireman so he could put out fires and rescues cats out of trees.  Rescue babies… he just recently started saying that, at least as far as I know.  Was it his way of saying he misses his little sister who is now in heaven?  Could it be that Jude, the protective big brother wished he could have rescued Briley Faith?  Well, one day this past week Jude, my little super hero fireman rescued me…

This past week I just started babysitting a sweet 9-month old little girl named Ava.  I thought I had prepared my emotions.  Although I tried my best to not go back to December 11, 2012, the day Briley Faith graced heaven, there I was in the midst of sadness brought on from the “my wants” moments.  I wanted to hold my granddaughter in these arms so bad, feed her, rock her, cuddle with her, have tea parties and teach her how to bake.  But, that was not in God’s plan. 

Since Jude had never met Ava, when I dropped him off at preschool I told him that when I pick him up I will be bringing a new little friend.  Her mom had dropped her off and we are now headed out to pick up Jude.  My new little passenger is seated in her car seat next to Jude’s car seat in the back.  We are now parked waiting for school to let out.  I was contemplating on how Jude would do.  I knew he would be gentle and kind because I have seen him that way with other babies; but that day just seemed different.  Probably because I was missing my granddaughter.  My thoughts are interrupted by the sounds of little girls and boys laughing and playing in the yard; a signal that the door has opened.  There he is standing at the door looking and waiting for Granna.  Jude runs out as soon as he gets a glimpse of me at the bottom of the steps!  He was very excited to see his new friend.  They are buckled in and we head home.  Quietly I’m enjoying what I am seeing in my rearview mirror.  Without talking, Jude is looking over at Ava with a continuous smile on his face.  He is trying out all kinds of smiles; the crooked smile, the all teeth smile, the tight lipped smile and the puffy cheek smile!  He is so funny!  Then, he gently touches her.  He says, “Granna, I touched her cheek!  She won’t smile.  Why won’t she smile?”  I realized he was trying every smile style he could just to make her smile!  I said, “She is probably just trying to figure out who her new friend is.”

It is quiet again until…

Suddenly, Jude lifts his hand up to the sky with the “I love you” sign and says out loud, “I love you Briley.  I love you Briley Faith!”  He has done this before; just out of the blue acknowledges his little sister.  But this time immediately he looks over at Ava and proudly states, “I have a baby sister.”  He wants to make sure she knows this very important fact.  Without warning, silent tears stream down my face.  I am thankful he can’t see.  Quiet remains. 

God did this.  The only time I ever mention Briley Faith to Jude is if he talks about her first.  Today was no different; he was not prompted in our conversation at all.  That is how I know this was from God.

This wasn’t just any drive home for me.  It was driving home a lesson I continue to learn…

Through my tears that started that morning with the “my wants”, I began thinking of how Jude tried everything he could and every type of smile to make his new friend happy.  It reminded me of life as God’s child.  He puts all types of smiles all around me.  The laughter smile, the flower smile, the “I’m not hungry and have a roof over my head” smile, the family and friends smile, the Jude smile, the 61 beautiful, purposeful days with Briley Faith smile, and so many more!  God gives me so much to smile about!  Thinking upon those treasures distracted me from “my wants” and my tears began to dry.

As mentioned by our associate pastor, “If we don’t have Christ in our life we have no power.”  Sometimes I need reminders to get my thoughts back on Christ and tap into His power for my needs.

My grandson, my little super hero fireman reminded me again of God’s faithfulness, strength, love and mercy; power that always turns my tears into smiles.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

ONE DADDY!

My days consist of the joy of watching my grandson, Jude.   Although today is little Jude’s 3^rd birthday, I am the one who gets a gift everyday in the form of love and smiles! 

When Jude comes for his daily visit, I not only want to have loads of fun and games to play, but, I also try to teach him a few little things.  This particular day we were reviewing the letter “D”.

We did the phonic moves and uncovered words that started with the letter “D”; “d-d-d dog, d-d-d daddy”.  Jude got the hang of it really quick!  Of course, he did, he’s my grandson! 

Sounding it out went great and now it was time to write it down.  So, on a piece of paper I wrote the letter “D” in uppercase and lowercase.  He needed to learn both, right?  Well, once again God used a simple learning to teach a big lesson; not to Jude, but, to me!

Here is how it looked on paper:  D = Daddy and d = daddy.  I said. “See, D for daddy!”  Jude glanced at the paper then pointed to the uppercase D and said, “What does that “D” stand for, Granna?”  I said, “D for Daddy!”  Giving me his full attention, absorbed in the moment, he points to the lowercase “d” and asks the same question, “So, what does that “d” stand for?”  Proud of his attentiveness, again I say, “D for daddy!”

Here comes the lesson…

In frustration, Jude shakes his head and correcting me with such boldness he says, “No! No!  It’s not for daddy!  I don’t have two daddies!”  I smile and say, “You are right, you only have one daddy.”

There are many things in our daily life that can become our “gods”; work, entertainment, family, etc.  Jude’s statement made me look into my own life.  Are there times I have set my Heavenly Father, God above all, to the side?  Is He really first in my life? 

That day, Jude learned the letter “D” and I revisited the Ten Commandments.  Number one is Exodus 20:3, “You shall have no other gods before me.”  If I want life to be fulfilling, purposeful and secure, I must spend more intimate time with Him, my heavenly daddy.  Like Jude’s commitment to his daddy, my life must reflect my commitment to God.  Besides that, it is a commandment.  There is only one God. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUDE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SMILES!

If you would like to know this Savior, our only answer, our only hope, please email me at k.fogarty02@gmail.com and I will be glad to share the story.  It's my FAITH ASSIGNMENT.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

GOOD JOB!

My grandson, Jude is definitely one who loves to help and encourage!  Here are a few examples.

When Jude stays with me we have our normal routine of around 1p.m. he takes a nap.  So, this day, once again Jude crawls up into PawPaw’s and Granna’s bed all snuggled under the covers.  He likes for me to sing two songs or sometimes three before he closes his eyes.   I ask him, “What songs do you want me to sing today?”  He says, “E-I-E-I-O” (aka Old McDonald), Jesus Loves Me and Surely the Presence!”  Lying there so quietly he listens as I sing the first song, second song, then as soon as song number three was complete he popped up off his pillow and with a big “thumbs up” he says. “Good job, Granna!”  I love to smile and that’s what Jude does for me.

Now, Jude enjoys so much to spend time with his Boompa & Mimi, and Pops & Idgie!  He also encourages them!  This is a day Pops told me about and I will share with you.

Pops and Idgie live in a picture perfect house snug in the middle of tall pines.  If you drive up at night and the porch light is on, it looks like a Thomas Kincaid painting!  Not far from them live Paw Tom and Memaw (Jude’s great grandparents). 

Jude and his mommy and daddy (Josh and Crystal) were enjoying a visit at Pops and Idgie’s house.  High winds were expected to come and there was this dead tree near the power lines at Paw Tom’s and Memaw’s house.  It needed to be cut down so the winds would not cause it to fall and cause damage.  So, Pops, Idgie, Josh, Crystal, Jude, PawTom and Memaw head out for a tree cutting adventure!  Pops has everyone stand back at a safe distance from the tree.  He first cut a few small limbs then here comes the big one!  Dead tree meets mean saw in Pops hands!  Jude looks on in anticipation!   Timber!  As soon as the tree SMACKED the ground, Jude lifts his arms and is “fist pumping” saying, “Way to go, Pops!  Good job!”  Everyone is smiling, especially Pops!

 This should be a lesson to all of us.  Instead of being critical or negative we should share encouraging words, lifting each other’s spirits and saying “Good job”!

Romans 14:19

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

JUDE & POPS!

I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU!

Out of the mouth of my grandson, Jude, are words that continue to make me smile.  As soon as they do, whether it is in my car or at home, I write them down to return to later.  Words I don’t want to forget.  Moments to treasure that must be kept for me to read since my memory tends to lose a few.  I now keep a small notepad in my purse ready to capture the moments in ink.  God uses children more than we think.  Instead of just smiling in the moment, I’ve chosen to listen to the message.

It doesn’t matter if it is raining outside, there is always sunshine around little Jude!  A constant brightness and warmth to my days!

Jude has been potty trained for a long time.  One thing that is a little different than most is he sits on the toilet backwards!  To do so, he removes everything from the waist down.  I promise I am going somewhere with this… just wanted to add that part of the story because I, Granna, thinks it is cute… just like Jude. 

Anyway, this one day when he is done going to the potty, I hear him talking in the restroom.  I peek around the corner.  He is putting his pants back on.  As I look on, I see his arm stretched out pulling up at the bottom of his jeans to help get his foot through.  While he is doing this, he is talking to his toes.  I hear him say in a sweet voice, “Come out of there!  Come out of there!  Let me see those toes!”  I lean back on the door frame and smile.

Another time he kind of does the same thing.  After his nap he always gets a snack.  I hand him a little “Jude size” bag of pretzels.  He sits in my recliner eating his snack and watching a movie we picked out at the library.  His little hand reaches down into that bag of pretzels, brings one out, holds it up to his eye and says to the pretzel, “I’ve been looking for you!”  Oh my… forget cleaning the kitchen!  I walked over, scooped that little fella up into my lap and smiled.

Although God knows where we are at all times, I can’t help but think He wants us to come out of “hiding”.  Telling us, “Come out of there!  I’ve been looking for you!  Come sit with me for a while!”