Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn.
Pictured above are our three granddaughters; Virginia is in the middle with Savannah to her left and Alexandra on her right. They sure look happy, don't they? And they have every reason to rejoice. The are enjoying a long overdue visit with their Grandpa and Kiki in North Carolina a few weeks ago. While we are over eight hours away from where the girls reside with mom and dad in South Carolina, it makes perfect sense, as time is limited, for them to make a three-hour jaunt instead.
Here are some photos my daughter, Sarah, shares from their time there.
Alexandra and Savannah on the porch,
and on the porch swing.
Can you see where Savannah has lost her first tooth?
Virginia striking a classic pose.
Besides spending time with their grandparents, Savannah and Alexandra enjoy to company of the two dogs, Lucy and Bella.
While we are so happy that the girls are having a marvelous time, and getting to know their Grandpa and Kiki better, I'd be lying if I said we aren't mourning the fact that it isn't us they're visiting. This Covid cloud hangs threateningly over my husband, Danny, and I more than most. Right now, travel is not an option for us. And it's hard to hold out hope when no certain end is in sight.
Yet, hope, we will, knowing that God's got this in His most capable hands.
We will choose to rejoice in the moment, not mourning what might have been.
Isn't that the best way to live each and every day?
Amen!
Rejoicing in someone else's happiness is a great gift, Martha. Rejoice that they are well, and yes ... hope ... that one day soon you too will be able to visit them. Or they visit you. Hope ... and trust in God.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and all your family well. God bless you all.
It is a great gift, Victor, and I am so, so grateful that the girls are well and happy. Yes, we will see them all again in person at some point, and that is a hope that keeps me going.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Being 4 hours away is tough for us. Braden's other grandparents are closer (like within 1/2 hour) but they don't take advantage of it. We, like you, crave to be closer and see him more. But you do what you can when you can.
ReplyDeleteYes, we must do what we can, when we can, Bill. Four hours away is tough, especially when you long to be with Braden, and I'm always happy when you tell us that you are planning a visit with him. Makes my heart glad for you!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, Martha, the girls are growing and I know you cherish these beautiful photos. Hang on, dear friend, your day is coming. I just know it!
ReplyDeleteI will hang on and hang in there, Karen! Yes, they are growing much too fast for my taste, but that's what kids are supposed to do, right?
DeleteLove and blessings!
Your daughter's sure a splendid photographer! I can't get over how Virginia and her sisters are growing tall and willowy. I know your heart longs to hold them physically, not just in your prayers. Someday soon, I hope!
ReplyDeleteSome day soon . . . I will keep on hoping, Mevely! And, yes, Sarah really got some wonderful photos that I will treasure forever.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Beautiful pictures but I know your longing to be with them! I sure hope soon that this will lift so travel can resume. Such beautiful grandkids you have!😀❤️👍
ReplyDeleteThank you, Valerie! I think they're beautiful, too, but then again, I'm just the slightest bit biased. :)
DeleteLove and blessings!
The girls are all three so cute! Praying this pandemic will come to an end sooner rather than later, allowing everyone to get back to family, jobs, and places of worship!
ReplyDeleteYou know it, Terri! All this isolation isn't good for anyone, and I'm grateful that younger folks can get out more freely and get back to work. Can't wait to hug these girls!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Those are absolutely precious photos. They make you want to reach out and hug them. You will see them again and the time will be right. Stay focused on that day - let's hope it is sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Carol, much rather sooner than later, but until then, it's one day at a time. Glad you liked the photos!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, beautiful post and photos. Yes, it's hard to not be able to see those we love. It take maturity (and a conscious effort) to be able to rejoice with others when our hearts our sad.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Amen, Kim, yes, it does! So glad you enjoyed the photos and the post today.
DeleteLove and blessings!
love. Love. Love these photos and the joy they bring. Your post makes me smile!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you loved the photos, Jean, and that this post brought a smile to your face! I can't look at my girls without smiling.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a generous loving heart to feel happiness for your grands while they visit their other grandparents. It is natural for your own heart to ache to be with them. Keep the faith, my friend. Soon very soon this will all be over. Love and blessings. N
DeleteYes, one day, this will all end, and we can all feel safe in reuniting, Nells. I'm really glad the girls got to spend time with their other grandparents who love them, too!
DeleteLove and blessings!
What beautiful pictures of these precious girls. So wonderful to see how they are growing into lovely young "ladies". (well, still little girls, but lovely all the same). I know your heart hurts to not be able to see them in person and hold them. Praying it won't be long before you will be together again. May the Lord keep you and Danny strong and healthy and before you know it the day will come when you will be ready to see them again. Bless you for your generous heart. I understand perfectly. Our only grandson lives 1500 miles away...3 day drive or 3 hour flight. We average seeing him once a year, and he will turn 21 this October. We had planned to go visit for his birthday, but now that is out of the question because Maine has a quarantine order for people from Florida. So he can't come here either. So we wait and pray it won't be long. (((hugs))) and love to you dear friend.
ReplyDeletePamela, you know I feel your pain along with you. These travel restrictions, while they make sense for the time being, are certainly a hindrance in the here and now. Praying with you that you will soon be able to see your grandson again, and soon!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Great to see how happy they are and to have the photos. But I can understand how much you must be longing to see them in person instead of just a picture. Children change so quickly as they grow up, and it's hard not to be there to watch and participate in their growing.
ReplyDeleteThey do change so quickly, Diane, and I know that we are missing so much by not being there with them. I keep hanging on to the thought that this, too, shall pass. One day, we will be able to hug our grands again!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Sweet sweet girls! I know you and I share a longing for time with our precious tribe ...
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, we do, Linda! I'm very lucky to have three such beautiful granddaughters.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I'm so sorry you aren't able to have visits with your granddaughters just yet. They look so sweet! How true it is that God is in control. Waiting on the Lord can be so hard but thankfully when we give it all to Him and rest in Him he gives us the peace and joy to make it through.
ReplyDeletePraying you will be able to see your granddaughters soon!
Love,
Annie
God absolutely gives us the peace and joy to make it through all of our days, Annie. The girls are so sweet, and yes, I miss them all terribly, but as I said in the post, I won't give up on hope!
DeleteLove and blessings!
It looks like your granddaughters are having a fabulous time. How fun it must be to reflect on the time that you will get to spend with them once the threat of Covid-19 goes away.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to that time so very much, Liberty Belle! They did have a great time with their dad's parents, and I'm glad for that.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I will definitely check your blog out, Luiz. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
It's difficult to do sometimes, but when I feel I'm missing out on something, I stop to make a list of all I do have. Pretty soon, I realize just how blessed I am. Praying this is all over soon for all of us my friend. God's blessings.
ReplyDeleteYes, J. D., a gratitude list is always healing for our souls. Believe me, I do that often, and it really does help to remember how blessed I am.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND! Hanging on to how we have been blessed and the hope for tomorrow keeps me going!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Yes, Loralu, remembering how God has blessed us in the past, we can trust that He will do so again. And I KNOW you understand!
DeleteLove and blessings!
My heart hurts for you, even as you are happy for the other grandparents. Your grandgirls are all beautiful and look like they're doing well. Praying we'll all get to be with those we love sooner rather than later!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Lisa! Thank you for being so understanding of our dilemma at the moment. These times are tougher than tough on so many of us. May God's light shine in our hearts, and renew the promise of hope for better days to come.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Good morning, my dear friend. thanks for visiting and comments on my blog. I started following your blog and I would like to ask you if you can follow me too. The followers share is after the total views and Translator with Flags.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know where to find the share button, Luiz! I looked for it yesterday, but I guess I didn't look well enough.
DeleteLove and blessings!
The photos made my smile. Your attitude made my heart smile, sweet friend. You have the desire to see those precious girls showered with as much love as possible. I feel the same way when I see pictures of our grandson enjoying his visit with his other grandparents.
ReplyDeleteI’m praying God will open the opportunity for you to see the girls soon.
I'm hoping the same for you, Beckie! I know you miss Luke terribly. Yes, the time will come down the road when we can all be reunited once again.
DeleteLove and blessings!
They are certainly adorable! Sounds like you and your hubby must be in the same position my hubby and I are. I know this too shall pass but I sure can't see the light at the end of the tunnel anytime soon. I've seen you on a couple of the blogs I follow and thought I'd come by to say hello. I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting, Martha! I've seen your name on several blogs, too, so will check out your blog. Yes, our age group seems to be in the same uncertain boat. Praying this will all be over soon, and we can get back to a semblance of normal.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Bless your dear hearts. I know it must have been painful to see the photos as you so long to be with your dear loved ones. They are all growing so fast and just adorable! I hope one day soon, you will be able to see them and enjoy their company. What a happy day that will be!
ReplyDeleteThat will be one happy day, Cheryl, no doubt about it! At least we get to "see" each other during our weekly Face Time calls - that will have to get us through for now.
DeleteLove and blessings!