Speeding 101

In all the years I have been driving, I have never been pulled over. I know I sometimes tend to go too fast and even asked Mike one time how fast you 'had' to be going before getting pulled over. He assured me no worthy police officer would ever pull anyone over going less than 10 MPH over the speed limit. There was even a talk portion on our radio station a few weeks ago asking if officers could pull you over for going 5 MPH over the limit. I almost called in and said, ...... 'they wouldn't'.

Needless to say, I was mortified when I got pulled over this past week while taking Edwin to see my mom. I saw those wretched blue lights and knew it was me but thought I probably had a light out or a loose plate. Nope. I remembered to keep my hands in sight and not try to flee like my BFF did several years ago. He walked up and asked for my license and registration. He asked if Edwin was my grandson and I was quick to point out that he was and that his daddy was also a police officer which made me feel even worse.

I know the only reason I got just a warning was because of Edwin. I know that now the entire world knows because Edwin can talk. He tells people that a policeman told Grandma she was going too fast....... Yep I was. Exactly 10 MPH too fast.

And Then There Were Eight

Bob comes from a family of 10 children. A few years ago, Esther passed away due to a stroke and last weekend we went to Clayton's Memorial service. It is always interesting to see all of the siblings together. Although they are a generation apart - oldest to youngest, they are still family. The older they get, the more they tend to look alike. The girls tend to be closer than the guys. The oldest tends to be the most obnoxious and the youngest the most spoiled. It is fun to hear their memories, although they were really never all together under one roof. Just as with Esther, there will be a gap with Clayton gone. Someone missing. Someone who will always be missing here on earth.......

Liars Never Prosper....

My former EMT instructor would often say, 'Liars never prosper.' I often shared that bit of wisdom with my children.....

People never cease to amaze me. To astound me. To sadden me. Life is so precious and there are so many sweet mamas who are struggling with pregnancies, with terminally ill children, with financial failure. Why would someone who professes to love the Lord prey on so many and draw attention from those who truly could use a kind word or some real intercession before the Lord?

I began to wonder about this woman a few weeks ago. I know enough about the world of midwifery to know that a reputable midwife would not deliver a high risk pregnancy at home. Wouldn't a parent of a child with a terminal prognosis do anything possible to make sure they are not suffering and perhaps give them the medical intervention they need? Many trisomy 13 children have cleft palates. This child appeared beautiful - also rather large for her small weight. This child supposedly nursed - this really got me thinking because of the suck/swallow reflex in many low weight children.

There were other red flags as well. It does bother me that she pulled so many in. What really troubles me the most is that she pulled the Holy name of the Lord into her lies. We can judge her all we want, but He will be the ultimate judge and standing before Him is not going to be 'rosey' at all.

Pondering

Today we had the opportunity to visit Clayton, probably for the last time here on earth. As we drove to Grand Rapids, I thought about how quickly life goes by. Each day is truly a gift.

Seeing Clayton in the condition he is in made me wonder. The facility that he is in has to be one of the most depressing places I have been to. So many people with physical struggles. So many. The doctors are pressuring Marlene to take Clayton off his ventilator. That sounds like a plan except he is still aware of what is happening. His brain is still active. It is a scary thought. How do you determine that your spouse will be taken off the machine that gives him breath? No, he has no quality of life. No, he will not recover. No. No. No.

God knew about Clayton's first heartbeat 70 years ago. Shouldn't He determine when the last one will be? I am really struggling with this.