Cherished.

I don't think there are words to express what a blessing it is to have Grandparents.  I know I have been given amazing ones! I was young when Grandaddy Lloyd passed away, but I know I loved him big time, and he loved me. He had an amazing heart and he is where my Dad gets his amazing work ethic.  Grandma passed away a few years ago, but to this day she is my role model.  If I could be half the woman she was! Such an amazing spirit, and the most godly woman I have ever met...I wish I could rewind time and just sit beside her, and listen to her talk.  I didn't realize that all those times we were in the kitchen and she was "teachin me how to cook"...she was really teaching me about life! I miss her stories about life...she was born in 1909, she had plenty of good ones! She lived so many things! And how she prayed. Gosh I loved it when she prayed! 

And then you have Mom's parents.  Grammy Pat (as we call her) lives down in Florida, and it kills me that we don't get to see her much.  Apparently, I get my artistic side from her, which I am grateful for.  And then there is Papa...people at my church know him as Papa Jim.  That crazy, hug lovin man who greets everyone the second they walk in my church...except if I happen to walk in with a boy, and then he tells them that there are only a few things he'd kill for ;) which lets be honest, the man wouldn't hurt a fly! But he is amazing. I have learned so many things from him! He has lived through a lot, the man has been there! Not to mention he is the kindest, compassionate, yet desperately hilarious at the same time!

Grandparent love and wisdom is something that we cherish as much as they cherish us! There is something so amazing about the way they teach us about life, love, and leaving a legacy.

I am reflecting on this today because today I came from the funeral of a man who has meant so much in my life. You might call him one of my "extra grandparents".  This past month I have lost two of those.  

Mrs. Louise Broadwell, a woman who's spirit strongly resembles my very own grandmother.  Mrs. Louise knew me from Diapers.  I grew up with her sweet grandson Adam, whom I consider a brother to me, and she went to my church.  Mrs. Louise prayed me through so many things, and I always enjoyed chatting with her. what an amazing woman. Her heart was devoted to Jesus and she glowed all the time! I visited her in the hospital not long before she passed away, and she made sure to tell me just how much she loved me and said she would see me again. I'll never forget that. She was so excited about seeing her Jesus.

Mr. Charlie Wilson, I can't put into words what this man and his amazing wife Rosalea have meant to me over the years.  I grew up with their granddaughter Jessica. Jessica and I were inseparable from 6-12th grade...and even though our visits are here and there now, you might say we are still joined at the soul.  A real sister! I can't count the times I would be over at their home, caught sitting in the kitchen with them. Drinking Mrs. Rosalea's famous tea, and listening to Mr. Charlie tell his jokes. Jess and I would laugh till we cried!   Mr. Charlie owned a bait and tackle shop up the road from their house. Jessica and I would always stop for a Sundrop and candy on the way to the beach, or on our walks around Oak Island.  And once I got a car, sometimes I would just stop to chat with him. He had the best stuff up there....and the best stories! Im going to miss him so much! His stories, love, and hospitality have shown me so much over the years and I am truly grateful for his impact on my life.  His testimony and love for Jesus is something that I find inspiring to this day! I will cherish his memory!

I consider myself extremely blessed to have had such amazing Grandparents and "extra grandparents.  I hope I can continue to cherish the ones I still have here....and when I think about these people and so many others. I think of Hebrews 12:1-2. and thankful that these people chose to live out their faith in such a way that was noticeable to the people around them! True examples of what it means to live your life for Jesus! 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

On the way back from the funeral, Mom and I saw the most beautiful rainbow! Gosh it made my heart smile! It had been raining all day. and then a break in the clouds to reveal streams of light in the sky, with a colorful rainbow that not only stretched the sky...but the color spectrum!  I couldn't help but be reminded of God's promises. Especially of his heavenly ones. Which was perfect for the moment. Thank you Jesus for your sweet encouragement!