ON FAMILY...

family...one word says a lot. There's family, then there's family. Bear with me, I'll explain.
First, you have family. This includes the husband, wife, children, grandparents, cousins, etc. Second, your extended family. This family includes those you've known and become so close to that they are considered family.

Christmas Day just passed and most of us spent the day with family. Everyone gets together, enjoys a great meal, exchanges gifts and talks. Just being around family makes the day even more special. God blessed us with a wonderful thing when He started the family in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. Although the devil is doing his best to destroy the family, it is still present today.

Sometimes our family means so much that it's very difficult when they're not around. I was blessed with wonderful parents, and two beautiful sisters. We are very close. I love them a great deal and I wish I could see them more often. Susan, the baby of the family, lives in Shreveport with her husband, Allen, and son, Jordan. She ALWAYS got what she wanted, especially for Christmas! Tracey, the "older" sister, lives in Bossier City with her two youngest sons, Mark and Mason (we call him Lou). Her oldest son, Chris, lives in Shreveport with his wife, Deanna. Tracey is the bossy one. She ALWAYS has to be in charge! Stop shaking your head "no" Tracey, you know you do! My mom and dad live in Sibley and are members of Whispering Pines MBC (my extended family). My mom is the sweetest mom in the whole world. She cooks a big Sunday dinner for everyone just in case they show up. I sure miss being there on Sundays. It's probably how I've kept my weight off though. Dad works in construction. He builds anything as long as there is concrete involved. He bought himself a corvette last year (Merry Christmas). I'm thinking that since I'm his favorite daughter that I'll inherit it some day. Don't hate on me sisters, you know I am! Anyway, this is my family and I miss them. Btw, I didn't include my spouse and daughter on this post because I've already told you about them in my "about me" section.

My family at Whispering Pines means a lot to me, too. Many of them have known me since I was a little brat. I'm glad they've seen me turn into such a wonderful and God-fearing adult because I'm sure they were worried for a little while. Sis Jo can tell you about our trip to Kentucky. Really, what teenager is going to behave when she's away from her parents for two weeks? Sis Opal was one of the best teachers I ever had. I wonder if she remembers the spaghetti that I cooked at her house to raise money for our youth group. Church folks will eat ANYTHING, especially Baptists! Just thinking about all this makes me want to cry. I miss and love all of you.

I've been blessed with family, and family. Thank you, Lord.