Living a Legacy

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." II Timothy 1:5

My grandmother is an amazing woman of faith, who has richly blessed my life with the priceless treasures she has shown day by day, as she has Christ in her life. Some of these treasures she has passed directly to me as I grew up visiting her; yet many have been passed from her, to my mom, to me, and now to my children.

She and my Grandpa lived their lives in a way that showed God comes first. There was no need to stand on mountains to shout it out- you could see God and feel the love in their home. My mom grew up in a home where reading the Bible was a daily occurrence and she has these scriptures planted in her heart. They prepared her to rely on God first in the many trials life would bring on. These truths she passed on to my brother and I, so that we too would be prepared.

My grandma exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman as she rose early daily to feed her family, work side by side with her husband on the farm, and all of her five children call her blessed. She worked hard, yet I never have heard her complain about it. She has fond memories of hard times and knew how to be content in every circumstance.

Her gentle quiet ways I am sure were soothing to my Grandpa and her marriage was second only to God. She brought honor to him and still brings honor to his memory as he is rejoicing in heaven. She always took care of his needs first before her own, always looking to his interests. I watch my mom do this with my dad and I am still learning and striving for this in my marriage.

She has raised five children, nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. I think we all are exceptionally, great people, of course I am biased! My mom remembers anything she and her siblings were involved in growing up my grandma would try her best to be there. Even though they lived hundreds of miles away my grand parents were at several dance recitals and my high school and college graduations.

Something I remember so very fondly are the meals in her home. She opened the door to all! My cousin said, as a child, that the whole church would come over for Sunday dinner. It really did turn out to be a huge crowd. Lots of good southern cooking and the best sweet tea you've ever tasted. The best part was I'd even get dessert regardless of how clean my plate was! She'd make a big fuss over all of the grand kids and let us eat pretty much what ever we wanted. She taught us that you do not have to put on heirs to entertain you just have to open your door and share what you have.

Today is my grandma's eighty eighth happy birthday! She is a rare treasure among women worth far more than rubies....

Thank you grandma for the gift of your life you have shared with me!

This video is for you!

Dear God,

I praise you for the life you have given my Grandma. She has blessed and continues to bless so many people. Through the legacy she and my Grandpa have left her life will continue to bless generations that follow. May I Lord, as she did, always look to You first, keeping my life in balance to better serve You. May today be a joyous celebration for her and all of our family!

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Philippians 4:12

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Ephesians 4:2

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. "

Philippians 2:4

"Each of you should look no only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others"

1 Peter 4:9

"Offer hospitality to one another with out grumbling."

Proverbs 31:10-29

"A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life........

She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family....

She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.......

Her children arise and call her blessed!

A Day At The Fair

Today we went to the state fair and it was a wonderful family day!

I love watching my children line up together to get on and ride. Often my oldest will put his arm around his brother or sister guiding them on and helping them to their seats. Seeing them watch out for each other warms my heart.

My middle child and my youngest are extremely brave and love the thrilling rides as I did in my youth. Something has changed, because now I really enjoy the slower calmer rides.

I do not remember roller coasters or the big swings going so high or so fast as they do now. Perhaps I am more frightened since I know my boys are on the ride.

We also visited the animals! My daughter must have a inborn desire to be a farm girl as she is so excited by the animals. She ran from exhibit to exhibit talking to the animals as she went. She has no fear of thrusting her hands in to love on the them. Where she is extremely shy with people she has no inhibitions with animals.

We saw a one thousand pound pumpkin and wondered how many pies could one make with such a huge pumpkin?

The children played in big corn box (instead of sand).

We had a great day together! And we look forward to next year's State Fair!

After a long afternoon at the Fair this was sure to happen!

Making The Most Of The Time I Have!

My cup doesn't just runneth over it's spilling all over the table and down to the floor! Our busy-ness, or marathon of activities, has me concerned,..... am I giving Mr P the time he needs? Granted, I can't add hours into the day, but I can make the most of the hours I have been given.

I need to make certain that when we do get even just a moment together I am truly listening to what he has to say, not multi-tasking as I am "listening." He needs to know that he is important to me and that I am proud of his efforts to support his family, while also going to grad school.

Late last night after his class, and his difficult day of trying to get home from a business trip, he was sharing the frustrations of his day. I was preparing lunches for the next day, and thinking of a mental "to do list" while "listening." His day would have tried the patience of Job as flight after flight became cancelled, and he spent most of the day on standby for several flights, only to finally get the last one, which still gave him time to make it to his class only 20 minutes late. To top it off, his luggage was lost.

He had hoped he'd be home early in the afternoon to grab a few hours with us before his class. Instead of compassionately listening to his overly tiring day, I selfishly thought of my own long afternoon. Three young Patterson's were missing their Daddy, and were counting on seeing him after school bus time. Redirecting them into a cupcake cooking, and decorating time soothed their disappointment but mine was still there, as I had missed him too. Thankfully the Lord held my tongue from complaining and all was peaceful.

I have been pondering today, as I know days such as these are sure to be on our horizon yet again. I want to do my best to protect our marriage during this challenging time. I want to hold on to the treasure we have found in each other so we may look back on these years with fondness instead of regret. I am realizing my attitude towards his work, career, and free time (if he can find some!) will be the compass for how our family reacts to this challenge. I'm sure you've heard the saying, "If mamma's not happy, no ones happy." Before complaining, I need to prayerfully consider, am I building him up or tearing him down?



Dear God,

You have Mr P and I on a challenging journey with three beautiful children, a wonderful church family, supportive jobs and an opportunity for growth for Mr P in advanced schooling. These are all such wonderful blessings. Help me, when the days are long to see the blessings. Help me to build up my husband. May he feel loved and safe in his home. Help me to truly listen so that hurts, can be soothed and confidence lifted. Hear my prayer, help us remember the covenant we made, watch over our family and may Your mercy and compassion cover us.

In Jesus Name, Amen.



Exodus 2:24 "God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant weith Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Isrealites and was concerned about them."


2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Fther of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves hae received from God."


Philippians 2:1-3 "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than your selves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."