Has It Been That Long?????

In a few hours we will be seeing another graduation at Bob Jones University, the last one was NINE years ago. I must admit I was very surprised when I thought about how any years had past since we watched our daughter, CristyLynn walk across the stage.

There have been changes that have taken place at the University over the past nine years. Here are just a few. The front entrance to the University is completely different and I really like it, to me it looks so much more inviting. The Bridge of Nations is still there but looks so different. The front of Rodeheaver is completely changed and from what I am told the inside has been completely redone for the better. There is now a parking deck behind the building instead of a small parking lot that held very few cars. Oh and they offer valet parking for $10.00, which I think is a great thing for the elderly. There is now an exit out of the parking area in front of the Dining Commons, which we used last night. Changes they do take place, but sometimes we are just not ready or expecting them.

The changes that have taken place that has affected my life the most have been major ones. I realize that there has been many small ones that come with the passing of time that we are not even aware of until we sit down and think about them. One of the small ones is I am typing this on a laptop computer where nine years ago I would never think I would be able to own one let alone be typing a blog. I still am not quite sure what a blog is, but it seems that many individuals have them.

Here are a few of the larger changes in my life, all have been good, because God has brought them into my life though some have been very hard. Truthfully, I know that they are all Good but there is sadness mingled with the joy. The first change would be that CristyLynn is now married and serving the Lord with her family in Russia. See there is joy in the serving but there is sadness in the separation. Thank you Lord for the ability to Skype. What a wonderful way to be able to see her several times a month. Mom would have loved it!

The second major change in my life was Mom going home to be with the Lord. She was so ready to go and I rejoice that one day I will see her again. As I sat at Maria's graduation today I thought of Mom and how excited she was about CristyLynn's graduation, the first of her grandchildren. One of my precious memories of her was the day she and I went to class with CristyLynn at Bob Jones University. She was so thrilled when CristyLynn's teacher called on her and she answered his question, after class she said "Well I have now been to college!" I also remember how she HAD to sit on the aisle so she could see HER Granddaughter walk past during the graduation ceremony.

The third major change was when Aunt Flo went home to be with our Lord. She was also there that day to see her Nieceie get her diploma. She looked upon CristyLynn as her own granddaughter and I know that CristyLynn felt the same way about her and Uncle Wallace.

The fourth major change was the birth of our sweet grandson, Isaiah or as my husband and now many other people call him "Missionary Isaiah". The Lord has truly blessed me through the past nine years and the birth of Isaiah has been such a sweet blessing. Mom and Aunt Flo would have loved him so much, but I know that one day they will get to meet him face to face. What a wonderful reunion that will be!

I realize more changes will come as the years go by, but the one thing I can rest assured is the unchanging love of my Savior.