Saturday, December 27, 2008

Family is What Matters

Tonight, we gathered around the piano at my mother- and father-in-law's home and sang hymns together.


My father-in-law even called his parents so they could hear us on the speaker phone. They joined us using their own hymn books from two states away, and we sang some beautiful songs to Jesus. It was a precious time together. They cheered as we finished this song or that. And hearing my daughters sing beside me, so blessed me. My husband's voice blending with his parents' sounded heavenly. It's great to belong to a musical family!

It's great to belong to a family. As I looked around the room tonight, I thought how thankful I am for this family, that God blessed me with a dear husband and in-laws, with three beautiful children and a committed marriage. I even acquired grandparents when I married. They are the best! And it was a joy singing for them on the phone tonight.

Enjoy your family. Thank God for them. And tell 'em you love 'em. Often.

3 comments:

Julie Gillies said...

Hi Annette,
I discovered your blog as I was searching for a link for "Penned from the Heart"; I'm a contributing writer as well. It's so nice to meet you.

I'm reminded of God's faithfulness regarding family as I'm visiting my son and his wife. I'm caring for their 3 youngest as my newest grandchild was born just last night. God is so good, and I'm glad you are having good family time.

May the Lord bless you in 2009!

Annette M. Irby said...

Hi Julie,

Thanks for reading. Congrats on your involvement with Penned. They're great.

Happy New Year!

Annette

Anonymous said...

As a member of that "in-law" family I sure missed the singing that we always enjoy, but we were thinking of all of you while we were here in Mexico.

Thanks for being a wonderful sister-in-law. God has richly blessed our family with your presence.

I was checking out your website because I feel it is time to start writing that book I've been talking about for a few years. When God calls - we must listen. It's going to be two books now. One about relationships and falling in love with Todd. And the second will be about my fertility journey. I think there will be a third about my life as a family, but I haven't lived that part yet, so I don't know for sure. I just like trilogies.

Thanks for being an inspiration to me over these past few years of your tireless dedication to your craft of writing and your powerful witness to the spirit of God at work in your life.

Love,

Leah