My Dear Sweet Granny and Mother taught my sister and I some valuable Lessons. These are the values they lived by: Love, Live, Laugh, Learn, and Leave a Legacy.  Here is the first spotlight in this series.     

      Remembering Granny Laible

           Throughout the ages, love has been the one and only thing that humans cannot live without.  Valentines Day was over the top, as usual.

       My man gave me a card, and we went out to lunch.  However, you want to know what my favorite time is to spend with him? After dinner, the TV is on. He is either watching Fox News or reading . I’m either writing blogs, or deep into my historical novels. We are either having conversation about the boys, grandkids, friends, or the farm. We laugh a lot together.

   Our best romantic date is Feb.28.  That day, 47 years ago, 1971 at Wilmington College, was our first date.  His best friend dumped me. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. He saw the opportunity, and the rest is history.

       Have I shed many tears, and wanted to strangle him over the years?  YOU BET? Being in the household with 4 men, and me the only talkative bird in the tree, has not been easy. The boys always sided with dad…….THUS MY GIRLFRIENDS!

   What made us last 46 years? God did….true unconditional love…..not running and bolting at the first sign of trouble. My sister and I, both raised our children to be strong Christians. Both of us have a son that went through a divorce.

  The girls bolted at the first sign of trouble. They didn’t put in the time to stick around long enough to realize, that going through struggles makes your marriage stronger.

   My man and I are more in love now, than we were 46 years ago.  We both prayed to become better spouses for one another. We both admitted mistakes and asked for forgiveness.

   When my man sees an acquaintance, that is either suffering in her marriage, or going through depression, he’s the first one to say, ”Honey, you have to minister to her.”

     Yes, he is my best friend, the protector of his family, and keeper of the farm.

    Love takes on a greater cause in this crazy world that we live within. This morning at Mass, the sermon was about the following scripture:

Matthew 5:20 “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

   There were two quotes Granny always said about Pharisees. The first relates to leaving an abusive relationship. ”I’d rather live alone, than live with a Pharisee.”

 The other refers to love:” I’d rather my light shine, than live in darkness like a Pharisee.”

Trust me ,Friends…. The spirituality of Mom and Granny is the only reason God led me to blogging.

IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME!

     Raising our children with faith was extremely important to us. Our 3 sons, as teachers and football coaches, touch the lives of young men as  positive role models.

       It was essential as a K Teacher, that my students knew they were loved. Everyday after The Pledge of Allegiance, we’d say our Kindergarten Pledge:

I am The Best.

Just as good as the rest.

I am special,

And Mrs. Cutler loves me.

   Every time I go to the grocery, I strike up a conversation with the cashier. Every time I’m on the phone with someone who is assisting me ,I thank them for being patient and kind.  I’ll usually end the conversation with, “God Bless you.”

       There’s so many ways to make your light shine. It can be at work, sporting events, working at a  food bank, church, mentoring, and ministering to others within the community.

       If you want to be blessed, be a blessing to someone else.  True happiness occurs when you give yourself away.

       There is a quote that teachers always relate to: A hundred years from now, it will not matter how much money you made, what kind of car you drove, or what kind of house you lived in. What will matter his how you touched the life of a child.

     I guess God inspired me with the following quote. When you get to the Pearly Gates, God is going to ask you 4 words.

HOW  DID  YOU  LOVE?

  He doesn’t care if you were the best Church Potluck Organizer. He doesn’t care if you were tied up in the laws of your denomination. He doesn’t care how much money you were able to give.

       You are righteous only because of your faith in Him, and your love for your fellow man.

  So my friends, do your best not to involve yourself with bullying, drama, and evil gossip.

“Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.”

 HEAVENLY FATHER, allow the Prayer of St. Francis reign in the hearts of many.

Make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow Love.

Where there is injury pardon,

Where there is darkness, light,

Where there is sadness, joy

Sue Cutler

Fearless Faith 000000000