Positively Beautiful

    Our Babies Are Alive  by Deena McDaniel Positively Beautiful Blog 6/26/22           When I found out I was pregnant I instantly was able to have a 3D ultrasound! There she was tiny and almost smiling in my womb. The photo was taken at 10 weeks. Posted full screen at church, Abigail gave the communion message. Yes, it was only her daddy speaking, but I’m certain it would be something she would agree to, life! Each baby we had, 4 in total, was a joyous event. Each kid has their own birth story and very different pregnancy story as well. Life! What a gift from God. Early in our marriage, we didn’t conceive. I’d thought I’d be barren. God knew differently. That first heartbeat sound at 10 weeks is always a time to weep with joy. Life!             I cannot imagine my life without any of my four children. You might laugh, but I wish I’d had more. Children are a gift and not a mistake. None of u...

  It’s About Time  by Deena McDaniel Positively Beautiful Blog 6/15/22   Answered prayers! Yes, right off the bat I’m telling you the skinny on the week. No holding back. God opened my eyes to his great glorious power. Let's swing back a few years. Rosey is 6 years old. Mary turned 18. Suddenly Mary’s a grown-up kid and on her own to fill her life with extreme adventures! In the meantime, Rosey is growing up too. These two were super close until Mary went on her way. Kids grow up and move out. I know it’s a tough reality to drift but children are made to fly the coop. They all learn by doing.         The years pass by, and Mary’s travels take her across the pond to England for a few years, but God brings her back. And back he does! The gift of God is to place children in your life and the greater gift I’m experiencing is the fruit of my labor. No not the labor pains of delivery because Mary was 26 hours of super intense labor. Rather I’m ...

  Use What You Have by Deena McDaniel Positively Beautiful Blog 6/11/22   I can assure you that everyone here in America is wealthier than most everyone else in the world. Times are tough now. We all feel the crunch. But once you look around your home you quickly will be surprised. Stuff is stuffed all around our homes. Now it might not be the stuff that we’re desiring, but we got stuff. So much stuff that we give away stuff on a regular basis. But where is the end?     When I was about 20 my grandmother from Canada came to visit. Grandma D was a super sweet soul, who was ready to pitch in at any point with anything she had to offer. During her visit, I noticed she’d grab small twine or twist ties and ball it up. “You never know when you’re going to need a piece of twine!” she’d smile as the ball became bigger throughout her stay. I thought how thrifty, but then I began to understand the lifetime of want. During the great depression, she grew up as a gir...

    Just in Case by Deena McDaniel Positively Beautiful Blog 6/5/22       The ride began with ear-to-ear smiles. “I’m here for two nights,” Arlowe pointed two fingers in the air. A quick hug to mom and dad and this bundle of energy was snuggly strapped into her car seat. We giggled in the back seat for an hour as we drove to our house. This three-year-old had lots to say about lots of things. The yawns began as the spa music played. The next hour was filled with snores. But the next few days were nothing like the sleepy hour we experienced on the way to Granny’s house.           As you probably know, I work out a lot! I love to exercise. I’ve often told folks that you never know when you’re going to need that fitness factor. This past weekend I kicked it into Granny gear, drawing upon my extensive experience with little ones and all the energy! What’s a granny to do? I longed to share Jesus with her. “Jesus is my be...

  Granny to Granny By Deena McDaniel Positively Beautiful Blog 5/28/22   I know how it feels to see each child without their own rulebook. What worked on baby one is completely different with baby 4. Basics are the same. Keep them alive and help them thrive. All the tiny details of personalities make life lively. Fast forward to the first grandchild. Arlowe Jane born three years ago has captured our heart. Our little “Cactus Blossum” is taking the next big step in our lives. She’s spending the weekend with us!     Scary and exciting, this adventure is hopefully one of thousands. To be honest I’m a little bit nervous. I’m thinking Arlowe is as well. Granny’s bag of trick has got to be big for this overnighter. My first came last week! Arlowe didn’t want her mom to cut her bangs. Mary, her mom, had been trying to convince her, but it took the Granny touch. “You have to be able to see when you swim in our pool,” I encouraged. OH NO, she requested that I had t...