Pondering....

I was just sitting and pondering.....*this could mean trouble folks!*

I was born and raised in an Apostolic home. It's all I've ever known. (It's all I ever WANT to know... I might add!) I have always loved God and lived for him simply because I WANTED TO. Nothing has changed....I STILL WANT TO! I am, *to put it simply*....in love. In love with Jesus. In all the years that I have lived for Him, I have NEVER EVEN CONSIDERED any other 'way'. I am unapologetic about my 'lifestyle'. In fact, I consider my 'lifestyle' a privilege. There are many before me that have walked this narrow path. I value them and am so grateful for their faithfulness and commitment, and treasure the heritage that has been passed down to me. I now am lovingly and proudly passing this treasure down to my children.

Our political and religious world today scream for change. So far the only 'change' Washington has brought, is a president and first lady that have no respect or understanding of the sacredness of the highest office in our nation. Their dress code, their references to our incredible country, and political stance, scream and prove their 'CHANGE'=EMINENT DESTRUCTION!! We are being destroyed not from the 'outside', but from the 'inside'. Is this same evolution taking place in the Apostolic world? I say yes! And lookout, because the real damage is being dealt from the inside.

I don't want any shortcuts or new plans. I want what is tried and true and what I consider My Pearl of Great Price....just sayin'.

Happy Birthday To 'My Dream Come True'

Sixteen years ago today, God gave me the desires of my heart....actually He gave me so much more than I ever dreamed of, in a beautiful little package we named Chantal Lorraine Bertram.

God had called us to go on the evangelistic field, and we were selling our home and EVERYTHING we owned. Our family at the time, consisted of 2 of the most delightful boys you could ever ask for, and I was a very happy Mommy. My deepest dream however, was to have a little girl. At this very momentous time of our life, surprising and delighting us, Chantal made her entrance into our world. I remember crying and laughing in the delivery room telling my husband, the doctors and nurses, (like they didn't know already!)..."It's a girl! God gave me my girl! Oh I can't believe it! DID YOU HEAR ME??? IT'S A GIRL!!!! Thank you JESUS!!" They gave me polite little nods and congratulations, but that didn't dissuade me. I cried and laughed and gushed on. What a total blast this little package brought to our home.

She was and still is the perfect balance. She is not afraid of getting dirty, and is perfectly content in a jean skirt, cowboy boots, and a bun on her head....And she takes a backseat to no one when she gets all gussied up! LOL Tomboy, and Princess all in one package!

I remember praying over her every time I would change her diaper, or feed her. Thanking God for her, and asking God to keep His hand on her. To protect her and give her a heart after Him. My prayer has been answered. I have watched this little Tomboy Princess turn into an incredible young lady. She is one of our best altar workers. She sings with anointing, and genuinely loves people. She prays. She is a real christian!

With a grateful heart I write this....I know this is a public forum and others will read it, but there are 2 beautiful blue eyes that are my focus and this is written for those 'blues'.

Chantal, you are my dream come true and oh so much more. You have been nothing but a delight to your Dad and I and your 2 VERY protective brothers.(lol) You have brought laughter, singing (all the time...), and such fun to our home.

My wish for you is that you keep God first. He WILL give you the desires of your heart....I know what I'm talking about....He did that for me! I love you more than you will ever know. Happy 'Sweet 16'.

David & Chantal Singing 'The Prayer'

This is an audio clip of David and Chantal singing 'The Prayer' at Jonathan & Cynthia's wedding.

Thank you for letting a proud mama brag!

Introducing.....Prince David

This being a very 'transitional' time (Is that even a word?.....it is now!) in the Bertram household, with Jonathan married and out of the house, it really got Chantal and I thinking....Here's what we came up with.

We have officially crowned David Hunter Bertram the 'Prince' of the house. YES....he now holds the very royal spot that sits right next to the throne. Thus he must be treated like the royalty that he is.

This last Sunday night (the very first night after the big coronation), when we came home from church, Chantal (The Princess) and I were poised and ready. When he entered the dining area we quickly sat him down and asked him what he wanted to eat...."ANYTHING, to the half of the kingdom is yours just ask"....and that he did. We tirelessly served him his hearts delight. Meanwhile the delight was ours. Just to watch the little grin, huge dimples, and the chest expanding before our eyes was incredible fun. I must say that the Prince is milking this one for all it's worth. The Princess is working tirelessly in the kitchen granting the Prince his every wish. (It is loads of cute!!!!)

In my opinion, the Prince is so worthy of this royal treatment. He is nothing short of delightful. He has the Queen and blonde little Princess wrapped around his handsome little finger. However, the queen is now waiting for a new awareness to set in and be realized....The one that will occur with startling clarity,...the one when the Princess realizes her royal spot in the Kingdom, and has the Prince finally doting on her.....

WEDDING ALERT

Wow it has been ages since I have written on my blog. I have so many friends and family all over the United States, and this blog was a way for them to keep connected to me....however, it's not as effective a tool for me to keep connected to them. Thus Facebook. I have neglected my blog, and have been staying connected to loved ones via Facebook....It's more of a 'mutually satisfying' experience. One problem being that EVERYONE does not have FB. At my sons wedding (which I will talk about later on in this update) several friends and family (that are not FB converts yet) requested some blog updates....So here we go.

I probably should have went back and read what my latest blog entries were, so that I could be more informative, but I didn't. (Too lazy I guess.) So, I'll just pick up on the LATEST, BIGGEST, news in our family.

The most sentimental and HUGEST news in our family, is that my son Jonathan Paul Bertram is now a married man. YEP! I can hardly believe it, but it is true. Jonathan married a precious girl from our church. 'Cynthia' is an incredibly beautiful and Godly young lady. I am so proud of Jonathan's pick!!

Cynthia has been a part of FMT since she was about 10 or 11. Something about Cynthia grabbed my heart. (Those of you that know me well, know that 'maternal' blood flows in my veins in the healthiest form, and I just can't help it!) I can't explain it, just can say that since she was very young, I would always 'look out' for her. A mother's love from me was just hers, free for the taking.....and she did. I often tell Jonathan that I fell in love with Cynthia before he did....I really did. I have corrected many people in the last couple of weeks when they refer to my 'daughter-in-law'...I quickly tell them that I have no daughter-in-law. I have 2 daughters.

I was thrilled to share every wedding planning experience with my girl. Many LA trips, David's Bridal trips....you name it. What fun we had.... The bond becoming stronger and stronger.

All this said, there were many bitter/sweet sentimental moments. Realizing that nothing would ever be the same. The little guy that I lived to take care of, and put every part of my being into, would be leaving home forever... The job of taking care of him would be passed on to someone else. It wouldn't be mine. Forever.....

Jonathan has always had a special 'sense' with me. I might be able to fool everyone else but never Jonathan. He just knows when I'm sad or upset, .... One night before he was married I was having one of these bitter/sweet sentimental moments, and didn't want anyone to see me cry...SO, knowing I wouldn't be missed (everyone was out with various events) I got in my car and just started driving. I cried and cried driving the streets of Santee. After about an hour my phone rings....guess who?! (He made me so mad that night!...Can't a girl just cry her eyeballs out without all the commotion? Drown her sorrows in a calorie filled milkshake or something without having to report to everyone?!) "Mom are you alright?" Trying to make my voice all 'sing-songy'. "Of course I'm alright....I'm at Sonic getting a drink." That 'sense' kicked in and he held on like a pit bull, and wouldn't let go until I was sobbing, hiccuping, and drooling all over the phone, telling him how hard it was for me to let go and let life take it's natural God elected course. We had a very sweet talk,....talked about all our special dinners together, and just how special and dear our bond was to each of us. He was so sweet, and the bitter tears turned sweet, as we talked and I cried, hiccuped, and felt like a nerd...but a nerd that was making the very necessary adjustments of the heart and soul, and the one helping me was that little boy that had turned into such a sweet, sensitive and incredible man.

I am a grateful lady. My first born has made the biggest step in his life, and he picked a little angel. My heart is full of gratefulness and peace. God has been so good to me!

Happy Birthday Baby!!

Today I am celebrating the birthday of the LOVE OF MY LIFE....Happy Birthday Babe!!!!

Paul I am thankful for the man that you are.  You live what you preach.  You have integrity.  You are a hard worker.  You are a compassionate and strong leader.  You have been a wonderful Dad to our children, and an incredible husband to me.  I love the home we have created side by side, and  cherish the children we have so lovingly raised together.  Little did I know that a cowboy from Michigan would sweep me off my feet like you did....but I'm oh so glad you did!!!!  Looking forward to being by your side for MANY more birthdays to come.....

Lorraine  :-)

Jonathan & Cynthia

My beautiful - soon to be - Daughter-in-law....

I have had a special love in my heart for this young lady for many years, not knowing....

I love you Cynthia, and am so excited to welcome you into our family!!!!