My baby is graduating college!

Oh my, where has the time gone since this photo was taken? Wasn't it just yesterday she was graduating from Mrs. Guy's Kindergarten class at The King's Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida? Though time passing can make us feel "old" and worn; I desire and choose to look at it as the blessing and gift of many days...days that blended into the next, ultimately bringing us to this pride filled day. Oh, yes, we surely made it through those moments filled with both tears and laughter. There were days we didn't see eye to eye, and a strong-willed little girl would try her best to cross the line. But always in the end came the apology, sometimes written on paper with miss spelled words and stick figure people, but always with a sincere and broken heart. No, we more than made it 'through'. We are today so much better because of them. We come to this day a little more wiser and a lot more humble for the journey. And, I have come to believe within my heart of hearts that each and every one of those days was a stepping stone, a building block that had been orchestrated for me to make me a better mom to my little girl. Many times I questioned God and wondered why, but I always knew that if it were not for His providential love for my children and His guiding hand upon them, they would not be the same young adults they are today. Certainly there was no good thing within me except that which was guided and propelled by His Holy Spirit. I look at her today, and I thank Him for answered prayer. For there is no greater answer to a mother's prayer than to see her child's heart overflowing with love for God..for a walk that has chosen to first honor Him and to desire to please Him in all she does. This is my greatest joy in all of life.

As I watch my Sabrina graduate this Saturday at Liberty University, I will give thanks for this young lovely lady, and I will pray that her future will see all the desires of her heart come true. Oh, I can only say it but one way, with simple words: ~ thank you Father God for Sabrina and the honor of being her mother. Oh please be with her; guide and protect her as she steps out into a world that is confused,needy and hurting, may her hands be filled with your touch and her lips overflowing with praise for You oh great God. Amen.

Beauty in the darkness...

Today, I realized just how blessed I am to truly be able to see God's creation... While at work today, a father came in with his young teen aged son. However, this young teenager was not like most his age. for as he walked around, he kept his arm tucked tightly around his father's -- this young man could not see. He could not see the beauty of this day; the bright blue skies, the flowers beginning to bloom in all their glorious hues...the birds as they flew from budding tree to tree. From that moment early this morning until this one, I cannot get this young man out of my mind. how he held his daddy's arm, how he trusted his every step, and just how his face smiled and glowed with happiness and contentment even through his dark world.

That precious boy reminded me today in a very tangible way, that though I have been blessed to see the beauty all around me, I pray that I never, ever take it -- and above all -- the Creator who lavished it upon us, for granted. And, I pray that my heart shines with joy from within even in the darkest of moments.

Our hope of glory...

Essex, CT

Father God, I have so many hopes and dreams that cannot be fulfilled in this hollow life. I have hope of seeing loved ones who have died and hope of life without suffering and sorrow. It is Christ who first rose from the dead, and because He did, He is my hope of glory in this life and in the next. When I am most inclined to despair, I reflect and remember that You have poured out Your love for me on Calvary, and I respond with hope and gratitude. Amen

"Christ in you, the hope of glory." ~ Col. 1:27

You are all I need...

"Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble." ~ Proverbs 15:16

Father God, when You are all I need and want all else takes a back seat and my world becomes less frightful. I don't need to work extra hours and add stress to my life trying to keep up with the neighbors. I don't need to be a millionaire to find satisfaction in life. I desire and ask Your help to be happy and content with the gifts You give me...the simple pleasures that make my life worthwhile. Help me to say 'no' to overloading my schedule so that I will have time to enjoy being Your child. You alone can satisfy my heart -- no other person, no perk, no place, no possession. In You alone can I know perfect peace. Thank you that You put no price on what You have to offer me, but that I surrender my heart, bow my knee, and seek you with all that is within me. Thank You Father God that You are all I ever need, may I live every moment with this prize set before me. Amen

Margaret Becker's 'Along the Road'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6qKo7k9QFY

This is one of my all time favorite Christian recording artists performing one of my all time favorite Christian recordings! The song is the first I heard by her on the album of the same name. Christian recording artists Christine Dente and Susan Ashton also join Margaret in it. I believe I bought the "cassette tape" in 1985 and to this day I know each word to each song on it. What a blessing this project has been to me.

To trust You...

Father God, thank you that you guide me day by day. Help me to choose to trust You here and now, right this moment, for You are always there, step by step, even as I cannot see the road ahead. Guide me to not run ahead or lag behind, but stay at your side. Remind me in my moments of doubt and fear Father that anywhere this journey takes me, you are already there, waiting for me. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." <> Matthew 6:34

In times of loneliness...

Thank you Father God that in times of loneliness and solitude, You draw me closer to You and I discover gladness in our intimate conversations - and through it you help me to understand myself better; and in its confines you teach me how to be a more caring and compassionate sojourner with others.

"I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you." <> John 14:18