I have to share how much I was touched by a friend's testimony recently. Funny thing is - theme of the event was forgiving difficult people - but what spoke to me was the effect sin had in her life. Not her own sin - but the sin of her father some 20 years prior. A mistake so common to many in this day in age...a moment of weakness. Foolish choices. Selfishness. The result...he hurt those closest to him - the ones he needed to protect. I'm sure if he had to do it over again, he would have chosen differently. If he could only have seen the ripple effect of his sin. It made me ponder my choices - good and bad - how they affect those around me. Not just now, but in the future. The hurt still in my friend's voice....yes, there is forgiveness....yes, there is healing...oh, but what a painful journey. I hope to always remember this lesson when I'm faced with difficult decisions. When I'm tempted to be selfish. I need to look into the eyes of those around me and remember how extremely blessed I am. To know I have the honor of being a loving wife and mother, a loyal friend, a woman of integrity to bless those around me. I pray that I will not fail them or my Father who loves me.

I am so thankful for the people God has brought into my life to shine a little of His light into mine.....

"I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation...I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done." Psalm 118:13-14; 17

Hmmm....strange....my last post seems to have disappeared. Oh well...lost in the abyss of cyber-space.

God has been speaking to me so much this last year - usually in whispers - sometimes so quiet that I wonder if it's really Him. No, I don't hear an audible voice - just a gentle stirring in my soul. Though I often wish that He would speak in an audible voice, giving us clear direction. So many decisions in life and so many ways for us to screw it all up. I am just thankful that He is always there to pick me up when I do fall. As much as I dislike the pain and struggle this life brings - the place I am at is good. I am in complete dependence on my Father. He carries me and has lifted me out of the dark pit I was in. Not that the struggles are gone - He has just given me a new focus. One of hope and of peace. He is bigger than anything that comes at me - He alone will sustain me. I lift my eyes to Him when the darkness seems to surround me and I find strength to carry on. He has brought amazing people alongside me to encourage and love me. In return, I have been placed in other's lives to pray for and encourage them in their struggles. My heart is so tender right now for those who are suffering - and, oh, how so many are hurting... know that I am burdened for you and I am praying for you.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for what God has done for me. My husband, my kids, my family, my friends.....our health, a roof over our heads, a wonderful job, amazing places to worship and serve Him...what more could I ask for? I find myself smiling as I think of the ways He is going to surprise me today and show His provision. I know it may not all work out how I think it should - but I know it will work out how God knows it should....and what a peace that brings.

"Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5b