Luke 10:38-42 (New International Version)New International Version (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

At the Home of Martha and Mary

38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
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Laurie's Sunday, May 22, 2005, Response:

The excitement of having Jesus into your home! Can you just imagine? I believe that Mary and Martha already knew Jesus because of the bold way that she presented her case to the Lord. Lazarus was their brother, right? Jesus wept when he died, so we know the ladies knew Him as well.

Martha was so sweet to open her home to Jesus and His disciples. I doubt it was a scheduled stop, but she was willing to serve right there on the spot. Are you that way or do you have to really think about things before you do them? I have the gift of hospitality, but I am uncomfortable hostessing large parties of people. I ponder it and worry over it almost to the point of hyperventilation. When I am a co-hostess, the burden is considerably less. When Martha opened her home to Him, do you think she did this with the expectation of Mary helping her prepare and serve, perhaps just having the expectation and not telling Mary she needed her help, and then just getting flat out mad when she didn't?

And what about Mary? I wonder what she thought when Martha opened her home to Jesus and His followers. I wonder if she thought, "Yay! Jesus is coming here. He's so great and wise. I can't wait to sit at his feet in an informal setting and just soak up His wise words of wisdom! That was so sweet of Martha to ask them in!"

Hmmmmm...........

My prayer is this: Lord, I praise You for the opportunities I have to learn so much about You through the interactions and personalities of these two ladies, as well as Your wise words to Martha. Help me ponder them in my heart and as I read the chapter and begin some more indepth study tomorrow and throughout the week. Lay the truths You have ready for me to learn on my heart and let me put those truths into practice. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8).

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May this be me, today and each day that comes. I want to be productive for Jesus. I pray that each of these qualities will manifest themselves in me and that I would take careful note to grow them as I need them.

We have a new addition to the family. It's a boy. 3 lbs., 2 oz. Very furry. Toy poodle. Birthday was March 1, 2005. We brought him home on the tonight!

He's restored so much of the joy to our home and really livened things up. It's not quiet anymore, that's for sure.

We miss Copper. We always will, but we are grateful that God led us to Wilson, another toy poodle.

Yes, Wilson as in Wilson, the Volleyball, from Castaway. He helped Chuck through some rough times on that island and I know our Wilson will help us just as well.

In Loving Memory

Coppierre' (Copper) Redley Pierce

December 22, 1994 - April 13, 2005

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You were faithful, loyal, kind-hearted, tender, funny, adorable, happy, humble, sneaky, loving, mischievous, precious.....you were you, Copper!

I will miss you forever, little man. I know you know we did the right thing because you never even tried to pull the catheter out. When Dr. Casey gave you your night-night medicine you laid your little head right down and went to sleep. I'm so sorry you suffered for as long as you did, little man. Dr. Leber tried everything he knew to do. We had you in his office every day and Mommy held you as much as she could. I know you were tired and you fought harder than any fur-baby should had to have fought. Copper, you hung in there, man. You knew how much we loved you and I'm so sorry we couldn't do more for you.

Thank you so much for enriching my life. While God didn't bless me with children, He blessed me with you. I consider it a privilege to have been your mommy and daddy loves you so much, too. 10 years is a long time, angel-dog, and you know how much you are missed. Mama, Jennifer, Steve's mother and daddy, Melanie, Brenda....oh, baby. You were *so* loved! What a testament to your life with us here on earth, little guy! I am so glad that we had you for as long as we did and I rejoice that you are no longer suffering.

Thank you, Baby. Thank you for the ride home the night we bought you, the night when you snuggled against my neck.

Thank you for letting me bury my face in your sweet fur as my tears sent you on your way to Heaven.

Thank you for letting me kiss your head and for loving your mama.

Thank you for laying beside me at night and letting me cuddle you before I would go to sleep.

Copper, I thank God for you and will always praise Him for giving me the privilege of having been your mom. I will never forget you and you will always be my sweet one.

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Good night, sir.

What we think, good or bad, really does affect our actions and the course of our lives.

Finally, brothers,
Whatever is true,
Whatever is noble,
Whatever is right,
Whatever is pure,
Whatever is lovely,
Whatever is admirable -
If anything is excellent or praiseworthy -
Think about such things.

Phillipians 4:8

And then He said,

"I love you no matter what size you are."
"I didn't create you to have children but to spoil rotten all the ones in your life!"
"I love you! Get back in there and chat with your friends."
"By the way, that wasn't Me that told you to leave."

God is so good.

Sunday Morning Sermon Notes:

His Return

150+ references in the NT re: Christ's return - the Second Coming!

It's personal
It's visible
It will be Jesus
Don't know when
Are to be ready
Whether we are ready or not; saved or unsaved, it's not going to affect when Christ comes again
We are to have a passion for the people who don't already know Jesus
Our desire should be to honor and praise hHim and share *share* Him
Great day for those who are ready
Terrible for tthose who do not know Him as their Lord and Savior


Luke 24:50: When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.

Acts 1:9-11: After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

John 10:9-10; 28-30: I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”

1 Tessalonians 4:13-18: Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Matthew 16:27: For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

Matthew 26:64: “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

John 14:1-4: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

2 Peter 3:4; 8-10: They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” - But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

John 16:7: But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

Isaiah 9:6-7: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Revelation 5:9-13: And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Revelation 20:11-15: Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

At 4:00 this morning I heard a little sound scraping at the side of the bed. Copper, our 10 year old toy poodle, had apparently been unsuccessful in waking up Steve, so he tried me. I got up and let himout and just felt so good. Cozy. I had a good feeling! I was drowsy but refreshed by the night's sleep.

As I was standing there waiting for him to do what he needed to do I began to pray. Normally I do not begin praying until I get up at 5:15 or 5:30, but this morning I felt led to get a head start on it, I guess. As Iwalked through the kitchen to the little jar of biscuits Copper gets, I prayed. As I poured some iced tea for my parched throat, still, I prayed. As I climbed back under the covers in the cool of themorning, still, I prayed.

45 minutes later I was still praying and not asleep! I believe God was directing my prayer time with Him. The words came from my heart and I know without a doubt they were reaching Him. I got back up as I knew I wasn't going to go back to sleep. I reached a point to where I concluded my prayer and my reading time with God was so special this morning. I love reading His Word and am in Judges now.

You know, I really don't feel like words do justice to the sense of calm and peace and connection I felt with God this morning. I am not a charismatic person, actually, I border more on the side of conservative/traditional/whatever.

I think I found out what the expression "caught up in the Spirit" means this morning, though. May God be glorified by it.

Yesterday, in Proverbs 10, verse 19 jumped out at me.


KJV: In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Do what????

NIV: When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Well, for a chatterbox like me it's hard to hold my tongue. I mean, I love to talk! I see the point of speaking less but how can it be sinful if I watch what I'm saying?

NLT: Don't talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!

Oh! I I see. I am such a chatterbox and this verse just really convicted that I needed to think about mastering the art of silence. I can see how talking a lot would foster sin. Potential for gossip or just giving too much information about something is great - especially from the chatterbox that I am.

I am reminded of a story my mother told me. I was young, I'm guessing somewhere between 3 and 5. I lost my voice. I was so hoarse. She was mystified as I wasn't running a fever, nor complaining with a sore throat. She took me to Dr. Yates and before he even looked in my throat he knew what the problem was. He said, "Barbara, you're going to have to keep her quiet! She just talks too much." Or something to that effect. Anyway, my mother found the prospect of keeping me quiet akin to herding cats, which is nearly impossible.

Now that I am older I would love to say I have matured and lost the chatterbox routine but I can't. I'm 34 years old and am *still* chattering away. I am rarely at a loss for words but this verse finds me thinking that perhaps I do need to curtail the chatter.

Yes, but how?

Excuse me while I google this, please.

Wow! Maintaining silence is kind of a New Age thing, huh? I'm going to go look for more.

Speaking Less

http://www.christian-faith.com/html/page/home

I pray I be swift to hear; slow to speak, and slow to wrath. (James 1:19)

Lord, make me the wise one who restrains his lips. (Pr. 10:19)

Lord, help me to remember that the perverse tongue will be cut out. (Pr. 10:31)

Lord, make me of a faithful spirit so as to conceal a matter not needing to be said. (Pr. 11:13)

Lord, keep me from being ensnared by the transgression of my lips. (Pr. 12:13)

Lord, teach me when to cover shame prudently. (Pr. 12:16)

Lord, teach me when to conceal knowledge. Keep me from proclaiming foolishness. (Pr. 12:23)

Teach me Lord to guard my mouth and so preserve my life. Keep me from the destruction which comes by opening my lips foolishly. (Pr. 13:3)

Lord, intensify my hatred for lying. (Pr. 13:5)

Lord, I pray that my lips will preserve me. Keep me from proud words. (Pr. 14:3)

Father, keep me from idle chatter and poverty. (Pr. 14:23)

Father, give me the understanding to be slow to wrath, and not impulsive. (Pr. 14:29)

Father, cause wisdom to rest in my heart. Give me understanding. Let me not reveal to men all that is in my heart. (Pr. 14:33)

Lord, I pray that I speak soft answers which turn away wrath, and not harsh words which stir up anger. (Pr. 15:1)

Lord, I pray I that be wise to use knowledge rightly, not to pour forth foolishness. (Pr. 15:2)

Lord, I pray that I study and ponder how to answer. (Pr. 15:28)

Lord, give me knowledge and teach me to spare my words. Give me understanding and a calm spirit. (Pr. 17:25)

I pray Lord that I have the wisdom to hold my peace and shut my lips when it is not wise to speak. (Pr. 17:23)

"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.” Job 23:10-11

Father, I give you the glory for knowing my heart. Thank You for being with me as I go through this test. May all I do and say honor You. I know it's not over. Not even close, but I pray that You will continue to feel me close on Your heels, oh God, as I pursue you. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

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Answer me when I call to YOU, O my righteous GOD. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. Psalms 4:1

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Thank you thank you thank you, God!

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"The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer." Psalm 6:9
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Father, yesterday morning I sat at the kitchen table, Bible open and heart humbled. I felt so alone. I prayed that You knew the truth and would help me deal with the hurt I am feeling due to K's manipulation and acting out at home. I thanked You for loving me and I trusted You to handle things. I told You how hurt I was and how alone I felt in a house of three. You heard my prayer and accepted it. You answered it for me. Oh, Lord, I do thank you so much.

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Praise be to GOD, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld HIS love from me!
Psalms 66:20
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Thank you, Lord, for not rejecting my prayer. I do so appreciate your love for me.

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Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
James 5:13
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I will sing of Your love forever, oh, Lord. All day long I will lift my spirit up to You in praise and recognition and appreciation for what you gave me in S's validation of my feelings.

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In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. Philippians 1:4
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Father, I knew You would come through for me. I knew not when or how or if it would be in the way that I thought I needed, but I prayed with joy because I trusted You and delight in You, even when I am down.

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But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6
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I never doubt that Your know best, Lord.

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For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

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Your plans are always the best ones, Lord, and I trust them. My heart is full of praise that Your plans are carried out and I will glorify You and honor You for the joy of the perfection of Your plans.

In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen

Just because I have been called untrustworthy does not mean that I am.
Just because I have been called a liar does not mean that I am.
Just because I feel unworthy does not mean that I am.
Just because I have been accused of wrong-doing does not mean that I did.

Just because I have been prayed for by friends, just because God loves me, just because I know what is true and God knows what is true, just because God forgave me, I will forgive those who have wronged me.

Just because I could sit in sackcloth and ashes with just cause does not mean that I will.
Just because I have been redeemed by God, loved by friends, and believe in myself, I will rise and go on with my life.

Just because Satan is trying to confuse and confound me, I will seek the Lord and prove all of the Enemy's lies untrue.
Just because Jesus died for me, I will go on living.

Hear O Lord, my righteous plea, listen to my cry.
Give ear to my prayer--it does not rise from deceitful lips.
May my vindiccation come from you; may your eyes see what is right.
Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will
find nothing.
I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
As for the deeds of men--
by the word of your lips
i have kept myself from the ways of the violent
My steps have held to your paths
my feet have not slipped.
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me,
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
Keep me as the apple of your eye
hide me in the shadow of your wings
from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.

Psalm 17: 1-9

Is hope important to you? Why?

Hope is very important to me. If I didn't have hope I wouldn't have anything. Romans 8:23-25 says: "Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."

My hope in Jesus Christ carries me through tough times and keeps me focused on eternity and the One who gave me eternal life. Also, hope is a gift that goes along with grace. It's given by God for me to and I wait with anticipation - with hope - on Him.

What is Hope?

Hope. My friend Webster has lots of definitions of Hope.

As a noun hope is:

1. A specific instance of feeling hopeful - I have felt hopeful many times. It's what keeps me going. I know that hope.

2. The general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled - I've had hopes of getting pregnant, hope that I would get a position I wanted, hopeful that God would answer a prayer the way I wanted. I know that hope.

3. Grounds for feeling hopeful about the future - Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

4. Someone (or something) on which expectations are centered - My hope is set on Jesus Christ.

5. United States comedian (born in England) who appeared in films with Bing Crosby (born in 1903). - I'm sure that since God has a sense of humor He has him preforming for all the veterans up there. :)

6. One of the three Christian virtues. - This is based on 1 Corinthians 13. Faith, hope and love. Faith in Jesus, hope in Jesus and love for Jesus. Does it get any better than that?

As a verb hope is:

1. Expect with desire - I am so looking forward to Christ's return. I long for Heaven, no more illness, a new body, worshipping my Savior for eternity...

2. Be optimistic; be full of hope; have hopes - My hope is positive. I see it from an optimistic point of view and I know that having hopes and desires in line with God's will is a good thing.

3. Intend with some possibility of fulfilment - John 14:1-4 quotes Jesus: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." I believe that without a doubt.

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What do you hope for this Christmas?

My hope for this Christmas is simple. I only hope for two things.

1. That Jesus be the focus of our season.
2. That my grandmother's Alzheimer's is still moderate (gone would be nice) so that we have Christmas Eve at her house just like always.

Let me hear of your unfailing love
to me in the morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I have come to you in prayer.
Save me from my enemies, LORD;
I run to you to hide me.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
Psalm 143:8-10 NLT

Isaiah 43:1: The Savior of Israel But now, O Israel, the LORD who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. (NLT)

Wonderful news, isn't it?! What does your name mean? Mine is a derivation of Laura - it means Laurel Crowned. Hmmmm.........

Just knowing He knows my name makes me feel very special and magnifies my personal relationship with God. In the sea of billions on earth He knows my name! When I go before Him in prayer He hears Laurie praying.

That He would bless us and share this wonderful news with us through His prophet Isaiah is so soothing in times of trouble. He won't forget us. He knows our names. Just like a parent knows each one of their identical twins when no one else can tell them apart He knows each of us.
Praise God!

Psalm 40:1-3: I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
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At some point in our lives I am sure that we, as Christians, have felt God lift us out of the throws of depression. I can really identify with what David, a man after God's own heart, wrote in this Psalm. From waiting patiently, to the slimy pit, feeling God turn to me, lifting me up, working me up out of the mire, and planting my feet on a firm place to stand, I can honestly say that over the last few days I have gone through all of these things. 
 
You see, for the past few days I have been depressed, down, feeling as though I were sinking just a little bit at the time. Yesterday, especially, was a very depressing day for me.  6 years ago I gave birth far too soon to Sydney Michele.
 
While I am confident our angel is in heaven and I know one day I will have the chance to hold this sweet baby in my arms, this year was particularly rough. Usually it's not quite this bad. Could it be because I would be shopping for school clothes and school supplies, making ready to send our angel on a lifelong journey to learn? That's certainly a milestone in a child's life and most surely a parent's. Or that I could have been planning a birthday party? I'm just not sure why it was so rough this year. At any rate, I have felt "stuck in the mire" down for a few days. I have missed my baby. How my arms have ached to hold that child! God blessed me beyond belief by even giving me the privelege and allowing me to carry our angel for the short time I was able to. 
 
This time of the year I feel Him, my Heavenly Father, closer and closer to me. I begin sinking in the mud, the slimy pit of depression about a week before the baby's birthday (or the date of the miscarriage).  
 
As a Christian, my hope is in God. This means that I know beyond a doubt that this sinking feeling is just that. God will turn to me and hear my pleas for "feeling back to normal." I feel the loss of our child but think of the blessings of my life and just like most children, for I am a child of God, I hold up my arms to God and let Him free me from this mucky, slimy pit of depression and lift me out of it, placing me gently on a firm foundation, the truth of His Word. 
 
Once again, I praise Him. I testify to how I feel so dark, so lost, so stuck, yet waiting patiently for the Lord. And He does come. Sometimes I feel Him later rather than sooner, but I stick it out. I know my God will show up to save me from the pits of depression.  God works me out of the muck and plants me on the Rock, the firm foundation of His Word, bringing me from darkness into light. I will sing of His mercy and love, I will share His might and His strength. 
 
Be encouraged, friends and loved ones. No matter what you are going through just stand there, looking up for God. He'll come. Hang in there and hold your arms up to Him. Let Him work you loose from the muck of the slimy pit, for He is far stronger than anyone, especially our own selves, and is our only way out of that pit.   When He grasps our outstretched arms and moves us from the slimy pit to the firm place we are to praise Him.
 
Thank you, God, for giving me strength to wait patiently for you to lift me out of the pit. I praise You for not leaving me alone, and I offer my thanksgiving and love to You for placing my feet back on firm foundation. Help me to dust myself off as I go back on my way through another year. May the years become easier and easier, but if this is the way that You have in mind for me to re-acknowledge Your love and presence and that You only are my Helper, then I don't mind getting stuck in the mud. I know You'll always show up to pick me up and put me back on the firm foundation, oh, Lord.  And thank you for the strong network of support you have given me.  A loving husband, mother, sister, father.  Thank you, Lord.  You are worthy to be praised, indeed.

Happy Birthday, Sydney Michele.  I love you and I miss you.  Daddy and I were talking last night about how lucky you are to have such a wonderful family in heaven.  From Paw Paw, who wasn't alive to see the twins born, to Uncle Todd, who had to leave his baby here on earth to come home to Heaven, you have a whole host of angels who love you.  I bet they are fighting over who will play with you next!  How do you like Uncle Wimpy?  Don't tell any of the other uncles and aunts that are with you, but Uncle Wimpy was my favorite and I bet he's yours, too! 
 
If we didn't have God in our lives we would be just sick over losing you and I would have to just lay right down and die.  What hope would we have for you?  I know that you are in Heaven.  I have no doubt that when Daddy and I come to Heaven, too, we will see you and hold you in our arms.  Don't worry about me.  I'm doing fine, honey.  You were the baby that I prayed for and even though I never got to hold you, you were such a blessing in my life.  I feel comforted by the fact that I was given you even for a short time to feel and love.  For whatever reason, God chose to let you come live with Him in Heaven, and although I would have given my life at one time to let you live, I do understand that it is what it is.  God needed you more up there than I did in this crazy world we live in down here.  He is providing for you far better than your Daddy and I ever could. 
 
Around this day of the year such a wide range of emotions overwhelm me.  I go from aching to hold you to abundant joy that you are in Heaven.  I go from crying to laughing.  I go from feeling empty to feeling abundantly full.  It's so hard to explain, Sydney.  I love you so much.  God has not given us any other children and I am fine with that.  You were enough.  I tried for so long to have you and other babies, but eventually I realized that I had to stop trying for what God was not going to allow me to have. 
 
I'm so content in my life right now.  Daddy and I are very happy.  We have a good life on earth and have our hope in Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  You know what our lives are like on earth.  We go to work, we come home, we spend time together with our family....we're happy.  I have some wonderful friends I met just because of you, honey.  Thank you so much for coming into my life even for such a short period of time.  You helped me meet my best friend in the whole wide world! 
 
I do miss you but I know that everything is alright and as it should be.  Who am I to question why God took you?  I wonder sometimes, but I know that it's not for me to question so I try to focus on something else. 
 
Today you would be six years old. 
 
Next year you will be 7.  I love you, honey, and want you to know that not a day goes by when you aren't in my thougths at one moment or another.  I love you and I miss you and I pray that God would keep watch over you.  Don't go crossing those streets of gold alone without holding on to a big angel's hand, okay, little angel? 
 
Until next year, Sydney. 
 
Love,
Mom

Power Verses for Today:

Ephesians 4:26 (NIV) Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
but only what is helpful and for building others up according to their
needs that it may benefit those who listen.

Psalm 141:3 (NIV) Set a guard over my mouth, O lord; keep watch over
the door of my lips.

Psalm 63:3 (NIV) Because your love is better than life, my lips will
glorify you.

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Father, help me to speak and think in the way of Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

I don't want any unwholesome talk or thoughts to be in my mind or depart from my lips. If that makes me a prude, a goody two-shoes, then so be it. I'm doing it for You. I'm not perfect so I expect to sin and be tempted to sin, but Father, I know with Your great love and support that I can be a woman after Your own heart, one who speaks and thinks in obedience to Your commands.

In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen