Rejoice

Rejoice in the Lord always?
Always, really? always?
Again you say rejoice?
Always, really? always?
But life is hard;
Life can really hurt.
Rejoice in the Lord always?
Okay, let's think about this.
Life is all about the Lord.
Life is not about me.
If I look to the Lord alone,
The problems fade somehow.
Of course they don't just go away;
It is a fallen world.
Some days are harder than others.
Some get more, some less,
But still the Lord is bigger
Than anything we face.
Do we really love our Lord?
Do we really long for Him?
If we look back at the cross,
If we look ahead to heaven,
Then we might start rejoicing
For we know we are forgiven.
We know we have a Savior.
He suffered and he died.
There was nothing wrong He did,
But He died for my sin.
Rejoice in the Lord always?
Again you say rejoice?
Oh, may I always praise my Lord
Who gave His life for me.
He gave me joy that I might live
To glorify just Him.
Forgive me, Lord, for lack of faith
That keeps me from rejoicing.
Help me, Lord, to walk with you
And rejoice in you always.

Spirit Led at 34 months

We took the kids out for dinner at a restaurant last Saturday evening with my grandfather and two aunts and my sister. Before we went in, we reminded them to stay in their chairs and be quiet. Luke did great. Lydia, not so much. When we returned to the car after dinner, I thanked Luke for his good behavior. He asked what his prize was. I told him that he did not need a prize for obeying, but that his obeying glorified God. Lydia asked Luke if he obeyed God, seeming happy for him that he did. She then solemnly said, "I didn't obey God." I told her I knew. She said it again and said that God was sad. Seeing that she was really concerned, I said, "You can ask God to forgive you." She softly and seriously bowed her head, and prayed, "God, forgive you me. I love you, God. I love you. I will be better next year when we go there." I was deeply moved and thought that I should write this. I believe that the Holy Spirit touched that almost three-year-old heart in a special way. May we also go to the Father for forgiveness and not forget to tell Him how we love Him.

Prayer for Unborn Child

You made this life inside me
To glorify Your name,
To praise You for Your holiness,
To love You for Your grace.

Life is so uncertain,
And I want to pray Your will
So what is my cry for this child,
The longing of my heart?

Oh, sin is here already.
We are a fallen world.
I pray for Your own righteousness
To clothe my precious child.

Oh, may this child be Your child
To glorify Your name,
To praise You for Your holiness,
To love You for Your grace.

~thinking of my pregnant friends and family members and looking back on my prayer for my children during my pregnancies

For Papa

His battle is over.
The victory’s won:
No more suffering now,
Only praise to the King.

He fought a good fight,
A legacy did leave,
Generations he touched
With the lessons he taught.

He worked hard, and he served;
His family, he loved.
His church and his town,
They all knew his name.

So since the battle’s been won,
Now it’s time to praise
The Leader, the King,
Our LORD who does save.

Papa’s praising him now.
Let us join him in song.
Let’s sing, “Holy, Holy”
To the one on the throne.

Let’s wipe our tears
And turn our hearts towards heaven
For the Savior’s due glory.
Let’s bring it to Him.

As we walk on this earth,
Let’s not forget
To walk looking to Him
That truly we’ll live.

~H.T. Cardwell, Jr. (July 15, 1920 - August 31, 2009)

Sing Alleluia

Worship the King.
Bring praise to the LORD.
Sing alleluia.
Love and adore.

Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.

He's Savior, Redeemer,
Creator of All,
Counselor, Great One.
Sing alleluia.

Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.

Jesus was pierced,
Hung on a cross,
Suffered and died
For His sheep who were lost.

Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.

Now He's alive.
Bring praise to His name.
Sing alleluia.
Christ Jesus does reign.

Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.

Rest in the Mess

Life can get messy.
So much can go wrong,
But God is still God.
He remains strong.
He calls to the weary.
He calls the burdened to Him.
In God we find rest.
In Him a new load,
One that’s much lighter
For He carries it with us,
One that brings rest,
Sweet rest for our souls.
He offers us His yoke.
Learn with Him in control.
He’ll teach us to be humble
And gentle like Him.
If we'll serve Him each day,
Get off our own thrones,
Then this life, through messy
Can bring glory to Him.
And if we look through the mess,
We’ll find He is right there,
Holding on to us daily.
Let us find Him in prayer.
Hold nothing back,
Bring it all to His feet,
But don’t stop at that,
Praise His name for His greatness.
Read His word each day
And walk His walk with our lives,
And praise Him, O praise Him
As we walk through the mess.

~reflection on Matt. 11:28-30 and life right now

Take It To The Lord

Our minds keep on racing.
Can’t seem to slow down.
We all have our troubles,
The cares of this world.
So what’s one to do?
We can’t take any more.
What’s one to do
With all the stuff we bear?

Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
Give it to Him.
Give it to Him.
Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
He can handle it.
He can handle it.
Why do we try
To do it on our own
When we know
That he’s near?
Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
The one who cares
He’ll carry your cares.

We feel weighed down
With all our worries,
But He can bring peace.
Just give it to Him.
One day at a time,
Let’s live for His glory.
It’s all in His hands.
Let’s trust and obey.

Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
Give it to Him.
Give it to Him.
Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
He can handle it.
He can handle it.
Why do we try
To do it on our own
When we know
That he’s near?
Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
The one who cares
He’ll carry your cares.

Hope would turn three now

Hope would turn three now if still here on earth,
But where Hope is now, the days are not numbered.
With each day that passes, there’s still infinitely more,
Eternity left to spend praising the Lord.
I love life on earth; don’t get me wrong,
But part of me longs to find what Hope’s found.
There’s no suffering, no pain, no sin, and no shame,
Just glory to God, true love all around.
The Lord gives and He takes;
It’s all His after all.
We’re blessed with four children; three here with us.
Blessed be the day we all praise God together.
Today as I think of a birthday that never came,
I thank God for a life, that I’ll never be the same.
He used Hope to teach me about love, life, and loss,
About His perfect timing, about healing and hope.
But Hope’s still a person, one with a soul,
Who now praises God, from the lips of my child.
Thank you , Father, for my Baby Hope,
No longer a baby, but a child of the King.

~My Baby Hope was due to be born on earth July 27, 2006. Hope was born into heaven December 2005.

Worship in Spirit and Truth

Worship in spirit;
Now what does that mean?
Worship in truth;
Let’s not put on a front.
So there’s no special place
That I have to go.
I can worship right here.
I can worship anywhere.
As long as its true,
Not just going through motions,
Then my worship can happen
Wherever I am.
So what does it mean
To worship my Lord?
Is it something I feel,
Something special I do?
Please teach me, O Lord
To bring worship to You,
Worship to honor
My Holy God.
Do I worship You
As I serve my family?
Do I worship You
As I read Your word?
Do I worship You
When I’m speaking to others?
Do I worship You
As I come forth in prayer?
Worship, worship,
What does it mean?
Is my singing true worship,
Or is it just empty words?
As I listen sermons,
Do I worship You then?
Help me to focus
Every thought upon You
That my life might be worship,
A song unto You.
Do I esteem You
Before every other?
Is my devotion all Yours,
Or is it all about me?
Help me to die to myself
That I might live,
Live to Your glory,
Live to worship You.

GODLY WIFE

God calls for us to be holy, (1 Peter 1:16)
Obeying the Word each day, (1 John 5:1-3)
Desiring to bring Him glory, (1 Chronicles 16:29)
Living for Him, not ourselves, (Galatians 2:20)
Yearning to know Him more. (2 Peter 3:18)

We’ve been united by God with our husbands, (Mark 10:9)
Instructed to pay them respect, (Ephesians 5:33)
Faithfully to serve our dear families, (Proverbs 31:27-28)
Every day as unto the Lord. (Colossians 3:17)

Dry Spell

My mouth is dry,
Yet I hardly reach to drink.
I've eaten little,
Yet I hardly reach to eat.
Why oh body?
Where's my thirst?
Where's my unger
For God's word?
Why don't I thirst
For righteousness?
Where's my hunger
For His truth?
Lord, make me thirst.
Make me hunger for You.
Please bring me to draw
From Your living water,
To come
To dine with You.
May I not be complacent.
May I not be lazy.
May I return to the joy
Only found in You.

for Amy

Praying for peace in the chaos,
Waiting for rest in the storm;
Looking for wisdom and answers,
Wondering what lies ahead;
Knowing each day was part of His plan,
Holding on to hope for He’s given us faith;
Wearing thin just taking it all in,
Being refreshed once again as we pray;
Longing for more, but not sure what that means,
Resting in Him, knowing He’s still in control’
And living, just living for life is a gift;
To Him be the glory for whatever may come.

~May God bless you during this time as you search for answers. May you know He's holding onto you and know the peace that only comes through Him.
Love, Emily

The Gift

They were some of the hardest days of my life, to wonder if my baby girl would live. I look back and see the gift. Of course my daughter was a wonderful gift, but along the way the Lord gave me another gift, though at the time it was hard to see. I thank God for that gift.

I remember asking for the possible diagnosis.
I remember the small sheet of paper with the words achondroplasia and Trisomy 18. The third possibility was that it was nothing. The fourth was that it was something really rare; this was unlikely.
I remember hurrying home to look these up online.
I remember regretting that.
I remember each week as the doctor leaned towards Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome).
I remember longing to have a daughter with dwarfism.
I remember not wanting to buy baby clothes, not wanting to set a date for my baby shower.
I remember a friend telling me not to be negative because that was not like me.
I remember searching for children with Trisomy 18 that lived.
I remember finding only a handful.
I remember wanting my child to live but not wanting to be disappointed.
I remember praying for God’s will.
I remember praying that no matter what happened that God would be glorified through her life, however that might be.
I remember the needle.
I remember holding my breath as I watched them take the sample from by growing belly.
I remember the wait.
I remember the support from friends and family.
I remember all the prayers lifted on our behalf.
I remember the first call: no achondroplasia.
I remember the way that my heart sank.
I remember more waiting.
I remember the second call: Turner Syndrome.
I remember knowing it was going to be okay.
I remember knowing that my daughter would live.
I remember wanting her out so badly because maybe I didn’t know if she would live.
I remember her birth.
I remember how perfect she was.
I remember thinking the doctors were idiots for not knowing it was Turner’s not Edwards‘.
Now I know it was a gift.
To wonder if my daughter would live, to know it could be so much worse, perspective: it was a gift.
I will not wonder why for I know it was a gift that I will forever be grateful to have.
Thank you, Lord, for that gift.

Baby Dedication

Dedicated to You , O Lord,
We bring our children to You,
We know they’re yours already,
Entrusted to us on this earth,
And we thank You for each life,
You’ve placed into our arms,
We come as brothers and sisters,
Devoted to You alone,
To guide us on this journey,
To lead them to Your truth,
Please draw each one to You,
That they may know Your love,
That they may know Your plan for them,
That they may walk with You,
Teach us, Lord, to teach them,
Love us, Lord, to love them,
Guide us, Lord, to guide them,
That they might call You Lord

Stop to Talk

Me, O Lord, You call to me?
Come near to You to talk with You?
Not now, but later; I'm busy now.
Oh, not quite yet; I'll get there soon.
One more thing, Lord, then we'll talk.
Oh, I'm so tired; I better sleep.
A new day's coming with lots to do,
And that day passes with stress throughout.
Another comes but with no peace.
The joy is gone, but life keeps going.
If only I'd stop, just stop to rest,
Rest in my Lord where I'll find strength,
Where I'll find joy and peace anew.
So when He calls; it's time to stop.
The world will wait, but I should not.
I should seek Him all day long,
Throughout the chaos, while work is done,
Talk with Him as I do my tasks,
Do all for Him, His glory to show,
And stop, sometimes, just stop to talk.

Home to Heaven

Home to heaven,
Home to Jesus,
Home to freedom
From this flesh.

Praise God for life,
Both long and short.
Praise God for life,
Birth and rebirth.

God, who makes
Not one mistake.
God, who’s children
He makes whole.

Mourn, we will
For earthly loss.
Rejoice, we will
For heavenly gain.

Thanks be to God
For Matt’s sweet life.
Thanks be to God
For lives Matt touched.

Baby Matt Closer to Heaven

Check his blog for an update on Baby Matt http://prayformatt.blogspot.com/.

He is getting so close to seeing Jesus. Praise God for his short life that has and will have more good impact on this world than many who live what the world might call a "full life." When Matt passes, he will have lived a "full life," not measured in years, but measured by Jesus, a life that glorified the Father, that shared the gospel. Matt will soon meet Jesus, and someday I believe he will meet the people that met Jesus because of his story. Praise God for Matt. Praise God that we might live for His glory. Praise God for Matt's early family and friends. Oh Lord, surround them with Your love, comfort, and peace as they have surrounded Matt these past few months.

I look forward to the day when I will praise Jesus with Matt. Oh, He is so close to truly praising Jesus, right there, face to face! When he passes, may many mourn the loss of this sweet soul, but may we not forget to celebrate his passing into Glory and long to see Jesus ourselves. Oh, he will soon behold His glory!

Baby Matt and God's Grace

As I prayed for Baby Matt last night and the wonderful family who brought him in to be their son, I thought about adoption, about God’s adoption of us. I love how the Lord gives us pictures so that we might better understand His grace. He is good. He is so good!

Baby Matt was not the baby everyone was fighting over to take home. He was not the baby that would make any mother so proud as he accomplished milestone after milestone. He was not the baby that would make his father beam as he babbled, “dada.” No, he was broken. He came into this world broken. He doesn’t know he’s broken, but it is sadly true. He is dying and short of a miracle, he will die at a very young age. This wonderful family brought him into their home even though he was broken. They have other children, alive and well, able to smile and laugh, able to say, “Mama, Daddy, I love you,“ able to look up to their parents, to want to grow up to be like them. They brought Matt into their home simply to love, not for anything they would receive in return, just because they chose to love him in spite of his condition.

So how does that relate to you and me? Well, we are Matt. We came into this world broken. We didn’t know we were broken, but it is sadly true. Our situation was not good because we were born with a sinful nature. Our desire was to please ourselves, not our creator and God. We didn’t even know Him. We couldn’t even call His name. We surely couldn’t love Him. We had nothing in us to make God want us. He is God. He has angels to shout His praises, to tell of His glory. If He commands even the rocks can cry out to Him. He doesn’t need us, broken creatures that we are. Yet, He chose us, not because He had to but because He wanted to chose us. He brought us into His family as children, not for anything we could offer Him (He is God and needs nothing.), just because He chose to love us in spite of our condition. Grace.

So what’s different? What is different is that when God adopted us as His children, He wiped away our disease. He removed our dead hearts of stone and replaced them with hearts of flesh, able to love Him. Now we can call His name, “Father, Daddy.” Now we can bring Him praise. Now we can live our lives every day to honor Him with obedience, devotion, and love.

I thank God for Matt’s earthly family who is living for God. They are showing us their devotion to a Father who took them in when they were broken. They are showing what it is like trying to be like Daddy.

I am sad that I can write about Matt as broken and not society’s wanted baby. I am sad that his situation is what it is, but I am so glad that we serve a God who is mighty to heal, if not here on earth, then completely one day in heaven. Praise be to God who does not make mistakes!

Lessons we’re learning, my almost 5-year-old and I

1. The world is not about us; it’s about God.
2. God has given me multiply people to care for so to care for one and neglect others does not honor God. We must learn to wait patiently while others’ needs are met.
3. We are to live at peace with others. It does not glorify God to try to make others upset.
4. God created us to bring Him glory. We do that by loving and obeying Him.
5. Breaking the Ten Commandments dishonors God and is sin.
6. When we sin, our hearts are dirty, and cannot reflect God’s glory. Only God can clean them.

ABC Prayer (cont.)

Utterly depraved I am in myself,
Unable to even seek You.
Under the curse I no longer am,
Unworthy to worthy, You‘ve moved me.

Victory is found only in Jesus,
Victory over death at the cross.
Voices come humbly, repenting to You.
Voices bring praises to You.

Why must I keep sinning?
Will I ever understand
What it took to pay my debt,
What You did that I might live?

eXcellent is the mercy You have.
eXtreme is the patience You bear.
eXemplary is the nature that‘s You.
eXhilarating is Your love for me.

You alone are God.
Yahweh is Your name.
You hold it all together.
You, Oh God, are sovereign.

Zealous for You I pray You make me,
Zealous to know Your word,
Zealous to seek You each day in prayer,
Zealous to make You known.

Prayer for Baby Matt

Lord, I pray for Baby Matt,
Born not so long ago.
He’s sick and we are puzzled,
But we know You’re in control.

I know that You can heal him,
And I know You will.
Whether here on earth, soon
Or in heaven, he’ll be healed.

For his life right now,
I pray Your love he feels.
Thank you for his parents
Who before You do kneel.

Thank you that Matt’s life
Will make an earthly difference
He’s brought many to Your throne
To pray with more vigilance.

My prayer for him is to glorify you,
And I see Your will being done.
I look at his story and pictures,
And I know many lives he will touch.

So bless each time he’s rocked.
Bless each time he’s hugged.
Bless each time it’s whispered,
“You’re a baby boy I love.”

Please bless the arms that hold him.
Bless the ones that truly care.
Give them special grace, Lord,
For all that they will bear.

Oh, thank you for this family
Sharing your love with another
For the mother and the father,
For the sister and the brother.

Lord, I pray for Baby Matt,
Born not so long ago.
I thank you for your peace and love
Through him You mightily show.

ABC Prayer (continued)

Open my heart to love more.
Open my eyes to see you all around.
Open my ears to hear Your voice.
Oh, that I might know You more!

Prayer is a gift You have given:
Placing my cares before You,
Praying to Christ for Your glory,
Powerful God, lowly me.

Quietly may I come to You,
Quick to listen and slow to speak.
Quietly may I wait upon You,
Quietly serve as you would.

Rescue me from myself.
Revive me with Your breath of life.
Renew in me a spirit that earnestly seeks You.
Reveal more and more of Your truth.

Sustain me with Your words of life.
Surround me with Your love.
Surrendered I come bowed before You,
Sovereign Lord that You are.

Tenderly You call me to You.
Totally You love me.
Triumphantly You conquered death.
Truly You have saved me.

Verses from Jeremiah

"Thus says the LORD: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.'" ~Jer 9:23-24~

"There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you." ~Jer 10:6-7~

"But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation." ~Jer 10:10 ~

"I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing." ~Jer 10:23-24~

"Thus says the LORD: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.'" ~Jer 17:5-8~

Pray for Matt

Follow this blog to see faith in action.

“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress (James 2:20).”

ABC Prayer continued

Hold onto me, Father.
Have me tightly in hand.
Hear me when I call to You.
Hear me when words fail to come.

I want to be nearer to You.
In fellowship, so very close with You.
I’m not sure I know how, or maybe I’m scared.
Indwell me that I might be abiding, secure.

Joy has filled my heart.
Jubilantly I walk through my day,
Just happy to be where I am,
Joyously loving my family.

Keep me always in You, Lord
Keep me ever so near.
Kick away worldly distractions.
Kill what doesn’t bring life.

Love I feel all around me.
Life is truly a gift.
Let me love others like I’m loved.
Lord, may I be more like You.

Mighty are you, King of Kings.
Magnificent are Your works.
Majestically You rule, Lord,
Maker of heaven and earth.

No one else is like You, God.
Nothing else compares.
No other has the power.
No other has the grace.

Prayer on Prayer

May I meet with you, O Lord
In this place called prayer.
You'll bring me to your throne room,
A place I guess I fear.
Alone with you, alone with God,
The only Holy One.
I know I am not worthy.
I'm not sure what to say.
My eyes, they cannot see you,
But I know that You are here.
Help me shed my flesh, Lord,
In spirit come to you.
You want me to be open.
You already know my heart.
But I don't want to break, Lord,
I'm trying to keep it together.
If I go there, I'll melt, Lord,
Your glory is too great.
Hear my voice, saying, "Lord."
Do I hear the words I say?
My Lord has called me to Him.
I must humbly go with Him,
Meet with you in spirit, in truth,
Meet with my loving Father.
What a privilege, what a gift,
Meeting with the King!
I don't want to be fake,
Not empty words to speak.
I want them to go up to you
A fragrant offering.
I want to bring you glory,
To worship from my heart.
Oh, make it right that I might be
Righteous in Your sight.
When I lift my voice,
Help me bow myself,
To know I come before the God,
The Holy, Holy God.
May my requests be selfless.
May thanksgiving fill my mouth.
May praise come forth to reach You.
May I focus all on You.
Hold me when I break, Lord,
As I give it all to You
To rule, to reign - this life of mine;
It already belongs to You.
Help me to get started.
Help me not to stop,
To meet with You forever,
Fellowship without end.

Notes on Romans 13-16

We must submit to authorities, respecting their positions.

The most important thing we can do is love. If we love everything else will follow.

We must live in the light and put aside all that is darkness.

We must not do anything questionable by our faith, and we should be careful to help those around us to stand in their faith.

We must always remember to put others before us and God before all, striving for peace and unity.

We must praise God and love one another.

"Be wise about what is good, and be innocent about what is evil."

As Christians We Should Be Able to Say..

Our bodies are offered to God above
As thanks for His great mercy and love.
Our hearts are humbled and lives set apart,
Each working together; we all have our part.
Our love, it is true for each of our brothers.
We think less of ourselves than we think of all others.
We're zealous for God, and we love what is right.
We hate what is evil; revenge's not our fight.
We joyfully hope and are patient through trails.
We're faithful to pray, to the Lord bring our cries.
We bless and don't curse, work hard to keep peace.
We care for each other without conceit.
We know God's made plans for all of our days
So we live to please Him and walk in His ways.

~reflection on Romans 12

Lessons I took from Romans 9-11

God is in control, and we are not!

We must bring the gospel to all people because we do not know who is hardened and who will be shown mercy.

As creation we have no right to talk back to the Creator.

I am a child of God not because of anything in me but by faith given out of mercy and compassion shown to me because of my disobedience.

If we are saved, faith must fill our hearts and mouths as we submit to God’s righteousness. Self-righteousness has no place in believers’ lives.

God uses His people to make His word known.

People do not have to seek God to find Him; He makes Himself known.

God will always reserve a remnant for Himself by His grace.

We should never have pride in our status with God. We have no right to be called sons of God. It is an undeserved gift. He owes us nothing. God is to be feared.

We will never fully understand God, His knowledge, wisdom, judgment, paths, His mind. We should forever praise Him for His glory that is unfathomable.

In Christ Jesus

Condemnation, no, not here for us.
We’re in Christ Jesus, bought by His blood.
The law couldn’t save us for our nature’s to sin,
But Jesus took the punishment meant for us men.
Now let’s live by the Spirit, in darkness no more.
Our old way is death; now there’s life evermore.
We have peace submitting our lives to the Lord.
No longer hostile to God, no longer self at the core.
Christ’s righteousness has made us alive.
If the Spirit’s in us, we can be called a child.
The Spirit kills the wickedness once within us
That we might walk without fear, looking to God above.
We cry, “Daddy,” to Him who made us his heirs
As we share in his suffering before glory to share.
The glory so great, we have hope as we wait.
We groan as we eagerly look to that day
When there’s no decay, no darkness around.
We’ll be adopted, to this world no more bound.
As we wait, we do know for He’s made it clear
That He’ll work it all out so we need not fear.
All things work for good to those who love God.
For his purpose he’s called us in His way to walk.
He already knows; for He writes His own plans.
We’re His to be made like clay in Has hands.
So we know, yes we know, that He is for us.
And nothing, no nothing, can take away His great love.
More than conquerors is what we have been named.
For it’s in Christ Jesus our Lord we’ve been saved.

~reflection on Romans 8

Thank You Mom

Thank you Mom, for your help
With pregnancies and births,
For the one born into heaven
And the three born here on earth.

Thanks for holding me inside
And rearing me with love
Thank you for your faith,
Relying on God above.

It means so much to have you,
To know that you are there,
You’re one to bring my questions to,
You’re one I know who cares.

Bringing children into the world
Is such a priceless joy.
I’m glad you were there with me
For me, my girl, and my boys.

You helped me see the beauty.
You helped relieve my fears.
You were the woman by my side.
It helped to have you near.

You helped me keep on going.
You helped relieve the pain.
You helped me know it’d be okay
Which ever way they came.

Each time around was different,
But you were always there.
For happiness and sorrow,
You held me with your prayers.

With Luke, you saw me through it
Long labor and finally birth.
It was not like we planned it,
But from it much was learned.

With Hope, we saw much sorrow
No little child was born,
But a grandchild still was honored
And you helped a mother mourn.

With Lydia, our faith was tested.
A million prayers were prayed.
Her birth was truly wonderful,
So much joy on every face.

With Timothy, we tried again
To have that natural birth,
And with your help we did it.
Thank you for that gift.

So thank you, Mom for your work,
The tears you cried, the prayers you prayed.
The sleep you lost, the knowledge you gained,
Oh, thank you for the memories we made.

I love you so much, and I will be forever grateful that God made me your daughter and you my mother.
Love, Emily

Ten Years

Thank you for asking the question.
Thank you for wanting a yes.
Thank you for taking me as yours
Ten years ago when we wed.

It was a decision I’ll never regret,
A decision ordained before time,
We made that decision together
For me to be yours and you mine.

I thank God that you are my husband.
I thank Him for our precious three.
Praise God that He is here with us
To lead us and our family.

You’re a wonderful husband and father.
I know I am safe by your side.
I feel blessed to share my life with you.
I’m honored to be called your wife.

I love the life I live with you.
I’m happy to mother your kids,
To see each one just adore you
The way that I always will.

It’s hard to put into words
The love I feel that’s inside.
I want you to know how I love you,
How I’m forever yours for all time.

~Happy tenth anniversary my dearest Tony.
Love and love and love,
Emily

Time to Praise

All around I see His name.
Christmas time has come again.
Oh let us see that it is time,
Time to praise His name.
Let us praise Him now today,
But let’s not stop next month.
He is the Lord; He is our God
Twelve months of every year.
Oh He has blessed my family,
Another He has added.
Oh praise the Lord for He is good
In everything He does.
He is creator; He is the maker
Of all the gifts we hold.
Praise God today for children.
Praise Him for family close.
Praise Him for all the friendships,
For brothers in the faith.
He is God of our salvation.
He is the grantor of our faith.
He gives His holy Word to us
To grow and know His name.
Praise God today for life.
Praise Him who gives us breathe.
Praise Him for second birth,
For saving us from death.
He is God that sent His son.
He paid the price He did not owe.
He gave it all that we might live.
Now let us live for Him.
This Christmas may we look to Him
In reverence and in fear.
May we know He holds our very lives.
May we praise Him for His gifts.

May God’s blessings be evident all around you,
and let us praise Him today and always.