Thursday, January 28, 2010

Amazing

In Philipians 4:13 (a verse near and dear to my heart) it says "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me". Isn't that a comforting thought. God fulfilled this promise this morning and I witnessed it first hand. After a very challenging and sad week for Heather, she got up in front of a group of people and found the strength to deliver a message about prematurity. She spoke from experience and with true conviction. God promised her strength and He delivered. It was amazing and she is amazing! I'm so proud of you Heather!

On a side note, the Orangeburg March of Dimes Walk is Saturday, April 10....please join us as we walk and any contribution you could make would be awesome. More details coming.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Out of my box

Last Sunday I stepped out of my box and did something I was a little apprehensive about. I lead the Children's Moment at church. When I was first asked to do it, I said no problem, glad to help. As the time approached, I asked myself just what was I thinking! Get up in front of our church (luckily it was the 9:00 service) and give a brief summary of the sermon - ha! I looked at reference material, I asked for people's input and finally came up with something. I have to admit the minute I sat down in front of those sweet children, my apprenhension went away and I was in the moment! I just simply told them what was in my heart. Then yesterday in church, the children's moment was about friends and the value of friendship. I thought to myself, man I wish I had the children's moment today because I could speak volumes on friendship and the importance of having a friend.

In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 it states "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up." That scripture sums it up in a nutshell! Two are better than one. Lately it has been my friends who have held me up, who have prayed with me and for me, and who have prayed for me when I couldn't find the words. Friends like that are priceless.

Just this evening, my "buddies" and I went to dinner to celebrate a birthday. This group of ladies know each other so well that we literally could order food for each other, finish sentences that are started and offer hope and encouragement to each other at all times. We hold hands and pray together and the electricity that is felt at those moments is beyond words. I try to convey to them how much I value each one of them and just in case any of them are reading this.....Thank you ever so much for all you do to brighten my day! Thank you for the love and laughter we share and thank you for loving me the way you do!

And by the way, what happens at Chestnut Grill stays at Chestnut Grill :)

Sunday, January 17, 2010

The Pain of a Parent

In my last post I talked about a hope filled 2010 however the year has started off with many struggles and today is only January 17! I know if we are breathing we should praise the Lord but sometimes it is just hard to deal with life. And I think one of the hardest things for a parent is to see their child struggle...whether it be emotionally, physically or spiritually. Lately I have witnessed my childen struggling and it is not an easy sight, in fact it is down right painful. I can't find the words for this post much less the words that will bring comfort to the different situations that are taking place in their lives. It's hard for me to be an encourager, an optimist, or a good example of having faith when I struggle myself at times.

I just cling to the fact that the same God who blessed us with the miraculous birth of Morgan Kate is the same God who will walk with us as we face these challenges. May I have faith the size of a mustard seed.