a bit of history · friends and loved ones

quiet time

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My little boy Isaac is 3 and a half now. He has a fairly sunny disposition and I enjoy his personality very much. Most of the time he is very spunky and has a great sense of humor. That is until around 2 in the afternoon.

Some days we can make it past 2 and survive the rest of the day without a quiet time- but most days we can’t. And so, I enforce the quiet time rule for his own good. To be honest, its also for the sake of my own sanity, but I have other reasons too.

You see Isaac and I share something around 2 pm each day. Its almost so special, I don’t want to share it – but I will. When Isaac has grabbed up his blanket and favorite toy of the day to take to his nap, I snuggle him in his covers and I tell him an Isaac story. It begins with “Once there was a little boy named Isaac…” and typically it tells the tale of our exciting day so far. But it always ends with, “Isaac’s mommy and daddy love him very much.” and a hug and a kiss and an “I wuv you mommy! see you in the morning!”

And so I am happy to enforce quiet time.

Right now, if I look out my window there is about six inches of snow on the ground. Here, in Chattanooga, six inches. Its a winter wonderland and its beautiful. But its also debilitating. I don’t think there are more than 5 people in our city who own shovels – and the city owns even fewer plows. When snow falls in our southern part of the country, no one goes anywhere.

What does that mean for our family? Our weekend plans have been nixed. Not only did we have the regular weekend plans such as grocery shopping, laundry and church services on Sunday. There were also big ticket items on our agenda like a wedding, installing a new garage door opener and putting away the last of our Christmas decorations. Yes, we had a very busy weekend planned and now we don’t.

Instead, we will be home, together with a new and improved low-key agenda. A little hot cocoa, some monopoly, a good story book or two, possibly a movie, naps; there’s nowhere to be and nothing else to do. It makes me wonder. Is this God’s way of enforcing a quiet time with me? Is he hoping I’ll crawl up in his lap and rest so he can whisper to me a “Melody story”?

I know there have to be times when I reach the proverbial two o’clock mark in my life and He has to be hoping I’ll stop and be still with Him for a while. So often I don’t. I keep going. I keep running in over drive – and don’t make time for Him to bring peace to my heart and mind.

Psalm 23 is a reminder of His desire for my rest:

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

He longs to find a way to give me rest and to have a quiet moment alone together – to tell me the story of how much He loves me. And so, I believe the snow is here this weekend as a reminder for me to rest, to be still, to enjoy time with Him. Its a gentle reminder from the original quiet time enforcer.

(originally written January 30, 2010)

who knows?

Monday already?

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It appeared on a friend’s facebook status Saturday afternoon…  “Why can’t Mondays feel like Saturdays?”  As I reveled in the relaxation of my own Saturday, I agreed.  Wouldn’t it be great if Monday could feel like Saturday?  That would be wonderful.  I could stay in my jammies, make pancakes at a relaxed pace, and generally just enjoy life.   No stress, no worries, no pressure.

Sometimes I feel the Monday morning pressure begin to dominate my emotions on Sunday evening.  I know its coming.  The desire to conquer combined with the knowledge of possible defeat is down right depressing.  In fact, this morning as I went to worship services, my mind was racing ahead making plans for the next day already.  Its all too true.  Pitiful, but true.

We began to practice one of the worship choruses and I could feel hot tears gathering…  It is a song that changes my course every time I hear it.  Today the words melted every plan I had into a big puddle of unimportant nothingness.  Do you know why?  I came to realize in a fresh way that I am loved unconditionally and extravagantly by the Savior.  Every care, every worry, every stress pales in comparison to how He loves me. What a magnificent freedom that came with this knowledge!  It was enough to relax my Monday right into a Saturday!

and so, without further delay, here is the song…

Loved before the dawn of time,
Chosen by my Maker,
Hidden in my Savior:
I am His and He is mine,
Cherished for eternity.

When I’m stained with guilt and sin,
He is there to lift me,
Heal me and forgive me;
Gives me strength to stand again,
Stronger than I was before.

All the chains of Satan’s curse
Lifted through His offering,
Satisfied through suffering;
All the blessings He deserves
Poured on my unworthy soul.

So with every breath that I am given
I will sing salvation’s song;
And I’ll join the chorus of creation
Giving praise to Christ alone.

Stars will fade and mountains fall;
Christ will shine forever,
Love’s unfading splendour.
Earth and heaven will bow in awe,
Joining in salvation’s song.

Thank you Heavenly Father for your sustaining, empowering, forever love.  It is surrounding me, holding me, lifting me when I need it the most… especially on a Monday morning.

amen.

who knows?

the hallway

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If you will, allow me to be very vague, without being disingenuous…

Recently I opened the door.  I peaked out into the hallway and closed the door again.  Its comfortable in here, and I’m not ready to leave my haven.  But the door has opened again.  I have a decision to make – should I go into the hallway?

If I do cross the threshold, the door may close behind me.  Access to my sweet haven may not be possible again…  The hallway isn’t a nice place to be.  There’s nowhere to sit down or get cozy.  Its the opposite of comfortable.

I do feel the urge to go, I know that it is most likely what I should do… but I don’t know for sure what will happen once I get into the corridor.  Will the next door open up right away?  What if a window opens instead?  Worse… what if I don’t like the door that opens?  There are any number of scenarios that could make this very awkward.

“When God closes a door, He always opens another one: although, it can be hell in the hallway”  The truth is (and I know this is really true), in transition, the hallway (better described as the unknown) is an uneasy place to be – and – in some forms it can feel like hell.

If I step out into that new passage way sure of the Spirit’s leading, I will hear unholy voices whisper lies to me.  They’ll tell me that if the “right” door doesn’t open right away that I’ve left God’s will. They’ll taunt me, saying a new door is never going to be an option now.   In my heart, I know those words are not truth – they are fabrications, fiery darts from Satan himself.  He’s hoping I’ll retreat down the hall to my old door and jiggle the knob, trying to get back in.  He’s already planning that I’m a coward.

So before, I even cross my big toe through that door way, I’ve been praying for guidance.  I am not going without being prepared.  And the only words I hear ringing in my ears are HIS truth:  from Ephesians 6:10-18.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

It makes it sound like I’m headed to war.  Maybe I am, I’m not sure.  I guess I’ll have to go through that door when it opens.  But, I’m confident I’ve got the best protection.  And, I know He will guide me on this new adventure if I step out in obedience.   After all, He didn’t really promise comfort, but He did promise to open the doors.

Uncategorized

surprising colors

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When I was young, I remember sitting with GG, my great grandmother, on her front porch, on the glider, as she called it – which was her outdoor couch.  It was pretty quiet where she lived, just outside a small town in Iowa.  We would sit together and she would tell us funny stories while we watched lightening storms and fireflies.  Sometimes we would watch a sunrise or a sunset.  I will never forget looking out at the bright sky, full of hot pinks and oranges, reds and purples.  Never a repeat showing from the day before…

My daughter came into my room this morning and said to me, “Mommy, open the blinds – its pink outside!”  She loves a beautiful sunrise too.  And there it was.  Hot hues of fuschia and tangerine in bold strips across the eastern sky; painted there by a generous and creative Heavenly Father.  It was breathtaking.  We sat and soaked it in until it dissipated, because there is nothing else to be done when such a gift is given.

God has been known to use the sky as his palette in the past…  I often wonder what that first rainbow looked like, when He made the promise to Noah.  Was it vibrant?  Were the hues bold and strong, just like the promise He was making?

As I sat and took in the sight this morning, a favorite scripture crossed my mind.

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103:3-4)

I consistently have to remind myself of these verses.  Regardless of yesterday’s events, even if things seem impossible for today, I can rely on this promise.  These words swept across my heart this morning, in warm tones and rich hues, and it was more of a surprise than the sunrise itself.

Its not surprising because I had forgotten the verses.  No, I’ve hidden them in my heart.  Rather, its almost shocking how he chooses such a beautiful venue to remind me.  The words of this promise are as unique as the colors of this morning’s sunrise, and together, they spoke truth to me, in my need.    I was reminded that I have a Heavenly Father who, took time to not only prepare a beautiful sky, but also a fresh, new set of mercies, fashioned just for today, unlike any other.  And now, I am prepared with fresh hope and strength for the day, thanks to surprising colors provided by the Creator Himself.

Heavenly Father,  Thank you for the lovingkindness that you show me every day. I continue to be amazed by your grace.  amen.

friends and loved ones

blue teeth

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A few days ago, amid the hustle and bustle of unpacking and general vacation recovery, I set my baby girl in the high chair to play.  Isaac was near by with his play-doh being creative.  Emily was coloring and drawing at the table too…   I was working away, making progress and I heard Mackenzie fuss.  I gave a directive to Emily to try to help Mackenzie, and the fussing stopped.  A few minutes later, the same cycle occurred…

Its bound to happen, I suppose.  I mean – I think its happened to all of my children at one point or another.  I walked into the dining room and there, to my surprise, sat Mackenzie – with a very, very blue grin.  Her teeth, her lips, her chin – all brightly stained blue.  Apparently, my loving children had shared their craft supplies, to placate my baby.  The result – she had eaten and chewed on blue play doh and crayons.  For the rest of the day she burped profusely, with the aroma of play doh on her breath…

It was obvious what she’d been eating.

All of this got me to thinking.  I’ve heard this before, “You are what you eat!”  Typically I’ve heard it with sort of a negative connotation.  If you eat junk food, you’re not going to feel well… that kind of thing.  And I think its true, don’t get me wrong.  Since then I’ve thought alot about my sweet baby doll and her big periwinkle smile.

When I smile is there a glow from the Holy Spirit?  Do I sparkle because of my conversations with Him?  When I speak, is the sweet aroma of His presence on my breath?  Is His anointing undeniable? Does He permeate my actions?

ls it obvious I’ve spent time with Him?

From Luke 6:43-46

No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

These words from the book of Luke are so clear.  The more that I spend time with my Savior, the more that He fills my heart to overflowing, the more my own countenance will be a reflection of His.  Wow.  I have such a long way to go on this one.

Heavenly Father,  Help me to seek your presence at the beginning, middle and end of each day – and every place in between.  Let me absorb You so much, that your presence is what others see. I pray that the unimportant cares of this world will fade, so that I will linger with you longer.  Give me courage to let go of me and be filled with You.  amen

and another prayer, because it is beautiful, from Psalm 84:

How lovely is your dwelling place,
LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.[d]
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.

Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, God of Jacob.
Look on our shield,[e] O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.

Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

LORD Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.


in my kitchen

brown rice

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Its five minutes ’til nine and I just cleared Isaac’s plate from the table. It had a spoonful of brown rice and three neatly cut bite-size pieces of chicken on it. I am sad to report at the end of this long evening, he ate none of it.

He did however beg for goldfish, ice cream and other snacks, to which we held firm our rule, “no snacks or treats unless you eat one bite of dinner.” Its really a last-resort type of rule because normally we would hope our children could manage to eat more than one bite of their dinner. Tonight, my husband and I survived several rounds of temper tantrums and spankings. At the end of each cycle, I said, (and I know it sounds crazy, I really do know) “If you’ll just eat one bite I will get you some ice cream…” But it was to no avail.

We ended the evening with a glass of milk (with strawberry protein powder cleverly stirred in) so that he wouldn’t have the “hungry-crazies” in the middle of the night. And then a hug and a kiss from Isaac who told me, “I am sorry mama.” I believe him. His heart is young and tender.

As I scraped the food from his plate into the garbage I began to think about my own plate of rice. Oh yes, though its proverbial, I have my own. Its my form of rebellion – in a way it is very similar to my son’s because we both share that inherited sin nature. For me brown rice is my lack of love for others. Its my inability to be honest at times. The brown rice represents my disobedience, my ungratefulness, my distrust – all in a big lump on my life’s plate.

I wonder sometimes how God feels as my heavenly Father. Do I exhaust him with my sin and disobedience? Do I hurt him with my unrepentant and calloused heart when I take so long before coming to ask forgiveness? Does He try to convince me of all the wonderful things that are just around the corner, if I’ll just obey? Honestly, I don’t know the full and undisputed answers to these questions.

However, Ephesians 2:4-8 promises this :

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

No matter how dark, hard and cold my heart is – it is by his mercy I am made alive again. He longs to make my heart pure and restore our relationship so that all can see the riches of His grace!

Father,

Help me to obey you. Help me to walk with you, rather than in rebellion. Make my heart tender and alive to your will. Give me strength to follow you so that I can experience all that you have in store for me. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for loving me.

amen.

(originally written February 15, 2010)

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

are we there yet?

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We’ve just returned from what seems like an epic journey.  It all began 13 days ago…

With the car loaded up, we left early in the morning on New year’s Day, headed for my parents’ home which is more than thirteen hours away.  Within moments of merging into traffic on the interstate, around 4:00 in the morning, I heard the words, “Are we there yet?”  from my daughter.

Seriously?

“No, Emily. We won’t be there until around supper time.”  But within an hour, the same question sounded from the back seat.  and again, my answer.  “No, Emily.  We won’t get to Nanny and Papa’s until around supper time.”

The second leg of our journey took us part way home, via Columbus, Ohio to visit some friends.  Its a mere five hours from Grand Rapids, which seemed fairly short in comparison to the first part of our trip.  And still, we had to answer the question – this time from two children, “Are we there yet?”  My son learned quickly from his sister.  great.  We answered again and again – at 10 minute intervals.

Its hard to understand.  Even when we reach the destination, there will still be another trip to take…  until we’re home.

And so, we made the final drive home yesterday.  But not without the infamous question.  I don’t know how many times I said “We’ll be home in just a little bit.”

These short little conversations with my children have been resonating in my ears.  They are similar to conversations I have with my Heavenly Father regularly.

“Really, do I have to learn this lesson again?  I thought I had accomplished this already?  Aren’t we there yet?”  This is what I ask Him, when he sets me on a path- even though I thought I had arrived at my destination already… ” Surely I know how to be patient!” or  “Didn’t you remind me to trust You just last week?”  Really, I thought…

“Oh, my daughter!  You have so much to learn.  We’re just getting started, its a long way before we arrive home…”

And I ask Him again, because I’m sure I misunderstood.  “Are we there yet?  I’m tired of this lesson, its hard and I feel like I’ve accomplished this concept…”

But its only been ten minutes since I asked the last time and He assures me we still have a distance to go.   In fact, we’re going to keep learning until we get home…  “I’ll let you know when we arrive…”  He says.

*sigh*

I’m in good company…Paul talks about pressing forward in Philippians 3, learning to stay on the road heavenward:

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I have to be thankful.   He’s with me.  I’m still amazed that He even invited me along for the ride.  After all, He knew that I’d be this way.  And He hasn’t grown weary of me and my need to learn again and again.  Instead He gently and graciously answers my questions, reminding me:  Even when we reach an earthly destination, learning a powerful lesson, its only the beginning – There’s still another leg of the journey to embark on, until we reach our heavenly home.

who knows?

all will be well…

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I’m chilling out on the couch at the home of friends.  Well, I’m trying to chill out.  Its quite cozy and comfortable here, no need to worry about me.  I’m just not good at relaxing, especially when things are not turning out like I planned.

What had I planned, you ask?  Our vacation timeline should have ended yesterday evening around 10 pm, and today was our day to unpack and do laundry, make a trip to the grocery store and return phone calls, that kind of thing.  Michael even took a vacation day to recover from driving.  But, we aren’t home yet.

Yesterday as we heard reports of dangerous roads, record breaking snowfalls and state emergencies, I felt the control (I thought I had) slipping through my fingers.  I found myself submitting to the snow and ice and their creator.  And that is why I have not been successful at chilling out away from home.

Why is this so hard for me?

Its a general inability to rely on the Heavenly Father.   And He is continually reminding me in so many different ways that I have to let go and acknowledge that He is in charge.  He is so good at moving me over and sliding back into the driver’s seat where He belongs.

Here at the beginning of the year, this is a great reminder for me.  I’m getting started, making all my plans, thinking about the future for 2011.  No matter what happens, with Him in control, I can be confident that all will be well.  That’s true in the little details and the big ones too.

This morning I woke up with a song in my heart, and it is the best reminder for me that in the middle of it all, I can be confident because of Him.  My mind can rest, my heart be at peace living in this reality.

Through the love of God, our Savior,
all will be well;
free and changeless is his favor,
all will be well;
precious is the blood that healed us,
perfect is the grace that sealed us,
strong the hand stretched out to shield us,
all will be well.

Though we pass through tribulation,
all will be well;
ours is such a full salvation,
all will be well.
happy when in God confiding,
fruitful if in Christ abiding,
holy through the Spirit’s guiding,
all will be well.

We expect a bright tomorrow;
all will be well;
faith can sing through days of sorrow,
all will be well;
on our Father’s love relying,
Jesus every need supplying
in our living, in our dying,
all will be well.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your promises.  And thank you for continuing to teach me, in spite of my forgetfulness.  Help me to simply abide in You and rely on these promises instead of myself.   There is such comfort knowing, that truly all will be well.  amen.

who knows?

Can’t buy me love…

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I had the privilege of seeing a beautiful exhibit on the life of Princess Diana at the Grand Rapids Art Museum with mom and daughter.  As we walked through the different moments from her life’s timeline, there was joy to behold and sadness.  It was so lovely yet equally haunting.

It is no secret that she was a woman of means.  She came from a wealthy and prestigious family.   Married at a young age to the Prince of Whales,  there was nothing she didn’t have.  Fantastic and stunning jewelry, a designer wardrobe, homes and castles, it was all at her fingertips, to be sure.

As I think back on the pictures we saw of her, its her sparkling blue eyes that linger in my memory.  We saw her life portrayed for us in photos and video as well as other possessions and artifacts, but mostly I think of those eyes.  They seemed to search,  a hint of emptiness, there was a longing for more.

What more could someone like this beautiful princess want?

Her story is one of jilted love, to be sure.  Although she lived a life of grace, rich in humanitarian efforts, conducting a public life all the while caring for her sons, still, she had been set aside.  Her divorce from Prince Charles was a scandal that rocked the world.  When I was watching her story on display yesterday, I came to realize that maybe, just maybe she was longing for real and true love.

I know that is what I yearn for.  Love.  Unconditional, whole hearted love.  No amount of tiaras, gowns or vacation homes can buy it.  In fact – nothing can purchase the kind of love that is really fulfilling.  A fully satisfying love can only come from the inventor of love, our Creator, God himself.  Anything else that the world offers is an impostor.

There is good news.  He offers His love – it is free, for all who receive it.  I don’t have to have enough money or be from the right family tree or anything of that sort.  His love extends to each man, without price or condition.  I can’t describe it with my own words…  Forgive me, but I can’t get the lyrics to one of my favorite songs off my mind tonight… I know I’ve used them before…

Here is love, vast as the ocean
Lovingkindness as the flood
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom
Shed for us His precious blood
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten
Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days

On the mount of crucifixion
Fountains opened deep and wide
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast a gracious tide
Grace and love, like mighty rivers
Poured incessant from above
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love

No love is higher, no love is wider
No love is deeper, no love is truer
No love is higher, no love is wider
No love is like Your love, o Lord

This is love like no other.   I find such release and such peace knowing that I could never purchase it, and I will never have to.  Thank you, Oh my Heavenly Father for this all consuming, all sufficient love.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1Jn 3:1

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

The China Cabinet…

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From my seat, here on the couch I can see through the windows of my mother’s china cabinet.  She has beautiful place settings of Royal Doulton China.  I have enjoyed eating many special dinners from these dishes.  But that’s not what is on display in the windows.

There are cups and saucers.  Many of them.  I have enjoyed looking at these pieces my whole life and I have even had a cup of hot tea on occasion from them.  These are not the regular cups that belong with my mother’s china – these are special.

My mom has cups and saucers from many women’s place settings.  She was given them as gifts, I believe, from different people in her life – from an aunt, her mother, her grandmother, loyal friends, that kind of thing.  They are each as different and beautiful as the women who gave them to her.  Guilded edges, petite flowers, hearty plaids, solid bold colors – each unique in their own way.

I guess we started a family tradition because I also have a similar collection of tea cups at home.  Several were given to me for wedding gifts from relatives and close friends.  I treasure them because they remind me of fellowship and family meals with loved ones over the years.  They each have a face attached to them in my memory.

One is from my grandmother – a delicate lacy pink pattern, with tiny dark pink flowers and a golden edging around the lip of the cup.  It is one of my favorites – and my mom has one too in her cabinet.  Another is from Mrs. Jones, a close family friend.  Her cup, given to me from her set of china, is stunning with dark reds and large burgundy flowers. I was so honored when she shared it with me.

Over time these special pieces of china have come to mean far more than a fond memory.  Each of these women had a story.  For me they represent womanhood at its finest, living lives to serve their families and loved ones.   They are women of strength and wisdom, beauty and grace.  How I long to be like these godly women.

If I’m honest with myself I know that I’m pretty far removed from their example.  I’m not the servant I should be, let alone being selfless.   I don’t always have gracious wisdom for a friend.  A kind and patient word is not what always comes from my mouth when dealing with my children.    I rarely pass the test of godly womanhood.  Even the small trial of a sleepless night wears away all Christ -like -ness to ungodly behavior.

“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:9-11)

This Scripture, like my teacups, encourages me.  There is hope for me.  I am not alone – there are women who have gone through many trials before me.   And, now their cups stand like trophies of God’s grace in my mother’s cabinet and in my cupboard at home.

May God continue His work in my heart and life until I am able to pass on one of my own cups to a daughter of the future generation.

md.

(written December 29, 2009)