God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day
Genesis 1:31

Have you ever payed attention to what was around you as you were driving down the road, sitting in your yard or maybe while visiting a park and thought about God creating all beauty that surrounds you. Just call me sappy, but I love looking at nature and thinking about how amazing God is to have such variety in his creation and the attention to detail. I recently got a new camera and love to try and capture the beauty that surrounds me, my pictures however do not do justice to the subject matter. Never the less I continue on my journey to capture God's creation. My favorites are sunrise and sunsets.

Recently I went to Alaska for 8 days and tried my best to capture the amazing grandeur of God's creation. After taking over 1,500 pictures (this is not an exaggeration) I still was unable to capture what I saw. But I want to share just a few of my favorite pictures.

Next time you go out... look around and pay attention to what you see. Breath in the beauty that surrounds you and celebrate God's majesty.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her
Proverbs 31:28

Today is “Mother’s Day” and like every other year I reflect on how I am blessed with two amazing girls. Today I attended church with Elizabeth my oldest daughter and I must say that I had a twinge of regret as the pastor preached on the role of the mother in raising her children to become godly adults. Elizabeth was not raised in a godly home where mom gave spiritual wisdom, support and guidance. God however placed a friend, family and church in her life to help her to grow spiritually according to the Lord’s desire for her life.

As a non-Christian I did not understand the faith she had in God and the importance she placed in His word. As a teen Elizabeth knew my need for salvation and attempted to witness to me, but only found rejection. She and her friends started to pray for my salvation. Six years later God placed a special friend and church family in my life and I accepted Christ as my Savior. Several years after I had made my profession of faith I was sharing with Elizabeth my testimony, tears filled her eyes, she then share that she and friends had been praying for me. We celebrated together God’s faithfulness in answering her prayer.

I am sad to say that I do not get a do over with Elizabeth, but I so value the time we have together today as women who love the Lord. God however has given me lots of chances to share with kids, teens and young women His love, grace and mercy as well as His desire for them to live a life pleasing to Him.

As I quietly sit and reflect on my blessings, I am proud of who Elizabeth had become in spite of me. Thank you God, I praise your endless love.

So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.  These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 

     1 Peter  1:6-7

My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Psalm 119:5

I am not sure what blog etiquette is regarding the length of an entry, but I'm sure that I am about to break every rule in the book...or is it every rule on the web.

Today I was sharing with a precious friend of mine about my struggle with having Kathryn in a nursing home. She responded like any loving friend would with "I am sorry you are having to go through this". This entry and maybe several to come will address why I am so grateful for my struggle and suffering. I would not change a thing as God blesses me and draws me closer to him as a refuge in my pain and brokenness. I am blessed because of;

• miracles I am able to witness
• I do not take the little things for granted with Kathryn
• I can see God work in situations that seem hopeless
• Kathryn and I are able to share with those around us God's mercy, grace and love

My first blessing I want to blog happened about 11 years ago when Kathryn was 9. I was sitting with Kathryn singing to her, stroking her cheek and telling her how much I loved her. An emotional wave of sadness washed over me as I was talking to her. Kathryn is hearing impaired, I am unsure of what she hears and understands and she is non-verbal. My sweet Kathryn has never been able to say "I love you mommy". I started crying and pouring my heart out to God. Like I said in my last post I can relate to David in Psalms as he pours his heart out. I asked God why, I prayed for him to let me hear her voice and to tell me she loved me just once. Well God's word promises he will hear our prayers and answer them and he did. While I was still praying Kathryn reached up her fist and stroked my face just like I stroke hers as I told her I loved her. I was overwhelmed with God's amazing attention to detail as every stroke was just like mine. This was truly a miracle as Kathryn at that time had started to loose the use of her arms and could not have done that on her own.

I think that was the best "I love you" ever!! Not only did it come from Kathryn, but my Heavenly Father was sharing with me his love too. Had it been any other way, I would have missed my God hug and to witness a current day miracle. Thank you God!

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 

     Psalm 119:28

I can so relate to David.  He cries out to the Lord and tells it like it is, David is one guy who is not afriad to show his emotions.  He does not hold back in letting God know how he is feeling and what is going on in his life.  What I find incredible is the hope, joy, and strength he receives as the Lord  helps him through his trails.  I love Psalms, there is so much drama, I guess that is why I can relate.  Some times I feel like a drama queen and it wears me out.  I bet David was worn out too.  I have shed lots tears lately and have been broken hearted.  This has resulted in me spending more time in God's word and in prayer.  I know this is just where God wants me. 

  For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

      Isaiah 41:13

Sometimes in the journey of life you come upon bumps and curves in the road that you do not think you can handle.  I have been in one of those places in the past couple of months.  When you have a special needs child, there are times you feel that you can't handle any more.  This is just where I have been this past week.  Well, I came upon this jewel and had to share it.  I do not know about you but I get giddy just thinking about Him taking my hand and helping.  I can't wait to see what happens.   

 The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.  From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.  

     Psalm 50:1-2

I am amazed each day with the sunrise and sunset.  How each one is different, so beautiful and full of color.  I can not tell you how many pictures I have taken of this spectacular event.  As I sit and watch, I find the most incredible thing about the rising and the setting of the sun is that the Lord summons this to occur each day.  

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.   

      Psa 136:1