book review

Multnomah has been keeping me busy lately, with books to read and review.  I love books, and I love reading, and then sharing them with others, so this is a match made in heaven for me, and I am grateful for their partnership.  I received this one a couple of weeks ago, and then just pulled it out tonight, to start reading.  (It's Sunday night, and I just finished my Friday Favorites post, and now I'm writing this one.) 

The reason I pulled it out is because I had just had an exasperating conversation with one of my sixteen year olds.  Anyone who says that boys don't generate drama is WRONG.  Dead wrong.  All of my sons have had their fair share of drama, and some days, I wonder if I'm going to make it through it all.  (I kid.)  Anyway, back to the conversation.  There is so much talking that takes place nowadays, whether on a social media app, or in a group chat, but it's nonstop.  And everyone knows everybody's business.  Gone are the days of being private and just keeping things to yourself.  These are different days we live in, and I feel bad for the teenagers living through it.  Things were so much easier when I was young (I'm 42), and praise the Lord, social media did not exist.  And though phones did exist back then, nobody had them, and certainly, nobody had their own private computer at their fingertips that we all have today with our dumb "smart" phones.

That just made me laugh. 

Back to the conversation, for the second time.  I won't give away which one I was talking to, and what we were talking about, but I was struck with all the "chatter" that takes place today.  I gave him a warning to not talk to any of his "friends" about anything negative about anyone, because surely, it will come back and bite him in the hand.  I also exhorted him to rise above it all, to act kindly, and with integrity.  I wanted to say a lot more than what I did, but I held back some.  And that brings me right to the discussion of this book.  All of a sudden I remembered that it was sitting there, and I picked it up and then finished it in one sitting. 

The author of this book, Jeffrey Dean (NOT to be confused with Jeffrey Dean Morgan), talks about keeping the lines of communication open with our teenagers.  I've known this ever since my oldest son became a teenager, but right now on this very day, this is more important now than ever before.  Not only do we need to encourage our teenagers to talk to us, we should be engaging them.  I learned years ago in youth ministry, that they want to be heard and valued.  Most parents don't listen to their teenagers.  Nor do they care to.  (This was straight out of the mouths of the teenage girls I helped co-lead in a small group each week, I am not making this up.)  I'll give you an example: I don't enjoy music other than worship music or whatever is on Air One Radio or K Love.  But I don't expect my sons to like that same type of music.  I make it a point to know what they like.  I'm not super current on this, but I try.  Occasionally, I'll listen to secular music so that I can be on the up about it.  I don't always succeed, but I try.  Todd is much better at this than me.   Teenagers want you to know about these things.  They want you to know WHY they like certain music, and they want to talk to you about it, and if you ask them questions about it, then you get bonus points. 

We have always told our boys that they could tell us any anything and everything.  We've always been very open and up front with them, not shying away from difficult topics, and I can say now that it has worked.  We still have some teenage years left in our parenting (just three and a half more and they'll all be out of their teens!), but I can honestly say that they tell us just about everything.  The reason I know this is because they have told us things I cringed at.  I'll stop right here and say again that statement I heard recently that is so true: the same sex parent is the most influential parent.  Todd is the most influential parent in our home, and though he is not perfect (nobody is), he has done such a great job at this communication thing.  I know that because he ALWAYS knows which girls our sons like.  And then he tells me.  (I'm laughing.)  I love that they talk to him about everything like this, and it does not hurt my feelings at all.  I remember so often going upstairs to change at the end of a day, and finding Todd laying across one of their beds, talking to them about all the things.  They often shield me from a lot of this, but on nights when he works, they talk to me. 

Hence the whole conversation tonight that prompted me to read this book. 

Jeffrey Dean talks a lot about the parental roles in this book, as well.  There are specific things fathers should be doing, and there are specific things mothers should be doing.  He addresses friendships and how to really watch over who they are friends with, weaving scripture throughout it all; he talks about using the same apps our teenagers are using, because we need to be savvy at this whole tech thing as parents.  More than anything, though, he talks about what we can still do as their parents to make sure that we always point them to Jesus.  Mostly, he encourages and reminds that it is never too late, and to never give up praying over our sons and daughters. 

I'll say one thing more, and then I'll hit the publish button.  Parents, and this is for my own self as well, we have to know about our teenagers' lives.  We need to know who their friends are!  There are certain teenagers we do not allow our sons to hang around, and we require that anytime they're not at home, they have to tell us where they are and if they leave, they have to let us know where they're going and who they're with.  I know this seems strict, but trust me when I say that it is necessary, and we do this for their good and protection.  We will not have this mindset when they turn eighteen, but we've always done this, ever since they turned thirteen.  There have been a couple of instances when they weren't completely honest about what they were doing, and though it was not anything "bad" that they were doing, we had to punish them for disobeying the rules we've established.  We need to know their friends, we need to know what they're talking about, we need to know who they like, and we need to know about what happens while they're away from home.  Our youngest sons are both driving, and that is when our parenting style needs to change.  Before they drive, or before their friends drive, it's easier to control their environment.  Once they gain that freedom, everything changes. 

I'll give you an example of something we should know about, as parents, involving one of my sixteen year olds.  He has a new job, at a local pizza place, and was working Thursday night, when some of his friends came in and ordered a pizza.  They were videoing him and trying to get him to interact with them while they were Snapchatting, and basically, they were all acting like a bunch of punks.  Every single one of them.  His manager ended up yelling at them all to either order and pay, or to get out.  Truthfully, it could have cost my son his job, but the manager knew he was innocent, and that he is a good kid.  These were his friends from church, by the way, the ones who should all know better.  He did not get in trouble, but after the manager got onto them all, they even got rude about that and were being INCREDIBLY disrespectful. 

I was shocked, when I heard this story, and if my own sons had been involved in something like this, I would want to know as their parent.  Sure, it would be embarrassing and sting some, but we need to know things like this, so we can reprimand them and try to teach them the correct way to act!  That is why I write all this: we need to know exactly what our teenagers are doing at all times.  We're not being controlling and mean, we are protecting them for now, so that when they leave out from under our protective covering, they will make good choices, ones full of integrity.  It's important to always do what is right, even more so when nobody is watching.  We also need them to own up to their mistakes, and if they make them, then to apologize quickly and then move on.  They need to also always stand up for what is right, not cave in to whatever everyone else is doing.

Needless to say, I think everyone should read this book.  I think every parent of a teenager should read this, but also, moms and dads to elementary aged kids, because their day is quickly approaching.  If you read this and want my copy, let me know, and I'll share.  Comment on here or on Facebook, if you're local, and we can meet.  Otherwise, it releases this week, on Tuesday September 3, available at any of your favorite retailers.  It's a quick read, but one that can be looked back on time and again.  This could not have been more timely.  Parenting is hard.  The teenage years are hard.  Life is hard.  Even with Jesus, this is so, I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like without Him.  His word is there to guide us through it all, and for that, I am thankful.  And also, for authors like this one, and his ministry, to help parents navigate through.  Google him and find him on Instagram: his handle there is IAmJeffreyDean.

Thanks for reading.  Love to all. 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends!  I am linking up with Andrea at Momfessionals, and her friends, for this blog post.

This week has been crazy...but, truthfully, I think this is my new normal.  The only difference between this week and last week is that this week, I didn't have a full day at home.  I've learned that I need one full day at home, every week.  I have a few reasons why, but here are the main ones: I do have quiet time every single morning.  I rarely skip a day, but the one thing I've missed is the long, drawn out time with the Lord that I so love.  The kind of time that can span a few hours.  I really, really need one day like that every single week, and I have to be careful from here on out, and how I schedule my time.

Another reason I need one full day at home each week is because I like to spend a day not having to worry about getting dressed and caring what I look like.  I spend the day doing laundry, cleaning, organizing, and the like.  I will have more days at home this coming week, like this, and I am BEYOND excited.  There are some areas in my home that need my full, undivided attention.  I also always get a good jump on my bible study homework during the week, on a day like this.  I have a tendency to get behind on it, and I tend to wait later sometimes, so that I can remember for the purpose of my small group discussion that takes place on Wednesday nights.

I love bible study nights.  They're always a favorite night of my week, each and every week, and I treasure the time after when I go with a few friends to McDonalds afterward to catch up and eat together.  I have to be a little late this semester, because of the time our bible study group meets, but they don't mind.  One of these nights, we may remember to take a picture, so I can share it on here.  I feel so fortunate to have such sweet ladies in my life.  Not a day goes by, hardly, that I don't thank the Lord from the bottom of my heart.

Also, know that when I write of such things like being busy and not being at home for one full day this week like I like, please know and understand that I don't mean that as a complaint.  I am happy to be out and about, and (slightly) back into a working environment, and I love being able to accomplish things like I've been doing since I started working five weeks ago.  I love all of this, and just recently when I retook a spiritual gift test (the online Lifeway version), I was surprised to see a new gift that popped into my top gifts.  I can't remember where each gift falls, but faith is my top gift.  The rest are tied.  They are exhortation, discernment, wisdom, knowledge, and the gift of administration.  How cool that God has started sharpening that in me, and that I now have a job that requires that skill?

I love how He works, and that He never ceases to amaze me.  Also, if you haven't taken a spiritual gift test in more than five years, you should!  They're always changing, as we grow closer to God on a yearly basis.  That Lifeway one works well.  I'll give you a link, so click HERE.  It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman, by the way, we should all know what our spiritual gifts are so that we can make sure we are serving in the right areas.

I don't really know why I'm considering this post a "favorites post", because it seems a little more random than just things that are my favorites.  That being said, I'll remind you that reading is my favorite hobby (see what I did there?) of mine, and August, needless to say, has not been a stellar reading month for me.  I am currently on book number three of the month, and it's this one.

I returned my (very late) library book last night, after not being able to even pretend to get into it, and last night, Toddley started watching football.  I needed a book to read, so I went and perused my book shelf, and found this one I bought over the summer for $1.50.

Let's stop right there, and appreciate that price.  That is what I consider a used bookstore price.  I was in McCay's used bookstore near Nashville a few months ago, and was thoroughly irritated when I came home with a book I had bought for $8.00, that someone else before me purchased from Barnes and Noble for $4.99.  NEVER AGAIN.  A buck fifty?  I can do that.  When Missy and I went to Bentonville earlier in the summer, we stopped at a place her hubby told us about, Once Upon A Time used bookstore.  It's near Rogers, Arkansas, if you're ever in the area.

I don't know how I missed this one, but I'll make my way through it pretty quickly.  (Edited to say, I'm stopping after a hundred pages.  I say this all the time, but I mean it: Life is too short to read mediocre books.)

It was a good night to read, and when Todd is home, I'm more likely to do this.  When I'm alone, I can watch whatever I want on tv, and I'll always do that over picking up a book to read.

I can't tell you how happy I am that August is almost over, and that fall is approaching.  Every year, come August the first, I am over summer.  I'm ready for routine, and for cooler temps.  And, if I may be so vain, darker nail polish.  In the fall, I love all the shades of gray, purples, and navy blues.  On Wednesday, it was so much cooler here in my area.  I was a little cold at home, even, so because of that and the fact that my shoes were making my feet hurt, I changed in the middle of the day and put on actual jeans and flats.

On Tuesday, I'll be the one pulling out all the fall decorations out of the attic.  Now I know this is probably not the best idea I've ever had, because we're about to be under construction inside the house.  It'll be a mess for a while, then we'll start to put it all back together again.  I'm still going to put up my pretty fall things, because I think it'll make my heart happy while all the mess is taking place.  Don't question the way my mind works, just go with it, people.  If Todd ever reads this, he'll be the one shaking his head at me.  Fall is my favorite!

I'm looking forward to several things this weekend, mainly the marathon of movies I'll be watching.  ;)  Todd is working all weekend long, so I'll be alone the majority of the weekend.  Well, I finished this post on Sunday night, so it's a few days late, but life just happens like that sometimes.  Thanks for reading!  Love to all. 

all about my mom

Today is my beautiful mom's birthday!  I am so very thankful for her.  I thought I would share some of my favorite things about her, some serious and some fun. 

First off, I remember her always tells me when I was a young adult that I would never understand how much she loved me until I was a mom someday.  And then when my oldest son was born, it all made sense.  I remember telling her that, and that I finally got the depth with which she loved from. 

When anything in my life happens, whether big or small, important or menial, she is the first person I want to tell.  And that is usually exactly what happens.  I pick up the phone to call her all the time, but we don't talk every single day.  I like to call her when I'm on the way to somewhere, whether to work or when I'm going out with a friend.  If I'm not praying in my car, I'm either talking to my mom, or to my best friend. 

If I am in need of advice over anything, she is always the one I ask.  Sometimes I need to "talk things out" with someone, and don't really need a response always, but just knowing I can talk to her about it helps.  And she always contributes a lot to the conversation, giving the best advice about all the things. 

When I don't know what to make for dinner and I'm sitting in the Kroger parking lot, I call her and ask for dinner inspiration.  She NEVER lets me down!

When I don't know what I want, Mom does.  Every single time, it never fails.  One of my favorite stories about her happened when I had a hysterectomy several years ago.  I was in the hospital, fresh out of surgery and still too groggy to be able to communicate.  She saw me being a little restless in the hospital bed, and nobody knew what was wrong, not even Todd.  He and the nurses were trying to help, but like I said, I was still in that anesthesia fog.  Mom just very quickly and quietly reached down to my feet and uncovered them for me.  She knows I hate for my feet to feel like they're being constricted when the sheet is tucked in too tight.  She uncovered them for me and just rubbed my legs, and I smiled. 

She makes me laugh harder than just about anyone on this earth.  Just a few weeks ago, we had the funniest moment I think we've ever had together, and I still crack up when I think about it.  It's a long story, and you really needed to be there to experience the hilarity, but it involved us in the car, belted in, with a grasshopper the size of my hand in very close proximity to Mom's leg.  When we FINALLY made our way out of the car, I was doubled over, I was laughing so hard. 

We have all these little inside jokes, too, usually consisting of dumb things I've done while in her presence that we crack up over.  Laughter is the best medicine, y'all, and we share plenty of it while we're together. 

She and my sister Trish are my favorite shopping buddies.  During the week, Mom and I run mundane errands together, but I love to shop with the two of them on Saturdays.  I don't always get to do that, but when we do, we have the best time.  It's just the three of us here now, the other half of our family lives in Denver.  We treasure these moments. 

She always lets me drive her car.  I love driving it, because it reminds me so much of my old Suburban that I still miss.  Think of Driving Miss Daisy.  ;)  She doesn't NEED me to drive her, but she knows I love to drive, so she always lets me. 

Mom always gives the best advice on what is fashionable, which jewelry I should wear with something, how I should get my hair done and what to say to my friend who colors and cuts it for me. 

Mom is always my biggest cheerleader and champion, and when I sing at church, she is always so proud and makes a point to tell me that.  I think that is the sweetest thing ever!  I always appreciate and love encouragement, and she probably tells me this because she knows that I'm hard on myself, and that I'm my own worst critic. 

I could tell her I love her and that I'm thankful for her every single minute for the rest of my days, and it would never express how much I mean those two sentiments.  I love her so much, and I am so grateful to God for making her my mom.  If I am half the mom to my sons as she is to me, then I would consider that a win.  I know you'll read this at some point today, Mom, and when you do, know that I mean every word from the bottom of my heart.  I love you and pray you have the best day ever, and that y'all have a great week in Denver.  I've already prayed for you and Bill as you travel there, back, and for a fun and safe and healthy time while you're there. 

If you're still here, and you're not my mom, thank you for reading my blog!  Love to all. 

life lately

Goodness, all the posts I've written lately have seemed so heavy.  I thought I'd lighten things up a bit today and share random tidbits about life lately, and things that have been going on around here.

I spent Friday with my dad, as usual, and I learned something new about him!  He used to love to dance.  We were talking about music, and our love for just about any kind of it, and he mentioned this guy.  I found a playlist on Spotify, and for the last hour we were together, we listened to it.  

It was a lovely afternoon.  

On the same afternoon, when I got back home, I was checking my email and found something SO EXCITING sitting in my inbox.  It was an invite from NBC Entertainment, inviting me and a guest to a private screening of the new show that is starting the second week in September that is based in Memphis: Bluff City Law.  After the screening, there will be a panel in which all the main actors will be present, and they will answer questions.  Then after that, the invite said there would be a 'Memphis style' reception.  All this takes place downtown in an old theater, and I could not be more excited.  I have NO IDEA how or why I was invited to that.  But, date night!  This all happens week after next.  

It'll be fun to get dressed up and go to this.  We don't often get to do that!

Over the weekend, I attended what is called a 'choir rehearsal camp'.  It's the third annual one I've been to, and I always love these.  It's just a Friday night and Saturday morning, and our worship pastor always brings in a guest to speak and encourage us.  They get better every year!  Then we spend time going over new music.  Dinner and breakfast are provided for us, and it's always fun.  This year, we rehearsed new Christmas music!  That thrills my heart.  

This week makes week five of me working at my church, and I couldn't love it any more.  Right now I'm working every Monday and Thursday.  I'm basically just assisting my friend Amy who is the director of the women's ministry, and I'm helping her plan events, and trying to just lighten her load.  Right now I'm doing training on the laptop they gave to me to learn the church database they use.  It's a lot, but I love it, and I think it's fun.  Ask me again when our biggest event of the year is over, and my thinking may be different.  (Kidding, kidding.)  Everyone is really sweet and helpful, and I even love getting able to attend the staff meetings.  This is just a huge blessing in my life right now, and I am thankful to the Lord for it.  

I got to create my first event last Thursday that we have coming up soon, and I survived!  I mean, I had help, but still.  I am enjoying learning things and making a different part of my brain work again.  It's been a minute since I've done any type of office and computer work, but with the Lord's help, it'll be second nature before too long.  

I've been submitting articles to an online magazine pretty regularly lately.  It's Tirzah Magazine, and they put out some really great articles.  I don't say that because I've written for them, I say it because there is a lot of talent there.  They published one of my submissions already, and I've sent in at least four more.  They were looking for monthly contributors, and the lady who emailed me asked me specifically to write some more.  So, every few days, I write something the Lord places on my heart, and I submit it to them.  I have no way of knowing when or if they'll publish it,  but if they do, I'll share it on here.  They usually contact me by Instagram, and they'll tag me in a picture that they put with what I write.  

It's fun, and the Lord has been good to give me things to write about lately.  I have no idea where any of that will go, but it'll be fun to wait and see.  

Speaking of not knowing where things go, I have come across this verse TWO times today already, and it's not even ten o'clock.  It's Proverbs 16:9, and I love the reminder that though we can make our own plans, God determines our steps.  He is the one leading me, and I ask Him everyday to help me to submit to His will for my life.  That's not always an easy thing to ask Him for, but I know it's what I need to be praying.  I feel like exciting things are happening in my life right now, after years of time off, and I am just waiting and hoping with anticipation of where He will lead me next.  

Lastly, Drew started nursing school yesterday!  If we can survive the cost of his books, I am excited for him.  (The price is NO JOKE.)  He is excited too, and I know it's a long and challenging road ahead of him, but the Lord will help him.  It's what he is called to do, and anytime you walk in that obedience to God's call on your life, He will be there to lead and guide.  Also, Jonah and Noah started their junior year of high school.  I won't even pretend to have asked for a picture, because I know what the answer will be: a resounding NO.  

And Noah starts a job today!  He will be working at Papa John's pizza.  He's pretty excited about regular income.  

See what I mean?  There is so much going on right now, but I am loving it all.  And just trying to survive it all and be present.  

Thanks for reading!  Love to all.  

encouragement and a favorite sermon

I love this passage of scripture that I read today.  We are in Ephesians this week, which is one of my favorite books in the bible.  Or New Testament.  Either way, I have always loved this passage of scripture, and this was reinforced about a year ago, when my friend sent me a link to a sermon by Francis Chan on this same passage.  I'll write more about this in just a minute, though.  (Also, this is why Missy and I are best friends.  We listen to sermons on YouTube in our spare time.) 

I love these verses, because several years ago, the Lord led me to start praying these over my family.  Having boys is so different for a mom.  I have mentioned on here that I once heard someone say that the most effective parent is the same sex parent.  Meaning, Todd is most effective in the lives of all my sons.  Back to why being a mom to sons is so different, though....I have always said that I'm not just raising sons over here.  I'm raising future husbands and fathers.  That is a huge responsibility!  I don't know if you've noticed this, but we are living in a time that men are constantly being undermined.  Their value, in terms of the world around us, is diminishing before our very eyes.  Their roles are not as important anymore, at least, in the eyes of the world around us.  But nothing could be farther from the truth.  Men are to be the spiritual leaders and the head of the home, but the later the time gets, the less this is so.

God knows all of this, none of it is a surprise to Him.  He knows the day and time with which we live in right now, and that is why these verses are so important.  As parents, as moms, we MUST pray over our kids.  And what kinds of things should we pray?  Well, it's written out above, in that picture.   I pray that the Lord Jesus would dwell in their hearts through faith, and that they, being rooted and grounded in that love, would know the breadth and length, height and depth of God's love, and that they would be filled with all the fullness of God.  Praying that alone puts perspective all the other things we pray for, as parents, but really, the prayer I just wrote out is the most important thing we could ever pray.  If they know that, if they know and are filled with the fullness of God, then everything else in their life will just fall into place. 

It's that simple.  We don't have to fret and worry about the future...it's already been determined by God.  If you have some time on your hands, I encourage you to listen to this sermon by Francis Chan that I love.  I listened to it again, just now, as I wrote this post. 



Thanks for reading!  Love to all. 

book review

Every so often, a publishing company will reach out to me and ask me if I'm interested in being on a launch team for a certain author.  I don't know how this all started, but I've been doing this for years now, and I've had the honor of reading and review advance copies of books they send to me.  Usually my review is only on Amazon or GoodReads, though.  I thought I'd share a blog post about this one, this time around.

When I was asked to review David Platt's newest and yet-to-be-released book Something Needs to Change, I jumped at the chance.  I've read several of his other books, and one year, he was the speaker at a student life camp I was a counselor at in Daytona Beach, Florida.  I love his heart, and the passion God has given to him for spreading the gospel.  He has a been a church pastor, and was recently the president of the IMB (International Mission Board) for four years.  Now he pastors McLean Bible Church in Washington D.C., and very recently, President Trump made a surprise visit there and David Platt prayed over our President and our nation.

This book is unlike the other books he has written.  Without giving too much away, this book reads as his journal, during a trip to the Himalayas he took with a couple of other guys.  On his trip there, he encountered severe poverty, famine, sickness, human trafficking, and a burial ritual that left him speechless.  By the end of the week he spent there, he found himself alone and crying out to God why.  Where is He, amidst all that suffering?  Why does He allow severe poverty and hunger?  Why does He allow young girls to be sold as objects in that part of the world?  Most importantly, he asked God why He would take him there to see that, and what should he do next?

Because, after a trip like that, you're never the same.  Something needs to change, after all, so what now?  The point he brings home in this book is that no matter where we are in life, God can and will use us for His glory.  We live in a world full of people who have never heard the name of Jesus.  In my own hometown, this is true, here in middle America.  He challenges us to count the cost, and to consider a life laid down, all for the sake of God's great name. 

Each chapter is written as a day, as in Day One, etc.  At the end of each "day" (chapter), there are questions for you to ponder.  This book is not yet for sale, but it releases on September 17.  You can pre-order the book at any of your local or online bookstores.  Here is a link to the book on Amazon.  This would be a great one to read with some friends and to meet and discuss it with afterward.  Mostly, it's a book that you can read that will really cause you to evaluate your life, and to make some changes.

Thanks for reading!  Now, go check it out for yourself.

Love to all.

highs and lows

It's been a bit of a roller coaster type week, with some really hard moments, and some really great moments.  Most of you know me and you know that a family in my church suffered a tremendous loss this week.  I don't know that I've ever prayed so much in my life, and I don't know if I've ever been woken up in the middle of the night to do the same so many times.  I was struck with that thought last night, how sweet it is of the Lord to wake us up out of a sleep, even, to pray for our friends who are suffering. 

A sweet moment the Lord gave me this week was reuniting me with the small group ladies I had last semester at church on Wednesday nights.  I am a small group leader for a study on Galatians we started this week, and we meet twice a week, to give every lady an option of coming.  We have a Monday morning option and a Wednesday night option.  Originally I was going to lead on Monday mornings, but that group is much smaller in size than our Wednesday night group, so I was switched around to that night.  And as a reward, I got to see almost my entire old small group!  I love that, and it was a really sweet night.  We had a few new ladies who joined us, and only one that I didn't already know.  I look forward to getting to know her, though, and growing closer together both in our walk with the Lord and with each other, along with all the other ladies. 

I also treasure the moments when I get to sit and talk with the other small group leaders.  This is all of us from last semester, one night when we went out to dinner to end our time together in leading the study on Malachi we had completed.

Talk about the type of friends that are the iron that sharpens iron type of friends...that is what they've all been to me, in the last year. 

Through all the moments in the week, both bad and good, I have been thinking on the characteristics of the Lord.  He is faithful.  He is our Healer, even when He may not heal in the way we pray.  He is trustworthy.  He is sovereign, even when we may not understand His plan.  His ways and His thoughts are higher than ours.  He is good, no matter the circumstance, because He is God.  Those are His truths, His promises that I am standing on and praising Him for. 

Will you help me pray for my friend Brooke, her husband Josh, and their other daughters, Harper and Ollie?  They're facing a very long and difficult weekend and days, weeks, and months.  I know the Lord will carry them through, and I pray that He will comfort them like only He can, and bring them peace.  (Brooke is pictured here, third from left.) 

Thank you, in advance.  Love to all.