“Whoever trusts in God stands steady and secure!” Romans 10:11
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Blessings come when we are determined to see the good God has given us. When we persevere in counting our blessings, we begin to live in His grace. This is a summary of what I heard from two wonderful pastors at our Community Thanksgiving Service last night. It is so very hard to believe that Calvary Baptist has hosted that event for 17 years. I remember well the first one, even though I wasn't there. JD was sick, and I was very pregnant with Hannah. David came home and told me about what a blessing it was to him; note the word blessing. James 5:11 says, "As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." As I look at this picture of JD I see a persevering look that says to me, "I am DETERMINED to strike out this batter." I saw that look many times in his short life. I count them all as blessings, and for those blessings; I give thanks. As you know, God has taken us on a journey that has knocked us to our knees. He has made us come to a place to count our blessings so that we may be unfaltering when we give Him thanks. He has changed our family, and although sometimes it's very hard to see His good; we do. It is my prayer that you will find time to count your blessings and persevere in giving our Lord your thanks. Do not let this world take away the blessings God has for you by focusing on what you think is missing from your life. "When Jesus is all you have, then you have all you need." Thank You for my blessings, God, I have way too many to list here. If I had to list my top 5, they would be: 1- You 2- the love I have for you 3- my family 4- the love we have for You and each other 5- the peace and compassion You show us every day.
Thank you to everyone who had a part in the community service last night. Whether you were a speaker, choir member or part of the audience; you were a blessing to me. Because of God's promise, I will get to see this determined face again. It's so good to sit with people who have that same faith! You know you've been blessed when you pray daily for your daughter to one day find someone just like her daddy to share her life with. That's exactly what I do for @hannah_grace19 everyday. We have been through quite a journey since I first met you in 5th grade, and you would pull my pony tails. We have been through the worst of the worst, and you've never stopped showing your true character; your Godly grace. I am so glad God lead me to you. You are the best husband, father, and friend, (sound a little familiar?). I can truly say that there is no one else I would want to share the rest of my journey with than you. I love you, David Paul and I'm glad God chose me to be your wife. Happy Birthday!
"May the righteous be glad and joyful before God." Psalm 68:3 This ceremony today given by you, Jesup Elementary Staff and PTO brings us much JOY.
To JD Paul: Isn't it amazing how God brings you the exact words you need to hear, if only you'll listen? I've been not writing in this specific book for a little while. My reason, I'm not quite sure. Maybe because it hurts too much, or God was leading me to other places to find some peace that only He can give. Even though I haven't written, you never leave my mind. We have done a few things since I've last written. We've ordered your head stone and a memorial for you to place at the baseball field. We have attended our first ever golf tournament in your name. We were part of a small ceremony at church, because someone was kind enough to donate Bibles for our pews with your name and "God's got me" inside. Your sister, daddy and I have given a few devotions to different groups. Yes, me I've spoken, and you know how shy I am. Our community has been remarkable in helping us heal. We continue to have faith that God is using you for His glory. God reveals pieces of His plan just when we need them the most, but you know that better than me; you're right there with Him. And, again I will say, I'm so proud God chose me to be your mama! Today I am standing in front of my coworkers and PTO thanking them for a tree that was planted and a bench that is being dedicated in your memory. I am in awe at this kind gesture that brings JOY into our hearts. We love you, JD Paul, and we know that you stand here with us today. The words "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday." were written on the invitation to this special event. Love, Mama I read this today to thank my coworkers and PTO for a beautiful ceremony that honored the memory of our son and brother, JD. God continues to bless us with an amazing church, community and friends. Proverbs 3:3 says, "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Thank you all for being a living testimony of God's precious word. May He continue to bless and keep you all as we live for Him. |
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June 2023
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