Take A Walk With Me

 I shall not fear the arrow by day nor the terror by night.. my God sets an encampment around me… these words from a song are playing on repeat in my home right now. Life has pushed me to my knees. All of it is too much. On my knees I cry out to the Lord and begin to fight back the way I know how- praise. I’m not afraid- all is well- over and over again. Praise is where I find my victory and strength. All is absolutely not well- but the God who governs angels, orders encampments around me. Who shall I fear?  I sit back and rest in His peace and presence. It’s then I see something RJ had left out for me to find before he left for camp. I see the words heart of gold in a paper mate that had been given to me as a gift from one of RJ’s schools as a gift of appreciation for all I had done at their school. Then comes the gentle whisper- that is who you are- remember? My daughter. The girl who overcame great adversity who chose forgiveness over bitterness. Who allowed yourself to lov...

Dear single mother, did you know that God goes before you? Did you know that He loves you so much that he puts in the hearts of people to love you and children as if you are their family?  It’s not His heart to see you suffer. It’s really not His plan for you to do it all alone. I wish I could tell you some nice man will come along and be your knight in shining armor. I wish I could tell you that your kids will have an earthly dad who loves them right and yes, even loves you as you deserve. It doesn’t always happen that way. Your children have a Heavenly Father who does care, who will provide and protect. You don’t have to do it alone. Lean on the family God places you in and learn to find rest in His presence. He will be your strength and He will always make a way. #trustinggod

  Today has been an interesting day. Some I will share and some I will keep to myself. I was notified that I need to go back to the NY Supreme Court because RJ’s dad has filed for emancipation. Meaning- he won’t have to pay for child support or anything towards RJ’s college. I’m not surprised by this. RJ will be 18 in October. I have no desire to fight. I would rather never see a court room again. So, I will show up in the courtroom and allow the judge to grant Bob’s request.  Today is also my mom (Iris’) 75th birthday. RJ and I had a nice time with her. She enjoyed her birthday pizza and liked her cupcake. We are adjusting to this new normal. At the end of the day, I stopped by to say hello to my horse friend.  RJ and I soaked up the quiet peace that surrounded us. Sometimes life is a roller coaster of a day. God is still good through it all. 

  He made it! He did it! A huge chapter in RJ's life has come to a close. Last weekend, RJ graduated from High School.  I'm extremely thankful that my sister Tara, Grandma Ginny, Maddie, Ross, my mom (Iris) and Lisa were able to be there.  I am so proud of him. Now, his new story begins. To every teacher from school and church who poured into his life, thank you. He's a wonderful young man and I look forward to watching what God has in store for him unfold. God is good. 

  I have talked about this before. Most of my life when we have a sermon based off of what is God calling you to do, I would feel a pull to something. I have had some recently and they are future things if, God wants it to happen. That being said, tonight's excellent sermon by Bro. Brian Careccia was along those lines. There was an alter call. I went up and stood to the side. I felt no pull or calling to anything. I asked the Lord what he wanted of me. His reply was " Walk with me and be my friend".  I know Him as my Savior. I know Him as my Father. I know Him as so many things that I could write all night. To walk with him. To talk with Him. To be a friend of God. I like that.  I know if He wants me to go somewhere or do something, I will go without hesitation. I trust Him with the very breath I breath, He did give it to me. My answer of course is yes; I will walk with you Lord and I will gladly be your friend. God is good. 

  A taste, a smell or a sound can transport you back to a memory. The Waxed Apple was one of my favorite fruits in Taiwan. Ever since I have returned, I have looked for it when I visited an Asian grocery store. Every time it was nowhere to be found, until today. I wasn't looking for it. I was simply enjoying all the familiar foods I was seeing in this international grocery store. I had come with friends, and we were enjoying ourselves as we picked out what we wanted to bring home. Then, I saw out of the corner of my eye the unique pink color. I couldn't believe my eyes. Truth be told, I almost cried. This apple is refreshing on a hot and humid day. For me, it's so much more. The touch, taste and smell all brought me back to many happy memories.  God is good.