EACH MORNING RENEWED

This week has presented wonderful gifts and experiences in my life. Earlier in the week two new friends I now call "soul sisters" came to my home where we shared a meal and time together discussing events in our life and the faith and trust in God and His purpose that keeps us going. On Wednesday, I had two wonderful experiences, the first was the GFWC (General Federation Woman's Club) in Panama City where the 29th annual Prayer Coffee was held and blessed all who attended. Then I had lunch with another new 'soul sister'.

From these wonderful times of fellowship and sharing amongst ourselves, this morning with much on my heart about the various paths we are each on, the earthly struggles and challenges, I wanted to share a quote and write a prayer for all of us, which goes as follows:

"When we begin to think differently about things, then things begin to change."

Dear Dad (this is what I call my Father in heaven)

Here we are, you daughters and sons!

We know that everyday we wake to a new day for new hope, new beginnings, and new experiences that provide opportunity for us to let our light shine through dark moments as well as in the moments of light.

And that any difficult moments or events are opportunities for our growth as women and men of a deeper, trusting faith and love for you and the hmanity we are part of.

Thanks for this beautiful morning as we walk into a physical world that often fights against the things of the spirit that we desire to reflect for your honor.

Lamentations 3:19-24 reminds us that you are so very near always through the words:

"Lord, remember my suffering, my sorrow, and trouble.

Remember me and think about me.

I have hope when I think of this:

The Lord's love never ends; his mercies never stop.

They are new every morning."

Dad, since we can't possibly know or understand all that occurs here on planet earth and to us individually, and we can't possibly know or understand the thoughts and heart of those we love and who love us, or those we make contact with, we know that you know all things and their purpose and that you know each and every one of your children because each earthly child belonged to you before we ever knew them, and they still belong to you.

Every human belonged to you before we ever knew one another. Place in our hearts what we need to love one another as we are, and to realize that we are each on a path meant for each of us at this very moment with a purpose known only to you.

Help us to move ourselves out of our own way so you can use each of us for your greater good and purpose in others lives, whether that be our spouses, children, parents, or all others whose lives we touch.

With this we know that JOY will fill our spirits simply by knowing that through us you will bring into being your plan and purpose, although often times we may never see or be aware.

And dad, for us women who are married to men who we often misunderstand because they have suffered much pain in life and who have sacrifices much for our country and fellow man, in human form they can often seem distant or negaative for reasons we can't grasp, but you do. You have placed us in their lives for purpose, and they into ours for purpose. Again, help us, as the women you want us to be, help us to be the women our husbands need knowing that through our walk, they will see God and good in us as they have not seen any place else. Remind us that our happiness, joy and laughter does not come for how our husbands (or a wife) acts or reacts, but from our relationship with you as you lead us on our earthly, physcial journey.

Now, Dad, we're letting go and depending on you!

Bless this day and every person, each a child of yours, that we make contact with.

And above all, "Our Father who art in heaven...thy will be done" as you provide the strength, courage, peace, and joy for our march up and on!

Love, your children

All of Us...