MONDAY QUOTES

Time is the most undefinable yet paradoxical of things; the past is gone, the future is not come, and the present becomes the past even while we attempt to define it, and, like the flash of lightning, at once exists and expires. ~Charles Caleb Colton

Time is one of those things in which we either wish we had more of or just went by quicker. We look at time as being ours, but time belongs to the Lord. We tend to live in our pasts so much our present seems as though it far into the future. A future we cannot even fathom, because we are stuck in the past. The past can hold us back. It holds us back from enjoying the here and now. We fixate ourselves on a time in our lives that we can not change, nor go back to. We pull the shades on the present because many times we are just afraid of moving on forward. Our pasts can hurt so badly, why would we want to move on? Can't it hurt just as much? We bury ourselves in what was and what could have been. But as the dirt covers us we are also covering the blessings of what is right in front of us. We get so blinded by thinking nothing can get better. How can I be forgiven? Why did those things happen? I just want to go back. So many emotions can keep us in the past. The past can steal everything away from us. Once yesterday is gone, it is simply gone. We cannot get it back no matter how long we try to stay there. But in the meantime, we are letting each moment of our precious lives slip away.

Today, right now, this moment is all we have. We never know what the next moment will bring. It can bring joy or calamity. We too can worry and fret about the future. Just wanting to keep today as it is and keep tomorrow at bay. But is that really a way to live? I think both, the past and future can kidnap us, keeping us in fear and isolation. That is not what the Lord wants for us. He wants us to let go of the past. Not concern ourselves with the future, but live in today. We can do this too. We can let go of yesterday knowing Christ has forgiven us. Realizing we cannot change yesterday is a big step in understanding grace. Grace covers our past and gives hope for today. In faith we take a step forward. In belief we know the Lord has tomorrow covered.

We can drive ourselves crazy thinking of what was and what will be. I have learned I have no control of tomorrow. I cannot change the things of yesterday, but for right now? Right here in this moment I can live like there is no tomorrow. I can smile and have joy knowing the Lord is guiding my path. He is there in each step I make. Just as grace covers yesterday, hope covers tomorrow and faith lasts for the moment I am in right now.

Don't live in your past. Don't let your past steal away your today. Don't allow fear to take hold of your future. Fear and faith just can't simply live together. It is one or the other and for this girl, I am taking faith and letting go of fear. Fear steals away everything good and in fear we cannot find our purpose. Everything is lost in fear. There is no reason for us to have fear. We can wake each day knowing we are a child of the King. We can walk into the next moment knowing our lives are in God's hands. And for me, I wouldn't want my life in any others.

Life can last but a moment or it can last until we are old and grey. But life is precious however long it lasts. Life here on this earth compares nothing to our lives in heaven for all eternity. But while we are here may we find our purpose and plan the Lord has for each of us. We are all connected in one way or another. We breathe the same air and have the same blood running through our veins. God gave us life. It is a gift for us. May we treasure each moment in joy and not allow circumstances to change our faith and hope we have for today. So see the sun shine today. Reach for the stars. Grab hold of that laughter and smell the fragrance around you. Let the Son wash over you today, giving you life. Allow yourself to feel the love of another. Give yourself room to grow in this moment you have right now. So my friends, get out there and live!!

BEYOND SUMMER by Lisa Wingate

Here is the first paragraph from Beyond Summer. This first paragraph grabbed my attention as the words reached my heart bringing such truth in my life:

"It’s strange, the things you look past in a normal day--the big picture you don’t see, while you’re busy focusing on all the little things that seem to matter in the moment. Good hair, an outfit that looks just right, a green light ahead when you’re in a hurry to make an appointment, a short line at Starbucks, a straight shot down the fairway in a game of golf, a smile from a cute guy in the parking lot. You rub your life like Aladdin’s lamp, and magic floats out in little clouds. It works time, after time, after time. You never stop to consider that there could be a day when a charmed life isn't charmed anymore. At that point, the wishes become prayers, and you hope against hope that God will take up where the wishing lamp left off."

We see storms come and go and in one summer three lives are changed forever. The storms of life can either break us or make us stronger. In this story we find three main characters intertwined with many more. These characters have a strength they have yet to find. A strength they will find through the storms in their lives. It is a strength that will bind them all together for life.

We meet Tam Lambert. She is a young woman that has had everything laid at her feet. She has just expected to have all she needs and wants at her wish. But life changes when her father has gotten caught up in the greed of business. Tam is surrounded by her step-mother and siblings. This family is caught up in the world and all the material things it offers, but there is one in this family. One that seems a little off, but to me she is the one who has it all together and shows the others what life is really about. That is Aunt Lute.

We also meet Shasta, the girl who left everything for love. Married her high school sweetheart and is a mother of two. It seems she just jumps into life without looking and finds herself wishing she would have thought things through. Shasta wants more out of life. She is tired of struggling and just wants her family to accept her decisions.

Then there is Sesay, a homeless woman who touches the lives of many through her art work. She has this gift of creating, but doesn't quite no it yet. She wants to reach out to others, but is fearful of opening her heart. She carries a deep past with her that holds much pain. She is trying to forget and seek a new life, but how does one do that when one has nothing?

These characters all live in the same neighborhood. They are all in need of something. And what one needs there is another who can give. I loved this book from the very first page. These three characters are those we can all relate to in one way or another. We tend to take everything in life for granted and yes, we all have our prejudices against those who are different. But it is really because they are different or that we just don't understand them because we are too caught up in our own lives, in our own worlds to really see another? This book opens our hearts to others. It takes us through the storms of families trying to just see the light through the rain. As storms and trials come, we see how the Lord moves through those willing vessels bringing rich blessings to all they meet. It's not the material things in life that bring happiness. It is the sheer joy of love for life and the simple act of loving others.

This is one book you will love for the summer. It is captivating and carries many valuable lessons, along with characters you will have a heart for.

This book was a gift from Lisa Wingate for it's review.

Lisa lives in central Texas where she is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books. Her novel, Tending Roses, received dozens of five-star reviews, sold out sixteen printings for New York publisher, Penguin Putnam, and went on to become a national bestselling book. Tending Roses was a selection of the Readers Club of America, and is currently in its fourteenth printing.

http://www.lisawingate.com/

LETS CHAT FRIDAY with Alisa Hope Wagner

What a sweet day it is to have Alisa Hope Wagner come by the Nest and spend a time chatting with us. It is such a joy to get to know each of these ladies who take the time to share their hearts with us. I am learning so very much by this group of ladies the Lord has lead into my life. It is a such a gift to be surrounded by such sweet spirits willing to give so that others can find little nuggets of blessings to encourage them through the day and through life. Alisa is one of those women who just walk with joy. She is spreading the love of God by simply living out the will of God. I find beauty in that act of faith. It is my hope that you are blessed as I was to spend time getting to know Alisa better. The Lord looks good on you Alisa girl. Here is our awesome chat..

(Robin) Alisa, tell me a little about yourself.

(Alisa) I have been married 11 years to my high school sweetheart. My husband and I met at our church youth group when we were 16 years old. We have two sons (6yr and 3yr) and one daughter (18mnths). I was raised in a large, blended family, which includes seven siblings. My identical twin sister manages our ministry, Faith Imagined. I attend Bay Area Fellowship pastured by Bil Cornelius. I love writing through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. My relationship with Jesus is very precious to me.

(Robin) Since you have walked with the Lord has there been a time you struggled in your faith? If so, would you please share?

(Alisa) Faith is a choice, not a feeling. Abraham, Joseph and David believed God’s promises even when there was no proof. God has given me my own set of promises; and I believe Him, though, I have struggled to do so. Every Christian will have to choose to walk by faith, stay obedient to God’s Word and continuously die to self.

(Robin) Has there been an "aha" moment in your life that has changed your perspective?

(Alisa) An important “aha” moment I’ve experienced is when I realized that I can’t live a life of faith without help. I need to surround myself by Christians who are victoriously living by faith. The only way I can do this is by reading books written by Spirit-led, world changing leaders. During the past year, I have actively read many books (in addition to my daily Bible reading), and I have become more confident in my walk of faith.

(Robin) Do you have a favorite bible story, verse, song or hymn that gives encouragement when struggles come?

(Alisa) God usually encourages me in specific ways to match the struggle I find myself in. However, when I feel extremely pressed down and burdened, I tell God how much I love Him over and over again. Somehow expressing my love for Him supernaturally fills me with complete peace.

(Robin) What is one thing you look for in a close friend and what is one quality you hope others see in you?

(Alisa) I look for a friend who loves God and is desperately seeking His face. I think every relationship will benefit from finding our worth in Him, instead of seeking it in each other.

(Robin) What are a few of your favorite books you have in your collection you would share with a friend?

(Alisa) When I read books, I realize that I am bringing myself under the mentorship of anointed leaders. I will usually read several books of one author at a time until I’ve learned much of his/her God-given insights. The authors that have most recently influenced me include Joyce Meyer, Gene Edwards, T.D. Jakes, Jentezen Franklin, David Cho, John Bevere, C.S. Lewis, John Piper, Dallas Willard, Beth Moore and the discipleship program, One on One with God, by Jerry and Marilyn Fine.

(Robin) When life seems to go crazy, what is one thing you do to bring comfort and peace?

(Alisa) I pray in my closet or work-out to Christian music.

(Robin) What is one thing about yourself you admire?

(Alisa) I am very loyal.

(Robin) What are a few of the things you love surrounding you?

(Alisa) My family, Christian music and the Holy Spirit.

(Robin) What are your deepest passions?

(Alisa) My God, my family, my writing, my friends, my church and outdoor activities.

(Robin) What is the best advice ever given to you?

(Alisa) King David gave me Psalm 23. The entire song is a beautiful promise of God’s faithfulness.

(Robin) In the legacy you leave, what is one thing you hope out shines before all others?

(Alisa) My desire to know God.

(Robin) What are you currently working on?

(Alisa) I’m editing my first book.

(Robin) How do you define success?

(Alisa) Success is achieving God’s best for you life, which He has declared for you since before time began.

Alisa, thank you again for stopping in and opening your beautiful heart to us. She is just charming isn't she? I love how you share our friendships will benefit much if we seek our worth in Him instead of in others. That is a gold nugget for me to take away and cherish. Prayers and congradulations on your first book. That must be really exciting. And this girl can't wait to read it! Blessings to you Alisa

If you would like to follow Alisa you can link on to this link.

http://www.faithimagined.com/

THURSDAY'S SCRIPTURE (Does It Hurt?)

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 "Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them."

2 Corinthians 8:7 "Since you excel in so many ways-in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us-I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving."

2 Corinthians 8:12 "Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have."

2 Corinthians 9:7 "You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."

How much do we really give? When we think about this we must consider, "Do we give until it hurts?"

We love giving. We give what we are comfortable giving. But when it becomes a sacrifice, are we still willing? Are we still eager to give with open hands? I think when we give we are to do so with open and willing hearts, not grudgingly. It should be an offer of gracious love.

Giving is letting go of self. It is giving up self for another.

Our time is special to us. How much time our we willing to give to another? Our material things are valuable to us. Are we willing to give to help another? For every need there is someone filled with a gift to share. Many times it's material things. It can be time spent, but it takes a pure, willing heart to give. A heart filled with joy. For a gift to be passed to another in joy it must be given with a smile.

For me, I give things to the Goodwill and the Agape house. But if I am honest. It's always things I no longer need. Things I no longer want. It's not that I am really sacrificing for another. I am not giving up anything I love.

Christ gave until it hurt. He gave all He had. He gave in love. He gave willingly and gave with a pure, undefiled heart of joy.

Each day whether we choose to believe it or not we reap the benefits of His giving. Through His gift and only through His gift can we have eternal life. I want to have a heart like Christ. I want to give until it hurts. Just think what our world could be like if we all gave like Christ. What a beautiful place we would be in. Can you see the joy? The priceless gift of giving touches a heart and leaves a legacy of love. An imprint of Christ's love, passes from His heart to our hands to another. That is just sheer beauty.

May today be the day we decide to die to ourselves. To die to our wants and give to another willingly, with a smile. As we open our hands to another, it opens their heart to see a picture of Christ. Our bodies should be a living sacrifice for Christ to live through. In our giving we are sharing in all He has given us. What a valuable way to show others who Christ is. As we have today, there may or I should say there will come a day where we will be the one in need of something. On that day we will want others to reach out to us, opening their hearts. When we share with others it just brings a bond between us. There is something special that passes between the hands giving and those receiving. I believe it is called simply, love.

Let's lift our hands in praise!

Today as I was driving on my way to the hospital this song came on. It is one of my favorites and when you are in the car and this song comes on, well, let's just say, you can't keep your hands down. This is one of those songs of praise. No matter what we go through here on this earth, our Redeemer lives!!! He lives in us. He lives for us. He gave all for you and I. He is still giving. He is a Life Giver. He redeems the old and renews us to look more like Him. He covers us with His grace and love. His power washes over us, giving us a strength like no other. He is mighty! He is strong! He is absolute perfection! Jesus Christ is our Savior. He came so that we might find life in Him. Once we give our hearts to Him life is never the same. Each day no matter how great the trial we know we can push forward. We know there is more than this earth we now call home. If we know the Lord as our Savior, we have a greater home in heaven. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is never-changing. He is faithful and true. His word is alive. He is the Risen King. That makes me a daughter of the King of kings, Lord of lords. I am am princess in His eyes. I am a Royal Blue blood of the King! We can see Jesus in the words of this song, sang by Nicole C. Mullen. We can feel His presence as we raise our hands celebrating His glory. Listen to the words. Do you believe? Is your faith broken and weak? Are you hurting and tired? Let it all go. Lay it all down and run to Him. Run to His arms and allow Him to love you. Allow Him to give you life everlasting. An abundant life, filled with joy that surpasses all. I pray this song is a blessing to you. If you have never heard it you are in for a great blessing. If you have heard it, listen again for a double blessing as God pours out His love for you and I through this beautiful song of praise!

WEDNESDAY'S WOMAN

This week my Wednesday Woman is my mother. She is a woman who has influenced my life and who continues to teach me about life, love and being a woman. I would not be the woman I am today without my mother to lead and guide me. She covered me with love from the very start. She bandaged those skinned knees. She held me when I was sick. She covered me when I was cold. She kissed the fears of life away. She encouraged me to succeed. To be who I was made to be.

My mom was born Lorene Ruff on February 12, 1938 in Arkansas. She is the oldest of five brothers. She helped to care for them beginning at a young age. When she was a child they were very poor. So poor in fact, they didn't know they were poor. She used to pick cotton as a little girl with a long dress on and covered with a bonnet. She loved skipping school and going swimming in the river. She was a country girl through and through. Big brown eyes, and beautiful dark hair.

My mom has gone through trials it seems her whole life. She was an abused wife to her first husband. She found safety from that abuse and married my dad. She lost my dad to the cancer that took his life. She knows about loss and in great amounts. She has made many mistakes in her life and she would be the first to share those wrongs so you could learn from them.

She is a giver. She is a servant. She loves watching soap operas and the news. She has her scanner on in the morning and at night, listening to all that is going on. She found the love of reading and reads each night before bed.

She loves flowers and she shares my love for purses. She loves to give gifts. If you would like to have the best biscuits and gravy in the world you must enter my mother's kitchen. She will also add some sausage and fried potatoes with that.

Something I have always noticed about my mother is her hands. She has these beautiful, tiny hands that are full of such love. She is an amazing grandmother. I don't think you would want to pick on any of her grandchildren, she might just get mad.

She knew Christ when she was a young teen, but she strayed away from her faith, only to return years later. Her love is a strong reflection of Christ. Her service has graced many. Her giving has reached the hearts of those she loves.

Is my mom perfect? Nope. I love her in her imperfections. She has qualities that will stand the test of time. She is caring and loyal. If you have my mother for a friend. You have a friend for life. She has always been there for me. She is a fighter. She has a strength that can only come from the Lord. I have never seen her give up on anything. Trials come and try to knock her down, but nothing keeps her down for long. She is right back up, stronger to face the next one. Right now she has a battle of a lifetime. She is fighting shingles and I don't really know what else at this time. But as they run tests and as they care for her I see her fighting. I see her hanging on with everything she has. I see beauty in those lines under her eyes. They tell of battles she has fought. I find humility in her daily walk as she gives up more of herself. I have seen my mom wipe her tears only to press on forward.

I know my mom may feel a little like Job right now fighting battle after battle, but she also knows God is bigger than anything she will ever face. My mom can find blessings within the trials she faces. I am not sure if I could have faced all she has taken on and come out of it as she has. But I do know she is an example of strength and beauty. I see the Lord in her as she walks with a heart of giving.

I praise You Lord for giving me the mother you found just for me. A mother who sacrificed and gave willingly for a daughter that is so grateful for all she has done. I might have not always seen it. All she gave. All she has been through. But now I do. I see the time, the years and how precious each is. I love you mom. I pray the Lord's healing upon you. I pray you find peace within your heart and know without a doubt you are loved. I know these are such simple words, but there is much love in them. A love only a mother and daughter can know. She is not only my mother, but she is my sister in Christ, and in that I take great joy. I celebrate your life today mom. I celebrate you and the love you continue to give so graciously.

ENCOURAGEMENT TUESDAY

2 Thessalonians 1:4 "We proudly tell God's other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering."

2 Timothy 4:5 "But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has for you."

1 Peter 2:20-21 "Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps."

James 5:11 "We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy."

I come to my mothers early this morning. I find my daughter exhausted. Almost a whole night of no sleep, only to now leave for a day of school.

I get my mother up and she is not herself. She is looking at me with such anger and her words are anything but comforting. We now try giving her her medications and this is a daily battle. This takes almost one hour. One hour of me telling her to shallow. I call the doctor and I am left waiting. Wondering. She now sleeps as I sit here and write.

I grab my mom's bible. Not really sure why. I have my own here. But I think I am just wanting a glimpse of hope. To touch something that is her. It is filled with pictures and words. Words before me that are now bringing fresh tears. She has written down everything of our lives. When me and my daughter shot our first deer. When our family pets died. When my girls left the country for vacations. Everything you can think of is written here. I see my dad's birth and death and next to hers I find her birthday and a blank space she has for her death. I am amazed at how she has recorded all this information. She has cards I have given her. Letters that were special to her. I find a letter with my name on it. Should I open it? What will it mean if I do? I sit for a while thinking about it and decide to open it. I find words of comfort from her. Words of forgiveness and love. A letter she must have written a few years back. I now see a piece of my mom here in my hands. I find her love.

I realize in this moment God not only give me His love, but has blessed me with a piece of my mother's love I am so wanting to see.

She is not herself. She says things she would never say. She can grow angry in her confusion and turn into a child in her pain.

I go outside for some air and I reach down, smelling her rose bush by the front door. I see the baby rose buds not yet bloomed. Those that are fully open and giving a fragrant smell in their beauty. I look down and see those that have withered. They have fallen off. The edges are darkened. They look frail, but in that frailness I see the simple beauty they have held for so long. In this moment I find hope. For each one that has fallen off there is new life again. New blossoms to cover those that have faded. With each trial that comes there are new blossoms to be seen. A new fragrance to smell. Even after life has gone, the whole bush gives off a fragrance of the legacy it leaves behind.

As I continue to look through her bible again I find not only more letters, but words of wisdom. Little blessings she must look at to get her through those trials she keeps secret. Those days in which we know nothing of.

Today all I have is hope. A hope that she will recover and come back to us. I am thankful the Lord shows me hope in these small yet amazingly huge moments. They are like little hugs from heaven. Hugs of love that seem to let you know all will be okay. Even the smallest amount of light makes a darkroom come to life.

If you are going through a trial today, know the Lord will see you through. He will give you little glimmers of hope. Little bursts of light and fill you with hope. Each day we make a choice to go on or give up. In the Lord we can find everything we need to move forward, letting the pain of yesterday go. Reach for Him today. May His peace cover you.

MONDAY QUOTES

I know, Monday Quotes on Tuesday? I have a bit of catching up to do. I found this quote this morning and it just seemed to fit perfectly into my life right now. I hope it is one that will bless you. I find my attitude can either make situations better or worse. I can't change circumstances or attitudes of others, but I can my own. If I have a poor attitude the Lord cannot shine through me. If my attitude is possitive He is able to glow through my speech and life. Attitudes are catchy. A good attitude can light up a room. It can change the way we feel. It can lift us up out of a pit of sadness and touch another giving a smile. May my attitude reflect my relationship with the Lord. And many times it sure does do just that. If I am away from the Lord my attitude reflects the distance. If I am close to Him, others will see something new, something different and want to be close by too. Our attitudes seem to reflect what is really inside our hearts. It's like an emotion trying to escape to freedom. When we change the inside the outside will be more inviting. I hope this quote is one that will reach your heart today also.

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
Charles R. Swindoll

Enduring the night

As I kneel at the side of my mom's bed tonight I find myself wondering why one has to suffer so. I sit here with tears streaming down as she is talking. She doesn't know I am here as she is hallucinating. She is having a conversation with my dad. My dad has been gone now for twenty-four years. She is reaching up and grabbing for a fish that he has caught. Talking about fishing. Something my dad loved to do.

As I listen I can't help but be taken back to a different place and time. A time when I was a kid and all seemed right. I would have never imagined then to be here where we are now. But as I watch her I am torn as to what to do. It breaks your heart to see your parent like this and not know what to do.

Sleep finally takes her deep in the night, but only for a while. She is up again and cannot find sleep to comfort her.I find myself laying on the couch just listening. Will she call for me? Will she try to get up alone? Will I hear her if I fall asleep? As I listen at the sounds of the night I just can't stop wondering why. Why has this happened? When will it end? She has to get better, right? I am having a very difficult time with the reasoning of why. Nothing seems to make sense anymore. Why does she have to suffer so?

Then in my focus comes a picture of Jesus. He is suffering. He is on the cross. Suffering that didn't make any sense. Suffering for reasons other than His own. Suffering He did not ask for, but willingly accepted for what? For you and I.

Now the picture is made more clear as I ponder on Jesus and His love. Our Savior suffered and died not for Himself, but for us, that we might have life. He didn't let the cup pass from Him, although He could have. His love is greater than the suffering He endured. Through His suffering He covers us with grace.

Why is there suffering? Why is there enduring through the night? Sin entered this world through one man and touched us all. We are all sinners fallen short. We are sinners in need of grace. Through Christ's suffering we will have life everlasting.

Our suffering seems to last forever and a day doesn't it? When we are really hurting it seems it just goes and goes without any breaks. Suffering seems to take much away from us, but it also adds much to our lives. I have to stay focused through this trial and know that our suffering compared to an eternity in heaven is but a blink of any eye. We think our suffering lasts throughout the night, but there will come a day where suffering is no more. Doesn't that just make us long for heaven more? To be heaven bound is to set our eyes on Christ and not the circumstances that surround us.

I dream of the day where pain no longer attacks my mom. I dream of heaven where pain will not touch another. Can you imagine no tears? No more trials to zap us of everything? It took God six days to create the world. Six days He did all this. He is still working on heaven today for us. He is still creating our home. It will be spectacular! It will be a place we are not even able to imagine it's beauty. Heaven will be that perfect place.

I know there is a plan and a purpose for everything. Part of me understands that, but the other? Well, it has some catching up to do. I am not there yet. And I may never be. I don't have to understand everything. I just have to have faith in the God above who does.

II know each day He is doing a work in me. He is molding me. Shaping me. But what about my mom? He is doing the same in her? Does she know He is here? It is hard when we don't understand and where we don't have answers. So what do I do? I pick myself up off the floor at the side of my mom's bed and move to the quiet of the living room where I call out to the Lord. I search for answers. I search for peace to cover me and to blanket her through this difficult time. I just sit crying. Letting go of the hurt I just want to scream out loud and ask God, "Why"? But I do not scream. As I sit here quietly being still I hear His voice. I hear His comforting words of, "Be still my daughter." I feel His presence and His comfort soon washes over me. He gives me all I need to endure the night, making it through to see the sun shine through in the morning.

I refuse to blame God. I refuse to find anger in not understanding. There are moments of darkness that I fight my flesh. I wrestle with every emotion possible. But as I do I leave all those emotions at His feet. At the cross. And as I leave them there I am able to stand and walk knowing He is in control. I trust Him. I know I can do it with His love and strength. Just when I think I can't do it anymore, He is there to fill me with a strength I didn't know possible. When I feel like giving up I picture my Savior on the cross, enduring for me. Suffering for me and in that moment I am able to continue on because I know through His enduring comes life everlasting.

2 Corinthians 4:8-18 "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, 'I believed in God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.' That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet, they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now, rather, we fix our gaze on the things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."

Hang in there with me~

Hey there my friends. I have been taking care of my mom and as I got home last night for a bit I had no time to do anything. I walked in and my husband said, "You are going to bed!" That is exactly what I did. I am exhausted. I am so weary, and scared. I am at the point I don't know how much more I can do. I want to keep going and keep giving, but I am growing so very tired. I have many decisions to make and I ask for your prayers. Please continue to pray for my mom above all else. This is heartbreaking to watch. Sometimes I just don't understand what God is doing. I want to see Him in all this. I want to understand, but I must be honest and right now nothing makes sense.

Please hang in there with me. I did not have time to write this weekend nor do I have time to really write Monday's Quotes and I don't know the next time I will be able to get on. I am writing at my mom's when I have those quiet moments. So when I do have time I will have lots to catch up on and share. I am honored you choose to stop by my blog. I am blessed you read what my heart is sharing. I am thankful for your thoughts, and prayers. Blessings to you all my friends.

It is now time to jump in the shower and head back to my mom's house. My daughter, Whitney, also needs your prayer as I wouldn't be able to make it each day without her help and love. She too is growing tired. I miss seeing my son everyday and would love to sit down and have a dinner with my family. I am to the point I just feel so very selfish in wanting things back to normal. I guess right now I am just going through a lot and the Lord is bringing me through a transition and this is a changing time for me. One that I know He is has a purpose and plan for, but as I said, I am longing to understand. How much suffering does one go through? Where is my mom's mind going? Her health seems to be going backwards instead of forwards. Declining rapidly and this is killing me to watch. I just want her back. I want to have a conversation with her and watch her laugh and understand. I now have become the mother and she the daughter. I am not prepared to do this one. This is something we just don't see coming and when it's where we are lost as to what we should do. We expect our parents to be here forever and to be strong. What would I ask today? Call your parents today. Spend some extra time with them. Just love on them extra today.

Blessings to you all. I will be back to share much more.

In Christ's love, Robin