Psalm 139:13-14 New International Version (NIV)
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
GOD HAS A PLAN ~
Jeremiah 29:11 A plan, A promise and A future
Yesterday, marks a special place in my heart because my daughter (Tracy) gave birth to her daughter, Averie Alexis. Such a beautiful baby and my daughter is doing good. As we walked into the room, everyone looks to see where the baby is and I look to see how my daughter's face is. I wanted to make sure she was doing ok and I was the first one to hold Averie from our group that walked in. When Chad (My son) walked in, the first thing he said did was ask Tracy how she was. He truly loves his sister. People will say you love your children and grandchildren different, but I love them all the same. Each one hold their own personalities and their place in my heart. Baroquely and Willow was so excited to meet their baby cousin. I am truly counting blessings this day!
There is a time to be born and we celebrate with those who receive such a blessing as a life. I have prayed that Averie would be born years before my daughter had her. I knew that Tracy wanted a daughter and so did her husband. God gave them her and the joy that floods the soul. When I got married over 40 years ago, I had hopes and dreams of children plus grandchildren. I find myself praying now for my grandchildren and their children to come. Generations after generations can be influenced by my own example and living in freedom of Jesus. Just know that God is the creator of life is amazing.
Not all of us receive the things we have been waiting for in life. Some come with challenges or disappoints. I know when my daughter lost her first baby, I cried so hard. I tried hard not to question God and the big wonder of why not came rushing into my head. God is faithful to us and we won't always understand the why. As I look upon Averie, I see the gift that God has given Tracy, Sean and the boys.
I have learned much over my lifetime. I have learned things to say and not to say. After the death of a baby or anyone, you just really don't want to hear that God has a plan. It seems so unfair and the big wonder of why not me God? After the Napa fires, my daughter and her family was left with almost nothing. Their family house gone and everything inside of it. Yet, I know God is faithful and their attitude was one of we will rebuild.
Holding onto faith is something you can not see but just know is real. I know God is real and I know that good plus bad things happen to each of us. I want to encourage you today to hold on to your dream. Hold onto the promises of God and maybe it was meant to be this time, but down the road. Not a statement some people want to hear, but a true statement is knowing God is able! I can look back on hard things and see how God was with me. I can see how my faith took me through the storms of life and how much I have changed over my 63 years of life. I'm not that same person when I kid and growing into an adult. I'm not the same person as yesterday, because daily I choose to learn and see God's grace in all things.
My prayers are with you, your family and friends. God is able and know that. I pray for those missing loved one today and share in the joy of others. Life is a bunch of choices and challenges. Keep God number one in your head and your thoughts to be good ones. Let your voice is positive and your actions according to God's word. I thank God today for my daughter and her family. Through the storm and the ashes of the fire, we now share in the birth of Averie. Tears of joy and prayers continue as they still on in the planning of the rebuilt of there house. Purpose this a good day!
~ Sparkie