A Time of Celebrations, Challenges, & Peace

In the past week I have celebrated some very special events! First was Mother’s Day, and then was Caleb’s 4^th Gotcha Day, and finally my birthday! It was a week of parties and celebrations! I am all about a party and we had so many good memories taken from that special week. In the midst of all the celebrations, we also found ourselves dealing with some other issues that could have put a huge damper on all the festivities. But don’t you just love how our God takes his huge loving arms and wraps them so tightly around you that the breath that was just knocked out of you is so sweetly flowing again?

He is such an amazing God! He made those special moments even more special for me this past week. The most treasured title I hold on this earth is that of “Mother”. As I celebrated “Mother’s Day”, I looked at my mom and the beautiful example she has constantly set in my life. She is a woman of godly character and grace and has instilled in me that a love for God is of utmost priority. Now I get to instill that same love to the three wonderful blessings that God has entrusted to me. They give me so much joy and I find myself just so humbled that God chose me to be their mom. I have really stopped to focus on each and every one of them this week and the uniqueness that makes them so special! I can tell you that they amaze me!

The next day we got to relive that special moment when Caleb forever walked into our family! As I look into his little eyes, I see so much life in there and I praise God for this special miracle. In his 4 years as part of this family, he has taught me so much about perseverance and cheer. He has been through so much in his short little life but through it all has persevered and has done it with a smile on his face because he loves life! What a testimony!

My birthday finished out the week and I know a lot of people dread that day because it signifies them getting older. But I look at it as a time to celebrate another year to serve our Lord! I had the privilege to spend this birthday on a weekend getaway with my magnificent hubby! I always look forward to our special times together. He can make me laugh like no other and we just truly enjoy each other’s company. I am so thankful for the husband I have! This weekend getaway was a time of rest, focus, and prayer as we had decisions facing us. God so sweetly orchestrated this time for us and we were able to find such peace in the direction he was leading us!

I come off of that week of celebrations and challenges and feel so empowered! Not because of anything I have done, but because of everything my Lord has done! He is Life and Breath and the reason I live! He gives me, my family strength to make it day to day as we encounter trials. He gives us hope that he will see us through and he does so with such peace and comfort! I love him more than words can say and I know he will carry us through!

No matter what you are going through, find comfort in God and his Word! He is the peace that surpasses all understanding.

A passage of scripture that penetrates to the depths of my soul is in Philippians and I want to share it with you to feast on this week. It has seen us through many trials and continues to minister in a mighty way.

Phil. 4:6-8 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Don’t just read it, take it and let it infiltrate your soul and change your life! I am so thankful for my Jesus! Just the thought of him brings peace to the mind and joy to the soul!

Love and blessings for a beautiful week in Christ!

Allison