Mary Did You Know

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs.  Enjoy!

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Seeking to find the meaning,

As we journey through this life.

Seeking to find the answer...

Why must we endure this strife?

Seeking to find the peace,

That eludes us day to day.

Seeking to find the reason,

The purpose, the truth, the way.

Seeking to find the melody,

When we listen, but fail to hear.

Seeking to find the best,

When we already have it near.

We should seek to find the lost;

Lambs who've lost their way.

We should seek to find the weak;

Broken lives been led astray.

We should seek to find the beauty,

Of the time God does allow.

We should seek to find the treasure,

Of the present we call now.

We should seek to find the Savior,

Not just on His day of birth,

We should seek to find the One,

Who came to save all of Earth.

Written by Christi Powell Copyright 2008 

Christmas Memories

It is good to be children sometimes,

and never better than at Christmas when

it's mighty Founder was a child Himself."

~ Charles Dickens

Christmas 2004

Secret of Joy---Part II

In my last blog, I wrote how Paul had found the secret of joy; even while being imprisoned.

Growing up, my mom taught me that the true path to finding joy in life was remembering where I placed my priorities. Thanks mom for all the lessons you taught me. I love you.

I wrote the following poem for our family's 2009 Christmas card.

May you find JOY this Christmas!

How Do You Spell JOY?

Growing up, Mom always taught us,

If we wanted to find the meaning of JOY,

Not to look under the Christmas tree,

It wasn't wrapped up with a book or toy.

She said...

JOY begins with Jesus,

Born to save mankind.

He deserves our best;

His place is first in line.

O is for the Others,

Who surround you day by day.

Spouses, children, family, friends---

Even enemies for whom we should pray.

Y is for Yourself.

There's no room for selfish greed.

Put God and others before you;

To enJOY life, that's all you need!

Written by C Powell copyright 2009

"Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY set before him, endured the cross." ~ Hebrews 12:2

What is the secret?

What is the secret to happiness?
Many times, happiness comes from being content.
When everything is going our way, we find joy.

But what about on the days when joy is hard to find?
Most days, we fall short...short on time, patience, money, strength.

In Philippians, we find Paul's secret to happiness...
"For I have learned to be content in all circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."~(4:11-13)


Paul found the secret to living a happy life came from the One who gave him strength. Strength to endure harsh conditions; even writing letters to encourage others, while imprisoned in chains. Chains which advanced the Gospel.


Although, most of us aren't physically chained, we are imprisoned.
Imprisoned by our grief, disappointment, jealousy, bitterness, addictions, love of money.
"Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things." ~Philippians 3:19

Although the Earth is our home, it is not our permanent residence.

Paul reminds us that "our citizenship is in heaven." (3:20) As Christians, we must "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus." (3:14)

If we allow God to work through us, "he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (1:6)

God can break the chains that burden our souls.
He wants to work through us "to will and to act according to his good purpose." (2:13)


Paul found joy while in prison. The word "joy" is mentioned over 13 times in the
short book of Philippians, written by Paul as a letter to the people of Philippi.
If Paul found contentment and joy in prison, why can't we?
As he said in chapter 3, verse 16 "let us live up to what we have already attained."

What have we attained?

Life.

If we have life through Christ, we have eternal life.
Nothing else we gain on this earth will compare.


"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."~ Philippians 3:7-9

I Love You, I Honestly Do

Isn't it nice to know that God's love is unconditional!
In fact, He loves us so much, that "He gave his only begotten Son,
so that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have
everlasting life." ~ John 3:16

As parents, when we show our children unconditional love, we are providing an example of the love our heavenly Father bestows on us.

Good or bad.
Right or wrong.
Dirty or clean.

Two years ago, I wrote the following poem to illustrate the love I have for my sons. No matter where they may go or what they may do, my love remains the same....
Unconditional.

I Love You, I Honestly Do

I love you.

I honestly do.

Even if you leave hand prints,

Finger-paint the wall blue,

Paste popsicle sticks,

On the table with glue.

Remember I love you,

I honestly do.

Even if you spill milk,

Stain your shirt that's brand new.

Tear a hole in your pants,

Step in gum with your shoe.

Remember I love you,

I honestly do.

Even if you are sick,

Home in bed with the flu.

Wipe your nose on me,

Instead of a tissue.

Remember I love you,

I honestly do.

Even if you study hard,

But forget what you knew.

Make a bad grade,

Don't pass, or fail the test review.

Remember I love you,

I honestly do.

Even if you strike out,

Miss the ball that was threw.

Lose the game, the race,

Or don't speak on cue.

Remember I love you,

I honestly do.

Even when you are grown,

And my lap you've outgrew.

No matter where you may go,

Don't forget this---it's true.

Are you BUSY?

I hate being busy.

Corrie Ten Boom said, "If the devil can't make you bad, he will make you busy."

B-U-S-Y stands for...

-Being
-Under
-Satan's
-Yoke

Lord, please forgive me for being so busy that I lose focus on You.
Please help me to be a Mary in a Martha world. ~Luke 19:42

Stand up! Stand firm!

As a born and bred Southerner, living in the "Bible-belt", I am still in shock at what happened at my son's baseball game over the weekend.

After the game ended, the other team asked our team if they would gather with them on the mound to say a prayer.

-A prayer of thanks for good sportsmanship shown by both teams.

-A prayer of safety for both teams traveling almost an hour to reach their homes.

Let me note that this was NOT a school sponsored game, but a tournament held for select baseball teams; teams that pay $ to participate in these games.
No mix of church and state (school).


Storming to the prayer-huddle came a disgruntled mother.
One of the mothers on my son's team.

"You know we don't believe in that praying crap!" she yelled.
Everyone gasped.

Disbelief.
Shock.
Embarrassment.

"But mom," her son pleaded, "they were just praying to thank us for being good sports and for our safety in driving home."

"I don't care!" she shrieked.

Later, the head coach told my husband (assistant coach) that the angry mother emailed him saying, "That had better NEVER happen again!"

But the coach also received 3 other emails...

All positive.

All wanting to start implementing this style of faithbuilding into our team of 11-12 year old boys.

These emails, along with conversations from other team mates' parents have now spurred the head coach on to making a decision.
11 out of 12 team mates want to start praying at future games.
The coach has a choice: Should he pray for the 11 who want to pray?
Or not for the 1 who doesn't?

Didn't our forefathers travel to this land seeking religious freedom?
Wasn't our country founded on Christian morals and beliefs?

As Christians, we must stand firm.

And we must pray for those who won't.


"Men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." ~Matthew 10:22

Corrie Ten Boom

"You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have." ~ Corrie Ten Boom

Over the summer, I read Ten Boom's book, "The Hiding Place", where she tells of hiding Jews during World War II. What a wise and faithful servant!

Praying tonight for friends and family in need. Again, to quote Ten Boom..."when we are powerless to do a thing, it is with great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus. It is not my ability, but my response to God's ability, that counts."

Brotherly Love

The other day, I overheard my two sons
discussing various topics in the backseat
of the car. Man Vs. Wild episodes, girls,
sports players.









Talking not arguing. I wondered if this was a glimpse of their future relationship. One that doesn't include wrestling, "that's stupid", dirty looks, aggravating, stuck-out tongues, "you're not the boss of me", pestering, agitating, punches, and tackles.






Flashforward 10 years?

Well, maybe 20 years to be safe.




If you love Nicholas Sparks, you will enjoy "Three Weeks with My Brother", a book written with his brother, Micah Sparks.



"Keep on loving each other as brothers." ~ Hebrews 13:1

Be a good one!

Abraham Lincoln said, "Whatever you are, be a good one."

What am I? Am I a good one?

Honor can come from all the titles I hold.

From the lowly Toilet Scrubber to the celebrated Cookie Baker.

As any mom can attest, our jobs seem to never end....

Dish Washer. Stain Remover. Carpet Cleaner. Floor Mopper. Bed Maker.

Furniture Duster. Clothes Washer. Laundry Folder. Grocery Shopper. Yard Mower.

Errand Runner. Children Driver. Activity Coordinator. Birthday Planner.

Homework Helper. Appointment Maker. Insurance Claim Disputer. Meal Cooker.

Card/Bill Mailer. Lego Builder. Book Reader. Song Singer. Playdate Producer.

Coupon Clipper. Quarrel Stopper. Bedtime Tucker. BooBoo Kisser. Waiver Signer.

Problem Solver. Nail Clipper. Hair Cutter/Fixer. Doctor Taker. Pharmacy Refiller/Picker-Upper.

Touch-Up Painter. Caulk Remover/Replacer. Hedge Trimmer. Flower Planter.

Holiday Decorator.

And the list goes on and on.

But as a mom and wife, I strive to be a "good one."

So, I wear each title with pride---and a little dirt.

No tiara, glass slipper, or fairy godmother.

No gold stars, blue ribbons, or trophies.

Smiles, xoxo's, and a "Thanks Mom" are my rewards.

For Better or Worse

"For better, for worse,

For richer, for poorer.

In sickness and in health.

To love and to cherish.

As long as you both shall live."



Sound familiar? Have you ever pledged these vows to another?



Although we promise 'til death us do part, statistics show that half of all marriages end in divorce.



One has to wonder, where did the love go?



It's easy to love...

When times are good.

When there's enough money.

When your spouse is healthy.



But what about...

When times get rough. Loss of a job. Stress.

When there's no money. Bills. Debt. Bankruptcy.

When your child or partner is ill. Diagnosed with a disease. Confined to a wheelchair.


Lord, let me always be mindful that when I took those vows, it was not only to my husband, but to You, as well. When I get stressed by my busy life, let me always be mindful that You provided me a helpmate.

Let me be mindful that I am not running the race alone.

Let me be mindful that we are a team.

You are the coach.

Your Word is our playbook.

Must-See Movie!

To Save a Life is a must-see movie, especially for the youth of this generation!
http://tosavealifemovie.com/

Heaven's Gold

Instead of uncertain,
Future paths still untold,
One day you will walk,
On streets paved with gold.

You will shine like a star,
In the heavens above.
You will know of His mercy,
Forgiveness and love.

Wrapped up in His arms,
Never again feeling cold.
Renewed body and mind,
Never again growing old.

Sweet echoes of trumpets,
Deaf ears will now hear.
His healing voice---
Ringing loud, pure and clear.

Blind eyes that will see,
His face on the throne.
Silent lips that will speak,
All the goodness He's shown.

Crippled bodies will stand,
Dance on legs that unfold.
Babies and loved ones---
Scarred hands will now hold.

Those who are hungry,
Thirsty souls who crave more,
Forever sustained,
Never again to be poor.

God's glory now drowns,
The darkness of night.
His presence now fills,
Our need for sunlight.

Flowers never wither,
Always fragrant with blooms,
Filling His house;
He's prepared many rooms.

Mysteries and doubt,
No where to be found.
God's truth will reign;
Supreme, sure and sound.

Void of all suffering,
Death, pain and loss.
No more tears shed,
Ransom paid on a cross.

If you should question,
What tomorrow may hold,
Just give Him your life...
The reward? Heaven's gold

I wrote this poem last year, trying to explain heaven to my then 7-year-old son.

"Will my toys be in heaven?" he wondered.
I assured him that they would.

Toys in heaven? Probably not. But to a 7-year-old, toys are treasures.
And heaven will be full of treasures...

~loved ones who have died before us
~vision
~healing
~forgiveness
~streets paved with gold
~a place He has prepared for us

Read more about this "inheritance that never spoils or fades" in I Peter 1:3-7
May the treasure we seek be eternal.

Today: Make it count!

When the alarm went off this morning, I was weary. Still tired, but scheduled to substitute teach, I turned off the annoying buzzer and made my way to the bathroom. Besides substitute teaching, my husband and I own batting cages. As much needed rain forced baseball teams to practice indoors, we'd been busy the night before, and as a result, our family went to bed later than I had anticipated.

But as I looked in the mirror, wishing I could crawl back into bed, God brought someone to my mind...

Christee.

A friend from high school who had passed away the day before. She died of breast cancer.

And she was only 35 years young.

Married.

The mother of 3 children.

This would be her family's first morning to wake up without her. Waking up to the fact that mommy was gone. Gone to heaven where she would now be pain-free, but gone from Earth.
Her face no longer to kiss. Her hand no longer to hold.

Tears fell from my eyes. I felt ashamed, for I knew my body was healthy.

My breasts were healthy too, according to the annual mammogram I had just received the prior week. A year ago, my mammogram had revealed a place of concern. Now, the radiologist was pleased with this spot that he diagnosed as fibrous tissue.

If Christee were alive, she would have gladly traded places with me. She would've felt privileged to do the mundane chores I took for granted.

Rising early. Cooking breakfast. Brushing tangled hair. Tying unlaced tennis shoes. Driving kids to school.

God reminded me that we must make each day count.

Feeling humbled, I thanked God for one more day.
One more day where my boys would walk down the stairs and know their mom would be waiting for them. Waiting to help them get ready for school. Waiting to hug and kiss them good morning.

And for that, I felt privileged and grateful.

To read more about Christee's life and legacy, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/christee

Words of Wisdom

The foundations of character are built not by lecture,
but by bricks of good example, laid day by day. ~ Leo B. Blessing

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

This morning, after the boys had gone to school, I prayed for strength. Looking at my calendar and to-do list, I grew weary. It's not easy being a mom. Somedays, I wear many hats...not including the baseball cap variety you can frequently see me in.


As I prayed, the Lord directed me to the Old Testament.
Judges 5---The Song of Deborah
Deborah was one of Israel's greatest judges and a prophetess.
She settled disputes between the Israelites.
Oppressed by Jabin, king of Canaan, the Israelites called out to the Lord. Hearing their pleas, Deborah sent for Barak. God was calling Barak to take his troops and defeat Canaan's army and it's commander, Sisera.

Barak said he was unwilling to go into battle WITHOUT Deborah. 'If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go, I won't go.' ~ Judges 4:8
Deborah agreed, but predicted that the real hero of the battle would be a woman.


After a fierce battle, Barak's army had defeated Sisera. All the troops were dead.
Except Sisera.
He fled on foot to a tent, the tent of Jael.
Jael was the wife of Heber the Kenite. Heber and Jabin (the king of Canaan) were friends, so Sisera felt he could trust her for his safekeeping.
While he rested in her tent, Jael killed him in his sleep.

On that day, God allowed the Israelites to grow stronger. Strong enough to eventually destroy Jabin, the Canaanite king. Then the land had peace for forty years.

In chapter 5 of Judges, we find Deborah and Barak singing a song; praising the Lord for their victory. In verse 31, we read 'But may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.'


As Deborah predicted, the real hero of the battle was a woman.
Never underestimate the power of being a woman. A mother.
With God's help, we can accomplish great things.

Lord, as I rise with the sun, bless me with Your strength to do all I must do today. Amen.

What is the reason you do what you do?

There are certain things I didn't do before I had kids.
One is that I never made pancakes for myself.

Pancakes are meant to be shared, and since my hubby is not a breakfast person, I don't think I ever made pancakes before I became a mom.

Although I still make pancakes, my boys are growing up.
I wonder where the time has gone.

What happened to the days of....
Happy Meals and Hot Wheels?
Story time at the library?
Choo-chooing with Thomas the Train?
Trips to the zoo and aquarium?
Counting in Spanish with Dora?
Playdates and picnics at the park?
Dancing with the Wiggles?
Mommy and Me gymnastic class?

Staying at home to care for my boys in their early years was hands-down one of the BEST decisions I ever made. What a gift!


Now my boys are in school. I miss them.
Even though they are almost 9 and 12, they are still the reason I do what I do.

Like making them a cake before they start school each year. They get to pick the flavor. Time picks the candle: this year Aaron blew out a 6. Cade blew out a 3. Then we sing, "Happy 6th/3rd Grade to You". We celebrate each year. Each milestone.


Awhile back, I wrote a poem that described those early years I spent with them.
It may just describe yours, too!



You are the Reason

You are the reason
I mix the pancake batter.
You are the reason
That all things matter.

You are the reason
I rise early today.
You are the reason
I mold shapes out of clay.

You are the reason
I read fairy tales.
You are the reason
I don't check e-mails.

You are the reason
I dig up earthworms.
You are the reason
I fuss over germs.

You are the reason
I cook noodles with cheddar.
You are the reason
I want to be better.

You are the reason
I hold on so tight.
You are the reason
I look left and then right.

You are the reason
We visit the zoo.
You are the reason
I moo like I do.

You are the reason
I leave on the light.
You are the reason
I stay up at night.

You are the reason
I stand up and cheer.
You are the reason
I celebrate each year.

You are the reason
I mix the cake batter.
You are the reason
That all things matter.

Unwrap your gift of the present!

What's holding you back from being content with where you are vs. where you want to be?

It's easy to say, "Lord, I would be happy if I could just buy a new car, earn more money, lose weight, or get ____________."

Caught up in the rat race, we are always chasing something just out of our reach. Chasing contentment steals our joy---our joy of the "present".

Do you see the "present" as a present; a gift just waiting to be unwrapped each morning?
Or is it a reminder of yet another day that separates you from your happy place?


I must confess: I am NOT a morning person. Waking up early is one of my least favorite things to do. But my family needs me to help get their day started. As I go to grab the orange juice or milk to pour for breakfast, I am reminded of being "present" by a magnet on our refrigerator.


The magnet reads, "Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, it's the realization of how much you already have."



Whether it's pouring orange juice, folding clothes, or clipping coupons, remember to find joy in the present!

Lucky or Blessed?

"Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit."~ R.E. Shay

Lucky rabbit's foot, horshoe, star, eating black-eyed peas on New Years. All supposed to bring us luck.

Some people might say you were lucky if you had a high-paying job, beautiful home, perfect spouse, obedient children, good looks, speedy car, and expensive jewels.

But wait...


What if tomorrow you got fired from your job, your home burned, your spouse filed for divorce, your children broke the law, you added weight and wrinkles, your car was wrecked, and jewels were stolen?



Luck. It can vanish in an instance. But being blessed can last for eternity.
Salvation through Jesus Christ is not gained by luck. We are blessed because we are His people.

In Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus says, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those that are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.'

While we may never be lucky in the eyes of the world, God calls us blessed.
Great is our reward in Him!

A day of new beginnings...

Today is the first day of school for my boys.
Bittersweet.

I love summer. The warm sun, snowcones, swimming, sleeping late, spending time with my sons withOUT being on a schedule. It's my favorite time of year.

But, that time is over, and so begins a day of new beginnings.

For my youngest son, it's his first day...
~of 3rd grade.
~going to school without stepping in his big brother's shadow.
~riding his bike to school with his best friend.
~remembering his bike lock combination.
~starting to prepare for his first TAKS test.
~mentoring to his "Book Buddy" in Kindergarten.
~participating in QUEST (gifted and talented program).

For my oldest son, it's his first day...
~of 6th grade in middle school.
~going to school without his little brother tagging along.
~walking to school, listening to his Ipod, cell phone in hand---sans Mom.
~remembering his locker combination.
~switching classes every 50 minutes with 8 classes/teachers.
~without recess. He's SO sad!
~being the little fish in the big pond!

Anxious. Excited. Sad. Happy.

Memories, emotions, thoughts swirling around me as I sit in an empty house.
I miss my boys. Their laughs, outbursts, and squabbles fill this place with more love than it can sometimes hold. "GO OUTSIDE!!!" I yell, as the pictures on the walls shake and the stairs rumble, as if they will collapse beneath them.
But I wouldn't want it any other way! Their presence brings joy and breathes life into our home.

Only 179 school days left until next summer...

Relationship vs. Religion

For some reason, this video won't play from my blog.
Go to YouTube and select "More Like Falling in Love" by Jason Gray.
This song/lyrics focus on having a relationship with Christ vs. religion.
Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday, I am Thankful for...

*getting to sleep late b4 the early "back to school" days begin next week.

*quietness in my house, even though there are 6 boys upstairs. Last night, my boys had their last slumber party b4 school begins. Everyone stayed up late, and they are all still sleeping!

*understanding friends.

*early morning kisses from my hubby b4 he leaves for work.

*a husband who goes to work.

*getting the boys' school shopping out of the way b4 the crazy tax-free weekend begins!

*my parents living nearby, after years of living almost 3 hours away.

*a new day to start fresh! God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness can't be bought at Target!

How clean is your cup?

It's not enough to just look in the mirror and wash your face.

Put on your make-up.

Fix your hair.

Dress well.

Your reflection can be beautiful, but in God's mirror, you are stained.
Ugly. Hateful. Angry. Selfish.

In Matthew 23:25-27, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for 'cleaning the outside of the cup, yet the inside remains dirty, full of greed and self-indulgence.' He says 'first clean the inside of the cup and then the outside will also be clean.'

What is the cup?

It's the inside of you and me.

Jesus goes on to say, 'on the outside you appear to people as righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."'


If we are Christ followers, we have a responsibility to reflect Christ's image in all we say and do. If not, we run the risk of looking like a fool; a hypocrite to lost souls in need of salvation.

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny them with their life style." ~ Brennan Manning


What does Jesus see when He looks inside your cup?
Mine is dirty, stained with sin.
Thank God that with His help, it can be made clean again!

Rise and shine!

Growing up, my mom liked to wake my brother and I with a cheery, "Rise and shine and give God the glory!" I could almost hear my mother's voice when I was awakened this morning....

Look at the sunrise He painted for you and me today!

Waste not, Want not...

I love the "heel" in a loaf of bread!!

What do you love that others see as waste or a waste of their time?

Pulp in your orange juice?
Dark meat vs. white meat?
Playing video games?
Subtitles in movies?

What are you holding on to?

"When a train goes through a tunnel and gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer. Never be afraid to trust your unknown future to a known God." ~ Corrie ten Boom


Have you ever been afraid, gripped by fear of the unknown?
Fear of failure. Fear of losing control.

Fear is like a chain that holds us in place.
Anchored by our insecurities and inabilities, we don't want to "rock the boat".
So, we remain anchored.


13 years ago, I feared I would never become a mother. After two heartbreaking miscarriages, I was told I may not be able to carry a baby to term. I remember thinking I'd rather never become a mother than to go through the pain of losing another child.

Would I allow my fear of death and emotional pain keep me from fulfilling my dream of motherhood? Or... Would I try to become pregnant for a third time, hoping my baby would live?

Nine months after my 2nd failed pregnancy, I became pregnant.
Becoming pregnant was supposed to be a joyous time. For me, pregnancy was a mix of fear and trepidation. Each day of my pregnancy was a walk in faith. Controlled by my fear of death and the lack of faith I placed in my faulty womb, I began to realize that I was not in control. I could not give nor take away life. God was in control. He wanted me to have faith in His plan.

Isaiah 41:13 says, "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

One of the greatest days of my life was when my son Aaron was born. What joy to hold my newborn and to finally become a mother! That joy was even sweeter because of the lessons my faith taught me. I learned that you can't hold onto faith when you are holding onto fear. You must let go of one to grasp the other. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." ~Hebrews 11:1

Today, my son Aaron and I walked into middle school for his 6th grade orientation. New school. New hours. New classmates. New teachers. 8 classrooms. Lockers/combinations. Changing classes in 4 minutes.

Fear of the unknown gripped me. Wanting to reach for the hand of my boy; the son who gave birth to a mother, I knew he no longer needed me in that way. The way in which I had held his hand for all the other milestones in his life, I knew that this would not be one of them.

But that was okay. Someone else was already holding on...