One Vote - November 4th

On Asking Why

I started out my workday this morning by watching the online video of the Chapman family on Good Morning America talking about the loss of their beloved little girl Maria Sue. Robin Roberts did an excellent job of interviewing the family as well as Will Franklin who was driving the vehicle that struck Maria in their driveway.

I ended my day watching the Chapman family on Larry King Live. I cried for a solid hour and had the type of sobs that are deep and painful. My heart hurts so deeply for this family as well as other families that have endured this type of loss. I was in awe of how they are able to share so openly and honestly their true feelings. My heart is pained for their seventeen year old son that must endure his own private despair. This family tonight was a picture of what forgiveness looks like. They openly discussed asking God why He would allow something like this to touch their family.

Maybe I hurt so deeply because I have a relatively new driver in the home who is nearly seventeen? Maybe the sobs were so deep because my nearly sixteen year old got his much desired driver's permit last Friday? Maybe it is because when I experienced infertility for so many years I longed to bring a little girl home from China. I don't know what touched me so profoundly tonight but as you read on it may explain the hope and joy I have even amidst circumstances that we cannot control.

Steven Curtis Chapman was talking about the day Maria Sue died and how earlier in the day she had been drawing. They did not find what she had drawn until the next day when they returned home to retrieve clothes for her burial. Steven said the night she died he was telling God that he just wanted to see that she was okay; if he could just see that everything would be alright. His words to this day as he recalls them pierced my heart...you could hear the pain in his plea. The next day upon walking into the art room they found what Maria had been working on the previous day. She had taken a simple piece of notebook paper and had drawn a six petal flower in which she only colored in one petal. The Chapman's have six children. On the front she wrote a word that the Chapman's said she has never written before and it was big and bold. The letters were SEE and at the end of the page was a little butterfly!

We can question God when things take place that we do not understand. We can cry out to Him! He hears our pleas. I believe with all my heart that the Lord gave this grieving family a sign that Maria is with her Abba Father in Heaven and she was telling them, "See I am okay!" When the camera showed this sweet little notebook paper art piece that to the naked eye did not appear to be much but the word SEE and a little blob at the bottom that look kinda like a butterfly. Once they opened the paper that had been folded in half, much like a card, it is only then that you see the six petal flower....all petals white but one which was blue. I could not contain my quiet sobs. Thank you Lord that you hear our cries and you lift us up from the mirey clay in times of great distress.

In the days and weeks ahead please remember the Chapman family and especially Will.

Here are several links that you might want to view:
Shaohannah's Hope
House Mix blog by Jim Houser, SCC's Manager
Steven Curtis Chapman

Seven Years Ago My Life Changed

Seven years ago today it was very blustery in Oklahoma. We had a cool front push through and it was bitterly cold and windy. Seven years ago was also the day that I married my husband and become the Mom to four children instead of just one.

The ceremony was very tender and sweet. My long-time singles pastor married us in a beautiful chapel that is on the campus where we first met. It was very small and intimate. Only our very closest friends and family were invited.

I had been part of a singles ministry for nearly ten years. I had seen couples come and go. So many were eager to move on past their hurts and ended up marrying too soon and in the end became a statistic with broken dreams, hearts, and their precious children were reeling again from a tragic divorce.

I had heard at a seminar one day about how important the covenant between a man and woman is during a marriage ceremony. I also had learned that equally important are those that are witness to that ceremony. We are to hold those accountable and pray for them in their marriage...we are party to a covenant.

We discussed and prayed about who to invite to our marriage ceremony. We were not looking for a wedding but a marriage....a covenant vow between two hearts that would never allow the talk of divorce or separation. We KNEW the Lord had brought the six of us together and we wanted this ceremony to be a reflection of what Christ had done....not a showy display. We opted to not invite numerous people that we called friends but only invited those we knew would stand by us through thick and thin...those dear souls that would drop to their knees in prayer for our family.

My sweet singles pastor Jon could barely make it through the ceremony. His tears were those of joy because he had witnessed our meeting and courtship. He and his wife both knew how much I had prayed for the 'right' man not any man to marry. Just one year prior at the reception of two of my friends from the singles, Jon and I were seated together at the reception. As we were watching our two friends cut the cake, I spoke outloud words that were going on in my head and heart.....for me only but as I do sometimes they just blurted out, "I hope you are able to officiate my wedding one day." I realized I had blurted this out when Jon said, "Me too sweet girl....me too."

So at 7:00 p.m. on April 6th, two hearts were standing before our precious pastor, our collective children, dear family members, and a handful of friends. At the end of our vows we had a ceremony with our children and gave them each a symbolic gift. Mike gave Matthew his gift and I gave Seth, Zach, and Hannah their gifts. Jon spoke to them from Ephesians 5 and express how they are to honor their mother and father. He spoke eloquently and beautiful to these four precious children. Jon then told the audience that we were signing a marriage covenant and if the Lord so led others in the small, intimate chapel to join us in signing this covenant of marriage that they could come up front to the altar to do so. What a joy filled our hearts when we saw our friends and family come up front and sign this covenant.

The wind was howling loudly and the beautiful stained glass windows seemed to almost move in and out as the wind blew. It was very cold outside but inside it was filled with warmth and love.
There were no elaborate decorations or expensive floral bouquets only hurricane lanterns with white pillar candles lined the chapel and illuminated the stained glass windows. A simple bouquet of flowers sat on the altar with our marriage covenant. I could not have asked for a more perfect day. As we pledged our vows to one another I could not help but remember all the times that the Lord had been faithful to me in this journey. I looked out across the room and saw the sweet faces of those that we both loved and knew that this was the beginning of something really special.

Sweetheart, thank you for seven wonderful years! Looking at our children I cannot believe how much they have grown in that time. They are young adults. Our family has been blended together so beautifully. I am so thankful the Lord led you to Oklahoma and ultimately to me!
Happy Anniversary!

The Anchor still Holds

Life can be hard as an adult, but I can't imagine how trauma, heartache, disappointment, and grief feels as a young child/teen.

In our home, we have four very individual children that each have endured their own hurt, pain, heartache, and trauma. My oldest has had to deal with his father's leaving our home and all the pain and suffering that goes with a divorce. He is now older and can see for himself the depravity and what happens to a life when one turns his back on God and his child. The other three have endured unthinkable tragedy in losing their sweet Mom so early in their young lives to a horrible disease called cancer. I can't imagine what it feels like to lose your mom at only three and a half years of age. My childhood was so idllyic and happy that it is hard for me to wrap my head around how these four incredible young people handle this type of stress day in and day out.

The last seven years have been filled with new challenges, untold joy, dealing with grief, and the realization that life is not fair but God is good.

Yesterday our oldest was concerned that he had a cold heart and was indifferent when he heard that his father's long standing girlfriend (who was the catalyst in the breakup nearly 17 years ago) had her cancer reoccur. He told me he did not care but he was concerned that it was inappropriate to feel that way about her situation. I shared with him that we are to love our enemies and pray for them. He told me, "Mom this woman has made my life a living h*ll since I was a very little boy...I just don't care what happens to her." I was able to share with him why he needs to care but realized that this is an area the Lord will have to deal with him deep in his own heart. We went on to have a discussion about how my husband and three other children lost such an awesome Christian wife and mom. He said it seemed so unfair and yet I could point out again how the Lord is in control and how her life had been an example to those around her of Christ's love. My son then told me that he truly did not know how he would have made it this far if it had not been for my husband and his two brothers and little sister. It was a sweet time and gave me more things I really need to focus on in my prayers for him.

I hurt for all my children and their unique situations and on the other hand I rejoice in what the Lord has put together! He took two battle-scarred families and brought them together as only the Lord can do.

I leave you with the words to one of my favorite songs. When I hear it I think of what the six of us have endured in our lives and how the one constant between us all is that the Anchor still holds! Praise be to God!

The Anchor Holds
By Ray Boltz
I have journeyed
Through the long dark night
Out on the open sea
By faith alone
Sight unknown
And yet His eyes were watching me

The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm

I’ve had visions
I’ve had dreams
I’ve even held them in my hand
But I never knew
They would slip right through
Like they were only grains of sand

The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm

I have been young
But I am older now
And there has been beauty these eyes have seen
But it was in the night
Through the storms of my life
Oh, that’s where God proved
His love to me

The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm

Thoughts for the season

This morning I was awakened by my husband gingerly kissing me goodbye on my forehead as I lay all snuggled up under the covers. It was still very early and he was headed out the door to work. I was struck by the fact that in his profession he is always on alert and putting his life on the line each day to serve and protect, and yet he is one of the most tenderhearted men I know besides my daddy. I snuggled down deeper into the bed and smiled inwardly, enjoying the warmth until suddenly the phone startled me. It was our oldest, who was at his grandparents, calling to tell me it had started snowing. I then decided I would get up and see what this day would hold. This morning it was just Sparky and me awake. Sparky is our little dog. Our middle son was still sleeping soundly in his bed. The other two children had stayed with friends the previous evening. I plugged in the Christmas tree and was reminded how difficult this time of year is for our little family.

As I sat looking at the twinkling tree, I wondered how many would be struggling this Christmas season and no one would take time to notice. This time of year, which is filled with such hope and promise, is for many the most painful or loneliest time. Many that sit in our pews each Sunday or that we come in contact with each day are hurting from past painful experiences.

I thought of my own family. This time of year is particularly difficult for my sweet husband and my three youngest children. It was during this time of year that Jennifer, his first wife and their mommy, went back into the hospital, not to return home again. I have learned to not worry or fret when tears fall and to always be there for tender hugs, to be quiet in times of silence, and to tune my ears into their frequency and not so much my own.

I remember being a single parent. I can still remember it as if it was yesterday that first Christmas. It was incredibly painful. During those dark times was when my faith really deepened and I learned to rely on my heavenly Father for strength. I was determined that whatever life had thrown at me I had two choices....to be bitter or better. I chose to be better and let the Lord work and take myself out of the equation. Not an easy task.

I guess my thoughts for today are to impart to each of you the importance of reaching out to those around you. Invite someone over to share in your family Christmas, give gifts and food to a struggling single parent and their children, take a moment to really notice that teller or retail salesperson waiting on you. Do random acts of kindness and have your children join in. Give more of yourself to others this season and be thankful for what you have right this minute. Quit fretting about tomorrow because tomorrow will take care of itself.

I know that when my husband arrives home here in a few minutes, I am going to greet him and in my heart feel so thankful for his sacrifices for our family. I am going to hug my children a little tighter, even though at their age they are not so into that sort of thing...but I am going to relish the season and why we celebrate this time of year, our Savior's birth. I am not going to fret that my house is not elaborately decorated this year or that all our lights did not get put up outside. I am not going to get myself in a tizzy because I have not sent out Christmas cards. I am going to take time to be there for my family and enjoy each other instead of being so busy that one day I wake up and they are all grown and gone.

May this Christmas season you find time for peace, quiet, reflection, and family. Bless someone that is hurting and in the end you will be blessed.

Part 4 of Our Story

I was so excited to hear his voice! I had enjoyed my evening, even though it had been so stressful, and I was filled with hope that Saturday morning although I had been up most of the night. As I talked with him, it became apparent to me that the preceding evening had been filled with emotion for Mike. I had no way of knowing that on that particular night, December 15th, would have been his tenth anniversary to Jennifer. When he shared with me that it had been such a blessing to have spent the evening with me, on a night that had been filled with such heartache the past three years, I had no words that would come out of my mouth at first. I was trying to find the words that would be appropriate and that would not sound trivial.

I finally remembered my dear friend at work who was also a single parent but had lost her husband suddenly years before in a car accident. She had given me great advice a few days before. She had told me to be myself, to ask questions, and to not fear talking about Jennifer with Mike. She told me that at times in her life different men she dated would become upset if she mentioned her late husband or his family. She told me to not to feel jealous. She shared that Mike would want to talk to me about Jennifer and it would make all the difference in the world if I could be supportive in this manner. Her wisdom that day gave me the courage to listen to Mike when he shared his story and to have a desire to know more.

We talked a long time on the phone that day and he asked me to join him and his children for lunch after church. I was hesitant at first because I had always said I would never involve my child until I knew it was ‘the one’ but I decided to trust my gut and go.

That first meeting with those three precious children could not have been more perfect. They are very close in age and at the time that I met them Seth had just turned nine; Zachary was getting ready to turn eight, and Hannah was six and a half years old. My son Matthew was twelve and a half. I will never forget that day. I had worn a purple outfit and so had Hannah. She has the most amazing blue eyes and has glossy brown hair and the purple just set off her features. As Mike helped me from the van I felt little fingers grasp my hand and I looked down to see her smiling up at me and hanging on to my hand. She told me she loves purple. I told her, “I do too” and we walked off hand in hand into the restaurant. Inside my heart melted and I knew that no matter what I was going to trust the Lord and that He alone knew what was going to take place. I wanted to let Him guide this budding relationship. To be continued…

Part Three of Our Story

During my singleness I had been very active in singles leadership and had the chance to attend many conferences. I also read whatever book I could on Christian single parenting, healing, and various other Christian books that really ministered to me during this time of my life. One conference that really impacted my life was the Song of Solomon conference with Denton Bible Church pastor, Tom Nelson. I first attended the conference in 1999. It was a cold February day as I sat in the back of the church and listened to this awesome pastor/teacher. I wept numerous times. The conferences are based on the book of the same name in the Bible. It is God’s view of love, sex, and marriage. I had only wished that I had known some of the information and what to ‘look’ for the first time around. I had grown up very sheltered and naïve. I later found out that there is more than the man going to church, being raised in a Christian home…so much more. Anyway, this conference changed my life in how I viewed my situation. I wanted to have what Tommy shared about his relationship with his wife Teresa. I was willing to wait on the Lord for that. I had NO idea how much this conference would impact my life! One thing that really stuck in my mind that day was Tom telling a story about a young man with three small children. He choked back tears as he spoke. He told a story of marrying this young couple and how several years and three children later the Mom had died of cancer. He asked that we pray for this young man. It had been a year since her death and they were having a hard time. I remember sitting in the pew sobbing for this little family that had lost so much.

The night of the Christmas party it was time for Mike to drive me home. We had not really had much of a chance to talk to one another. It had been uncomfortable because everyone was assuming a great deal and giving us a hard time. I had no idea, however, that Mike had already been talking about me when he left my office that day over a week ago! There had been a conspiracy to introduce us but the Lord had the final say. We had even been at the same football game but never crossed paths. I am so thankful for the way we met because it is just another reminder of how the Lord orchestrates our lives.

As we were driving home that snowy evening I began to get more comfortable. He was easy to talk to and the conversation flowed. Imagine my surprise when he was sharing about his past and told me about the man that had been his mentor and spiritual father. I will never forget him asking me, “This great man pastors a church in Denton, Texas, maybe you have heard of him, Tommy Nelson?” I about jumped through the roof of the car! Have I heard of him? Oh my goodness his tapes are playing in my car. I have read his books, attended his conference, and been to Metro Bible study in Dallas to hear him!!! We went on to talk forever that evening. I had a great time and he walked me up to the door and that was it...no hug, no kiss, just a great big smile. I was reeling from excitement and could not wait to call all my friends. My son commented when I came in that he liked him and so did Sparky. Sparky is our little dog. He hates strangers. Well, for that matter he can’t stand most of my extended family. When Mike came to pick me up earlier in the evening he reached down to pet him and my son and I both said, “NO” but too late…he was already petting him. Sparky never even barked at Mike! It was so strange because he barked at everyone.

I had a huge list of people to call that night. They all had to hear about my big evening. I was on the phone most of the night and then when I went to bed I could not sleep. I got onto my computer and typed my heart out. That is what I usually did when my heart and head had so much going on.

Earlier in my singleness my parents and siblings had made me vow that if the Lord brought someone into my life again that I would agree to not go out or marry them if anyone in my family had felt it was not right. I had agreed because we all had been so hurt by what I had endured. I wanted their wise and Godly counsel. The very next morning after our date my youngest sister headed to my parents home and told them that ‘He has arrived, the man for my sister is here!’ "God has brought him to her!" Ironically, Mike's late wife Jennifer was from my hometown but had moved to Texas after graduating high school. In an even more interesting twist my youngest sister had known her through her high school boyfriend, who happened to be Jennifer’s best friend. I just could not believe that there was a connection between my family and this Texan. I was wondering if he would call me or see me at church the next day and then the phone rang, with anticipation I picked up the receiver and heard, “Hi, Vickie, this is Mike”….to be continued

More of 'our' story

My work day ended and I drove to pick up my little boy at school. Our usual habit on Wednesday evenings was to eat at church before worship and children’s activities.

I am a creature of habit. I sit in the same pew, park the same place, walk in the same entrance, etc. That is how I feel most comfortable. This particular evening I pulled in the lot a little concerned about my son since he appeared to be wheezing and I was worried we would be making yet another emergency room visit. I almost turned around to go home when he reached over and touched my hand and said, “Mom, I am okay don’t worry.” Upon that statement, and feeling immense relief that he was not in distress, I did not notice that I parked in a completely different area of the parking lot.

Next, we walked into the building from a completely different set of doors. I would now have to walk all the way across the gym and around the bend in order to pay and get our meal. If I had not done so I would not have seen him. As we walked in the gym I looked across the room to see who was already eating and then I saw him...the man from my office earlier in the day! He was sitting with a couple that I knew. The man he was sitting with was my son’s football coach. I would later find out this was the football coach's brother in law.

I started telling my son that the man from my office is here tonight. He did not understand why I was acting so weird. He told me to take a chill pill and went off to be with his friends. Great! I did not know where to sit and now my son has decided to exert some pre-teen attitude! I found one of my formerly single friends and sat down with her. I was very nervous and told her I had to go say something to someone. I jumped up and went over to the table where this gentleman was sitting. I walked up and asked him if he had been in my office that day. This was highly unusual for me to do this, especially with it being a man. I am very friendly but this was a risk that I normally did not take. He replied that it was indeed him. He also had this very disconcerting smile on his face. Normally, I would have extended my hand in order to shake their own and welcome them to the church. I had grown up in this church and was very active. I knew I had not seen him there before. This time I did not extend my hand but kept them firmly behind my back. I walked back over to sit down and then I realized I had not told him what I had intended to say when I went over there in the first place! My friend Debbie could tell I was very flustered. I really could not understand why I was so frazzled. I went back over and told him that the Athletic Director is a member of the church and that I had known him for over 30 years. I then went back to my seat. I felt like a goober!

As I returned to my seat, I was asked to attend the blended families Christmas party which was being held in one week. I had known all these couples in the singles department so it was not too odd of an invitation. I said that I would try to attend.

Later I watched this man leave and asked my singles pastor who he was. I had not understood him when he said his last name and I wanted to know more. This request was not too strange since I was in singles leadership. I was not interested in him in a relationship sort of way, but he seemed to be a visitor and if I needed to send a welcome card by golly I was going to do so. The first response from my singles pastor was "His name is Mike XXXX and he is a single dad with three or four kids". He then put his arm around me and smiled really big. I told him that I was not interested in him that way but was wondering what his name was because I could not remember it. He told me that he had custody of his children. Well if I was interested at all that sealed it for me…..I had prayed that if I was to remarry it would be someone who had either never had children or who had been widowed with children. I had seen too many marriages fail because of both parties being divorced and how the back and forth with former spouses and pulls on the children caused constant conflict. I knew that I could love someone elses children but hearing those words from my dear friend and pastor, I never gave it another thought, at least until…to be continued

A little bit about my story, part one

Over fifteen years ago journaling became my release, passion, and way to communicate with my Father. I had endured the pain of divorce and the sudden loss of my dreams. I was raising a young son as a single parent and I was not happy about the prospect of that at all. What began as a journal, to keep track of what was taking place in my life, soon became my way of communicating with my Abba Father. At times, the feelings would become so powerful and the words would be swimming all around in my head that I would have to write them down, whether it was in the middle of a meeting, in the car waiting to pick up my son, in the middle of the night... it did not seem to matter when or where it was….when the Lord was speaking to my spirit, I stopped and wrote it all down.

When email became the instantaneous way to communicate with others, I began to send my musings/devotions via this wonderful medium. It was at this time that a friend from our singles encouraged me to write a book. She pointed out that I had the chapters and content if I would just compile my emails together. Life went on and I never got around to doing this. I played with it but felt that there was no end to the story. I could not seem to bring the book to an end. Besides I was no 'writer' or 'author' just someone who communicated in words with my Savior.

Fast forward to December 2000. My life was full and content. I had finally released my desire to remarry and had made peace with the Lord knowing that it was truly His will that I desired. I did not want to seek out a mate…that was for Him to take care of in my life. I was happy to be a single mom the rest of my life if that is where the Lord wanted me. The Lord truly has such a heart for his children! His plans are so intricately woven that it is hard to see how each event in one’s life has some purpose. We, in our humanness, can't seem to understand all the twist and turns our lives take, but each event, moment, heartache, and triumph has a purpose. There was a purpose in my pain. God had a reason for allowing the events in my life to take place.

December 6, 2000, was an ordinary day. I was thrilled it was Wednesday, because that meant I did not have to pick up my son after school at 2:30, since he had an after school enrichment class. I missed having a usual noon lunch hour since I had started using my lunch time to pick up my son each day from school. I did this in order for us to have a little extra bit of time together before I arrived home after work.

However, this day meant I could go out to lunch, run errands or various other things for that one hour. Around 2:45 pm I was suddenly startled out of my work mindset. I had been asked to do something for one of the VPs in our office and I had forgotten to do so. I jumped up from my seat and headed out of my office and up the hall to get the form I needed to fill out. I ran into our Russian student worker who had a confused look on his face. I asked him if he needed help and he said that he could not understand what the man at the front of the office wanted. I walked up and do not really remember much about how the man looked other than a very sweet smile, welcoming eyes, and that was about it. He needed to find the Athletic Director and wanted to know if I knew who it was. Of course I did! I had known the director since I was a young girl. He attended my church. I kept this information to myself but wrote down the AD’s information….that is all but his name! This nice man somehow made me a little nervous. Upon my giving him the post it note he then asked me, "And his name is?" I became flustered and said, "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry, his name is Mr. Wagnon.". I had written down everything but his name! As I pulled the note off the pad it flipped clear across the room! Man, I was really nervous for some reason. He thanked me and left and I turned and walked back down the hallway to my office. I never gave the man with the big, sweet smile a second thought. to be continued

Tonight my heart hurt

Tonight I had an hour to kill while waiting for my youngest to be out of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). I thought I would check out Dollar Tree for a bit. Boy did I have many memories come flooding back to me right in the aisle of this great little dollar store. I saw two different moms pushing their carts with little children inside. Each Mom had a harried, exhausted look about her that I all too well remember. It was more than the usual busy Mom look. In an instant I felt my heart quicken inside my chest because I just knew these two moms were carrying the load by themselves. Sure enough they were each single mom's. I walked that road for nearly ten years. I remember those dark, cold, lonely times when I had more month than money. I remember how my own little boy would say the same things these two little ones were saying to their own Mommy's.

I have been remarried now for nearly seven years to a most wonderful Godly man. The Lord answered the cries of my heart and He most certainly did not disappoint. He not only brought me a helpmate but He provided for me three more little hearts to love, nurture and cherish. This season is especially hard on my crew. Their wife and mom died from cancer shortly after the holidays ten years ago. It is always a little bittersweet this time of year and now that the children are teenagers they deal with their grief in different ways.

All I know is that tonight my mind went back to that place, not so long ago, when I was pained in my spirit, wondering what the next day would bring, how the Lord would refine me and when I would feel some peace.

I remember those times of fear, loneliness, and despair. I remember the shame I felt that my husband had walked out of our marriage and chose a life that was so far removed from what I had been taught. I felt let down and discouraged but never did I critize or blame the Lord. I knew He had a plan and that He would work out His will in my life even when I felt like I could not go on another day. I won't even go into the pain I felt in my heart for my little boy who was four when his dad chose to abandon his family.

The Lord was always faithful. He never left my side, but all the while I had to run after Him, surrender to Him...that is the hard part...SURRENDER. Surrendering hopes, dreams, desires, plans all to the One that is control of each of those things. I had to learn to TRUST Him to bring about His perfect plan for my life.

Tonight I wanted to wrap my arms around these sweet ones that were hurting and tell them, "Regardless of what takes place in your life....there is a way to find peace and fullfillment". Each time I tried to strike up more of a conversation we were interrupted. Lord tonight I pray for those two sweet families. You know them and their situations. Please provide for them this season. May they know You and please give me continued opportunities to share your love.
Praising Him in ALL things!