Life is fragile and swift

        The last several weeks have been quite busy.  We had a "sweet sixteen" party for my wonderful daughter a little over a week ago.  Where has the time gone?  As I was going through pictures of her to display for the party it has really hit me - how quickly the time has gone from infancy to now nearing adulthood.  This past weekend we attended my husband's aunt's funeral (she died very suddenly).  There was a slideshow of pictures from her life.  I imagine her mom was sitting there thinking the same thing - where does the time go?  It seemed like yesterday.....

         It is easy to let fear well up inside when something tragic happens suddenly.  All those what if's.  Those "what if's" can paralyze if we let them.  As a person who has always struggled with worry, I can easily find myself worrying about what might could happen.  Over the last several years the Lord has really worked with me in this area of my life - not to say I am free from fear - but He has taught me to trust in Him on a deeper level and recognize the deep LOVE He has for me.  If I focus on that - there really is no room for fear!  

        I want to relish each and every moment the Lord has for me and to be open to what He wants me to do!  And NO MATTER what the future holds HE is always with me! As part of me wants to hold onto my daughter who is growing into a Godly young woman - the Lord is asking me to trust Him with her!  I am excited to watch as the Lord uses her - because truly my mom's heart if for my daughter to be a warrior for the Lord! Nothing could make me more full of joy than my children serving the Lord with all their heart!  

        I also know that I know that no matter what happens in my life - celebrating or grieving - it all works together for good according to the Lords plan. Recently I watched 2 movies and read a book that all had that common theme.  Movies (based on true stories) - "Letters to God" and "Soul Surfer" - how life's tragedies often are the very things that God is able to use to bring about something very beautiful and powerful.  The book by Mary Beth Chapman, "Choosing to See" is an amazing book along that same theme.  

       I thank God for each moment I am given...may I make the most of them.