Mike just got home from his golf trip and I am so glad. It has been a really long week. Tomorrow is our 33rd wedding anniversary. I can't remember not being married to this wonderful man. He is my best friend. I am really tired tonight. I feel a little numb. It has been a stressful week. It is amazing what the "s" word can do to you. I'm really tired of stress. But it's life and it's o.k. One foot in front of the other, one day at a time. I have so much to be thankful for. Here's to a beautiful week-end. Kerri and the boys will be spending it with us and that is always a good time.

Prayers

We've had some real answers to prayer this week. It's been a long week but things are good. My mom made it through her surgery and is at re-hab where my dad is. Mike and Mikey are getting ready for their annual golf trip. It's been a little strained between them but God is working that out too. I just wish I was the one going on a golf trip. Kerri and Eric have been watching their house move to completion but somewhat slower than we had hoped. But they will soon be on the other side and enjoying their new home. Riley met his kindergarten teacher and it is the one they had hoped for. Jen left today and we will miss her but I am really excited to see what God has in store. I'm sure it will be good. So...life just keeps moving on and I'm really glad God is in control. Prayers today for Ruby, a precious little life that is so new and she is already feeling God's hand in a healing way. Prayers for mommy and daddy too!!

Happpy Birthday Evan!!! This litte guy is one and we all had so much fun celebrating. Thank you Evan for being such a joy to all of us. Nana has some very special wishes and prayers for your life and I am looking forward to another year of you growing and making us all laugh with your crooked smile and that evil little laugh. I only wish the years would slow down. You are a very special little boy and I feel truly blessed. I love you.

I call, You hear me
I've lost it all
And it's more than I can bear
I feel so empty

You're strong
I'm weary
I'm holdin' on
But I feel like givin' in
But still You're with me

And even though I'm walkin' through
The valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And I've been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need
He will carry me

And even though I feel so lonely
Like I've never been before
You never said it would be easy
But You said you'd see me through the storm.

This is for my Dad. He has walked with God the majority of his life. I'm not sure that he can even call on God as he used to so often but my faith tells me that God can fill in the blanks and knows just what my Dad needs. He won't leave him alone now cause you see, if it's not real in the dark places, it isn't real at all. God, see him through this, see us all through this!!

Tonight I pray my Dad doesn't feel alone. I pray God will visit him and give him peace. Speak comfort to him even in his confusion. Help him sleep

More words that lift me up:

God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt

Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes to the Maker
of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, let Mercy sing her melody over me
God, right here all I bring is all of me

Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
the Lover I need to same me
Cause You fashioned the earath and You hold it together, God
So hold me now

Another week begins - one that promises to be bitter-sweet. I am moving my Dad to an assisted living facility. There's not much more that can be said about that. On the sweet side this little boy will celebrate his first birthday on Saturday. That will get me through the week. Life and its cycles can be overwhelming.