Merry Christmas 2010!

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1

Merry Christmas 2010! We love you, and thank God for each and every one of you!

A little girl was taking a walk with her father one evening. Looking up at the stars she exclaimed, “O Daddy, if the wrong side of heaven is so beautiful, what must the right side be!”

On May 19th, 2010, my dad went home to be with Jesus. A musician his whole life, he is now presented faultless, in perfect harmony, to our heavenly Father. We are getting use to “The new norm,” without my dad. I miss our Friday morning coffee hour together, just him and me. My sister, brothers, and I now have the honor and privelidge of taking care of our mom and helping her adjust to life without the man she spent 54 years with, the guy who adored her! Thank you for all your prayers, and for the outpouring of love to my family. Many of you interrupted your own lives effortlessly for a month and walked us through a difficult trial….making meals…taking my kids….visiting us in the hospital…praying with us…we are eternally grateful. God’s grace was truly sufficient….moment by moment…..

The Book my mom and I wrote was accepted for royalty publication last January! It is in the final stages of production, ready to go to Marketing. What a fun journey this has been for mom and me. The title of the book is Andti’s Antics. It is a story about a girl (Emeline) who struggles with ADD. Feisty Andi tells her story with a tender touch, sharing how she “ADDs” pizzazz to her world, hoping to send a message that God has created all of us special! Please pray for us as we reach out to many girls (and boys) through the book!

Other highlights - As a family we just like to have fun! Each day we begin with devotions, thanking God for all we have, praying that He will show us opportunities to serve Him. I insist the boys pray that they will be nicer to each other or at least stop beating each other up!! Traveling is in our blood, so any opportunity we can go..we do!! We love camping with our friends, my favorite activity is when the parents play flag football with the kids…..yes us moms jump in too!! Then of course there is the beach, Camp-of-the-Woods, and Nantucket, my personal “fave”…..where we go turtle hunting, squid hunting, watch sunsets on the beach, and make daily stops at “The Dump” where you get all kinds of junk for free!

Emeline – Jersey #59. She still loves soccer and soccer loves her! Her soccer travels will take her to Orlando in January and Virginia in March. We continue to encourage her to enjoy the game, have fun, and be a light to her teammates. So far…so good. School is going quite well for Emeline, she loves to work hard. She also enjoys serving our community with The Girl Scouts (I think her leader is an angel..seriously). She enjoys Junior High activities at church which includes a Girl’s Bible study (LJ3), and an additional Bible study with a small group of lovely young ladies seeking to grow and mature in Jesus. Emeline has raised support for materials to make blankets for the homeless this winter. We have started delivering the blankets as a family. Heading downtown Philly made us all nervous at first, now we can’t wait to go back! Check out our blanket adventures, www.utterlydeb.blogspot.com

Samuel – We are both in fourth grade this year! Sam seems to be smarter than me! He is doing well. Recently he was asked to write a bio on himself. He wrote “I’m neat, I’m kind, and I love Jesus with all my heart.” He is so sensitive to what is right and what is wrong….we all need a ‘Sam’ around us! Sam loves to play Tackle Football, and Lacrosse. This year he ran the ball successfully quite a bit, scoring many touchdowns for the team. I’m always thankful he comes out of it alive every week! Sam’s latest hobby is “Trash Picking”. He has found some real treasures, and even sells items on e-bay to raise money for the Go-cart he would like to purchase. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

Zachary – Is in second grade, ready to set the world on fire! Anyone who knows Zachary will tell you that he always has a smile on his face, and he is always ready to have fun! Sometimes that gets him in trouble. Zach is also on a travel soccer team, and loves the game. My challenge to Zachary is to always honor God with every goal he scores, because “it is in Him that we live, move, and have our being…”. Both boys participated in a Kids Triathlon last summer. They finished the race within a second of each other. Sam was just one step ahead of his little brother.

All three swam for LMT Swim Team this year. It is my favorite sport they do! This year I accepted the position of Co-Meet Director. What a big job…but oh the fun we had! Emeline participated in a relay that broke an LMT record….the thrill of it all! I LOVE our community!

Steve – is busy with the Snow business. He has a great team of “Snow People” working for him! I always pray for less stress for Steve, but there’s a part of it that he thrives on! Steve is the most amazing dad to our kids…..he plays, teaches, prays, and guides them daily. All three adore Steve. He just arrived home from a quick trip to Germany to celebrate a family 60th wedding anniversary. I was happy he was able to go, but happier when he came home safe and sound. The fall was busy for Steve with coaching Sam’s football team, and he enjoys attending a Men’s Bible study throughout the year.

Me – I celebrated a very large (really BIG) birthday this year! Friends came from near and far to celebrate this “Birthday girl”, yet I was celebrating them. I wanted to thank them for being my friend, for seeing the best in me, standing by me, laughing, and crying with me. For letting me be “real” with them…and still loving me. “A friend loves at all times.” Thank you sweet girlfriends! My life is richer for knowing each and every one of you! My ordinary days include interruptions to interrupt the interruptions! I hope to continue to substitute teach, I love working with kids! The Bible study I co-facilitate is going well; we are all growing and learning about God’s will in our lives. My daily goal for each day is to rest in Him, and His Word alone. Life is still utterly chaotic, yet we are utterly o.k.

In closing, I pray for God’s blessing on your families. Take the hands of those you love, look into their eyes, and tell them how much you love them! May your desire for 2011 be…”Reaching forward to what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal.” Philippians 3:13-14

By His Amazing Grace………….Stephen, Debbie, Emeline, Samuel, and Zachary

It Was Chilly In Philly!

We set out on Saturday night to deliver blankets. It is a busy time of year, and other events were tempting us not to go.

We were all so nervous, especially Emeline! As we parked the car we all prayed and asked the Lord to calm our nerves, asking Him to help us minister to these people in need.

The first person we spotted was on the street sleeping. Steve insisted we first go buy him a cup of coffee. By the time we found a McDonald’s, the kids were hungry so we fed them. As we arrived back to the spot, the person was gone. We were disappointed, but trusted there was a reason.

Our next person was on the street covered completely except the top of her head. I approached her asking if she could use another blanket. Looking over the top of her “Heap”, she said “No”. There was so much fear in her eyes. The kids were disappointed to be turned down but we explained to them that some people are fearful and don’t want to interact in any way.

After driving around a park, we spotted a woman playing a flute-type instrument. It looked like something you might purchase at the dollar store. She was playing her instrument for money. The kids and I jumped out of the car and approached her. Soon we realized that Sheila was blind. Sam dropped a dollar in her cup, and then we asked her if she would like a blanket. What she needed from us was to help her. She was on a corner that was too cold for her; she wanted to move but needed our help. Sam grabbed her cooler filled with her belongings, and I extended my arm to walk her to a less windy spot. It turns out Sheila is a Christian, and loves Jesus. She has been blind since birth, and has no family at all. She earns money by playing the instrument on the street. We bought Sheila hot apple cider and a cookie (that is what she wanted), and we gathered around her, held hands, and prayed with her. My boys especially did not want to leave Sheila, it broke their heart, and they kept hugging her. Sheila loved the blanket. For her the softness of the blanket, and “touch” is what blessed her. She knew it would be nice and warm!

After a decision to not stop for a guy who seemed drunk and obnoxious, we found our last person on the street covered with a blanket trying to keep warm. This gentleman Russell has lymphoma and is dying. He has a daughter, but does not hear from her. Russ said the shelters are dangerous; he would rather sleep on the street. He told us that drugs destroyed his life and he spent 10 year in prison. We shared Jesus with him and prayed with him. With tears in his eyes, he thanked us for the blanket and the Bible. After getting back in the car we wanted to go buy him some soup, so Emeline and I returned with soup, bread, and hot apple cider (the homeless like the hot cider!). As we approached Russell with the food he was reading Emeline’s letter she wrote…..the inspiration behind the blankets.

We returned home that night with happy but heavy hearts. We were happy to serve these people, but sad for their life. Our home, heat, bed, blankets, and food seemed so extravagant that night. We praised and thanked God for all He has provided for us. We can’t wait to go again!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

By His Amazing Grace,

Debbie

Am Impactful Moment

It's been a long time since I've blogged. Life has kept me busy with the book my mom and I are having published. Wanting to get back to my "Online journal", I thought Thanksgiving would be a good place to start. The last six months of my life have brought many ups and downs, but there hasn't been a day gone by that I haven't been thankful. In fact I've become more thankful for each and every day of my life.

I wanted to share our Thanksgiving Day. Emeline has been making blankets for the homeless. She raised money for the materials and hopes to share the love of Jesus with many cold, empty people.

Happy Thanksgiving! I pray you all enjoyed a special day with those you love!

Steve, I, and the kids had the honor and privilege of serving downtown at Rock Ministries in Philadelphia. This was our first experience at Rock. The blessings and favor God has shed on this ministry was overwhelming to say the least.

Emeline gave the first blanket away today with a Bible, track, and a personal note from her (all wrapped in a big beautiful bow). You know it’s one thing when God gives me a vision…it’s another thing when God gives one of my kids a vision. I have been praying for weeks as to how we will guide Emeline in her “Blankets of Blessings.” Steve encouraged Emeline today to pray and see if she saw a person in the crowd that the Lord would have her give a blanket to, reminding her it is in our service that God speaks to our hearts. As Emeline was filling sugars on the tables (for coffee), she spotted a woman and asked Steve to go over with her. Although I was busy working in another area, Steve came over with tears in his eyes sharing what took place, and asked me to come meet this special woman Dawn. Dawn was a Christian yet fallen in to a life of drugs. She has been clean for seven months and was now “hitting the wall”. Apparently this means that life is really awful and unbearable…..hopeless…dark…Dawn explained to Emeline that she has wanted a Bible for a long time and the blanket uplifted her and blessed her…..she really loved it! With Steve and I standing there Dawn turned to Emeline and spoke words to her that seemed prophetic……it blew me away. It was humbling to hear, she was exhorting Emeline…my heart was touched as I fought back tears (Steve too). As I looked over at Emeline, she was radiating Jesus…..it was clear the Spirit was about her.

We had to leave a little early to join our friends for Thanksgiving. Dawn asked me to wait just five minutes, she had something for Emeline. I couldn’t think of what she would give Emeline. I looked over and saw her with a paper towel drawing. She drew Emeline three beautiful tulips with a special note. Dawn did not know how much Emeline loves art and would appreciate this……someday when she gets to heaven she will realize how she impacted the life of a young girl…..Thanksgiving Day 2010…

Praise God from whom ALL blessings (blankets) flow!

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” Colossians 3:17

By His amazing grace……

Debbie

A Tribute To My Dad

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

On April 26th this verse came alive and penetrated my soul.

After the initial call that my dad took a fall we began a journey that twisted and turned for 3 ½ weeks. The “New norm” became the unknown and the center of our Universe became Jefferson Hospital.

We were thankful to have my dad in one of the best hospitals. It was a comfort for us to know that although my dad was having complications, surely the top notch medical professionals would figure it all out and make my dad well again. In addition so many were praying for my dad. After a week of him being down right entertaining and funny (oh the stories we have to tell!) due to assumed anesthesia delirium, he went in to a coma like state, and it became more and more confusing as to why his mental status was failing. Numerous tests, scans, and MRI’s confirmed there was nothing medically wrong with my dad, yet a cascade of events led us down a road of realizing dad’s body was shutting down and no one knew why.

So many were praying for a miracle… On May 19th God chose to take my dad home.

We never got the answers we were looking for but I can tell you this. We got the answers we needed for the moment, to take the very next step. Our walk with God became a moment by moment process. There were days we did not know what to do or how to make decisions, yet He truly guided our path. Our circumstances were difficult, but our strength was sufficient.

On behalf of our family I want to thank so many of you who gave of yourselves continuously and effortlessly over the last month to help our family and my mom. We knew we were being lifted up, at times we felt as if we were being carried. There were times when no words could explain the despair in our hearts, yet we knew God did.

So we look back on this time in our lives as bittersweet. We have suffered a loss; my dad will be missed dearly. As my mom and I wept by my dad’s bed after he passed she said “I never doubted for a minute that he loved me….no woman has been loved as much as me”. For a woman who never boasts or brings attention to herself, that was a powerful statement I will never forget. A parade of doctors and nurses came to pay their respects with tears in their eyes. Mom and I were able to share our hope that we will see my dad again in heaven…..he was no longer in the body in the bed, dad was standing face to face with Jesus looking into his eyes. It was an honor to give God the glory in such a difficult time.

There was one doctor who touched our lives in a way that keeps me wondering if she was an angel sent by God. She reached out, entered into our world, and walked the journey with us to the end. Thank you Dr. Kumar.

In the midst of my dad’s delirium and before he went into a coma like sleep he called my mom and I over to his bedside. It was to be his last lucid moment of his life. He shared a few special words of encouragement to me and he told my mom he loved her one last time…then he told us it will all be over. I guess he knew he was getting ready to go home.

I will miss my dad and our coffee hour every Friday morning. I was consistently 10 – 15 minutes late, yet I was always greeted with a big smile, we both looked forward to our time together.

Thank you for coming to share our tribute to dad, we love and appreciate all of you, and thank you for your prayers, and being such a special part of our lives.

Grace and blessings,

Debbie

Six Simple Lives

Life just seems at times to be spinning out of control. I know all us moms feel like this and our challenge is to stop the freight train, put the brakes on, keep a balance…..yet it’s a constant battle!

Having three active kids they want to be involved in many activities. Truth be told they all have athletic abilities so it’s a thrill for this competitive gal to stand on the side lines and scream my little heart out for my guys and doll. Whether it’s a tournament, cup, or league game it’s a joy to see these three healthy children love a sport and be a part of a team.

Yesterday I substituted in an Autistic classroom. It was my first experience with special needs kids. My mom has a Masters degree in Special Education so I’ve sort of grown up knowing about special needs people, and I have a nephew who is severely handicapped (including autistic). At first I was unsure of myself around the kids, I wasn’t sure if they would be o.k. with a stranger in the room. These kids need and love their routine.

I didn’t expect a warm greeting by them, and I was pleasantly surprised a few of them greeted me at all! I couldn’t help but want to just observe them and realize how special they each were and how God must love them so much. Life in the classroom for these kids was simple. After each class activity they were asked to take out their “happy face” papers and record their feelings. I was pleased to see all happy faces! They often were required to check their schedules so they knew what was next.

With six kids in the class came six very different personalities and needs. Some were verbal and others had more difficulty. One boy was awarded a sweet tart just for trying to talk during speech class. Another boy carried a voice box and every time he needed to answer he would type his answer in the box and the box spoke to us.

Six special lives. I thought about the home life and how difficult it must be to have a child like this, one who can’t communicate, is handicapped socially, and academically. It occurred to me these children most likely will not play sports, all the activities my kids do they won’t. Yet I can still see the smiles on their faces. They have a life, just different. Tying a shoe lace may bring one great joy. Completing a simple frog craft is a huge accomplishment!

I found myself humbled. My heart was blessed for being in the presence of these special kids, watching them live their life as they know it. Grateful for the reminder of what life is all about. Life is about lives and relationships. Investing time into the ones we love. It’s not about how good we are in sports, what we’ve achieved in life financially, or how successful we’ve become. For me, life is about knowing Jesus, walking with Him daily, reading my Bible, and praying. Abiding in Christ gives me all the balance and security I need. When the hard times come (and there are hard times), my strength comes from HIM.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Grace and blessings,

Debbie

It Looks Good!

As we rang in 2010, I somehow knew this would be a year for change. It made me nervous, change can be good and change can be…well, not so good. Which would it be, maybe a combination of both? The older I get the more I celebrate each day. Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean everyday is worth celebrating, in fact there are some days I would like to forget. I’m just more sensitive to everything that I have. I am most of all thankful to know God. I have a personal relationship with Jesus that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I value my family and the relationships God has blessed me with. I’m not a perfect wife, mom, or friend, but I’m thankful God’s mercies are new everyday…WHEW!!!

Everything changed on January 5th. A large envelope came Fed-X to my attention. Standing in the kitchen I opened the envelope and read the letter. “CONGRATULATIONS, YOUR BOOK HAS BEEN ACCEPTED FOR ROYALTY PUBLICATION!” I started to tremble. Who knew the book my mom and I took a year to write would be accepted? I knew it was a good idea, but a publishable book? That was a moment in time I will never forget.

Then the work began. The book was accepted on its story but now we needed to write segments to make the book sell like the foreword, epilogue, and back matter. I never heard of a back matter before in fact I went and googled it wrong typing in “back splatter”! Don’t do that, it’s basically poop on the back of the toilet YUCK!!!! After having the work checked by editors and special help from a friend, and three months of chenging, we finally submitted our manuscript to the publisher. Fully expecting to hear we did something wrong in the submission process, hoping they wouldn't laugh at it, I was just glad to get it off my plate and in the hands of the publisher so they could begin their critique process.

Today I checked my e-mail, “We received your manuscript and it looks good.” Those were sweet words to my soul. I wasn’t looking for great, good is just fine with me!! O.K. so they went on to say someone will be in touch next week to begin the editing process and they did mention the book has a high word count for Children’s books but that’s o.k. for today its fine…….

Writing a book is an accomplishment, yet the accomplishment doesn’t come without a lot of hard work. As I re-read what was submitted, I can still make so many changes yet at some point it was necessary to just step out, click send, and pray for the best!!

So much of life is about us doing our best and letting God do the rest. When we walk with Him and abide in Him He takes care of us and directs our steps.

Grace and blessings,

Debbie

Sam's first Water Polo Tournament

As the mom I try to find different sports to suit my kid’s personality. At their ages I want them to experience several different sports. Emeline has recently developed a love for soccer. What makes her so good (besides her big “foot”) is her aggressiveness. The trainers love a kid that isn’t afraid to back down…it’s exciting to watch, especially for a girl who broke bones for two years and could not participate in any type of sports activities. Zachary also loves soccer and will try out for the travel team for the fall. All three are good swimmers.

Sam loves tackle football. He talked about it for years and finally this past fall he played for the township, Steve was the assistant coach. There are not many moms out there who love their son playing football. Most of us tolerate the sport because either our husbands or son (or both) are dying for them to play. Wanting to find another sport for Sam, knowing he was a good swimmer, we inquired about a water polo team. Sam started playing water polo with mostly older kids. I’m not use to seeing Sam look like the “runt” out there but in this sport he’s the “baby”. I have tried to keep Sam away from tournaments. Just letting him play during the week once is enough. With several tournaments in the last few weeks the coach really wanted Sam to experience one of them. So off we all went to support Sam at Villanova University. As expected Sam sat most of the time on the side of the pool. Each time he went in the water we were so proud of him. O.K. so he only got the ball once and the opponent immediately stole it away but we’re the parents…all parents are proud!!

The team had two games back to back. The first game was tight, Sam’s team was losing so he didn’t see much playing time. In fact I think one time he was in for @ thirty seconds. The next game Sam’s team was winning so the coach was a bit more generous with putting the weaker kids in. As expected each player has an opponent they are required to cover. It was apparent that Sam wasn’t sure what to do so the coach was yelling and making all kinds of hand gestures to Sam that didn’t look universal to me nor Sam. Sam’s interpretation to what the coach was trying to tell him was to just dunk the opponent. So there was Sam out in the pool, ball nowhere near him, trying to dunk another player (poor guy looked like he was drowning). I knew Sam had no ill intent but the child and his coach didn’t know that. The game was stopped and Sam had to have a talk with the ref. Sam didn’t see much more time in the pool after that.

Most of the time at sports events our kids are doing well, giving us good reason to cheer and be proud. Last night was a good example of how as a parents, we don’t care how well our kids perform, we think they’re just the greatest thing since sliced bread right?? WE want them to have fun and enjoy the healthy bodies they have been blessed with.

After all it is “In Him that we live, and move, and have our being.” Acts 17:28

Grace and blessings,

Nor'easter Slams The East

It’s hard to believe only five days ago I was in sunny California. It’s wasn’t exactly hot but I was able to wear shorts and a lightweight shirt….oh, and sunglasses all the time…oh, and fun girlfriends who kept me laughing for four days straight..oh, and a husband who freely let me go, took care of the kids, and cleaned the house! THANK YOU STEVE, you’re the best!

Today I’m wondering how I’ll dig six kids and myself out of over twenty inches of snow! Months ago when I heard my girlfriend was headed to NY I offered to take her boys. I love these kids (and my girlfriend). The weekend promised to be busy. Moving them from one activity to another would be a “piece of cake”. Five basketball games and a birthday party for Sam would keep them all out of trouble or from bothering one another. As the weekend approached it was apparent all plans would be cancelled, a big Nor’easter was dumping snow and rain over much of the mid to southern section of the country, which also meant Steve would be gone for days working. I started to wonder what on earth I would do with five boys and one girl by myself. They don’t like arts and crafts. If it snowed they wouldn’t want to be outside, other than the typical twenty minutes of fun (when it took you and hour to dress them all).

I knew I needed a plan. When this group of kids get together all they want to do is play the wii, striving for the next level, thrilled over the challenge…Mario rules!!! They would play all day and night if I let them, only coming up to eat and drink when necessary. I decided to plan a schedule, limiting the wii time and any other type of electronic activities. I got the paper out with them and we created a wii schedule as well as other types of activities for them to do, chores were included.

Once you’re snowed in with kids, one needs to take on a certain mind set…..FLEXIBILITY and CREATIVITY! It is obviously not a day to think you can get anything done, or do anything for yourself. You’re lucky if you get to eat! Having lots of snacks and drinks is essential. Getting annoyed with wet snow tracking through your house is self destructive, for goodness sakes it’s just water. Rewarding myself with coffee and chocolate keeps me alert and smiling.

Have a great day!! Go sledding with the kids! Help your neighbors dig out! Laugh at those great kids you have! EAT CHOCOLATE!

Blessings,

Debbie

Oh The Pain!

Did you ever wonder why we experience so much pain? Whether it’s physical or emotional it’s overwhelming when it consumes you. This last year has been a year of physical pain. First I was diagnosed with osteo-arthritis in my hands which seemed terrible yet five months later after a scare with possible cancer I was diagnosed with fifteen kidney stones OUCH! In addition my cholesterol is high and needs attention. The latest ailment came this week, I woke up one day with pain in my neck. Since I was already seeing a physical therapist for my tennis elbow (just a side bar) I decided to go for my neck. It was determined I aggravated a muscle in my shoulder that was radiating the pain to the neck. As the week went on it became increasingly worse to the point it affected my swallowing and breathing. Finally the doctor ordered an X-ray. My biggest fear would be a diagnosis of arthritis, that seemed unbearable and why would God allow that to happen to this very active already “medically challenged” mom of three WHO LOVES TO PLAY TENNIS? Somehow I knew what the diagnosis would be before it came. It’s the things in life we say “Absolutely Not!” that God seems to challenge us on.

How did I know? God was preparing my heart. As I made desperate calls to a few close friends asking them to specifically pray this was not arthritis I also spent time in prayer and reading the Bible. “He remembered us when we were in trouble, His love continues forever.” Psalm 136:23

A devotional I read from Max Lucado yesterday included this paragraph “When God doesn’t do what we want, it’s not easy. Never has been, never will be. But faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and He will get us through it.” Somehow I knew after reading yesterday the news wasn’t going to be good but I knew it would be o.k. because God would walk with me and take care of me.

Our disappointments in life don’t have to keep us down. With God’s help we learn how to manage them and use them to bring honor and glory to His name. We learn to lean on Him when we have pain whether it is physical or emotional. It also makes us more compassionate to others that are hurting.

I once heard someone say “When you’re fifty you can go to sleep fine and wake up with any injury.” I’m not quite there but very close and I can tell you the statement is true.

“Those who are sad now are happy, because God will comfort them. Those who want to do right more than anything else are happy, because God will fully satisfy them.” Matthew 5:4,6

By the grace of God today I choose joy.

Grace and blessings,

Debbie

God's Peace in 2010

January 1st is not a day when I make a lot of changes. Resolutions have not been “my thing”, it is the fall, September when the kids go back to school that I make any changes. Eating better (not so many sweets!), chores for the kids, schedule changes, new goals, always praying to bring peace and contentment on the home front. One thing I have learned over the years is to not overcommit myself. That never works for my family or me. I can tell when it is happening, I start to feel very anxious inside, and like I’m disappointing everyone around me.

As I look ahead into this New Year I see so many changes and potential changes coming for 2010. Most are good an exciting, some are unknown causing apprehension. I find in the times I am unsure I try to control and help the situation along…..after all, we all like to stay within the comfort zone of life with no boats rocking around us right?

With the New Year comes change whether we like it or not, and most of us don’t like change, it feels unsettling. As we reflect next year on this day will we have a smile on our face or sadness in our heart?

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27.

I am thankful God knows what each day will entail for me and my family…..He orders our steps. As I think of all the specific changes that will take place this year I know that God is with me and it is His faithfulness and peace that I can count on. As I wake up each day and commit my day to Him through prayer and reading the Bible, I know that no matter what changes come it will be o.k. my heart is at peace knowing God is in control.

My daily prayer for 2010: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. To these I will commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

Happy New Year! May you find peace in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. I pray His light shines powerfully into your heart.

Sweet blessings to you and your families!

Debbie