Hey We all go through seasons of difficulty and face storms in life, however, during those times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than any struggle we face! He’ll take those challenges and use them to strengthen us, but we have to do our part and take a step of faith toward the victory. One of the patriarchs in your lives was your grandfather. You both loved him and he grows you both and shared wise words of wisdom that you both now use to shape your life’s journey. Know your second matriarch, your grandmother is very sick, she also contributed to your life's journey. However, with her being sick I can only imagine how hurtful and deviated you must be. TJ, you do not wear your emotions on your sleeve and Melody you are far
God has just recently chosen my family to enter into and walk through a season of adversity and suffering. With my wife being diagnosed with uterine cancer, it has given us the platform to greater glorify God through suffering. It will be extremely important to walk this path with complete faith in God’s plan. Rankin wrote, “God is glorified when our faith is tested and proved genuine in the crucible of suffering.” I believe one of the reasons for this season is to demonstrate our faith to our kids and the church.
When I look back at my childhood I cannot picture it without you. You have helped shaped who I am today and for that I thank you. When I think of you i think about all the love that you have to give. I am so lucky to have you in my life and I will always cherish the memories that I have with you.
The first footsteps we've ever taken are the ones that have imprinted the inside of our mothers' stomachs. Mothers don't just give birth to us, they give us a life to live. Now, some might say mothers are supposed to give birth; it's a natural process that is their duty. It's physically straining to have a child, but it takes a true warrior to raise a child. It is often forgotten how much they continuously provide for us and how many sacrifices they make. My mother has been my inspiration, not because of her title as my mother but because she is the prime example of a what I call a hero.
Introduction: God guides and protects us through all crisis by showing his power in faith to overcome. Sometimes we ask God “help us” or “save us” only when a crisis is present in our lives and forget
The scent of fresh pine and baked turkey dominates over all senses, surging into the crisp air of the kitchen. Presents are stacked to the brim of the Christmas tree, while a toy train intermittently passes by. Effervescent ornaments sparkle with the memories of past years. Rooms are full with aunts, uncles, distant cousins, all of who push their troubles aside to celebrate this day once a year: Christmas . It is chaos, but the good kind.
We all know that we will encounter storms of life but often enough it is not the exterior storms that pose the gravest danger. It is the storms of the interior that often threaten us the most. Our daily challenges may sometimes seem overwhelming but what is going on inside can pose the greater threat to our lives, to our peace of mind, and even to our faith. The miracle story we hear of in the Gospel of Mark today demonstrates perfectly the struggle that we all go through and he gives us a way through those struggles in the example of the disciples.
To my beautiful wife Hallie Baxter, you have saved my life by giving me purpose and perspective. When I think back about the time I was sitting at that bus stop bench in japan, and you messaged me that day. I didn’t know what to say at first, but as time passed and our love grew our wedding day finally came. I knew when I looked into your eyes that day I found the other half of my heart. Never in my life have I gazed upon someone so kind, strong, beautiful or smart. You have stuck beside me through thick and thin. Without you I would have never laid eyes on our beautiful daughters face. I don’t know where I would have ended up without you. But I know I am grateful to be with you every sec of every day. What I’m trying to say is that you taught
No matter what the adversity may be, God wants you to know that He is sufficient, that He is enough, and that He can handle it if we allow Him too. Many times as Christians, we ask God to handle a problem or situation for us, but yet we don't allow Him to fully have control of that situation. All He is wanting us to acknowledge is that He
A lot of times people think that if we are good enough Christians that we would never go through tough times. It would be so wonderful if God would simply promise to us that we would never go through difficult times. Yet we know it’s just a part of it, it’s just a part of life. Psalm 23 does not say to us, “God will keep us from danger,“ but instead it describes that times will come, and they come for all of us, when we do feel like we are walking through a dark, dangerous valley -- a “valley of the shadow of death.” Perhaps even now in the grief we feel today feels like a dark valley… But what the Word of God does make very clear is that as we move through
I love you with all my heart. I am so blessed to have you as my mom, partner-in-crime, and best friend. A quote that reminds me of the impact you have made on my life and me is “When you’re a child she walks before you to set an example. When you’re a teenager she walks behind you to be there if you should need her. When you’re an adult she walks beside you so that as two friends you can enjoy life together.” Throughout my childhood and now I have always been attached at your hip. I can remember dressing like you, acting like you, trying to be everything that you were, and I still try to do that today. You and I have been inseparable ever since I could walk. We would always play with Barbie’s and put barrettes in your hair. Every day we are together we create lasting memories, laugh until we cry, and smile from ear to ear. Our friendship is a special bond that will last forever. Through laughter, WORRY, smiles and tears
If there's anyone who could brighten up a room full of people arguing over which part of the turkey they want, disagreeing over politics, sharing the latest family gossip, it's definitely him. It's Thanksgiving and as I enter my grandparent’s house, I see him conversing with my aunt who's resemblance is uncanny, as he sips his glass of white wine and instantly looks up at me. It’s my grandfather, Gelo.
With sadness, honor and anger I make the long-overdue announcement of my Grandfather's Passing, August of 2017. I won't call this a Eulogy. He specifically requested that none be presented. He more specifically demanded that rather than go on about the business of his demise, I am to go on about the business of living successfully, happily and fully myself and being who I am. He was so amazing, wonderful, brilliant, generous of both asset and spirit, kind, non-judgmental, accepting, motivating & compassionate in so many ways and for so many. He loved my grandmother and I in the deepest, most loyal of ways. He has been my idol, my mentor, my project partner, my example, my friend, and most recently, the last living member of my natural family.
When I was younger, people told me that someday I would thank my parents for being tough on me. I figured this was at least somewhat true, but I wasn’t concerned with apologizes or gratitude. I remember thinking that I would just thank them when the time comes; why should I thank them if they’re just going to continue to treat me like a child? My mother and I didn’t always see eye-to-eye, and not just because I was only four feet tall at the time. My drama-queen attitude clashed violently against her soft, peaceful personality. I was obsessed with being cool, following popular culture, and trying to become everything that my mom wasn’t. Although my mother and I used to disagree on everything, she helped me become who I am today, and I have learned to appreciate her because she has been incredibly supportive, loving, and accepting of everything I do.
There are times in our lives when we must face some battles we think we cannot win. When such occurs, God by his Spirit gives you the victory.
It was an early Christmas morning, I could smell the sugar cookie smell making its way through my house. I could only think of one person that could make this happen, my Abuelita. “Grandma” I shout from my room as she was in the kitchen. I wanted cookies so bad before opening our presents. But we wait for my dad to come from his house before opening presents.