HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS ~ December 19, 2011 by Dolores Ayotte

               INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES

I am the mother of three married daughters. I have eight delightful grandchildren.  I always knew that I loved my children with all my heart but I had no way of knowing until I became a grandmother that I would love my grandchildren with the same depth. Each time a grandchild is born, I feel the same thrill as when I gave birth.

When we raise a family we all go through the trials and tribulations that come with each phase of growing up.  I remember thinking to myself that after all three daughters were married and settled down, I would have a lot less to worry about. I must admit that this was one naive thought. 

As my family continues to multiply I find that I actually have more to worry about, not less.  Now my daughters are experiencing some of the woes of raising their children and I am well aware of almost everything that they are going through.  I try my best to encourage them to “not sweat” the small stuff but one of the things I still “sweat” about is childhood illnesses especially in the youngest grandchildren.  The older ones can at least tell you what’s wrong when they’re not feeling good. Is it only in my own mind or has there been an increase in childhood illnesses?  When these little ones get sick, I’m so concerned in a way that brings out the worrywart in me.

It is at these times that I have to search inside and draw from the same strength I used when my daughters were young. That strength is my faith. I know that each and every child born on earth is a whole world to God. I also know that He’s got the whole world in His hands. I not only desire to trust in Him, I need to trust in Him for the benefit of all just like my daughters need to do.

It’s wonderful to have been blessed with such an ever-growing family and I thank God on a daily basis but as I said, it’s not only the family that is multiplying.  The fears and concerns that go with it have also multiplied.  I need my faith now more than ever in order to  encourage my daughters. I want to be there for them as much as possible as they face what life has to offer.  I heard many years ago, that you never fully realize how much you believe in God until you have children.  I couldn’t agree more!  We need prayers and our faith as we work through the challenges that go with raising a family.  Don’t you agree?

 

THE KNOT’S PRAYER ~ December 18, 2011

               INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES

Fewer Words ~June 10, 2011 by Dolores Ayotte

At times we are inspired to share our stories. Other times we are inspired to say less. This is one of those days when the fewer the words the better. A few of these words are etched in stone. Today I am sharing them with you.  May God grant you His choicest blessings.

BLOG HOPPING DAY ~ Jesus Is The Way – So Pray ~ April 27, 2011 by Jan Cox

I very much enjoyed reading this post by Jan Cox. In “Jesus Is The Way – So Pray”, Jan reminds us about doing the right thing for the right reason. She suggests that we ought to pray for guidance before we accept to do even what appears to be good deeds for others. At times, we can say yes to people when inside we know we really don’t have the time or the desire. Afterwards we can end up being resentful because in essence we had a perfectly good reason to say no. If we pray for the guidance that we all need before we act, we will end up making more appropriate choices and feel a lot better about them.

This is a well-thought out article by Jan. I hope you will take a few minutes to visit A Better Way.  Thanks Jan!

DON’T GIVE UP — August 8, 2010 by Yvonne Freeman

INSPIRATIONAL POEMS  

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.    I John 5:14 

From the time I wake up in the morning, until my head hits the pillow at night.I think of the prayer I asked of you, Lord.  I wonder if it will come true today or tomorrow.  Days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months.  If it’s not answered soon, Lord, I’m afraid I might get weak and just give up. 

So I pray every day in order to renew my faith, knowing if I do, my prayer will come true someday.  Lord, I can’t give up, for if I do, it would be like giving up on you.  It would be like not trusting in your word, like not believing a word you said.  I would be calling you a liar, something God won’t do.God doesn’t lie.  He couldn’t, he wouldn’t.  Therefore I must continue to believe everything I read about you. 

Faith without works is dead, I read.  So I do what I can, thinking I’m giving God a helping hand. But nothing I’m doing seems to work out the way I planned.  So I turn to the Lord once again. Lord, am I getting in the way of your plan?

I begin to pray for understanding.  God please help me understand where I stand in your plan. I don’t mean to question you.  It’s just that, I know you have a plan for every woman and man.  Maybe I should just be still, sometimes that’s his will.  It will be well worth the wait, if I just stop what I’m doing and let God do it his way.

Maybe it’s my prayer.  Is that why you’re not blessing me right away?  Am I praying for what I want but don’t need?  Lord, is that why you’re not answering me?

Bigger is not always better.  The more I see others with, the more I want for me.  Things,  more things won’t fill up the emptiness in me.  There is something missing.  I think its called tranquility. 

So I look in the mirror and take inventory of me.  I have food, clothing and shelter, the necessities.  Anything more than that is just called greed.  What about peace, love and harmony?  Yes, that’swhat I’m missing, that’s what I need. 

Don’t give up, whatever you do.  There’s a reason why God hasn’t answered you.  Seek ye first his will for you.  Obey his commandments as they are written, for you know God doesn’t hear the prayers of a sinner. 

Lord, I can’t give up; I won’t give up on you.  It takes patience and courage to wait on the Lord for deliverance.  Therefore, I will continue to wait, watch, and pray, no matter how long it takes. For I know if I do, my prayer will come true someday. 

  

Thank you very much Yvonne for sharing such an inspirational poem with all of us. 

A personal note from Yvonne:

First and foremost, I am a Child of God; obedient, humble and grateful for his mercy and the talents he blessed me with. I use to be a Supervisor in corporate society but the Lord had other plans, re-directed my path. Now I’m an Author of two books, Poet, Singer and Song Writer. I never saw it coming. Someone told me – we make plans and God laughs. I now know my mission in life – to spread God’s word through the religious songs I write and sing and my books of spiritual poetry, Y: God’s Grace and Y: Spiritual Journey. To read some poems on-line go to: www.y-godsgrace.com.  Peace be with you my brothers and sisters in Christ