Written November, 2021

Currently, (-I can’t remember the day I wrote this keepsake) I am sitting in my family room. I’m filled with a variety of emotions, spending time with God. Peace is barking, the clothes dryer is running. In front of me, the wall is decorated with a big circular clock, below it, stenciled on the wall, is Luke 18:18, and under that is a piece of yarn with six  8x10 photos attached to it with clothes hangers: one of me and my beloved; me surrounded by my beloved and our four sons and Peace (our family dog); Cory Jr. holding Arlo (my granddog); me and Peace; a beautiful portrait of the entire family dressed up for our 20th anniversary celebration; and last but not least, a photo of me and my girl taken at our mother-daughter getaway celebrating her eighteenth birthday. 

I did not know where to start this morning as I spent my time with God and stared at the pictures before me. I did not know how to convey in words all that I was feeling at that very moment while looking at the pictures.  I decided to read another prayer from the box. Oh how I wish it had a date for this prayer. 

However, it doesn't matter, as time is irrelevant to God. He works miracles all the time.  The excerpt you are about to read as I look at my wall is a reminder of my life with Jesus. 

“I’m grateful for my calling now as I'm young and still have a lot of energy to give to your kingdom. I’m so privileged because when I didn’t see anything in me you saw a leader, a good wife (not a perfect wife), a good mother (not a perfect mother), you saw good when I saw bad and even though I don’t deserve you thinking about me, I’m truly grateful. God… my husband… what a blessing, a man that words cannot describe. Someone that you put in my life to convict me each day. My kids: what a blessing, even with all their attitudes. They are a joy that truly shows. They bring out the best in me. God, sometimes I think” why me?” Please God help me to not question your decisions for my life any more. All that I’m grateful for surely can not be written in one day or even in a lifetime. God help me today, help me to repent and share my faith as I share my life and realize that what you have given me is to be shared with others. Love, Olivia” 

Peace is now quiet, the dryer has stopped, I can hear cars on the road far away and the sound of my fingers typing on my laptop. I want to cry. 

I don’t know why I thought at that time I wrote that prayer you just read that spiritual energy is for the young. I am about to turn 50 years, spiritually I am 25. I am still young, so full of energy. I may not be able to do some things but I can do many things. 

“Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19 NIV

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”   Joshua 1:9

I needed to read this today! To God be the glory.