September 11

It's September 11th. I want to make mention and keep in prayer those who lost loved ones on that horrible day. I will always remember exactly where I was. Todd called me at home to let me know about the first plane that crashed into the first tower. I never watch the news. It isn't a rule or anything. I just don't watch it. There are some things in the news that are unavoidable because they are so huge. For instance, I live about 45 min. outside of Detroit so Kwame comes up a lot. Need I say more? Anyway, I sat on my coffee table, indian-style, in front of the TV and was just utterly shocked at what I saw. Moments into watching and listening to the reporters frantically try to decipher what happened, I literally watched the second plane crash on the TV at the very moment it occurred. A feeling of utter panic and disbelief washed over every portion of my body. This was obviously not some fluke accident but something terrible was happening. It wasn't long before my neighbor came to the door. Tyler and her daughter went to school together. We stood in the door and cried together. For the people that were already lost. And, because we had no idea what was to come. We walked up to the school together and pulled our kids out. My TV remained off for the rest of the day. I didn't want my children to be exposed to that kind of scenery, panic, and terror. To this day, they have only seen glimpses of what happened in New York that day.

Two people come to mind when I think of September 11th. My grandmother and Jodie Metz. We lost my grandma to a battle with cancer on September 11th but prior to 2001. I lost Jodie five days before her sixteenth birthday. She was at a youth camp in Colorado and just collapsed and died suddenly. Both were beautiful, faithful woman who knew and loved the Lord. I'm certain they were in heaven on September 11, 2001 waiting to receive the lost.

It all still seems so fresh and so painful. I didn't lose a loved one that day. But, that doesn't make the events any less senseless. We live in a tough world today but God is in control. That doesn't mean he approves of the senseless acts that people perform. It just means he has a plan. Oddly enough, although he hates their sin, he still loves the man who commits the sin. Whether we got caught up in a gossip triangle, robbed a bank, or blew up the bank, he still loves us all the same. Sin is black and white to God. It's all measured the same. His forgiveness is equal. He is no respector of persons. He is a gentleman. He is love. So regardless as to who becomes President, or what natural disaster occurs. It will all end the same. Jesus will return for those who love him; for his bride. He will offer a last chance to those who have denied him and I pray harder than I've ever prayed for anything that if you don't yet know Jesus, you get to know him, fast! We don't know the day or the hour but if you look at the world around us, we have to assume it won't be long.

If you have not been born again and this is your first visit to my blog you may think I've fallen off the loony truck. My own friends and family will tend to agree with you. I'm not loony, I promise. My life has been revolutionized by my faith, my relationship with Jesus, and the blessings he continues to poor upon me. I used to be stuck in a dark and depressing place and felt captive there. My mind has been renewed and every bit of me is filled with peace and joy. Did I earn it, no. No one can earn what he has to offer. Do I deserve it. No, we are human, created with a sin nature, not one of us is perfect and not one of us deserves what Jesus has done for us. But, I do have a revelation of his love and forgiveness in my life. I whole heatedly receive them both. From it, I've gained healing, physical, emotional, and spiritual healing which brought self love. Now I love my friends and family more freely and more deeply.

Who knew that one of the world's smallest books would become the greatest source of encouragement for me. Yes, I have to take you back, yet again, to the His Princess Love Letters from Your King book by Sheri Rose Shepherd. I have this book for my girls also. I highly recommend it for young girls! There is no better time to build their self esteem and no better way then for them to have a revelation of God's love for them at a young age.

My Princess...
Fill Your Home With Peace

I know how hard it is for you to feel content in your home when you're always wanting one more thing to make it the perfect place. I long to give you beautiful things that turn a house into a haven of a home, but, My princess, you must first learn to let Me build in you a place of peace and contentment. Do your best to rest in Me and wait for Me, and then I will give you what I know will benefit you the most. I want you to make your home a place that builds relationships and reflect who you are in Me. Remember that your loved ones need you more than any material thing. So decorate your home with joy, fill it with timeless memories, and create a safe place to grow up in Me.

Love,
Your King and your Resting Place

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled. John 14:27 NIV

In closing I want to mention all the wonderful men and woman who serve in our military. We may not all agree with the war. We may not all agree with its continuance. We may not all agree as to why the war even began. We may not all approve of the Commander in Chief. But, I'm certain we all agree we want every single person who has volunteered their lives for this country. Those who are still with us and those who we have lost. Whether they sit behind a desk or serve on the front line. They have each stood up and offered their lives for our protection and freedoms. Thank you especially to my little brother Murray who serves in the United States Marine Corp. He is currently stationed wayyyy too far away in Okinawa. He is the epitome of a Marine and I am so proud of him! I am equally proud of my sister-in-law Lisa who has to be separated from her family and remains committed and in love with my brother through it all. You are stronger than you know! I love and miss you guys!

Sorry, just had to whip out my feathers like a peacock real quick and show of my pride for this country and the men and women who serve for us.