Eight thousand, seven hundred and sixty hours

 

One year later; it feels like more and yet sometimes just a day

And there's still nothing they can do, nothing they can say

Surely they can't think it's really any easier

Surely they don't think you've healed

Just because you don't cry as much

Just because you keep the pain concealed

Even you think you should move on

Even you know life is just unfair

But half of you is still in pieces

Because half of you is no longer there

Healing can't erase the ache

Time can't mend the scar

Even as you learn to live again

You're still finding who you are

One year later, you're still breathing, still getting up each day

You know it's only because God has been with you all the way

Human strength just isn't enough

Human strength cant get you through

But joy is found in Him alone

And comfort from He who carries you

Even though it's still a struggle

Even though the pain's not gone

His sufficiency is proven in your life

His mercies are new each dawn

Truly you are forever changed

Truly life will never be the same

But you know for sure how it will end

And you can keep that hope aflame

365 slow days. 52 long weeks. 1 impossible year.

You're really just 8760 hours closer to never shedding a tear

the first

she's the first to hold you close
the first to love you heart and soul
she's the first to wipe your tears away
the first to teach you how to pray
she's the first to teach you wrong and right
the first to scold you for a fight
she's the first to buy your socks and shoes
the first to cheer even when you lose
she's the first to bake your favourite meal
the first to give you a disciplinary spiel
she's the first to praise your finger-paint art
the first to try to put back the pieces of your heart
she's the first to teach you how to sweep the floor
the first to worry when you leave to explore
she's the first to warn you "drive carefully"
the first to stay up waiting earnestly
she's the first to tuck you into bed
the first to forgive what you've heartlessly said
she's the first to encourage you to fly
the first cry as you wave goodbye
she's the first to pray for your future hopes and dreams
the first to calm all your emotional extremes
she's the first to notice something is wrong
the first to to lend her strength when you aren't strong
she's the first to offer her everything
making all the difference but not even realizing

Thanks Mom, for being there, always first.

Let the giving begin!

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. - Luke 6:38

I was so blessed yesterday to spend a couple of hours with the Bible School girls out in town shopping. But it wasn't just your average shopping trip! It was truly a special time.

We piled 12 of us into a couple vehicles and hit the dollar story, a regular girl-gang! There was much laughter and smiles as we grabbed baskets and headed through the aisles in search of special gifts; gifts not for ourselves, not for each other, but for little children around the world who have never received anything before. That's right, we were filling shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child! If you have never heard of OCC, let me explain. Samaritan's Purse organizes the program every year in which you fill a shoe box with gifts, hygiene items, school supplies, etc and then they give them out to children in different countries around the world as Christmas gifts. Along with each box, they give the Gospel message. Lives are changed, whole villages are impacted and a child is given a special joy.

Moreover, it is such a joy to be the giver. One of my very favourite Christmas traditions, (and appropriately placed around thanksgiving time as well when we are all very aware of our own blessings) I enjoyed every minute of scouring the store for each special item. I packed the box with love and then my friend,who joined me in buying the gifts for this specific little girl, joined me in prayer for her and the whole program. I know that God can really use my little efforts and make a difference in this little girl's life and I'm excited to perhaps be a part of that blessing. I encourage all of you to get out there and fill a box. National collection week is November 14-21 so there's still time, no excuse people! Check out the website if you have questions: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/FAQ