"I must try and cultivate an eye for life's mercies...
And life, while it has its ugly swamps, its vile weeds, and its sharp thorns,
has always its fair flowers to charm the eye with their beauty,
or to fill the air with their fragrance..."
Rev. John Flowers Serjeant, 1878
Pat, I remember very well how I felt when Jamie was getting ready to leave on her mission trips to Russia and China. I was excited for her, but my stomach was still tied in knots. I would catch myself imagining all sorts of wild things that could happen to put her in harm's way. Then I would come back to Jesus and say, "I know this is your will for her, Lord, and whatever she experiences on this mission will all be a part of how you are going to use her and what you are going to teach her!" I never thought about it this way, but it was kind of like holding on the His apron strings! We know the time will come when our children will let go of ours, but hopefully not until they have a firm grasp on His! I will be praying for Emily along with you, Pat, and you and Louis will be in my prayers just as much as she is! I absolutely LOVE the woodpecker pics, they are amazing!
My son traveled to Africa for 9 weeks when he was 14. My daughter traveled to Guatemala the summer she graduated from high school--and then spent 9 months in Nicaragua. I've always told God I would not stand in the way of His plans for them . . . I will be praying for you and for Emily. You are being loving and brave and walking in faith.
I don't think the apron strings every break... but they are crafted, by God, to stretch all the way around the world. Prayers for her safety, your peace of mind and success in her endeavors... God is in control! Whew! What a relief that fact is!
You know you have our prayers Pat. Each and every day we lift you all up. I know that God has His hand on Emily for He has planted the desire to go in her heart. Nevertheless, it is hard to see her leave. We will be praying for your courage and strength during this time.Blessings my friend.
8 comments:
I will start praying NOW.
Pat, I remember very well how I felt when Jamie was getting ready to leave on her mission trips to Russia and China. I was excited for her, but my stomach was still tied in knots. I would catch myself imagining all sorts of wild things that could happen to put her in harm's way. Then I would come back to Jesus and say, "I know this is your will for her, Lord, and whatever she experiences on this mission will all be a part of how you are going to use her and what you are going to teach her!" I never thought about it this way, but it was kind of like holding on the His apron strings! We know the time will come when our children will let go of ours, but hopefully not until they have a firm grasp on His! I will be praying for Emily along with you, Pat, and you and Louis will be in my prayers just as much as she is! I absolutely LOVE the woodpecker pics, they are amazing!
My son traveled to Africa for 9 weeks when he was 14. My daughter traveled to Guatemala the summer she graduated from high school--and then spent 9 months in Nicaragua. I've always told God I would not stand in the way of His plans for them . . .
I will be praying for you and for Emily. You are being loving and brave and walking in faith.
I don't think the apron strings every break... but they are crafted, by God, to stretch all the way around the world. Prayers for her safety, your peace of mind and success in her endeavors... God is in control! Whew! What a relief that fact is!
The photos speak of the tenderness and the nurturing.
You know you have our prayers Pat. Each and every day we lift you all up. I know that God has His hand on Emily for He has planted the desire to go in her heart. Nevertheless, it is hard to see her leave. We will be praying for your courage and strength during this time.Blessings my friend.
You'd think it would take more strength to hang on to anything, but in reality, it's the letting go that's impossibly hard, isn't it?
Holding you both tight in prayer!
You'd think it would take more strength to hang on to anything, but in reality, it's the letting go that's impossibly hard, isn't it?
Holding you both tight in prayer!
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