When tomorrow starts without me

When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me:

I wish you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too:

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand.

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity.
And all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things you knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

Roller Coaster Rides

Now if you know me you'll know that I'm not one for roller coasters. I enjoy watching them whiz around, but as for riding them - not me. I get motion sick very easily and once sick it can take hours to get over it so roller coaster rides are out. Besides the physical effects I really don't like to be scared.

Well my life recently, especially the past couple of days, has been nothing short of the most incredible roller coaster ride in the world. If I could bottle it I'd be able to sell and make a mint. Seriously, with all that has been happening with Dad I feel like life is out of control. The only thing that is keeping me sane is knowing that I'm not in control, but God is. With Him at the controls life is going to be okay. Now I'm not one to easily give over control of a situation, but He is certainly teaching me that there is NOTHING I can do to change things and that I just need to do what He is telling me to do. I suppose that means I just need to sit back and enjoy the ride - woohoo here comes another hill and will you look at the dip that is coming that's sure to put my stomach in a flap or is that flip.

Burn Baby Burn

The other day during our devoutions was centered around trials and difficult times. We read James 1:2-12 and this verse in particular spoke to me:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

We also read a story about a beautiful pot and what it had to go through to become that piece of art work. We learnt that the Master needed to pound the clay, spin it and shape it, it needed to be fired in a kiln, glazed and painted and fired again, but in the end the Master knew what he was doing and a small lump of clay becomes a beautiful pot.

We all need to remember that during lifes trials and during the fires in our life our heavenly Father is there with us, watching, waiting, sharing our pain. He alone knows how much we can take. He alone knows what He has planned for us. He alone knows what He is making us into. We just have to allow Him to work on us. We must be willing to go through the fire, sometimes over and over again, but in the end if we allow it we will become perfection in His eyes.

Politics

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.
But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

Proverbs 29:2

With all the talk of politically nominees and the up coming election I believe we have a responsibility to pray for a godly leader. As christains we are called to uphold and follow the laws of our leaders. We must pray that our leaders remember where we come from and have the strength to remain strong as they are attacked for having faith.

There is so much talk of seperating religion and state and my question is why. Why are our children not allowed to pray at school, why is a teacher fired because he has a bible on his desk and teaches the creation theory. I believe that Satan is scared and is using all his power to undermine the Lord. He has a hold on the world at the moment and unless we as christians stand strong the world around us will only become worse.

People pray for our leaders and pray for the people in influence. That is our duty and our commission.

Praise through the pain

For the last couple of weeks I've been experiencing a tremendous amount of back pain. During this time I've had little relief, but have still needed to take care of the baby, the house and Dad. Last Monday I was driving home from gymnastics and the lyrics of a song on the radio rang out and spoke to me. It was almost like God Himself was telling me the message. Here are the lyrics:

And I know there'll
be days When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You Jesus, bring the rain

This is from the song my Mercy Me called Bring the Rain.

I'm thankful that I've been able to have this difficult time because the one thing it has shown me is that I'm stronger than any pain as long as I continue to focus on Him. I'm thankful for the fact that I'm able to feel the pain, there are so many out there that can't. I'm thankful for the fact that when it gets so bad I don't think I can go on I have a beautiful daughter who hugs me, rubs my back and says 'it'll be okay momma'. I'm thankful for the many prayers that have been said on my part and for the caring that has been shown by my friends. The Lord has truly blessed me and yes even through the tears I'm going to choose to say "I will praise you Jesus, bring the rain"

Rice, rice and more rice

Well I've made it to day 2 of the Compassion Challenge. A challenge set by our Pastor at church. We were to eat like a major part of the world's population and I don't mean the western world I mean the world. Since the majority of the world's population is located in third world countries I've been eating a lot of rice and beans. Now I don't have a problem with rice and beans, I'm enjoying the food, but I miss the lasting full feeling that meat gives you. I've come to realize how important meat is to not our health, but our lifestyle. I'm thinking that after all this is over I'm going to continue eating rice and beans for lunch at least once or twice a week as a reminder of those that go without.