A Lifetime of Love

Many of you received my family's Christmas letter for a review of this past year, but here are some additional thoughts I have regarding 2007. . . . . . I began a blog for no particular reason but it quickly became a way for me to write about my daily trials and blessings for all of the many hats that I wear. . . . Through my blog, I am better able to see the Hand of God at work in my life, both in the present and the past. This has helped me to grow closer in my walk with the Lord. . . . I have been able to encourage others, which is an awesome by-product of having this blog. . . . I am able to express myself better through writing than I am in person. . . . The bond between my sis-in-law Jenn and I has been strengthened because of blogging. . . . I have been humbled because of various circumstances that happened to friends and acquaintances this year, and I appreciate my family so much more, particularly my husband and children. . . . I learned that life with 3 children is not th...

In the wake of the phone incident, I have been busy washing towels and scrubbing the kids' bathroom- every square inch of it! No fear, my dad got himself a new phone, the toilet is back in place after 2 days off, and the stench from the drain hole is finally subsiding. Only 5 more days until my dad goes home; pray nothing else happens until that time... On a more serious note, I have been thinking of and praying for a little 4 year old boy who lives in Texas. He is in his final days of battling brain cancer, and I have difficulty bringing myself to read his daily updates. I know soon I will click on his care page and the update will tell of his passing. I have been following his story since the fall and although it's difficult to explain, I sort of feel like I know his family. I guess perhaps it is because he is close in age to my Th, and his mother Mimi has pictures posted from before his cancer; Julian was very much a boy like mine. His care page depicts Mimi's thoughts a...

Below is a video of an event that occured yesterday in my home involving my dad and his phone. . . enjoy!

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ~Isaiah 9:6 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ~Luke 2:11

I use the Kraft website weekly to plan my menu and then daily to follow the recipes when preparing supper. I run like a crazy woman back and forth between the computer and the stove. TJ has been after me for a while to replace my cookbooks and many recipes with a more modern digital version. I have been reluctant to change because, well, our desktop computer isn't that far away from the kitchen and I have a lot of hand-written recipes. I find it difficult to see the necessity of typing them into a Word document to save in a digital format. But, as usual, TJ had a solution: he removed my cookbooks and replaced it with a laptop that sits on the counter next to the stove. For my other recipes, he has a machine at work that scans the document and saves it in a digital format, meaning he can email it to me to save to the laptop. He finished the laptop Tuesday, and this weekend I have really put it to good use as I baked Christmas cookies. No more sprinting to the computer desk or sifti...

Last week, I received free tickets for ice skating at the outdoor rink in downtown Charlotte, along with free skate rental and hot cocoa vouchers, followed by tickets to watch the Charlotte Checkers play a hockey game as part of the WBT radio station’s celebration of Veteran’s night. It was awesome! Driving in downtown Charlotte is easy compared to a city like Chicago or New York, but nonetheless we made a few wrong turns and had to drive around the block in order to get into the parking garage. I am the navigator while TJ is the pilot (like our airplane talk?); however, he gets nervous driving in places he’s not familiar with. He was also driving fast, making it difficult for me to read street signs. Once we passed the garage, he was a little upset that I didn’t see it before he passed it (sorry, I try my best to read at 40 mph!) because, of course, the next intersection we came to was a one-way street. After much arguing discussing we got back to where we needed to be and found a go...

I received Christmas cards today from 2 very special people. Both are friends of ours from California, and both have had such a huge influence in my decision to go into the field of Special Education. They were both on our Special Olympic Swim Team (again, I haven't yet gotten that far in the writing of my life) and have been a part of our lives since 1999. They are definitely worth sharing about, and hopefully I can find some digital pictures (my Special Olympic years were well before I ever had a digital camera!) to share. Michael and his mom Pat are both brave people. Michael was born with Down Syndrome, and he has 2 other siblings (a brother and a sister). The children are grown and married, except Michael. Michael's father passed away quite a few years ago, and Michael requires constant care. Pat and Michael lived down the street from us when we lived in our apartment off base. It was nice to be able to stop by for a visit anytime I was so inclined. Pat was a probation o...

Below is the draft I typed up this afternoon to use as our family's annual Christmas Letter. I keep going back and forth as to whether I should send this. I'm not really sure why, I guess because most family members like to read an update on our family and how things have changed, which this is, but on more of a spiritual level. Anyway, here it is in all its glory. . . 2007 This year the Lord has really revealed Himself to us through various situations, and I feel compelled to share what TJ and I have learned as a result. Life can change in an instant. The Lord has proven that to us by the circumstances surrounding some people that TJ and I know. I do not know why any of the following life events happened to these specific people, but I do know they were God-ordained and He will be their source of strength (Isaiah 41:10). I will first begin with our friend Mark. Mark had cancer, and he was fighting for his life. But, to most people he appeared healthy and never complained about...

Today marks the 4 year anniversary of my miscarriage. I have not gotten that far in the writing of my "life journey", but because this day is both the worst and best day of my life, I want to share with you. Thanksgiving 2003 was spent visiting family in Ohio, although it was only myself and Th. I don't remember why TJ stayed in SC, but he did. While I was gone, I began to spot. I phoned the doctor and was told it is/was normal to spot around the time I would normally have my cycle (I was almost 9 weeks pregnant). The nurse I spoke with said to make an appointment the following Monday if the spotting didn't stop. I planned to go anyway because I was fighting a severe cold and needed some medication. The spotting never increased, but it didn't decrease, either. I also remember not feeling pregnant- you know, the exhaustion, the nauseousness, tenderness in the chest- I did not have any of those symptoms. I also remember thinking it was weird that my pants weren...

I am trying so hard to "decorate" my blog for Christmas but to no avail. I have no idea how to change the background colors or anything. I found a neat header I want to use but it just doesn't go with the white background I currently have. Anyone who is willing to help me, I would greatly appreciate it!

I try to read my Bible every day (I set aside time during the kids’ nap time) and I try to read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the month. For example, today I read Proverbs 19. I have been doing this for several months, so this is not new material for me. Yet, for some reason today, the words in verse 3 seemed to jump off the page at me. I don’t know why they seem so clear to me. Here’s what is says: “A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord.” That is so true! I know in the past, before I learned I needed to have the mind of God, that I felt that way at times. Think about all the stupid decisions, mistakes, etc. we have made, I have made, and how God receives the blame. Also think about all the blessings He bestows on us yet we take the credit. I know not every bad thing that happens to a person is because of a foolish decision, but in most cases, this is true. Think about drug users. They make a foolish decision to do so, and the...

Call me crazy or weird or strange, but just because all kids do it doesn't mean I have to like it. . . or accept it! Just before bed this evening, as I was laying with Th talking about the upcoming week, he casually mentioned to me that every morning, upon entering his class, he tells his teacher he will not pick his nose. He said he didn't like telling her that because he wanted to pick his nose. I tried my best to not even hint at a smile because he was very serious as he told me this. In a controlled voice I simply explained that nose picking is not socially acceptable nor appropriate, and more importantly, germs live in noses; he could get sick from picking his nose and then doing what most kids do (I'll refrain from continuing, but if you don't know to what I am referring, spend a few minutes kidwatching and you'll quickly figure it out!) He agreed and said he'd try his best not to pick his nose tomorrow at school. I hope he's able to control himself a...

As if I don’t have enough on my plate, I am praying about adding another HUGE undertaking. Last week while driving to school, I heard a radio interview with a man, named Carroll Moore, who is attempting to take as many WWII Veterans in my county as possible to see their Memorial in Washington, DC. I immediately knew it was something I wanted to help with, and I pray the Lord allows it. As a Veteran, this is near and dear to my heart. I called him today to discuss his needs and hung up both excited and overwhelmed. His list of needs is many, but that is where I think you as my blogging friends can help. First I’ll give you the facts, then I’ll list the needs and ways you can support this worthy cause. There needs to be a sense of urgency in moving forward because: Approximately 16 million Americans answered the call to arms in WWII. 400,000 made the ultimate sacrifice An estimated 3 million are alive today, BUT they are dying at an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 PER DAY! The youngest of thes...

Having a contraction. . . (natural labor/delivery- no drugs!) 10 days old. . . 3 months old. . . 6 months old. . . 9 months old. . . Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday Dear T.G.! Happy Birthday to You! Today T.G. is 1! I can't believe it; I remember when I found out I was pregnant how scared and worried I was about having children so close in age (Ta and T.G. are 19 months apart). It took a very long time for reality to set in, and thankfully the Lord has blessed me with a very sweet, laid-back, easy-going baby. She has brought so much joy into my life, our lives, and I have difficulty remembering before she was born. I look forward to sharing in this next year of her life as it will be characterized with many more "firsts": walking, talking, and so much more! I love you baby girl!

By the way, I added some new links under "My Favorites." When you get a chance, check them out as I feel they will be helpful to many.

I cannot believe October has passed! T.G.'s first birthday is fast-approaching, and I am a little saddened. My baby is growing too fast! I posted some pictures from this past month, including Halloween. I love looking at the pictures, especially seeing the smiles on the faces of the residents in the nursing home; it is nothing short of sheer joy at seeing the children in their costumes. Th was a robot, Ta was Piglet, and T.G. was a pumpkin. I made her costume for $2.40 and I am really proud of myself. It's not the best in the world, but considering I didn't have a pattern and had to make one on my own, it turned out pretty good. It was a little big, but I knew it would be: I used Th as my mannequin because the only opportunity I had to sew was while she was napping. The picture is difficult to see, but I even sewed some green leaves out of felt for her hair. Oh, I wanted to update about school from a few weeks ago. I found out I need 2 classes in order to get my Elementa...

1 Corinthians 10:31, "And whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God." We used to "celebrate" Halloween until I really understood how it is not pleasing to Christ. My boys have gone trick-or-treating 1 time and it was horrible. They were scared and it was then that I was convicted by the Holy Spirit through the above verse. Now, we allow the children to wear a costume to their preschool fall festival, and then in the afternoon we go visit a local nursing home in their costumes. The residents love it, the kids love it, and I love knowing it brought joy to everyone involved. We no longer go trick-or-treating, and the costumes I permit the kids to wear cannot be evil or scary in any way. This year Th is a robot, Ta is Piglet, and T.G. is a pumpkin. I made Th and T.G.'s costume, and a friend gave me Ta's last year. I'll post pictures tomorrow from their festival at school and from the nursing home. Until then, read t...

I want to share with you about my student who I have been working with at a local elementary school. She is a beautiful, sweet girl and I am extremely burdened for her and her family. N. is 8 years old and in 3rd grade. She has pulmonary arterial hypertension, which is something I had never heard of until meeting her. She has a catheter that enters directly into her heart and wears a backpack that carries the liquid medication. If the catheter becomes dislodged, she has approximately 3 minutes to have it replaced before she faces death. One of my tasks at the school is to ensure this does not happen, and it is very daunting! With her disability, she faces fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea , vomiting, and a host of other side effects. Today I came in and her face and neck were covered in what looked to be red hives. It was caused by her medication. She looks like a normal 8 year old, and generally acts like one, too. I did some research on this particular condition (you know me,...

I've not posted in a few days because I've been busy with school (as usual) and getting ready for last night and tonight. Specifically, this week is Missions Conference at church. We are blessed to have five excellent missionaries and their families in attendance, and even more blessed that we were able to get to know them on a more personal basis. We ate lunch with them all at church both yesterday and today, hosted one last night and another tonight for supper, and the church is having its Fall Fellowship tomorrow evening in which all will be present. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have so much interaction with such a diverse group of people. I hope these past few days have been and will continue to be a memorable event for my children, particularly the meals. Sharing 4 meals with 4 separate families has really provided a great opportunity for the boys, Th especially, to get a better idea of what a missionary is and why it is such an important job. The missionary we ...

Jenn gave me another award today. I don't really think I did anything special, but I appreciate her thinking of me. It brought a smile to my face nonetheless. Visit her blog if you're interested in finding out why she chose me.

Jenn had this posted and I thought it was a cute way to get to know TJ and me better. 1. Who is your man? TJ 2. How long have you been together? Total 9 ½ years, married 8 3. How long did you date? 1 year and 4 months 4. How old is your man? 32 5. Who eats more? Unfortunately I do 6. Who said “I love you” first? He definitely did. I think. 7. Who is taller? I am by an inch 8. Who sings better? He definitely does! He sounds a lot like Travis Tritt, and I often encourage him to join our church’s choir, but to no avail. 9. Who is smarter? We both have our strengths. I am much more knowledgeable about history and English (i.e. grammar), and we’re equally talented in math and science. 10. Whose temper is worse? Hands down. . . me. His temper debuts while driving, mine in pretty much everything else. 11. Who does the laundry? That’s a sore subject! I do the laundry and I HATE it! He’ll help but I usually have to ask. 12. Who takes out the trash? He does, unless I see it needs to be done whi...

We do our grocery shopping as a family, although occasionally TJ will take only the boys to allow me to get some things done around the house. We typically go to the grocery store on Friday, but this past Friday TJ and I went to a wedding reception together, so our weekly grocery trip occurred Saturday. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I don't just go by myself or with T.G. , and it's because I spend more when I do that. I have a difficult time remembering what we're out of, and so rather than not have any, I buy it. I have 2 unopened bottles of Ranch dressing in my pantry, along with several boxes of noodles, macaroni. . . you get the picture. I don't know why I have so much trouble, but I do. So, TJ helps me remember what we have and don't have, and we save money because of his memory. Okay, back to Saturday at the grocery store. I have heard stories about those who go to the grocery store and return home and as they're unpacking the bags, find they ...

As I wrote in my last post, Mark’s son C. preached at church this past Sunday evening. He did an awesome job! The subject of his message was about how God allows trials into our lives for various reasons. He presented text from Job 1:6-2:10, 42:1-6, 10-17. The entire time he was preaching I just kept thinking about what a strong young man C. is, his entire family is really, that he could apply the truths of God’s Word to the passing of Mark. God really blessed me through C.’s message. First, I was caught up in the nursery getting Ta and T.G. settled. I entered the sanctuary just as the service was beginning. TJ and Th were already seated, so I found them and slid into the chair next to an older gentleman. I didn’t know who the gentleman was, but he shared his hymnal with me since the congregation was already singing the opening hymn. The service began with C. preaching, followed by 2 other teenage boys preaching. I already stated what C.’s topic was, and as I listened to him, I real...

This weekend was so nice. It all began with a phone call Friday afternoon. . . My friend J. called me and presented me with 2 propositions: we could go shopping for a wedding gift and then have dinner ALONE (as in a “girl’s night out”) OR we could do the same thing as couples (with her oldest girls staying with my children to baby-sit). I called TJ to get his input, and honestly, I was thinking he wouldn’t be up for either of J’s ideas. He had a rough day on Friday and I didn’t think he’d like the idea of being home alone with the kids and it was evident from his mood he didn’t feel like being sociable. But, he surprised me by telling me he and P. (J’s husband) had planned for J and me to get together for a girl’s night out while we were at the Wilds. So, J and I went shopping and then had dinner at the Olive Garden (which, if you know me, is my FAVORITE restaurant)! After dinner, we went to Panera for coffee and sat there 45 minutes after the store had closed drinking coffee, talking,...

It's registration time for next semester (I can't believe it- the semester is flying by!) and as I was going over my degree planning sheet, I came across something that I'm still not sure how to interpret. I found out that ALL Special Education majors also graduate with a certification in Elementary Education. Now, for those who may not know, Special Ed. is a K-12 certification, meaning I can teach any grade level but only in Special Ed. Elementary is specifically for grades 2-5, and I would LOVE to have this additional certification because then I wouldn't be limited to only being able to teach Special Ed. The problem lies in that I have a feeling I need to take some additional methods courses (i.e. how to teach) in science and social studies. I'm not sure, and when I went to ask the degree planning person, she is out-of-town until next Wednesday. The suspense is killing me, especially because I was hoping to complete my student-teaching next year and graduate. Ad...

Of all of the many chores I do as a wife/mother, laundry is probably my most dreaded. Perhaps it is because it seems to be never-ending; there are always clothes to be washed. I have been the type to only do laundry once per week for that very reason: I hate it and couldn’t possibly bear the thought of doing laundry every day. I should clarify that I don’t really hate laundry. I have no problems with sorting clothes, putting clothes into the washer and/or dryer, or even getting them out of the dryer. No, my problem is folding them. I do okay for the first 4-5 loads. After that, it’s all downhill. I fold laundry on my bed, so what usually happens is that any clothes that happen to get washed/dried after load 6 is left in the laundry basket until Wednesday, Thursday, or even Friday. By then, it’s slim pickin’s because we’ve picked through the basket, finding and wearing the necessary item of clothing. I’m usually left with a handful of stray socks, underwear, and a few shirts or shorts....

Above is a video that helps keep the humor in mothering. Remember, perspective is everything! I hope you enjoy it; I certainly did!

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." ~John 9:3 As you are aware, CDH is a little-known birth defect, that, according to Breath of Hope, Inc (2007), occurs almost as frequently as Cystic Fibrosis and Spina Bifida. Several families I know (some in person, some through the Internet ) have been greatly affected by this. Out of compassion for them and my love for children (especially those with disabilities!), I am trying to help spread the word about CDH. With a minimal investment of time, you can help, too. CDH families and friends are trying to get March 31 declared as CDH Awareness day and we are asking for your help! If you would like to participate, please email cdhawareness@breathofhopeinc.com and you will be forwarded a sample letter and the Proclamation to mail to your governor. Please help us to bring this horrible birth defect to the attention of everyone and no...

Everyone is feeling better. . . except me. My stomach is killing me, and I don't know why. I have been fasting out of fear of vomiting , except if you know me, I LOVE food! So, for breakfast I settled on a handful of animal crackers. It's taken me 4 hours to eat them all because I'm afraid the next bite will put me over the edge. I did my presentation today. I just finished it at 11:15. It went very well, and I think I did great. I presented the information and then we went from our classroom into the gym to do an activity. I used one of Th's giant floor puzzles and each student had 1 piece of the puzzle. The first time we did it, no one was allowed to talk. *Remember, my presentation was on PDD which includes disabilities such as Autism- communication skills are a deficit* The second time we did, I permitted the students to talk. We completed the puzzle faster the first time (silence) because everyone watched and patiently waited for pieces that matched their own. Th...

Well, apparently we are in for the long haul. The stomach bug has claimed another victim- T.G. I now have Ta and T.G. who can't keep anything down, and I feel nauseous myself. Poor Ta, after getting another bath this afternoon because he vomited all over the kitchen floor (again!) said to me, "Me need medicine for my mouth. No more throw up. Me not like it." Have you ever seen your heart crumble right in front of your eyes? I did after hearing that comment. I can't give him anything for I fear it would only make him vomit more. And poor T.G.! She doesn't know what's happening, and unfortunately I can't predict when it will happen, either. She got me, the playroom floor, and the hall floor all before I realized she was actually vomiting and not just "spitting up". Duh! James 1:2, "Count it all joy. . ." Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to learn kindness and compassion as I watch them suffer.

"Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established." ~ Proverbs 16:3 NKJV My plan for last night and today: Put the kids to bed at 9PM and work on the slides for my presentation Wednesday. Go to bed around 10 or so and get a full night’s sleep. Wake at 6:30AM Drop off Th at preschool at 9 Go to a friend’s house with Ta and T.G. to make a craft to bring to the nursing home next week Come home and work on Thank-You cards and make lunch Eat lunch and head to church for Bible Study Come home and put the kids down for a nap While everyone is napping, finish my other Bible study lesson and finish up my presentation God’s plan for last night and today: Put the boys to bed at 9PM Nurse T.G. and put her in her crib to go to sleep at 9:30 9:45 Ta woke crying with vomit EVERYWHERE in his bed I give him a bath while TJ changes the sheets, deodorizes his room, and disinfects his mattress and pillow covers Get him settled in bed at 10:15 and go get T.G. who has been scr...

I've been busy with school lately. I had a test last Monday, some assignments due last Wednesday, and another test this morning. I just finished taking it, and I feel okay about it. I am giving a 30 minute presentation on Wednesday about integrating children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (Autism, Asperger's , Rett's ) in the physical education setting. I LOVE doing things like this because I have such a heart for children with special needs. I enjoy researching the various disabilities and finding the best methods (both physical and social) to incorporate these kids into the regular education classroom. I know a few children who have Autism and Asperger's , and I like talking with the parents to gain their perspective of the education their child is receiving, especially in the public school. For those of you who attended Th's birthday party, I am going to try my best to write thank-you cards this week. Along with my college courses, I am leading a Bible st...

My sister-in-law Jenn presented me with a "Nice Matters" award last week and I am just now finding time to post it. You can see it on the right. Thanks, Jenn, for thinking of me!

TJ and I visited the Wilds Christian Camp in Brevard, NC this weekend with some very good friends. Words cannot describe the sense of renewal and refreshment we left with on Saturday evening. It was evident that the Lord used various situations this past week to prepare us for this weekend, and coupled with the preaching we received, we left better prepared to lead lives pleasing to Christ. Pastor Dan Brooks of Heritage Bible Church in Greer, SC preached several messages on love from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. I have read, been preached to, and even taught this passage several times prior to this trip. However, Pastor Brooks applied this message in a different, more appropriate way, and both TJ and I were convicted of sinning against each other in various ways within our marriage. Basically, Pastor Brooks preached the concept of living the gospel each day, not just the day of salvation. Now, if you are not saved, this won’t make much sense to you. However, if you are saved, it’s basically t...

I am writing to ask for prayer for me. Compared to what my friend Carrie and many others have recently experienced, my request is very minor. However, it is causing me stress and anxiety, and I am feeling extremely overwhelmed. The next week is very busy for me both as a wife/mom and student. We are celebrating Th’s birthday at preschool tomorrow so I need to bake cookies to bring in the morning. Before going to preschool, however, I have a MOMS Club meeting and it is my turn to bring snacks, so I also have to bake a breakfast cake to share. I have to be at a local middle school tomorrow afternoon to teach an adapted physical education class to 4 students with disabilities. Tomorrow is my first day with this, so I am a little nervous about meeting the students and planning activities for them. Friday morning I have my weekly MOMS Club Bible study, and Friday afternoon TJ and I are leaving for our couple’s retreat. I still need to complete my lesson and make the handouts for Bible study...

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers" ~ 1 Peter 3:12a Praise the Lord! God has heard and answered our prayers regarding Carrie. She made it through surgery well and is very responsive. The doctors found that the tumor was not cancerous and were able to remove all of it . She still has a long way to go for recovery and needs to be very cautious so that she does not get any infections. Her husband said she was up and talking and it was like she never even had surgery. He wanted to thank everyone for their prayers and will give more information as it comes. This is a HUGE answer to prayer, and although I am crying, the tears are tears of joy. Thank you all so much for the support you have given this family through prayer.

Her surgery was at 1PM today. I have not yet heard any details, but please continue to pray for Carrie and all who will be caring for her as she recovers. Also, pray the tumor is not cancerous, and if it is cancerous, that it has not spread. Also pray for her family as they are split between caring for her son and being with her in the hospital. God's hand has been sustaining Carrie thus far, and I know He will continue to do so. He is the Ultimate Physician and can heal any ailment or affliction. I thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement; they are greatly appreciated! Specific ways to pray: God's will to be done and for Him to recieve all the glory and honor in whatever happens Carrie's spritual, emotional, and physical strength as she faces the unknown Ken (her husband)- his spiritual, emotional, and physical strength as he goes between home and Duke to care for Carrie and their son; travel safety as he goes back and forth; for him to be strong for Carri...

I literally just checked my email and received some news I definitely was not expecting. A friend of mine from the MOMS Club just found out she has a tumor on her brain and is undergoing surgery at Duke University. She and her husband have a son who will be 2 in October, so I'm sure this is especially scary for them. HOWEVER, it is times such as this that, as a Christian, I MUST turn to the One who ordained every circumstance in this young couple's lives. Here are some promises to help me, my friend, and all of you in cyberspace get through various trials in life. Please keep them in your prayers, and also us as a Club so we can better know how to serve her family at this time. Thanks! God's presence -- "I will never leave thee" (Heb. 13:5) God's protection -- "I am thy shield" (Gen. 15:1) God's power -- "I will strengthen thee" (Isa. 41:10) God's provision -- "I will help thee" (Isa. 41:10) God's leading -- "And...