Owen is 10! How is that even possible? My baby boy is now in the double digits! Wow, that's extremely hard to believe. I know it's cliche, but, your children really do grow in the blink of an eye. Today is about Owen and his ten years he has been part of our lives. Today is about celebrating this amazing young man! Today is about laughing and having the best day ever. Today is about cake and ice cream; or strawberry pie, one of Owen's favorites. For me, on birthdays, I find myself reminiscing. As a mom, you are reminded every year about that special day God blessed you with a child. I don't think of the pain involved; I think of the pure joy I felt in all of the moments. The moment I held him. The moment I heard his first cry. The moment he gazed into my eyes. The moment I nursed him when he was moments old. There are so many moments. So many firsts. So many years of mak...
In the midst of this heartache, I praise you, Lord. I thank you for the gentle reminder through disappointment that it is in your timing, not mine. That through pain and discouragement and even longing for something to come to pass, you are always faithful to your word. You are always right on time. With these storms that are swirling around my family, I keep my eyes focused on you and you alone. If I allow my eyes to focus on the storms, I’ll drown because I walk by faith, not by sight. So today, and every day, I celebrate each and every one of these storms. I celebrate because you can see the entire picture. I celebrate because what is meant to harm me, you use for good. I celebrate because you have walked with me before and you will continue to do so until this storm has passed. I celebrate because I know that these storms are not what they appear to be. So thank you, Lord, for all that you do. I stand here with arms held high, ready to receive your rain. 
