HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

Saying Grace In A Restaurant (thanks Monica)

Last week, I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, 'God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!'

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, 'That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!'

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, 'Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?' As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.

He winked at my son and said, 'I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.' 'Really?' my son asked. 'Cross my heart,' the man replied.

Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), 'Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.'

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, 'Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already.'

The End

I love this story! Please keep it moving. Sometimes, we all need some ice cream. I hope God sends you some Ice Cream today!

I Married a Marine (12 years ago)

In 5 days, New Year's Eve) Joey and I will be married 12 years. We've gone through a lot. We married when he was still in the Marine Corps. Times were tough. Financially and mentally. We had nothing but each other and soon Taylor would enter our lives. We lived in this cracker box house that had 3 rooms in it. Bedroom (mattresses on the floor which we bought at the Salvation Army), a bathroom and a kitchen combo. Very small but that was all we needed. I remember getting so excited when we found this sofa sleeper for $30 on base. Now we could have visitors!!! LOL!

Needless, to say I was so frightened when I became pregnant in North Carolina, 12 hours from home, no friends, no family near, nothing. Now looking back we daily thank Heavenly Father for what we have now but also what we had then. We didn't have many material things, I never had a baby shower, like I had seen everyone at church receive. BUT mom & dad made sure Taylor had plenty of clothes. BUT most importantly we had love, true love.

Living in the military (and they have this quote "Marines Wife, Toughest Job in the Corps." and it WAS!) I even had this sticker on the back window of our old Nissan Stanza that got us through many trips to Tennessee and Ohio visiting family when we could. There were struggles like taking 3 or 4 loads of laundry to the laundry place 7-8 months pregnant all by myself, those we tough but made me stronger.

Although there have been struggles from being apart for long periods of time, I truly found my soul mate. Heavenly Father shined a light on Joey and let me know NOT to let this one go. That is a LONG story.

I can count on one hand the times we have ever shouted at each other. He completes me. Yes, you know me and you know how goofy I am, heck, my whole family is goofy and Joey fell in love with my family. Dad got a son he never had. Who he could talk military with and soon had a new fishing buddy. Joey has completed not only my life but my whole family's life.

So this is a little dedication from my love of him and how proud I am of him. What a wonderful provider, husband and father. And I married a Marine. Talk about feeling safe at night...lol.

Here is a tender moment with him and Switch as a baby sleeping. My tender Marine. I've spent over 13 years with this man and plan to be by his side no matter where life takes us. He's wanting to move us to Ohio where his dad lives and where he can get a better job and I resisted at first because I didn't want to miss my family and friends but he has been in McMinnville since the day he came home from the Marines so I guess I will follow him where ever he takes me because I trust his judgement, and we have prayed about it (always remember to pray) and I know he would never do anything that would hurt the family. He knows we are a strong family and we have been through a lot of growing up together and we know there are yet more struggles that are bound to come our way but together, the three of us can do anything possible with the love we have built and have for each other. I love you dear.

A Letter From A Friend

I saw this year's ago and have kept in one of my many folders of letter and messages that inspire me and I bring them out when I feel it's time to share them. Many of you have read this before but I hope it inspires you in some way.

A LETTER FROM A FRIEND

I just had to write to tell you how much I love you and care for you. Yesterday, I saw you walking and laughing with your friends; I hoped that soon you'd want Me to walk along with you, too.

So, I painted you a sunset to close your day and whispered a cool breeze to refresh you. I waited and you never called. I just kept on loving you.

As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted so much to touch you. I spilled moonlight onto your face- trickling down your cheeks as so many tears have. You didn't even think of me; I wanted so much to comfort you.

The next day I exploded a brilliant sunrise into a glorious morning for you. But you woke up late and rushed off to work- you didn't even notice. My sky became cloudy and My tears were the rain.

I love you. Oh, if you'd only listen. I really love you. I try to say it in the quiet of the green meadow and in the blue sky.

The wind whispers My love throughout the treetops and spills it into the vibrant colors of the flowers. I shout it to you in the thunder of the great waterfalls and compose love songs for bands to sing for you.

I warm you with the clothing of My sunshine and perfume the air with nature's sweet scent. My love for you is deeper than the ocean and greater than any need in your heart. If you'd only realize how I care. I died just for you.

My Dad sends His love. I want you to meet Him. He cares, too. Fathers are just that way. So please call Me soon. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait because I love you.

Your Friend,
Jesus