Life is a miracle

The time has passed quickly.

She is only five years old.

I can still remember the time of her birth, a miracle to unfold.

I didn't understand just what I would learn.

Not knowing if I would ever hold her and then the question arose, how long?

Each moment was a gift.

Her soft breath and tiny body, held joy and promises unknown.

I learned to enjoy each second as though it would be the last.

We often think of mothering as a life time job.

But I learned that the blessing could sometimes only be hours or days long.

In the end I was given the chance to mother her longer...much longer is my guess.

For I am still blessed with the opportunity to nurture her and hold her to my chest.

Five years have passed and I want to always be grateful and not take any moment for granted.

For I have been blessed to be called mommy by an Angel ...that is her name.

Get Up and Leave

Reading the current headlines, I am again faced with this feeling that causes me to look around and look at myself. I ask the question, could I just get up and leave all my worldly possessions?

I really love my books. I know I would really miss them. But deep in my soul I hear this still quiet voice saying be ready to get up and leave. The classic "what if" scenario rings in my mind. If God came today, all would be left. If a natural disaster occurred, I'd have to go. If the unspeakable, unforeseen happened, there would simply be no choice.

I often tell people that I'd prefer to invest my money traveling instead of the latest gadgets. I've got a regular cell phone. I can't even text on it. It does what I need it to do. I'm content with that.

But the latter part of last year and again this year, there is an uneasiness when I begin to have comfortable thoughts of fixing my home up and having it look nice. It's as though God is whispering to my heart not to get comfortable. Don't put stock in what you see in front of you.

No man knows the time or hour but I do hear a whispering. God's voice pointing me in the direction of what is really important. The things of earth will come to pass but what's done for Christ is the only thing that will last.

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

-C.T. Studd