Surviving Christmas & Surviving Life

Do you wish you could sleep through this Christmas?

Better yet do you have any idea how you are going to survive this life?

I find myself wondering through life without much ability to navigate at this moment. Actually I feel like I am hanging onto a life raft being tossed about. I feel the sea is raging all around me. Who would have thought I would be where I am today. Awaiting my final papers from the courts. Attempting to do the Christmas thing without a nervous breakdown. I choose to thank him in the midst of my trials and pain. I choose to call on the name of Jesus and be embraced by My Beloved. One thing for sure is My Lord knew what I would be going through today. And, better yet My Lord knows what tomorrow holds. I am alive and breathing. And, my faith is in Him. Lord speak to my heart and guide my every foot step on this journey.

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.Psalm 16:11

In the midst of our turmoil....

He Himself is our peace according to Ephesians 2:14

And the peace of God which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Is He your Peace on Earth?

Psalm 30

I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
O Lord you brought me up from the grave, you spared me from going down into the pit.
Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise His Holy name.
For his anger last only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping many remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken."
O Lord when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face I was dismayed.
To you, O Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy;
What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord be my help."
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth

and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.

All boy & cute as can be

Two years ago I was
blessed with a special
birthday present.
My precious
grandson Brodie.
Brodie is so cuddly and
adorable.
Every time I look
at his pictures
I wish I could squeeze him. I cherish every moment
we have together. I love you my sweet Brodie.

Can't you tell

that Brodie

is not only

holding them

but their

hearts

as well.

Resting in His Embrace

Have you ever thought life was overwhelming?

Have you ever had the thought...I can't take it any more?

Have you wished you could go to sleep and wake up and your nightmare would be over?

Well, the past two years have been just that for me. It wasn't until I realized I had no control of hanging on to a marriage of 28 years. I literally watched it slip through my fingers. And, on July 27th of this year I told my husband I was opening my hand and releasing him. Such pain and such peace to feel chains be broken that had kept both of us in bondage.

On October 11th I turned 48 years old. I spent the morning with my dear friend Vicki sitting on the beach. Overwhelmed while over looking the vast ocean and trying to truly grasp the presence of my Savior. To be honest I always thought I knew Him. But let me tell you I truly know Him and feel His presence more than ever. I not only know my Redeemer as my personal Savior...He is my Beloved...His is my warm embrace...He is my Jehovah Jireh...He is my Jehovah Rapha...He is my Truth and I am learning more about Him each step I take. I don't know what life holds for me but I do know I am in good hands. I can't imagine this journey without Him. I may no longer have a husband to call my own but I do have a Beloved who loves me more than anyone ever could. In fact He created me to be exactly who I am. I would not have chosen this path for myself but I am so thankful to know true peace through such pain. It is all about Amazing Grace. I have read some wonderful books in the past 11 months but I have to admit that God's word has began to speak to me like never before.

You turned my wailing into dancing;

you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.

Psalm 30:11,12

Family ...my blessings

Tommy not only handsome on the outside a son with a burning desire to preach the name of Jesus. What more could a mother ask for than for her son to know the Lord as His personal savior. His beautiful wife Krystal stands beside him and encourages him, she is a good mother to my grandson Brodie who is so adorable, cuddly and loveable which reminds me of my son. If only there were not so many miles between us.

Christi beautiful through and through a daughter also with a burning desire to share the name of Jesus. To watch her with such grace and love care for her family and others is a blessing. Her husband Clay is a good husband and a good father. My granddaughters Chastity and Cherish are precious, adorable and loveable. They keep me on my toes. I am surrounded by love.

I love each one of my children and their families and cherish every moment we have. I look forward to what the Lord has in store for you.
Resting in His embrace,

Denise

Isaiah 12:2, Acts 2:25-28, Psalm 42:8, Isaiah 43:1-3, Romans 6:13