One Step At A Time

Frederick seems camera shy because I have been trying to catch him on video for a couple of weeks. Mary Lou and I had to act like we were not looking so he would walk. 

God is our loving Father. He encourages us when we fall and gives us the strength to stand.

Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)

A man’s heart plans his way,
      But the LORD directs his steps. 

-Marc

Gratefulness

  Birthdays are always a fun time but while celebrating my son's birthday yesterday I felt a different emotion; gratefulness. I am grateful that God fulfilled His promise in Psalm 121 that "He will not allow your foot to be moved" and " He who keeps you will not slumber...nor sleep" (New King James Version). The Lord blessed us during Mary Lou's pregnancy and He led us through her labor and Frederick's safe birth. During every challenge He renewed us; in every victory He celebrated with us and we gave Him thanks.

                                              Mary Lou, Frederick, and I

   This gratefulness was inspired by a special moment a few days ago. Our close friend lost their teenage son last year. They held a one year memorial service to celebrate his life and gave out cards with the memorial website. I was not in town for the memorial so I looked at the website and could not help but remember their pain and continued sadness. Then I viewed the last page of the memorial website which was a video.

    Seeing their son as a baby and little boy in the video while hearing the lively soundtrack of my son drove home the gravity of their loss. Surprisingly, at the end of the video, I felt encouraged because their son was saved (ref. Roman 8), his work for God was done and it was time for him to go home to be with Jesus.

   I am glad I have been able to witness this family's sincere faith in God. It has led them to a deeper understanding of the impact their son had for the Lord. It has become another chapter in their already amazing testimony and their faith in Jesus Christ has given them peace.

Philippians 4:4-7 (below) comes alive by seeing their lives:

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 
⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 
⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Click here to Celebrate the Life Remon 

God is still ministering to people through Remon.

   I now better understand the importance of the "birth" part of Birthdays and it warms my heart to see my bride and son beaming with excitement because we have been given the opportunity to celebrate his first birthday.

                                                            

I am grateful and God is gracious.