A Heavenly Moment

Sometimes we get to experience what I call "heaven on earth".
You know; those moments that are tender, precious and overwhelming. They come with and a rush of unexpected emotion.

Today, I went with my daughter to look at wedding dresses. I have dreamed of this day, ever since she was born. All the years of waiting and anticipation were upon me. Both of us went, not really expecting to find "the dress" but really looking forward to trying on loads of beautiful gowns and all the fun it would bring.
My daughter looked spectacular in each one and I knew she was enjoying every moment in every dress. She loves being a woman, and that makes me happy. She is a strong, delicate, complicated, intricate, passionate young woman who brings me more joy than my words will ever be able to express.

After two bridal shops, countless dresses and 5 hours of fun, something happened. We saw "the one"
When I saw it, I gasped and spontaneously breathed her name. It had everything she and I both loved.
After trying on other dresses, it was time for this breathless one.

Out she came, and her eyes went from "I'm having so much fun" to "I have found the one"

What a joy to see the spontaneous smile that couldn't be wiped off her face even if you tried. Her chatter went from normal into over drive. She couldn't stop talking about it. She couldn't stop saying, "I like this one, I like it alot"
Then, her eyes became moist with tears of joy and I spontaneously responded only a second behind her.

All of a sudden, the room started getting too crowded for me (as there were other brides and people there) The chatter of a room full of happy women became louder than I could handle.
Something was happening to me. "This room was too small for us all" I thought. I needed help.

I pushed past my fear of what others would think and spoke up:
"Can I have some time alone with Alyssa?" I said.
Immediately a hush hit everyone and they softly said "Sure. Yes, sure!"

This was my moment, our moment, a heavenly moment.
I knew that this was a treaure that I would never forget and never again be able to repeat. I needed to enjoy every second, every word, every look, every moment. This was our moment.

I had her swish and swirl. I had her pose this way and that. Then, I asked her to sit right down on the carpet and I arranged the dress around her precious body. Here, sat my priceless treasure, that was as pretty as a princess.
We smiled, we cried, we imagined the day and we dreamed of how the groom would respond to her beauty.

All of a sudden, my eyes saw my toddler daughter. I saw the innocence of her childhood and I had flashbacks of her looking at me when she was but a babe. I saw the eyes that used to look at me with trust and love. This was a heavenly moment, and one that I will never, ever forget.

Dreams do come true, if you only believe. Today, I experienced heaven here on earth. I am the richest person on earth. It was worth the wait.

Riches Beyond Measure

I am a rich woman. Rich, because I am beginning to receive and understand the depths of His great love.

I am also rich because I have 3 wonderful kids who bring me so much joy. (and heartaches too!)
I often chat with mom's who are in the early years of parenting. I remember those days so well. Due to having a handicapped child, I have had the blessing of changing diapers for over 19 years. God has just released me from that responsibility and I am truly grateful!!

My oldest will be 20 years old in a few weeks, and I have been reminiscing about my journey with her. So many times when she was young, I felt like I was not able to give her the time she deserved. Due to her sister being very ill, and severely handicapped, my time was allotted differently than I had dreamed of in being a mom.
I would often worry how she would "turn out". I used to pray and ask God to make up for the lost time, or send someone to help pour into her.

He heard my cry and, He never let me down.

Although I was not always able to see with my natural eyes, He was working.

Today I often look at her and I am amazed. Amazed that she is my offspring. I am amazed how God stepped in and covered every little detail, and even more amazed at the beauty of Jesus that is reflected in her life.
Although she had to be exposed to many difficult situations as a young child, God met her at each one. I had to learn to let go of her, and place her in the the Father's hands. She in turn eventually learned to go to God to help her solve her problems and deal with her issues. I am only a secondary parent. God is her perfect Father.

Yesterday Alyssa made me a card. She carefully plucked all the petals from 2 daisies that were in an arrangement that she bought for me. She intricately glued them to the homemade card, and wrote scriptures and words of encouragement just for me! I was overwhelmed at the detail and the accuracy of the words that she expressed to me.
This is the scripture she wrote in it found in Phil. 3:12-14

I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

She reminded me that even though I have days where I struggle... when she sees me going to Jesus (with all my faults), she has hope. Hope that I am choosing to allow God to break strongholds, and hope for greater freedom for her. This makes me want to keep pressing on, knowing that all I learn in Christ WILL bear fruit in my children.

To all the mom's who are weary, or discouraged or worried. Remember that despite your greatest efforts, or your greatest failures........... He is there with you, watching over your children. He is guiding them and you. He will not leave you, or forsake you, even when you miss the mark.

Ps 27:10

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.

If you are overwhelmed with the daunting task of parenting...... ask Him to step in and make up for lost time. He is the restorer of all things. He can do what no one else can, not the greatest parenting book, or even Super Nanny.