In Memory of My Mom

A few months back, my grandma told me she had something for me. As I opened the envelope, I began reading a devotional my mom had written once for a published book back home. As I began to read it, I was reminded of the Godly woman she was, and the amazing influence she was on my life.  This May will mark ten years sense she went to Heaven, but little memories like this make each day pass so much easier.

She dated this devotional "March 16, 1997" so, in her memory I re-publish it fourteen years later.

When I re-read this a few days ago, I sat in amazement. In the past two weeks God has given me the opportunity to speak from my heart to youth, and a key scripture was Matthew 7:7-9 stating how if we "ask....seek....knock" that God will answer. Here is testimony to God's loving grace available to all who seek Him with all their hearts, minds, and souls! I am overwhelmed by the fact that God has lain such a similar message on my heart and am thankful for this gift that brings joy to my heart each and every day.

Today, I remember her, and am thankful for the love she showed me.  I do not doubt one second, that His love in me was directly impacted by the love and joy she lived with each and everyday.

So today, for all my friends and loved ones - you who I know are in the midst of pain and disappointment, to those of you who are running as hard as you can from where God intends you to be, and most importantly to those of you hiding a broken heart caused by seeking joy in other places - I pray this prayer for you:

"Dear God, help us not get caught up in the pain and disappointment of daily living, but to seek to serve you and reap abundant joy. Amen"

May you let down your walls and surrender your will so that His abundant joy can fill you.

In Him,

Christopher