the power of prayer

"For where two or three come together in My name,
there I am with them."
Matthew 18:20

Sweet Friends,
I am humbled, and rejuvenated by your prayers! Thank you for supporting me through your lovely and compassionate comments.

As I anticipated, the anniversary of my husband's death was arduous and melancholy; however, I had a soothing sense of peace. I know that the calmness came from the Lord, and I am grateful for the abundance of love and friendship that I have been given, on the blog and in my life.

God is mending my brokenness, and reminding me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. The loss that I have experienced has molded me into a different person than I was before. Often, when I look at pictures of myself pre-widowhood, I see a stranger. I want to tell that naive, young lady, "Don't waste a minute on petty things; they won't matter when this life is over. Love with all you have, even when it is hard. Savor it... no matter what it is. Take the time to make a memory: slow down, breathe deeply, smell the fragrance of love, and be present."

Three years later, I am re-identifying myself. I am no longer a wife, yet I don't want my whole character to be based on being a widow. It has certainly shaped who I am today, but my marital status is not the only thing I am.

I am a daughter of the Most High God, and He calls me beautiful. (And really, isn't that the only thing that matters?!)

Illustration by Bro Kirk Luehrs.