Just Listen

Life is busy and noisy or at least we tend to make it that way! Between work, laundry, dishes, baths, bedtimes, blogs, facebook, and twitter I sometimes find myself lost in the hustle and bustle of "life". There are only a handful of times in one's life when the Lord takes you by the face and says LOOK at ME.....AND LISTEN! A "Wake Up" call if you will! A time when you know without a doubt the Lord is trying to get your attention.

I was on FB, Cade was sitting up on top of the computer desk, trying to take the mouse away and yelling ,"MY turn Mommy." Of course being the mature parent I am, I grabbed it back and replied "No Cade, it's Mommy's turn. Wait just a minute!" and I kept on reading posts, blogs, messages, and checking e-mails for what I am sure was much longer than "a minute" and probably seemed like eternity from the prospective a 23 month old. Cade put his tiny hands on my face, looked right into my eyes and said, "Mommy HOLD ME NOW!" Wow....Wake Up Melissa! You have been givin the greatest earthly blessing, a child. Hold him, tickle him, read him stories, and share your love for Christ with him every single chance you get!

I heard you God and more importantly I listened; I held him tightly in my arms. Thank you for giving me Cadence to love and care for while here on this earth! I will cherish every moment with him and promise to raise him in the fear and admiration of You, our Lord. For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27

In the past month or so I've had a couple of other "Wake Up Calls"! Little reminders that just as the Lord tell us our days here on this earth ARE numbered. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom! Psalm 90:12

The Lord sent me Cadence's piercing words, "Mommy Hold Me Now", Layla Grace Marsh....(read her story at http://www.laylagrace.org/), and now the loss of Jaxson and Rydar Hamaker. His plan is so much greater than my mind can conceive. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9

So I walk by faith and not by sight, knowing that His merciful hand is amidst all of this tragedy comforting all that mourn, Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4, and promising hope for all who believe, And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11:26

Yes! I do believe He LIVES and some sweet day I'll be in the presence of our Lord! Until He calls me home I will live my life here on this earth to glorify Him and I will treasure every moment he gives me with my family! But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17

Sometimes he may not be "All Up in Your Face" but just when the Lord knows you need Him most....he's right there, just listen!

Layla's Celebration of Life

I am so thankful the Marsh family is sharing this video of Layla's celebration. It is a beautiful tribute to their blue eyed baby girl! God Bless you Marsh Family!
http://vimeo.com/10493166

When you thought I wasn't looking.....

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one!

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust Him.


When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned we have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s alright to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks' for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."

Layla's Legacy

A few weeks ago the Lord brought a little girl into my life, Layla Grace Marsh, she has forever changed my life. Though I will never have the chance to meet her here on this earth, I rejoice in knowing I will meet her when I arrive in heaven. Layla Grace battled a childhood cancer, called Neuroblastoma, the Lord healed her tiny body and called her home on March 9, 2010. I 'met' Layla through her FB page "Praying for Layla Grace". Her indomitable spirit has strengthened my faith in Christ and brought me closer to my family and friends. I will cherish every breath I take and every momeny with my son Cadence. Go to http://www.laylagrace.org/ to read Layla's story. She and her family have been a great inspiration to me. I pray her parents Ryan and Shanna will be comforted as they continue their journey and live out their daughters legacy through her foundation, the Layla Grace Foundation. I can find but only one explanation for why I feel such a connection to a child and family whom I have never met .......1 Corinthians 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit! May the Glory be His for the amazing work little Layla did while here on this earth. I know she continues to work from her place in Heaven. Sometimes we all need a little reminder, a little something or someone to get us back on track and living our life to glorify the Lord, my little reminder is Layla. Thank you Marsh family for sharing your daughter with me!