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| "Cherish your family for they are your treasure; A storehouse of riches...wealth beyond measure." |
Cherish your family...regardless of the trials, frustrations, disappointments, heartaches. Never take for granted that you will always have great health, stunning triumphs, outstanding jobs, houses, or perfect relationships. We are not promised rose covered cottages and homes filled with laughter. So, if you have that, or any semblance of that...be sure to treasure it and the people within while you are able.
That's what I do. I hope you do too. And if your family isn't exactly perfect, and your house is in disarray, I know Who can help put it all back together again.
2017 Update: The pictures are from a family gathering, celebrating the life of our son Matthew on his 41st birthday. (February 25, 2014) He was, at that time, still fighting for his life in a battle against a deadly foe, cancer. Sadly, our precious Matthew lost the battle with cancer on May 25, 2014, just three months after these pictures were taken. We are so thankful we had this wonderful time together as a family while he was able to enjoy being with us. Now we look forward to seeing him again one day in heaven.
That's what I do. I hope you do too. And if your family isn't exactly perfect, and your house is in disarray, I know Who can help put it all back together again.
"I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
and their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those
who fear Him,
And delivers them."
Psalm 34:4-7
"I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand
I shall not be moved."
"You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Psalm 16: 7, 11
2017 Update: The pictures are from a family gathering, celebrating the life of our son Matthew on his 41st birthday. (February 25, 2014) He was, at that time, still fighting for his life in a battle against a deadly foe, cancer. Sadly, our precious Matthew lost the battle with cancer on May 25, 2014, just three months after these pictures were taken. We are so thankful we had this wonderful time together as a family while he was able to enjoy being with us. Now we look forward to seeing him again one day in heaven.
A beautiful reminder for all of us. we never know how long we have together, might as well treasure while we can. Love you girl.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes!!! Thank you, Susie. Love you too.
DeleteOh yes, treasure our loved ones and hold them close when we see them. Your family looks loving, and I pray for good news for your son. I smiled when I read "perfect family", I just reviewed a book for our church bookstore titled "No More Perfect Kids"; the same author wrote "No More Perfect Moms." Jesus loves us, imperfect as we are.
ReplyDeletePraise God!!! If we all had to be perfect before Jesus would love us, we'd all be in big trouble! Thank you, Terra, for your thoughts and prayers. We know that God is in control, and that's good enough for me.
DeleteWe treasure our families because God gave them to us. Some people don't understand this concept. When there is a need, we all have to have someone with skin on to lean against. I agree with Terra's comment; Jesus loves us as we are.
ReplyDeleteYes, He does. And Praise God that He does. All families have their good times and their bad times, but when we have Christ as the center of our homes, the bad times become times to learn to love more deeply and to forgive more fully. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
DeleteHi Pam! I just love your family photos. That woman next to you in the last one must be your twin! (Even your glasses look similar.) What a blessing our families are to us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your life with us. Your son remains in my prayers. You are too.
Ceil
Thank you, Ceil. That lady is my sister Doris, but she is a few years older than me, so we aren't twins. When we were younger we didn't look alike at all. I was tall, redheaded, and freckly. She was petite, brunette, and tan. We have aged into each other somehow. Although she is still petite and I am still tall, but beyond that, we have blended. Thank you for sharing this time with me. Yes, our families are our treasures. We are blessed to have them. Thank you for your continued prayers. That means a lot to me...especially across the miles without having even ever met one another. And yet, we are friends who will someday spend eternity together! What a great thought! Thank you, Ceil.
DeleteYou have an amazing family, Pam! What a wise decision to make memories as you all fight in this battle with Matthew! Love the family gatherings and celebrations you were able to have when his family was there in FL with you.
ReplyDelete