Mile Markers, Crossroads, and those who Intercede...

What is it about birthdays and New Year's that cause us to reflect on our position in life? No, I don't mean "position" as in "status", but rather how many years have gone by... how many years are yet to come... where I thought I would be... what I thought I would be doing... where I actually am... where I want to go. Some years have been more challenging than others, and some have seemed to overflow with blessings. I think the times of greatest personal growth for me have been the most difficult to go through, yet in retrospect, the most blessed at the same time.


It seems to me that there have been many mile markers along the way. People I met. Decisions I made. Things that happened over which I had no control. Each of these things are a part of who I am today, and what happens to me today will be a part of who I am tomorrow. A few I can think of right now...

• my salvation when I was 5


• marrying DoubleT - the love of my life when I was 20


• being diagnosed with MS when I was 21


• meeting Jon and Pamela when I was 22 - who knew then that they would mentor and invest themselves in my life when I was 25, to teach me what it means for Jesus to be LORD of my life?


• moving with my husband for him to follow God's call on his life when I was 27


• meeting the "C" family - Jim, Binkie, Holley, Nolan, and Ethan - in my first few months as an admissions counselor when I was 27 - who knew then that this family would become such special friends to me and DoubleT or that this godly woman would truly intercede on my behalf before the Father on a daily basis?


• finally finishing my bachelor's degree when I was 30


• determining that I must give myself injections for my MS at the age of 31 - strange as it may sound, this was a mile marker for me - a day when I gave up a piece of personal control and allowed something foreign to invade a few moments each and EVERY day for the rest of my life


• giving up my pre-conceived notions of how our family would be formed and submitting an application to adopt a baby just 3 short months ago


• taking Counseling 506 this semester, which has taught me more about myself than I ever thought I could know - God is really using this class, at such a strategic time, to show me the kind of person and parent He can enable me to be

And so, I quickly approach the crossroads~ Mile Marker "32" ~ waiting for my Father to whisper wise instruction to my heart. Not just "turn here" or "go now," but "walk in My steps", "run the race", "love Me with all of your heart".

I know there are so many more people than those mentioned here who have influenced my life and who intercede for us on a regular basis. Words cannot express my gratitude to you for your love and commitment. Were it not for you, I would not be where I am today, nor could I go where I must tomorrow. May God richly bless each of you for your obedience to His call...

Embracing His Joy, Hope, & Peace...