That's What Faith Can Do!

“Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

~Hebrews 11:1

This verse in Hebrews defines my entire childhood. What other eyes saw on the outside was not what went on inside the pristine Victorian home. It was a residence of prestige, but one that brought great sorrow to my heart. It was a home of ashes, but ashes that God gave magnificent beauty too and an unending hope. God always helped me to find the silver lining despite the dark clouds of fear and turmoil.

I would stare out the large window of my bedroom to the park and river which flowed in the valley below as only the lace curtains hid the tears from others to see. I remember vividly asking God why. I wished beyond hope I would open my eyes and be reborn into the Morford family. They lived around the block from me and I adored Susan and Amy.

I worked endlessly…tirelessly to gain my mother’s love and my father’s accolades. I was quiet most of the time. I would be truthful in saying, not many knew me well my childhood years. Some might have seen a glimpse of fun spirit and maybe Betsy knew me the best, but I hid much from her as well. I never cried much for anyone to see, but my bedroom was my refuge. I would close the door and have long tearful conversations with my Abba; my best friend then…my best friend now. He would always seem to make my broken heart new again and more able to face the next day with hope and assurance to confidently tread the path of life.

Even though it was great heartache growing up in that old house on River Road, I wouldn’t change a thing. It made me who I am today. I’ve seen dreams that move mountains, hope that never ends, and silent prayers answered….that’s what faith can do! I learned that even in the dark there is still light and I am never alone!

“He gave me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”

~Isaiah 61:3

Thank you Jesus, Susan and Amy, Betsy, Amy, Toni, Mr. and Mrs. Morford, Mr. and Mrs. Henwood, Mr. and Mrs. David Howells, Joyce Dinsmore, Mr. Cumo, Coach Sue, Mrs. Pilarski, my beloved Grandma Bowser, Joy, Shane, Shawn, Scott and Penny, Grandma and Pap-Pap Romigh, Uncle Jack, Megan and Kelly Romigh, and Aunt Carol, for helping me shelter the weather of the storms of childhood. You may never know how much you meant to a young girl so many years ago!

Dear Heavenly Father, this is your beloved daughter Shannon.

I praise you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon my family.

You always take care of us no matter where we have lived.

I thank you for my children, which are your children first.

Please help me to guide them in your ways.

~Amen

Prayer Bracelet

Today I made a prayer bracelet for myself to be reminded to pray for my children while at their different activities and sporting events.

Satan's consummated effort to assault my mind with worry for my children while they practice, play in a game, run in a meet, or march for the band has overwhelmed me and created an anxious heart. If I wasn't worrying about my kids, then it was the coach, other players, parents, and the list seems to never stop. I realized all of these things are out of my control. I can not choose how others act and I must remember God loves my children more than I! After all, they are his children first. So I will wear this bracelet as a constant reminder to pray for my kiddos, their coaches, other players/runners, and parents. But I will also pray for myself to know God has all things under His control and all I need to do is seek His peace and comfort!

Dear Lord,

I thank you for your friendship and faithfulness to me. I could not have lived my life so blessed thus far without your love, grace, and mercy. I am holy because you are holy! And even though I don't deserve it...thank you for loving this holy mess of a child!

Lord, I again reach my heart and hands to you! I give my life...my very being to you.Oh Lord, let me shine for you and be willing to heed your call! When you knock on my door let me open the door and say,

"Here I am Lord...send me!"

Love,

Shannon

Light of Christ

Lord, let your flame burn strong within me and remind me continually of your holy presence deep in my soul. Let your light in me shine before the world for all to see that my hope rests in you alone. When conflicts arise and my flesh wants to scream, let me breath deeply the air you made and exhale your love which you have given so freely. Help me to stand for your truth always, but in such a way that I am not a resounding gong. Let me sow in peace my Lord to reap a harvest of righteousness for your Kingdom. I thank you. I praise you. In Jesus name I pray...Amen.