Happy Birthday Dear Melanie!

Nine years ago today...
Has it been that long? It seems like we were just welcoming you into the world. I remember that I never wanted to put you down, not because I was afraid you'd cry, you rarely did, but because I just loved holding you! Your Grandma used to tease me about that! It has been our pleasure and privilege to nurture you and teach you and love you these nine years! I've enjoyed watching my sweet daughter grow in tenderness toward God and others. I see little glimmers of the young woman you are becoming as you sweetly submit to the instruction of your father and I. I love watching you care for your younger brother and sisters, patiently teaching them and rejoicing in their progress. I'm thankful God has so richly blessed our family. We praise God for another year and hope for many more!

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

The Privilege of Prayer

We have the awesome privilege of approaching the throne of Grace at any time, all the time. Before Christ's death no one could approach a Holy God that was not themselves Holy. We are counted righteous because of Him! We can run to Him with every care as a beloved child does to a loving parent!

Romans 8:32

"He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"

Everyday I am sent an email with a devotional from Mathew Henry's method of prayer. It is a treasure of guided prayers through scripture on specific topics for meditation each day. This is one I wanted to share and encourage you with.

You have commanded me to pray always, with all prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, and to that end, to keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints; Ephesians 6:18(ESV) to continue in prayer, and in everything, by prayer and supplication, to let my requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6(ESV)

You have directed me to ask and seek and knock, and have promised that I will receive, I will find, and it will be opened to me. Matthew 7:7(ESV)

You have appointed for me a great High Priest, in whose name I may draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that I may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16(ESV)

You have assured me that while the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, the prayer of the upright is acceptable; Proverbs 15:8(ESV) and that the one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies you; Psalm 50:23(ESV) and the sacrifice of thanksgiving will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. Psalm 69:30-31(ESV)

You are he who hears prayer, and therefore to you shall all flesh come. Psalm 65:2(ESV)

You say, “Seek my face,” and my heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” Psalm 27:8(ESV) For, should not a person inquire of his God? Isaiah 8:19(ESV) To whom shall I go but to you? You have the words of eternal life. John 6:68(ESV)