I'm a thinker

Mar. 27, 2007 - I'm a thinker.
And ... I'm getting ready to turn 'one of those years of reflection' when my birthday rolls around in a few days.
As events and circumstances play out I am becoming ever aware of God's sovereignty. I suspect there are people who ascribe to that philosophy and find it an excuse to ponder less ... I only find it a reason to seek His Word, His Face and His Will more deeply. Why am I involved in this life at this point, why has this person come into my life now, how will this decision impact our lives in 10 minutes, 10 days, 10 months, 10 years ... or 10 generations?
I am given pause to count the blessings of women friends I have aquired ...
To Sandy ... you took the time and trouble to impact my life in ways that words scarcely cover. I was a scared, hopeless young woman and you gently coaxed me into trust that opened a world of faith, hope, love, trust, acceptance and transparency that had I not started such a journey in my early teens may have never become available to me. You prayed a prayer, acted in obedience and that obedience impacted more lives than you or I may ever know.
To Vandy ... you gave me permission to think and learn and seek and believe. You still have the ability to make me feel smarter than I ever give myself credit for being. At a time when I needed to ask questions and begin a search for truth, you opened that pathway and walked a while along side me. And though our paths have taken us different direction for the most part, I am so thankful that when they do cross now, there is a trust and familiarity that time nor circumstance can interrupt.
To Jolyn ... when I needed someone to step in and remind me that in difficult circumstances Jesus is always there, always victorious and always available you were there. It is honestly "Because He Lives" that our lives are forever changed.
To my homeschooling friends ... I needed someone walking this schooling/parenting path just ahead of me, and God gave me many someones ... who would urge me on ... remind me of the real goals ... and help me see the difference between battles and wars and sometimes laugh until I think I might wet my pants(Kelly)!
To Leigh and Amy ... I prayed lifelong friendships for AJ ... thanks for doing your part in growing Brendan and Jacob into the kind of men that far exceed what I could imagined. The fact that we are friends is an added blessing!
To Sarah ... thanks for reminding me that journaling isn't a kid thing to do and re-opening the writer in my soul ... even if it's going slowly.
To Linda ... for allowing me to come along on the journey of School of Hope. While God's called me to a different stage in life, it was always my prayer that MCFamilies be sustained in some way. For a time I mourned that failure in my own life ... you helped release me from that! And you have given me hope that the circumstances of my past won't hinder my ministry in the future.
Love you guys!!!!!