End of Summer

Time just continues to fly by here in Pennsylvania. The month of August has been a blur. My youngest son had an incredible trip to China. He saw neat sights, felt God's leading, and saw God move in many ways. I know that he will never be the same because of this experience.

Adjusting back to being home has been a difficult experience for him. I know that part of his heart is still back in China where he feels a calling to be sometime again in the future. We also are all adjusting to the fact that our oldest son will be leaving in less than a week to head to FL for college. My youngest son especially is having a hard time with this. I ask that you keep him in your prayers.

As I write this, I am already sweating. I know women perspire, not sweat! :) I can hear the sounds of summer from my windows. Those bugs that you only hear in the heat of the summer. I know that it won't be much longer and those sounds will be replaced by the crunch of leaves underfoot.

I know in a week we will have a major change in our lives as our first one steps out of the nest to soar on his own. I feel that I am ready to let go. I know he is going where he (and we) feel God is calling him. I know that there will be times that we miss him dearly. But I also know that it is time to let go. A year ago I was really struggling with this, but God has taught me a lot through the year. Learning to let go... when my husband is in a ski accident in a different state and I can't get there right away.... being unable to do anything to help my husband with his pain and suffering other than pray..... letting go of my youngest when he has a call from God to go to China.... and now letting go of my oldest as he heads off to college.

Perhaps there is something that you are struggling with to let go of. I encourage you to let go, trust God, so you will be allowed to soar.

Isaiah 40:30-31 " Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

He'll Soon Be Back...

In less than an hour my youngest son will be boarding an airplane in China and starting his journey back home after eighteen days of being gone. We are all excited and anxious to see him again. As a mother, I can't wait to give him a big hug as a welcome home.

While he has been gone we have had some communication. We have been able to view some photos as well as read some blog entries about what they have been doing. We even were surprised by an email earlier this week from him.

I think about how excited and anxious we are to meet his flight tomorrow evening at 11:58 PM and I can't help but think about my Heavenly Father as well. I know that He eagerly desires for each of us to choose to follow Him. He is looking toward the time when we come home as well - both by becoming a part of His family and also as Christians when He calls us to our Heavenly home.

As I write this with the anticipation of soon seeing my son, I want to ask you if you know where you are headed. Are you assured of having a personal relationship with God and knowing that you are His? If not, you can change that by praying and asking God to forgive you of your sins. Tell Him you desire to be a part of His family and desire to follow Him. If you pray this, please contact me and let me know. I would love to pray for you as well.

I praise God for the time that my son has been in China because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was God's will for him to be there. I look forward to hearing how God spoke to him while he was there and what things he has learned. I can't wait to give him a hug tomorrow evening. Your Heavenly Father is waiting to hug you as well.