There Once Was A Girl

She was born on September 9, 

a soft, sweet child with the fairest skin, 

the blue-est eyes, and soft gold ringlets around her heart-shaped face.

She grew up with a heart for God, with a yearning to know Him, to seek after His heart.

And He built in her a passion, for acting, for singing, for dancing and photography,

For sharing herself with others, 

for being the best of friends with those the Lord brought her way,

And he built in her a hope, 

a hope for that which so many girls dream of,

a home of her own,

Someday, faraway, 

where she might ply her skills as a wife and a homemaker, 

and follow the path of womanhood.

She has had her struggles, and her heartbreaks.  

She has built friendships, some to mourn for, some to rejoice in.  

She has her weaknesses, like all human beings, 

and has struggled with sorrow at the discovery of them,

like we all do.

And she is overcoming.  

She is putting her best foot forward, clad in a ruffled silver shoe.  

She is lifting her chin and fighting the good fight.  

She is doing the best that she can do, and she is intent upon doing it, 

in His strength.

Are there more words to describe? 

Yes, many, but I shall stop at these...

The Lord has blessed my life abundantly, 

He has overflowed me with His goodness, 

and this particular gift, this sister so strong of heart, 

this friend beyond friends, this vessel of His glory, 

my dear one...

Is beyond words.

I love you Johanna!  

Congratulations on your amazing 18 years!

-Em

a Psalm

The Lord is my strength and my shield.

In Him my heart trusts, and I am helped.

My heart exults

And with my song I give thanks to Him!!

[Psalm 28:7]

Johanna

Greenness

There is green outside the glass

Of my window.

There is peace beyond the veil

Of myself.

Why don't I break the glass?

Why don't I tear the veil?

Why don't I step outside 

To where He's standing 

With a sword and a shield?

Why don't I begin?

My sister

... are there words to describe her?

She is... my sister

She is always there.  Always with an open heart.  Wanting to grow with me.  Showing her love through simple actions.

Working together during this burdensome time has been beautiful to me.  My lovely sister has been... my sister.  In the truest form.  

How can that simple word be so beautiful to me?

Because Jesus placed us in this place.  He is intertwining our hearts.

Every day... in every meal that we prepare...

In ways I never imagined. 

I love you Emma.

[and Happy Birthday you 20-year old today!!!!!]

Blessing

We were baptized last week,

All seven of us,

Beneath the water of a Texas lake,

Rejoicing beneath the wonder of God's grace.

The Lord is filling our lives with blessing.

Yes... with sorrow, and anxiety, and fear for the future.

But also with blessing.

Loved ones have coming from across the country to visit us and help us.  

People call and write, and send their love.  

I cannot begin to express my gratitude 

for all of the thoughts and prayers sent our way. 

 Thank you!  

We are blessed beyond measure.

And every evening we rest, beneath the spell of spirit-led music, 

touched by the warmth God is covering us with,

 folded tightly against his peace, 

finding it is best to be still.

He is leading us.... and he is blessing us.

For more updates on Mom's condition and progress, visit the new blog... Bless Bonny.

I Don't Know What To Say

My fingers rest over the keys, wanting to speak, wanting to share....

But afraid, somehow, of speaking the words.

But I do want to share.  I want to tell you.



My mother has cancer.



There, I said it.  It is a rare form, a form the doctors aren't sure how to treat, and it has spread far and wide.


My world should be falling apart.  Truly it should.

But it is not.  It is not.  I'm am held tight in the hands of God.  As surely as the sun will rise tomorrow, I shall rise tomorrow.  As surely as the sun will set, I will lie down and be at peace.

Listen to our latest song.  It is the song of my heart.

They can't stop me, they can't rob me, of this peace You've overflowed.  They can't drown me out.  They can't stop this sound.  No. No. No.

Pray for us.  Pray for my Mom, that her pain will fade, and she will find rest, that she will not fear.  Pray that we will be given peace, and the courage to trust.

-Emma & Johanna

Thinking of Mother...

and the blessing of her love...

Of her heart, of her tireless efforts

and passionate pursuit...

Of showing us God's heart

And teaching us his way

And making us his.

Our thoughts are on our mother,

and our hearts press prayers toward heaven.

Dear God, in all things, let your will be done.

-Emma and Johanna