Portraits of your son

Hey Dad,
I got an email from a friend today with some beautiful portraits of your son. I love to see Jesus smile. And these pictures brought tears to my eyes. I have become quiet a little blog reader lately. I get lost in them. It's almost like I'm reading peoples journals and its so encouraging to see what others are going though in their lives. Anyway, I have read of so many families that lost children this year. And these pictures remind me that those children are in a better place. They don't have to experience the hurt, sadness, and pain that we do here on earth. They won't be picked on, dumped, or struggle with money at all. But they do miss out on the joy we feel here sometimes. However, I know it doesn't compare to the happiness they are feeling in eternity with you. So today I want to pray for anyone who has lost a child this year. I pray you will comfort them with the kind of contentment that only you can give. I love you very much.

Until next time-
Rachael

PS-Enjoy these pictures, you put beautiful images in the artist's mind!

My Shepherd

Hey Papa,

I have had a pretty good day today. I'm exhausted though-after not working or doing much for the last 10 days-getting back to work today was rough. I'm left with a pounding headache tonight. But I have to praise you because I'm blessed to have a job to go to. I have thought about that fact several times this year. With the economy the way it is and friends losing their jobs, i'm so thankful that Gregory and I are secure. So thanks sweet Father for placing us in the jobs we have. I know that you had already planned this life out and I am so thankful. You know today is one of those days where I want you to just hold me in your comforting embrace. You know those days where you just want to feel secure. Well, maybe you don't know since you are secure! It's one of those days for me. I am resting on your words tonight. I love how you speak through the writers in the Bible. Your word is alive and it speaks differently to me everyday. Today I am reflecting on Psalms 23. Thank you for giving David these words. I will leave you with this because it is my prayer. I added my emphasis as well. I love you papa!
In your GRIP-
Rachael

You are MY shepherd, I shall not be in any sort of want. You makes me lie down in green pastures, you lead me beside still waters, you restore my weary soul. You guide me in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. And even though I walk through many valleys of the shadow of death, I chose to fear no evil, because I know You are ALWAYS with me; your rod and your staff, they ALWAYS comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup abundantly overflows. Surely Your goodness and Your AMAZING love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Your house forever!

12.28.08

Hey Dad,
I cannot believe this year is almost over. It's been a very full year. So much has happened! I was part of an amazing discipleship group lead by Regina Williams. This group has deepened my relationship with the You my Father in Heaven. It has also renewed my faith in small group. It was like a drink of fresh, clean, and refreshing water. We added a family member-Savannah. Our sweet little mixed lab puppy. My job has taken on a new beginning. I was trained a lot this year. Project Management, How to Motivate your Employees, SQL, Leadership...just to name a few :) My hubby and I decided we are ready to start a family. We've stopped not trying to get pregnant. Nothing yet-but we are trusting in Your perfect timing. So, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all that you have done for us this year. We know that your thoughts and ways are way above ours. And I cannot thank you enough for always seeing us through. This year was also very tough. We lost Michael Colwell, Mindy Parrish, and sweet Brooks this year. I know they are all in Heaven with you. Even though I think of them and their families daily, I must smile knowing that the time they had here on earth was just the right amount of time. That has been especially difficult when I think of Brooks. But as I watch Ashly and Denny go through this time of grieving I see that they were blessed by You just by carrying him. I want to continue to hold the Tuckers up to You. I also want to pray you will bless them with another child. You are perfect in every way God and I am just thankful I can write to you. As 2008 comes to a close, I want to rest kneeled at Your holy feet. I love you Lord with all my heart, all my soul, and all my strength.

Your daughter,
Rachael

PS-I will leave you with this beautiful picture-