Happy St Patricks Day

I am really not into St Patricks Day too much, but I married into an authentic Irish family, so I at least send cards to my inlaws, etc. That always makes me think of how my mother and father inlaw left Ireland shortly after being married and traveled to Canada in search of a new job. The rest is history, but I know how terribly hard it was for them and how their character was defined because of what they went through. (Irish stew should be our dinner tonight, but I make it so much, because we love it, that it would not be special!!)

I am so thankful that my in laws and my parents have always trusted the Lord for everything in their lives. What a heritage to come from and to be able to have memories from. I can't imagine life any other way. I know the prayers of these dear people (and their parents before them) have sustained me in this journey of life.
Which makes me think of the specific prayers I am praying for my kids right now. Justin is in Afghanistan and has had some struggles in his personal life while he has been there. So, we have prayed and prayed that first he would grow as a Christian and know who he is in Christ. Jennifer has been without him through her entire pregnancy and is about to deliver in 3 weeks. Of course, we have been praying for safety, health, and adjustment time for her. Joe has also been struggling in his personal life with habits and marriage, etc. We have been praying that God would show Himself to Joe and that Joe would realize the need in his life for a relationship with Jesus. Our Nicole is full of talent and also a great Mom. I watch her struggle with her relationship with Jesus as well and I pray that she will grow this year to know Jesus in a new way, to have an intimate relationship with Him that she cannot do without. That will make her talents, her marriage, her mothering all renewed and refreshed thru Jesus. Ryan is our baby, about to be a man. He has his own ideas about life right now and does not need God. We know how dangerous of a position he has put himself in, so we are praying for protection for him and asking God to lead Ryan to Himself. It is mentally exhausting to hold our children up in prayer. I guess that is why I am so tired all the time. :)

I am so glad God is in control and that I can rest in His arms and remember from my past how He has led me thus far.