Hard Times up and down the Road, His yoke is easy and His burden is light

Psalms 121:2

My help comes from the Lord , who made heaven and earth.

As many of you know, my youngest is very sick.  She has been in the hospital for one week today, and in the PICU since Thursday.  She spent her birthday in the PICU and Christmas as well.  She has been making small gains and we give all glory to God.  God has Blessed us with people covering us with Prayer, and covering those helping our sweet Alina in Prayer as well.  I can't begin to thank each and everyone of you enough for your faithful prayers.  The numbers of people praying could possibly be in the thousands.  The reason I would guess this is because of the hundreds that I'm sure off, that are sharing to other faithful praying people.  I have to say thank you, thank you , thank you!!!!!

At this time I have to point above.  I've had several folks come up to me and tell me how we (Stephanie and I) are inspirational, or that we are the strongest people they know or something along those lines.  I have to tell you all, you have been mislead.  I am weak.  I am so incredibly weak. I am glad that many folks have been inspired by our faith but it's not us.  "Our Strength is from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth".  If I relied on my strength, I would have fallen way short and given up by now.  The strength you all see is a reflection of His strength, not mine.  What others are seeing as strength is my desperate and humble grasping at Him.  During times of my life where I have let myself down, Jesus has always been there holding me up....even when I could hold myself up.

I do appreciate everyone that has commented about my Faith or about my Strength but I have to point to the one true God that strengthens me.  Do let this be inspiring to you. Do let this help you grab on to Jesus and not let go.  Do let this help you in building that personal relationship with Him.

I really do hate that my baby girl is so sick and has so many challenges, but I also praise God for each sweet smile, each small step, each person we have met, and for each of you that have come to give us your prayerful support and encouraging words.  Thank you for caring about us so much that you will take concerns to the King on our behalf.  Please continue to pray even after this spell. We need all the prayers we can get and they are appreciated.

Matthew 11:21-30

Come to Me, and I Will Give You Rest

25At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;  26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.  27All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.28Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."