Loving Father, You know and I know that the only reason I remain on this earth is by Your grace. You and I have battled, and embraced...disagreed and reunited. Every time I think I'm at the end, You gently show me where the new path begins. I've been totally honest with You in saying that I haven't always liked the way You've moved me through life. At times, I truly did feel as though You were punishing me instead of helping me. But then it happened one day, I got it....I truly got it. I understood on a deeper plane that You are not a God of punishment and wrath, but of loving kindness and mercy. I can look back now and see how all of the hardships and hurt I have endured have indeed made me stronger, have deepened my faith, have taken my reliance off of myself and put in on You, where it rightfully belongs. Thank You Father for sticking with me through my stubbornness and rebellion, my times of pride and ungratefulness. Praise You for shaping my life, for Your unending patience and blessing. I join Patti in praising You for every part of my life...the good AND the bad...for I know that everything I walk through is necessary and beneficial to my growth in this life, and better prepares me for the life to come. I treasure my prayer family here, I cherish my earthly family and I ask for Your continued blessing and leading over us all. May everything we do and say bring glory and honor to You. For the humble obedience of Your Son and His great sacrifice that purchased my salvation, I also give You praise. Thank You Father, for loving me so much, even in times when no one else could. In Jesus' name, amen.
