Good

Today is my precious Mom's birthday -- what an amazing blessing she's been in my life.  She's been a compass, an anchor, and one who has "taught me to fly."  She entered motherhood when she was very young, parented three young children alone while Dad was away in the Army, and stayed at home with us even though she and Dad could have certainly used some extra income.  She never took a parenting course, but she knew to set firm boundaries with us and held us to a high standard. She never pretended to have all the answers, but she also didn't let us pretend that we had them either!  She certainly defied all the odds in her life and been an example of God's faithfulness.  God brings good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.

Tomorrow is Dad's birthday as well!  I guess Dad got the better deal with birthdays because no one ever forgot his since it was the day after Mom's!  My Dad is strong, both physically and emotionally, and it was always his arms I ran to when I was hurting.  He worked hard his entire life to provide for Mom and us and was extremely generous, not just to us but to anyone in need.  He has taught me to run to the arms of my Heavenly Father when I am hurting and that my Father is constantly at work in my life.  Things weren't always easy, but he was always there.  God brings good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.

Thirty-six years ago this month, Joe's dad died.  I often wonder how his life would have been had his dad lived... The Lord teaches us so many things through our trials and difficulties.  Joe had to learn early on not to rely on an earthly father to fill his needs.  His family learned together how to cling to what matters most and to walk into the unknown without fear.  They learned that "stuff" doesn't matter nearly as much as people do.  They learned that God is faithful to provide all our needs in Christ Jesus. Their loss cultivated great strengths in their lives because in their weakness, God was strong.  God brings good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.

It has been five months since Joe's mom was told that her cancer is terminal.  On that day, she told her children that it was going to be okay, and that she was not afraid;  if the Lord chose to take her Home, she was ready to go and okay with His will.  She began making preparations and getting her "affairs in order," so to speak, and has encouraged all of us through this process.  She shares untapped amounts of wisdom, sweet and precious stories of her life, and enormous pride and accomplishment in what the Lord has done in those she will leave behind.  God brings good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.

No matter where you are in your life, I hope you are encouraged that as Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good to them that love God (and are) called according to His purpose."  Sometimes the circumstances in our lives are hard to understand.  Sometimes the burdens we carry are extremely difficult to bear.  He is with us.  He never forsakes us.  He is at work in us.  He brings us GOOD.  Blessings to you from the Stepps.