Chosen to Shine 2015

2014 was a momentous year for our family.  There were many blessings and much loss.  Our lives will be forever changed.  In my life, I have found, that in the quiet crucible of personal, private sufferings, that dreams are born and God’s greatest gifts are given.  Four years ago our family of five adopted two children.  Anything worth doing is never easy.  Their past life of suffering led them to us and what a blessing they are!  Our children have given me drive to see life in a different perspective.  Seeing the world through their eyes is enlightening.  We teach them and they teach us…if we listen.  Remembering Connor’s zest for others, seeing strength and faith beyond reason these past 75 days, from my own family, has lifted my heart.  My kids game plan is to always start with fun.  I agree!  We all need to have a purpose, be scared but not afraid, there is strength in vulnerability, it’s called faith.  Like so many, I used to believe I was in control.  We are not, God is. I plan to go forward this year and have gratitude, connecting with others through my heart.  Please remember how important it is to respect one another, no matter who you are, what you do, where you are from or how old you are.  As Callie’s shirt says, “Kind is the new cool!”  Recently, I was in a place called the “Peacekeepers garden”.  All of the doors were open to the garden, except the one in front of me, I only had to knock and it was opened.  Will you be “Chosen to Shine” in 2015?

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”  1 Peter 2:9