Believe Me, Child... Do I Not Know What I'm Doing?

Lazarus has died and it's been four days since he was buried. Mary and Martha are troubled. Why didn't Jesus come when they called him... He could have saved their brother. When Jesus commands them to remove the stone in front of Lazarus' tomb. Martha is horrified, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor...", she says. Jesus responds to Martha saying- "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"

So often like Lazarus' sisters we find it hard to understand why God would allow us to suffer when he could have stepped in and completely saved us from the sorrow and loss. Jesus doesn't willingly afflict. In fact hit hurts him to watch His children suffer but His plan is so much bigger than making our life easy. His love is sooooooo great that He's willing to let us a suffer for a little while so that we can perceive His glory. So when a trial comes your way don't think he has neglected or forgotten you, rather He is saying-  "Believe me, child.... Do I not know what I'm doing?"

Just Because... She's the BEST!!!

 I've probably said this a million times but I've been blessed beyond measure... SERIOUSLY!! 

I've been supplied with sufficient grace, perfect peace, unfailing love, forgiveness, compassion, incredible relationships, earthly treasures, a beautiful life, and I could go on and on and on and on and on and on (okay, you get the point).

With all that said, today I want to specifically give thanks to the Lord for my wonderful friends. God has blessed me with friends that that not only care about my physical welfare but my relationship with the Lord. True friends are the people that you can share your heart with, people that you can laugh 

with, cry with, and rejoice with. Although we don't see each other as often as we wish, God has blessed me a cousin whose my TOTAL opposite but really is one of my dearest, closest friends. We have different lifestyles, personalities, strengths, likes and dislikes but we also have a lot of common ground. We're sisters, because we both have been bought and cleansed by an awesome Redeemer. 

About a week ago we drove up for a visit and I had a blast spending the day with her! Although you've probably seen tons of pictures that I've taken of Amanda, here are a few we took for fun. She won't admit it, but she's quite photogenic. I'm so grateful to the Lord for our honest and true relationship, Amanda! LOVE YOU!

Isn't she beautiful?!?!?

We end up doing a lot a laughing while we're at it!

Photo Shoot- T Family

I had the privilege of taking pictures of four generations a few weeks ago. She wanted several individuals of her great-grandchildren and a few pictures of all four of the generations together. It was such a blessing to be able to meet all of them, they were such a sweet family!!!

 The Four Generations-

 Cousins-

 Great-Grandma-