Happy 18th Birthday, Little Joe

So I am a little late.

Sunday, May 1st, "Little Joe", turned 18 years old. And with it came much rejoicing. Not just for the age achieved, but for a return home.

Little Joe,

Here we are. You are now the "magical" number; yet so much has happened in the last couple of months that has proven this number doesn't mean a whole lot.

I can't believe that it has been 18 years. You have grown into an amazing young man with so much talent and personality given to you by your Creator. I know there are many unknowns in your life that you desire answers to that I just can't give you. But I do know the One who has the answers and is the best guide to impart wisdom into your life. 

I know hard lessons were learned over the past few weeks. Lessons that I could never have taught you. Sometimes life is the best teacher. Oh, how difficult it is as a parent to sit and watch this process, but having an incredible God who hears my every prayer made it much easier. This same God is the one who stands with open arms to all who call upon His name. Praise Jesus!

Many times I watch you talking and I can still see your adorable pudgy baby cheeks and those big eyes that seem to take everything in all at once. I close my eyes and think back to 18 years ago in October when you came into our lives. Oh, my heart is filled with thanksgiving! He gave me a beautiful son who has taught me so much about life and myself. You have taught me how to love better. You have taught me how to appreciate all aspects (and genres) of music and I love hearing your fingers move up and down on those guitar necks.

You gave me a gift this birthday. You came home. I pray as we dance through this next season in life, you will lean heavily on the unseen dance partner. The One who wants your whole heart. The One who loves you more than I do. The One who says, "Call unto Me and I will answer you and show you what great and awesome things I can do."

I love you, "Little Joe." Happy Birthday!

My Thoughts Exactly

I opened my inbox and this was here today.

Dear Mrs. Cowell, you have spoken my heart today. Thank you for your example of endurance. I, too, am weary. Your devotional and my dear friend's spoken word have helped to revive me.

Thank you Jesus for the body of Christ.

Justice and Mercy

God met us today in a big way. (There were critical decisions made regarding "Hoss'" future.)

He is the perfect balance between justice and mercy. At the cross, this is most vividly seen. 

As we go through this trial and valley with "Hoss", we are truly coming to realize the Perfect Father's love for His own adopted children. At times, I thought all hope was gone and was so tempted to give up on my boy/man.

Thank God for grace.

Thank God for mercy. 

Thank God for redemption.

I am also reminded of this: "For this child I prayed. And God answered."

I am also struck at God's amazing provisions. My hard working husband has been giving an abundance of side work. And today, we received a check for overpayment from the hospital that "Hoss" was at last summer when he broke his hand after bull riding. Can't remember ever a time when that happened!

God is good all the time!

God's Continuous Reminders

Jeremiah 17:7-8 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree firmly planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green; and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit".

This verse the Lord gave me last fall as our family verse for this trial we find ourselves in.

As I went through out my day today, the Lord brought this verse to my remembrance in a book I am reading. As I was listening to a local radio station, the afternoon DJ read these verses and as I listened I thanked God for His tender mercies. This gift to me today was just like feeling my Savior's arms around me, reminding me He has heard our deep, gut-wrenching prayers and holds my precious one in His hands, as well.

We praise Him for answers in His time and for His glory.

Today is the 6 month mark of the separation. God is so good.