Your Picture

I saw your picture today and was reminded of all the times i said i’d call but didn’t; like last week when i was so busy and forgot. Then there were the times we said we’d get together but our schedules never allowed even a moment. So many times i would think of you and remember your smile then i’d smile too. But today i look at your picture and cry. Today i remember all the missed opportunities and broken promises. Today i also remember the times i wanted to tell you about Jesus but never did. “Maybe tomorrow,” i’d think. Tomorrow never came and now i regret. When we would part we’d say,”I love you.” but did you ever know that God loved you and gave His Son for you? These are the things I wonder as i look at your picture today and i am reminded of the friend i should have been to you.

A Gift for Rachel

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17

A picture may be worth a thousand words but still leave a person speechless and that is how i am feeling as i look at this picture.Some will look at this picture and see a pretty little girl with a doll but i see the goodness of God expressed through an unexpected gift from an anonymous friend.
The package arrived in the mail yesterday, much to everyone's surprise, and it was addressed to Rachel. The family gathered around as Rachel eagerly opened the box to reveal the contents inside. What she uncovered is the doll you see proudly displayed in the picture above. Her name is Felicity and she is an American Girl. Rachel is a big fan of the American Girl series, so to say she was excited would be putting it very mildly. Felicity came with a horse and several beautiful dresses. Also enclosed in the package was a letter that read:

Hello, my name is Felicity.
Sometimes blessings come in different ways. It doesn't really matter from where or how---you're just supposed to say thank you to the giver of all good things, the Lord.
Please love me and take good care of me.
I want to be your very best friend!
Love, Felicity

It is the message of this letter that comes to mind as i see Rachel in this picture and watch her play with Felicity. Felicity is Rachel's gift but she has been a blessing to Jeremy and me as well. To think someone would go to such lengths to make our little girl's eyes light up because they knew it would mean so much to her brought tears to our own eyes.
Thank You, Father for the gift You have given Rachel in the form of a doll named Felicity and thank You for the gift of friendship. I pray that this sweet soul will be blessed as You have blessed us through them.