LIFE

Sometimes a movie comes along and prompts you to think about something you might not have before. In my case, Bella got me to thinking about a very serious issue.

LIFE...we have all of these arguments about when it begins and not so many about when it ends.

I just want to share an observation from my own experience that became very clear to me as I watched the story found in Bella.

It was the late 70s. My mother was beginning her senior year of high school. She had plans to go to pharmacy school...and many other big dreams I'm sure. I interrupted all of that. She graduated from high school while raising me with the strong support of family. Then, she did go get that pharmacy degree.

Most of us know that by this time Roe vs. Wade had legalized abortion in the U.S., and it began in the state of Texas. According to a chart of historical abortion statistics for Texas, there were over 50,000 lives snuffed out by means of abortion the year that I was born. What a sobering thought it is to think that my life was not one of those lives.

So many people must have told my mom how much "easier" it would be to have an abortion. She could've finished high school just like every other carefree teen. She could've avoided a marriage that ended in divorce. No one would have ever had to have known, and no one would have looked at her differently.

I am so grateful that she chose LIFE - that she chose me over her own convenience. I am so thankful that she doesn't have to bare the painful scars of choosing to end a life. I love that she was my mommy when I was happy, sad,scared, well or sick. I enjoy her friendship now more than ever. I anxiously await the day that she can hold her granddaughter and many other grandchildren.

LIFE...it is most definitely a gift from the Father. I will always treasure the truth the He is Creator and Sustainer of all LIFE. And I will always treasure the mother in whose womb He created me.

I love you mom,
Missy

8 Years Ago...

It was a beautiful Saturday on March 10, 2001 at 2 p.m. in the afternoon that we said "I do." My how the time has flown! We celebrate 8 wonderful years this month, and ask the Lord for many more together. I love looking back at our wedding pictures...remembering that day and all of the faces of loved ones that shared the memory with us. I thought I'd share a few of my faves to remember that day.

A precious member from my home church took this picture and a few others. It was such a thoughtful gesture for her to make sure that she gave us copies...thank you Jo!

One of my uncles took this picture...I love black and white photos!

This is probably at the top of my list of favorites. It reminds me of those fairy tale endings. Jeremy & Christy did such a fantastic job with every shot that was taken...thank you guys so much - it means even more that our memories were captured by friends!

A wedding is just one day - a special day to be remembered - but it's the days, weeks, months, and years that follow that make a marriage. I guess I say that because there is so much focus on the preparation of a wedding day and so little on preparing for that marriage relationship. I am so thankful for all that God has taught me through my husband and being married. I pray that this journey continues to make me a humble and selfless follower of the Lord Jesus. I love you Monte and I thank the Lord for our sacred covenant relationship.

Well, that's probably enough sappy sentimental stuff until next year!

Pray for Me...Pray for Others

We participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to add your prayer request. Join a community of friends who care about you, and hope you will care about them.

Please pray for wisdom concerning our church's mission trip to Rio Bravo Children's Home in Reynosa, Mexico. Violence has increased between drug cartels and the Mexican army all along the border - so there are some safety concerns. We went here last summer and had a wonderful experience. The staff and children are amazing! Mission trips must be much of their source of income. Please pray for God's provision and care for the enitire facility.