"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." ~ Proverbs 19:21

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:10-12


I can sit here today and honestly say that because of my faith, family, friends and loved ones I am thankful for my experience.  I am finally getting to a place where I am very happy with where my life is today. I am finally starting to find myself, to repair my life, and to see where I am going.  It is hard for me to somedays see and realize all of this but I know that my past has shaped me and that I have a path a head of me.  I know I can't go back and change things and I can't go back and fix what is already done.  I can ask for forgiveness and know that there is hope and a future.

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.
~Psalm 91

There Are No Words
Author Unknown

There are no words...what can I say?
At last her sweet soul winged its way

To peace and freedom in the sky
Where never again will she suffer or cry.

It's all part of God's great plan...
Which remains a mystery to man.

We cannot understand His ways
Nor can we count our earthly days

But who are we to question and doubt?
God knoweth well what He's about;

He knew she longed to "go to sleep"
Where only angels, a vigil keep.

The pain of living grew too great
No longer could she stay and wait.

She did not want to leave you, dear,
But she had finished here work down here.

So she closed her eyes and when she awoke,
These are the words the Master spoke...

"Welcome, dear child, you are home at last,
And now the burden of living is past"

"There's work for you in My Kingdome, dear
And you are needed and wanted here."

So weep not, she has just gone on ahead,
Don't think of her as being dead.

She's out of sight for a little while,
And you'll miss her touch and her little smile,

But you know she is safe in the home above
Where there is nothing but Peace and Love.

And, surely, you would not deny her peace...
And you're glad that she has found release

Think of her there as a soul that is free,
And home at last, where she wanted to be.

***I found this years ago when I had miscarried and I found it again when I just had a friend who miscarried her first baby. 

Often times we may feel contained when boundaries are established even if it’s for our own good. I know my children question why they can’t do certain things like take someone else’s things without asking, talking back to their parents, or fibbing about their schoolwork. All of these questions are valid, and may seem unfair to their little minds. But as they start to understand who their Heavenly Father is and pursue a relationship with Him, all these “rules” will begin to make sense to them. The Holy Spirit begins to work within them and is a reminder that there is something bigger and better for them than this restrictive world.

What do you do when text book answers aren’t enough?

Why Marriage Recovery?

Every one has a vision for their marriage. There are times that the vision we had and the reality we live in are worlds apart. We don’t have all the answers, and maybe we aren’t even asking the right questions.
We dont want all the answers or fix our marriage. We want others and ourselves come along side of us and help us take the next step in your journey with Christ.  We aren't looking for textbook answers, we need a partner in the journey of our recovery to help our marriage repair.
Testimonial

Eastlake Community Church came along at a crucial time in our marriage and were a HUGE answer to prayer. The insight my husband and I gained from gave us hope, courage, and focus in a way that nothing has done in the past.  There is something very powerful about coming together “in Christ’s name” to create stronger, healthier, more God-centered relationships.         
We have seen others go through so much and other pains and recovery and it has touched us in this community that we know that we are in a safe place both physically and mentally to open up and take on this "dark horse" in our lives.  We know we can't do it alone and we know we aren't alone.  We know we have God beside us on our road to recovery and repair.

My best friends and I have known each other most of my life. Through the years we have had our waves of trials and tribulations as any other relationship would. However, what has remained constant is our loyalty to one another. Our friendship has evolved from childhood playdates to a sisterhood that has us discussing life as mothers and wives.

God puts special people in our path to help shape us into the people He wants us to be. We can pray and encourage our kids to find healthy friendships with others and advise them on how to also be a good friend.