Renee's Prayer

A few weeks ago, Larry had a really good friend whose wife passed away.  She had been battling Lyme's Disease for several years.  Renee has been in and out of the hospital and treatment centers trying to get the disease under control.  I do not know much about Lyme's Disease, but what I do know is it is extremely painful and a lifelong battle.

Renee's wrote this prayer back in December and her family shared it with everyone during her funeral.

One word comes to mind, Wow! Someone that has been battling so much and still strived after God's heart and desires for her life.  She is truly an inspiration to all.

I find this prayer extremely touching, especially with all we have gone through with Natalie, will go through and just the daily worries of having a child with a congenital heart defect.

I pray you find this prayer as touching and inspirational as I do.  Renee's goal was to memorize this prayer and try to pray it daily.  She has touched my life so much and I have read this prayer several times and will continue to do so forever.  God has one more precious angel up there...

"Dear Lord, I thank You for this day.

I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning.

I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an

Understanding God.  You have done so much for me, and You keep on blessing me.

Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you

I ask now for Your forgiveness

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.  Help me to start this day

With a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.  Let me make the best of each and every day;

To clear my mind so that I can hear from You.  Please broaden my mind so that 

I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.

And give me the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.

I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.  Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me so that I may be a blessing to others.

Keep me strong that I may help the weak.  Keep me uplifted so that I may have

Words of encouragement for others.  I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way.

I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood.

I pray for those who do not know You intimately.  I pray for those that don't believe.

I thank You that I believe that God changes people and God changes things.

I pray for each and every family member in the households of my family, friends, and foes.

I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes;

That they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is NO problem, circumstance,

Or situation greater than God.  Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every being that reads it.

In Jesus' name. Amen!"

By Renee Rhynehart

I guess it is time for a long overdue update...sorry about that

I know, I know, I keep saying I am going to be more responsible about posting at least once a week, but having one little and one not so little ones at home just makes things trying to say the least.  But not to worry, we are doing amazing since my last post.  No complaints here...

Let me catch you up since March 13.  We had spring break, which can always be a challenge to entertain Carter.  He is full of energy 95% of the day, the other 5% is when you can get him to lay down for bed and he passes out within 30 seconds.  He brings a whole new meaning to playing hard.

We had a great spring break!  We went out to a friend's ranch the beginning of the week.  The kids loved being outside, riding jeeps, really just running around.  The did get to shoot their first BB gun, not my idea, but we do live in Texas. Never to early to learn gun safety!

The second half the week, we just hung out and enjoyed sleeping in.  I am glad the time changed happened for us at the beginning of the week, because it ROCKED  my world as usual. 

Carter had now started soccer back, so our busy schedule continues, but we love it.  He has his first game this weekend.  He also has his first track practice this week, if the weather will cooperate (you know 80 degrees, 40 degrees and rain, to top it off with 30 degrees and light snow, only to go back to 70 degrees). 

Natalie started back school this week and she could not be happier!  She has not gone since before surgery, so she is so happy to play with friends.  I am not going to take it personally that she is tired of being with me, plus I am pretty happy to have at least a few hours to myself at home.  I am hoping now to be better at posting (no promises though).

Our Easter was blessed!  I love the fact that Carter is really understanding what Jesus did for us.  I was watching a clip of the Bible series and he walked in right when they were hanging Jesus on the Cross.  He really only saw Jesus for a minute, but I think the impact will be ever changing. 

On a side note...If you have not  had the chance to watch the bible series, please go buy or rent them. They are truly amazing!

We went to Texarkana for Easter this year.  Larry's grandmother is about to turn 90 and we celebrated a few weeks early.  What a major accomplishment, 90!  She is totally with it and truly amazing.  We were so blessed to be able to celebrate her life with all of Larry's family.  Plus, the kids had a blast playing with their cousins all weekend. 

PS...Natalie's Easter quote..."When do we get to shoot the Easter Eggs?"  She asked this dead serious, where did I go wrong?  I think she has been around her brother a little too much.