For "J"...

"J",

There are so many things I have learned from you already. What it means to be a strong woman of value, the true meaning of compassion and empathy and the amazing ability we have as humans to bless one another with the gifts we are given.

We pray for you every day and for the relationship we have with you to continue to grow and strengthen as time passes.

I read this today and thought of you...

Nichole Nordeman, "Legacy"

"I want to leave a legacy.
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough?
To make a mark on things,
I want to leave an offering,
A child of mercy and grace,
Who blessed your name, unapologetically...
And leave that kind of legacy."


"May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand. May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone.

May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace. May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them.

Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending. Teach love to those who hate, and let that love embrace you as you go out into the world.

May the teachings of those you admire become a part of you, so that you may call upon them. Remember those whose lives you have touched and whose have touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less than you would have wished. It is the content of the encounter that is more important than the form.

May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness of your heart. Find time each day to see beauty and love in the world around you.

Realize that each person has limitless abilities, but each of us is different in our own way. What you feel you lack in the present may become one of your strengths in the future. May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility. Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.

May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on another's judgement of your accomplishments.

May you always feel loved."

~ Unknown