Dear God,

Where do I begin.  My heart is very overwhelmed with so many things.  With it being Valentine's Day today - it brings to mind those that I love.  I know that most people think of this as a romantic holiday, but for me it is a day to remember everyone that I love dearly. 

Most of my immediate family is gone now.  I have one sister that is still around, but we aren't close so I feel alone a lot.  As far as I know all of my Aunts and Uncles are gone now too.  I am thankful for Dean's family and love them alot.  I have two step-children that I love, whether they want to believe that or not is not something I have control over.   Then there are those friends that are like family.  You know who they are and I thank you so much for them. 

I am thankful for all the new people we have met at Hillcrest.  Grow Group and the women's group activities are terrific and help me so much.  Dean and I have been truly blessed by those we have met and gotten to know since we moved to the area.  We miss our friends back in Eau Claire and think of them often. 

We received a gift card in the mail recently for Bill's Food.  I have been praying for our financial needs and there appears this gift in the mail.  Dean and went to the store Sunday to pick up a few things and used the card.  We didn't know how much it was for.  Needless to say when we found out, we both were brought to tears.  Dean and I were stunned and couldn't believe that someone would do that for us, the rest of the day was a blur.  I still tear up when I think about it.   I wish there was a way to thank whoever sent the card, so please let them know how grateful we are for their generosity.

I feel your hand working in our lives and leading us to be the people that you want us to be.  I see spiritual strength and growth were there wasn't any before and I know that is because we followed your leading to find a church to get involved with.  Thank you for your faithfulness to us.  There is nothing we could do to deserve it.  But how much I crave to be the person you want me to be.

Watch over us in the coming weeks. Keep us safe and healthy.  Watch over the members of Hillcrest and our neighbors.  We are truly blessed to know all of them.  I am so grateful for our new life here in Oregon.  I know you led us here for a purpose.  Guide our steps and we trust you to enlighten us.

Thanks