Last weekend Tom took me to Melbourne Beach, FL. We stayed at a hotel right on the beach - something I love to do! My favorite time of the day is just as the sun is breaking through the clouds chasing away the darkness of night. Above is my favorite picture from the weekend and the Lord graciously brought this song to my mind:

As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
And glorify Your name

Your name is a strong a mighty tower
Your name is shelter like no other
Your name let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save
Like Your name.

With the week that we've had it was good of God to give us this moment to rest and reflect on His goodness. As many of you know God spared the life of a dear friend who was hit by a car while riding his bike to work. Amazingly there were no broken bones, only lots of bruises, scrapes and cuts requiring a few stitches. He is home and recovering under the loving care of his wife and four daughters. You can read their story HERE. In addition, my Mom fell not once, but twice this week requiring me to take her to the doctor today - thankfully there were no broken bones, only bruised ribs and several sore spots. It could have been much worse. I thank God for protecting her. I also thank God for protecting my Father-in-law who was on his way to weekend fishing trip and was rear-ended about 20 minutes from his home. He is also home recovering though very sore. Another friend who is reading through the New Testament with our Route 66 Club discovered a month ago that her 2 year old daughter, Sarah, has cancer. They have begun intense chemo and radiation treatment. You can read and follow her story and how God is giving them strength to walk through this dark night by visiting HER JOURNAL hosted by Caring Bridge. Finally, another friend's baby has been suffering with a cyst below her left eye. After several visits to the doctor and seeing the cyst grow worse, the doctor admitted her in the hospital today for IV antibiotic treatments. You can read their story HERE. Please pray for all these situations. God is our maker and our healer - in Him we can find hope and peace.

Yes, it has been an emotionally challenging week, but I'm so thankful for family AND the local church who supports, encourages and prays for each other when normal life is interrupted. We never know when we're going to get that phone call or hear that medical report that changes our morning into night. But God promises that even in these times He will inspire songs of praise so that we might glorify His name regardless of the challenges we face.