From One Princess to Another

For the past six weeks, I feel like a black cloud is following me around.  Some of the things have been Facebook worthy, and some have been kept just among my family. None of the things have been tragic or earth shattering, but it's certainly been enough to get a sister down. For a while, I accidentally allowed the storm clouds to rain on me, but then some friends swept in, encouraged my heart, and set my feet back on a positive path.

One of the best pieces of advice I've ever received is to look for the blessing in every situation. This concept is great in theory, but when you're in the trenches, sometimes it's hard to see the silver lining. But that's why God blesses us with friends. When I am feeling discouraged He always places someone in my path to offer a kind word or deed at exactly the perfect moment. My true friends always remind me to refocus and to thank God for my many blessings. Shifting my thoughts from my troubles to my blessings gives me the courage and energy to move forward.

It's easy to get caught up in the negativity surrounding us. The world would have us believe our situations can be hopeless. But we must always remember we have a Father in heaven who loves us and is always looking out for our best interest, even when life feels hard. The bible tells us in 1 John 3:1, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!..."   So if you are feeling a little overwhelmed, remember you are a child of the King. This makes you a princes, so straighten your crown, put a smile on your face, and move on to brighter days ahead!

Making the Most of the Lasts

When the alarm clock sounds tomorrow, the Bray family begins a series of "lasts." Today is Senior Year Eve. Tomorrow my oldest baby girl wakes up to begin her "last" first day of  high school. I realize she will have other first days of school, but I won't be there to take the pictures. There is no need to panic though, because we've had the opportunity to practice 12 other first days of school. After tomorrow's first, she will be a professional and ready to tackle all the other first days on her own.

The pressure is intense. I have one more year to impart as much knowledge on her as I can, and then I must let her fly. A wise friend recently told me parents shouldn't be sad in this season of life. Instead we should rejoice because our children have been in training all their lives and are now ready to go practice all we have taught them.  This year, as we go through these series of "lasts" together, we will seize opportunities and celebrate adventures. We will make memories and capture them on film and in our hearts.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, " 'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.' " So I will rest in this promise as I cheer from the sidelines while Kathryn makes the most of senior year. I will treasure these "last" childhood memories and I will be excited to see what God has in store for her. But in the meantime, if you see me at a school or church event wiping tears, I am not sad. I am soaking in memories so hard they are falling out of my eyes.