I love YouVersion.  I love that I have access to the bible and dang near any translation at the sweep of my little finger.  And, when I read Galatians 6:4-5 in The Message translation, well, I was convicted.

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others.  Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

Is this translation not the awesomest?  Yes.  Awesomest.  Look it up.  It’s a word.

I’m just kiddin’.  It’s not really.

I love this.  I love that it made me take my eyes off of other people and what they are doing, or not doing, for the Kingdom.  Puh-retty judgmental of me, don’t ya think?  Yeppers.  Grrr you, Dusty Takle.  There were times I would look at others and wonder why they weren’t as passionate about something as I was.  Never mind that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made….that we were each created for a unique purpose. 

I am responsible for my own life.  And, you are responsible for yours.  I know.  My life revelations are astounding, eh?  Eh?

Here’s the deal, in case you don’t know or may have forgotten:

God created you.

You are not an accident.

 Everything Falls - Fee
I adore this song.  It speaks to me on so many levels.  Of course it's God and Jesus that Truly holds us together - but
I also could sing this song for Mandy, as her words and her spirit encourage me to keep going when I get sad.  I can sing this song for Mandy as I know I can talk to her at any moment and gain strength and picture that other worldly hug that she would send.

I can sing this song for Amber - my Daughter who is so bright and wonderful - she never ceases to make me laugh and each of us knows that we can count on the other no matter what we are going through.

I can sing this song for Parrish - my Husband who has been such a blessing through these years - prior to loosing Mandy he was the one that showed me it was okay to be my true self and that I could be loved for it.  He is the one that has been there steadfast while I at times wanted to crumble.  He is there for Amber and I always and we appreciate him for that so much.

I can sing this song for all our Wonderful Friends - Mandy's Amazing Friends - Special Folks who have come into contact with us since the tragedy of 11/15/08 - each of them is important and has helped us more than they could ever know.