Dear Jesus,

Dear Jesus,

Where does a mother begin? You have given me one of life's most amazing blessings - my daughter. I look into her eyes and I see a reflection of me; it's amazing how much we look alike yet how different we are. Each uniquely and wonderfully made by the hands of the Father. Parenting is one of THE hardest jobs we "sign up" for, but honestly, it is not a job I would trade for anything. You have seen me through a fair share of heartaches, hurt, disappointments, and moments of weakness, but You have never left my side; in fact, You have truly carried me during the storms I have faced (and will face) in my life.

With the recent loss of my job, did I question you? get angry at You? and ask You how could you let this happen to me? Yes, Father, I admit I did. I am guilty. But, though guilty as charged, I know My Father will take care of me. And, so far, I have seen it once again firsthand. Father, I worked a job that placed a tremendous amount of stress on my shoulders, which in turn caused me to neglect many other things and not to truly live life to the fullest. And, with this information, what did You do, took the job away, literally lifted the weight of stress off my shoulders, and have allowed me to nearly stress-free since August 9th, the day I lost that job. Yes, I lost the job, but I gained a new sense of renewal.

Due to the stress, I really think mine and Amanda's relationship was strained, even though we both really love each other. I didn't have the time to listen, the time to do things the way a mother should, etc. My life was always sorry I have to work...several hours of the day and night. But now, as I embark on this new journey in my life as a full-time student and mom and wife, I am amazed and the sense of peace I have, even with $0.15 to my name.

My Lord, You are faithful and You have allowed there to be a change; a change that I can see/feel between Amanda and me. Wow!

Oh yes, parenting a teenager is really, really tough, Father, but, how could I not love her in every way?

She is my mini-me. She is my little girl. She is my friend. She is Your Princess. She is a beautiful young lady and has a heart for You.

Father, thank You for journeying with me and my life...I really could not do it without you! Even if I do have to listen to Amanda go on, and on, and on, about P.E. class (hmm, I wonder where she gets her gift of "nonstop talking") I love her, Lord...and thank you.

Love,

Your Daughter