A-L-STELLHORN@webtv.net

"Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens,
always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ
Jesus.    1Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Life Application Bible)

Since Mama has gone home to Jesus, I have much sorrow, pain and guilt.
However, I also have many blessings poured upon me.

The sorrow, pain and guilt come to me by "me."

Although I may suffer from pain of body, pain of depression, or pain of
separation from loved ones, I need only listen to those three commands,
"be joyful, and keep on praying and be thankful."

When Christ left this world, He provided a most precious gift for me,
the Holy Spirit.

To me the word death has no meaning. I prefer to think of the absence
of my beloved Mama, as her "new birth unto the Lord."

Yes, my heart is pierced with the searing pain of sorrow, however, joy
comes into my life. That does not take away my "missing my Mama." The
joy comes by way of the Holy Spirit comforting my grief of "missing my
Mama."

There truly is a time for all seasons, I know this. However. often that
time does not "sit well with MY plans;" my wants and desires for my
loved ones and myself.

So, when sorrow, pain, or disappointment or whatever trial I must bear
come into my life I try to remember to lift up my prayers unto my Lord
and know HE will cover me with abundant joy.

One beautiful revelation the Holy Spirit gave to me is the true
knowledge of what "forgiveness" really means. HE has placed upon my
heart the most beautiful peace of forgiveness. The Holy Spirit has
shown me how much forgiveness my Father most graciously grants me.

My prayer for all this day and forever more is that all feel
forgiveness in life and have forgiveness pour forth from all hearts and souls.

Dear Lord, when the season comes to leave this earth, and to be "born
unto You," may You place peace within the souls and hearts of all loved
ones yet to "be born." Like the water You turned into wine, may tears
of sorrow be turned into tears of joy.

May You place upon hearts the importance of living each day, truly
beginning each day, with prayers of joy.

As the sun arises each morn, bringing a glow of refreshment to life,
may all feel the glow of Your love.

When the birds begin to sing their song of life, may all hear Your
voice.

As the breeze gently wafts over the sweetly scented blossoms of Your
beautiful flowers of love, may all drink in the sweetness of Your
presence.

When the day becomes weary with toil, may all stop and reflect on the
blessings received rather than the tiredness felt.

When the sun, again, sets upon the day, may all see Your beauty. Please
cover all of Your children with Your gift of rest in the glorious
fading hues of Your rays of light.

May all fall into peaceful slumber as the shades of night fall upon
souls. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright 2003 by Altalee Stellhorn