How did you know?

How did you know that my burden was great?

How did you know that the pressures of the world can be overwhelming?

How did you know that I needed meaningful connections with beautiful women?

How did you know that my spiritual well was dry and needed replenishing?

How did you know that my heart longed for a powerful reminder of God's abundant, unconditional love?

How did you know that I love to sing, but can't carry a tune, so there just happened to be an available seat between Beth Sellers and Kelly Ritchey Saturday morning?

How did you know that I desperately wanted a break from cooking and potty training?

How did you know that I needed a heavenly hug?

How did you know that I needed to hear God say, "I love you, my beautiful child"?

Love,

Lori Cole

May 2009

(Written at the 2009 Women's Retreat)

My Beautiful Princess

A reminder of who you've always been.

You are so very special - truly a chosen one. You were born into royalty...through My beloved; through My Son.

You were destined to wear a crown, the finest silks and rare jewels too...You have always been "my special princess," my love and approval you need not accrue.

Your hard work and diligence will reap a full harvest if you do not faint, or grow weary. I am with you when you're overwhelmed; when your heart is hurting and when you're teary.

You are part of a royal bloodline and you are virtuous by birth. Do not fear your own "radiant" countenance, in jubilant praise - just express your mirth!

Success, blessing and favor do not a prideful heart make. So be set free from the things that hold you back...a bruised reed, I will not break.

You have found that for which you sought, because you searched for it with all your heart...you needn't worry that I will leave, for from you, I will not depart.

Your love for Me is like 10,000 flowers ...suddenly abloom...bright, breathtaking and bold. How you give away the things you never had, warms my heart and is precious to behold.

Great will be thy reward for your faithfulness and great will be thy peace....blessed will be the generations following, to which My goodness will not cease.

When angels say your name...there is a beautiful sound in heaven; the sound of love, joy, peace and forgiveness...of seventy times seven.

Be blessed my child and know that your heart is heard....Your prayers are never in vain, nor is your time spent in My Word.

Remember to lay your burdens down and to ask me for what You need...I will always come to your aide and by the still waters, I will thee lead.

Summertime Prayers

Heavenly Father,

Help me to shepherd the one's you've entrusted to me...not in perfection, but in humility,seeking Your wisdom and guidance each step of the way.

Help me be a good parent with a heart like Yours, LORD.

A heart that is gentle and kind, firm and loving; infinitely compassionate and quick to forgive.

Help me not to remember the times I've been hurt or to parent in response to how others may judge.

Show me every area in which my heart doesn't reflect yours and cleanse me of my secret faults.

May Your voice always be the One my children hear first and

the truth that echos last...far after my words have gone out, LORD, may Yours remain.

May I be the kind of parent they need...not the kind of parent they want.

And so... forever and content I remain, in Your shadow LORD, that they might know was in their life, but that You are their LIFE.

In Jesus' Name I Pray,

Amen

Hide and Seek

Be Not Afraid by Greg Olsen

Mommy, Why is God so sad?

What makes you think He is sad?

Most people think He is always happy, but sometimes I see Him crying.

Why do you think He is crying?

Cause there are so many of His children that are hurting!

He doesn't want anyone to hurt. He just wants to take everyone in His

arms and tell them it's going to be okay. He wants everyone to know

how much He loves them...but He's still sad sometimes.

How come?

Because a lot of people don't know He cares.

He can see them and hear them but they can't see or hear Him.

Why?

I think because they hurt too much and they're afraid He isn't real.

What do you think we could do to help?

Maybe if we told them to not be afraid, they would be able to

be brave and look for Him... and you know what?

What?

They would find Him!

How can you be so sure?

Because He doesn't ever hide from us.

You know how we play Hide and Seek and one person hides and the other person seeks?

Well God, He wants us to find Him and so He never ever hides and He always,

always would rather be "it."

How do you know?

Because when we say, Okay, we are going to hide and who is going to look for us?

He always says, "I am."