I’m so excited for today. My Dad will be arriving later this afternoon for a visit. It’s my gift to him for his 80^th birthday and not only these be good days for us, but he gets to see his grandkids and great-grandkids. What a week we’re going to have!

Today is also my oldest child’s birthday. 32 years ago I set off into the unknown world of motherhood and all that goes along with it. The ups and downs. The pleasure and pain. The hours of tears (happy and sad). The defensiveness. The thankfulness. The pride. The joy of motherhood. I cannot tell you what this little guy meant to me then and what he means to me now. I wouldn’t trade a single day of being Philip’s mom. Love you so much!

And on Saturday I get to do it all over again! 29 years ago I was preparing for the delivery of my second child, Candace. What a journey we’ve had. I’m so proud of the young woman that you are. You bring joy to my life each day and I love the hours and hours we spend chatting about nothing at all, as well as the important things in life. I wouldn’t trade a single day of being Candace’s mom. Love you too!

You may be wondering why I’m talking so much about Saturday. Well, it’s because I’m going to give you a week filled with re-posts. Music reposts! Time with Dad and my kids is pretty precious, so I want to spend as much time with them as possible over the next 7 days. I’m sure you understand.

These are great times and days for me, but I know I’ve had my fair share of discouraging days. Perhaps that’s where you are today. If so, I’d like to offer some words of encouragement from King David’s life.

God’s succession plan for King Saul included a young shepherd named David. Out of all the men in the kingdom, David was God’s choice. That must have been encouraging to this young lad.

As David matured and eventually took over the throne, he had opportunities to be great. He slew a giant. He conquered armies. He drew attention to God. He danced before the Ark of the Covenant. David knew great times.

But David also knew the pain of a rebellious child and even the death of a child. David lost his throne for a while and even had stones thrown at him. But far worse than any of these situations, David sinned, which meant that David was separated from God.

So you can imagine the agony in David’s heart as he wrote Psalm 51. After the prophet Nathan called David out for his sin, David repented and begged God to forgive. David knew of God’s compassion and unfailing love. This was one occasion that David was able to experience it firsthand.

David’s words in Psalm 51:12 (NIV) are those of encouragement. When we are at our lowest point, at our weakest we too can ask for this restoration. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Is your spirit willing? Do you find joy in God’s salvation? Will you allow God to sustain you? Have you lost the joy in your life? From what do you need restoration?

If you are willing, God is able. That’s the encouragement I share with you today. Why allow another day to go by of utter despair? Why not run to the One who is able to restore completely? When the day concludes, I pray that you will know the joy and restoration that only God is able to provide.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna