So many people have walked alongside my family the past two months as intercessors, encouragers, caretakers, listeners, huggers … and my heart is so full right now, I have to write or else I’ll cry. This afternoon, we received word that my nephews’ mother has signed the necessary paperwork granting custody to me while retaining some visitation privileges.

The document still has to be approved and signed by the judge, but we are rejoicing in this significant step toward finalizing the boys’ custody.

Not in a million years could I ever have imagined going through all that we have experienced the past two months. I miss my brother so much, it aches terribly. Yet, I also know that we serve a mighty God who is bigger than my aches and who will see us through the challenges yet to come.

My small group study this week is on the theme of praise, and it reminded me that we need to praise God in advance of his answered prayers. So, last night at dinner, I suggested that we have a toast and thank God for all that He’s done these past couple of months. Everyone raised their chocolate milk (It was a toast, after all – needed special beverages!) and tapped cups around the table with shouts of “Cheers!”

God is good … ALL the time! All the time, God is GOOD!

· “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)

· “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (I Corinthians 25:26-27)

· “Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.” (Galatians 4:28)

· “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)