God has been so faithful to us in the past and that reassures me that He is not going to leave us now as hard days are ahead. It builds my strength to think back on how He smothered us with His presence during past hard days , giving us PEACE. That Phillipians 4:7 peace...... the kind that is not at all able to be understood. That peace doesn't make since when you should be shattered, broken, and desperate..... but the opposite of all those. And also JOY ... joy in the midst of sorrow. Joy in knowing He holds us in the palm of His hand, we are secure in His love, and He has a perfect plan. He has also given joyful moments. Glimpses of His goodness sprinkled along this path.
Ones like these shared by friends on facebook...
written by Penny Warren
"I remember the time we spent at beach. Lydia and Caitlyn loved doing their art projects. We all enjoyed Your cooking. Caitlyn said yesterday that she still has a necklace Lydia made her and how special it was to her. Praying daily for your sweet family. Love to you all!"
written by Cindy Cherry
"More memories to help you smile as u endure this trial! I could write a book.... I must say I will never forget the first time we officially met u, Willie & Lydia after recognizing u from church in Target on that snowy day, everyone had on their snow attire, including Willie w/ his crocodile dundee hat & I remember Adam and I saying that is one neat family after talking with you! Lydia had a glow about her that drew us to your family.... that would lead to many get togethers trying to have adult conversations in the middle of chaos of children running around having their good time. (I wont even go there when we'd go OUT in restaurants together when kids were little, haha!) What stands out in my mind how Lydia would always take time out to converse w/ us and flash that beautiful smile & eyes.Sweet sweet times that I cherish! Thanking God for all He's done & doing with your faith & family so that HE MAY BE GLORIFIED! Love & Prayers!"
written by Karen Congleton
"Praying for you! Remembering when you came over when Sydney was born. Mike was sneaking Lydia chocolate:) she wasn't sure about Mike, but sure she wanted that chocolate! Love you all!"
written by Natalee Perkins
"My 2 sweetest memories was when we came to Clayton to keep the kids while u and Willie went on a date. I got some of the sweetest pix of them together and of Willie playing with Dawson because he was all Dawson wanted? Soooo cute. 2nd BEST memory was at the New Year party when Lydia would not let me out her down. I sooooo enjoyed holding her and spoiling her most of the time and going upstairs with the kids and letting her play with my hair. We love u all! "
written by Jenifer Carnes
" I was thinking this morning about the time I was at your house, this was years ago, not sure why I was there and I had to run some errands and Lydia wanted to go with me, so she loaded up in the car with me and we just made an afternoon/evening of some girl time. Which I needed since I live with a bunch of boys. I remember she and just laughing and having a good time. I so love that little girl!!"
written by Celeste Harris
"I remember VERY well the day we took the kids to lunch at Pizza Inn towards the end of the preschool year, before any of this "storm" began. We loaded up all of the kids and didn't think twice about the chaos that we would bring upon the restaurant. The kids had a blast, and I am pretty sure they were loud and messy, just as they should have been. My girls absolutely adored being in Lydia's class and becoming friends with her. Even now, I catch them playing in their room and overhear them talking to their doll they have affectionately named "Lydia." I also remember that great day we spent at your house in Clayton and our adventures at the Marbles Museum. I remember peeking out at the girls in the back yard as they were running around holding hands and telling secrets and giggling!! Those were good times my friend! And as you already know, nothing says FUN like busted out windows and police officers!!! ♥"
written by Karen Briley
"The circle of prayer in the Cracker Barrel parking lot..."
written by Amanda Booker
"When you all were right across the street and it had snowed, the girls were outside playing, sledding down your backyard, having a great time. They made snow angles and enjoyed the cold weather. It always makes me smile to think of Olivia and Lydia playing because they are so laid back together, always agreeable and ging along with the others ideas. I love the trick or treating picture with everyone on the stoop."
written by Janet Wilson
"Remember being at your house doing some art with Lydia. Also remember getting "beat up" by "Batman" with a punching ball! LOL! Great fun being with your kids! Gotta love em! Praying, night and day! :D"
written by Teri Pritchard
"I will always remember Lydia bringing Luke to class and then picking him up. She is such a good big sister. I also remember all her accessories she wore each day. She is such a sweet girl. always lighting up the room with her smile! We are praying for you and will continue to pray!"
written by Amanda Jackson
"buzz lightyear boxing gloves and the sweet neighbor girls Lydia made friends with in Marietta"
written by Julie Schafer
"Remembering trying to sneak a huge stuffed Tigger onto your bench outside your front door without being seen by the kids!!!!!"
written by Paula Clark
"I love and still remember the way we shared books and verses that helped us grow in our walk with our Father. You have blessed me so much and continue to do so. Lydia is a special girl who shines like a star and loves with all her heart! Jasmine still has the necklaces, bracelets and many other love gifts her dear friend made for her. Her special pottery flower that brighten up the room just like Lydia does."
written by Jessie Martinez
"Remembering the night we had dinner together. Did you know Lydia gave me a bracelet that night? I told her it was too pretty for me to keep, but she insisted. When we went to leave, she grabbed my arm. "I wanted to make sure you didn't take it off" she said. I wore it every day but worried it would break during my work with patients. It hangs from my rear view mirror now. I see it during my 2 hours on the road every day. It is beyond her understanding how her life continues to affect countless others."
written by Alesha Kelley
"I remember sweet little Lydia from the nursery days at Unity. She was this tiny little beautiful toddler that loved to sit in your lap! So sweet! She has grown into this beautiful young girl so full of life and a testimony to us all! Thank you for teaching us all so much!"
written by Pam Krol
"I keep seeing Lydia's face and remembering when I came to your house in Clayton and your precious girl was so happy to make her bracelet and then so selflessly gave it to Lacey instead of keeping it for herself. I will never forget that. Your daughter, you, warrior mama, have taught me so much."
written by Ashley Letchworth
"I remember being at The Playroom for Ben's birthday, and hiding at the top of the slide with Lydia, who reassured me that our parents would forget and leave us, allowing us to have a sleepover there.
I remember bringing her into my room for the first time on the fourth of July. She looked through all my jewelry, and loved it. She told me 'H' was her favorite letter, because it started the word 'Heaven'.
I remember playing Memory with her, and being surprised at how good she was at it.
I remember eating way too many peanut butter Oreos with her in our hotel room at GWL.
I remember relaxing in the hot tub with her at GWL.
I remember watching Lydia as she grabbed handfuls and handfuls of candy with the claw at the "R K". That was her favorite game there.
I remember her telling me she always wanted a sister, and then wished we were sisters.
You will always be my sister. I love you Lydia Gray Byrd. ♥"
written by Emma Voiles
"I had a sweet time with Lydia while leading "Big Church" at TMBC WEE. Our Bible story was "Lydia Hears About Jesus" based on Acts 16:9-15. I had her join me in front of the group and draped her in purple cloth while I told the story. She beamed that precious smile and was just beautiful robed in royalty.
WEE still miss you all so much."
written by Trish Battles
✵Please feel free to share in the comment section ~
your favorite memory that God has weaved into this trial.
Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights
with whom there is no variation
or shadow due to change.
James 1:17
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