The Quiet Spirit of Christmas

The spirit of Christmas is so quiet; it's the most peaceful spirit I know. No other spirit can bring this smile to my face. The miracle of the Babe's birth brings so much hope to my soul. The awe of Christmas will stay with me forever.

  

Old Natick Mall at Christmas Time

One wish I have is for my children to see the old Natick Mall at Christmas time. I love Christmas shopping there with my family when I was a child. The middle of the mall would be turned into a Christmas fantasy land. Somewhere in the center, there would a huge cart full of stuff animals of all kinds and sizes. Other carts were decorated for Christmas too, waiting for the upcoming wonderful day. The mall's famous water fountain would be covered and to add to my childhood excitement, Santa's visiting center was magically there with Santa waiting to hear my Christmas list. Smiles were there as my family went along anticipating Christmas Eve and Christmas morn. Oh, how exciting it was to be at the old Natick Mall at Christmas time.

Merry Christmas, Darling

Oh how unbelievably grateful I feel. You're in my life. I will get to celebrate Christmas. one of my favorite holidays with you. I will feel warm by your side and my hand in your hand. I love you so much my handsome angel. God has blessed me with you, one of my favorite blessings. Just to know that we will be spending many Christmases together brings so much warmth to my heart. You are the love of my life, the quietness on the days that are hard. I want to greet you under the mistletoe every Christmas Eve for the rest of my life. I want to give you the greatest present every Christmas morning. Merry Christmas, darling. I love you. 

In Preparation For Something Bigger

Christmas is the beginning of something greater. There's a bigger picture to look at. We can rejoice because this great day marks the start of our Salvation history. The one true history we can really depend on. The love of God shown bright on this day. We are very joyful and grateful that we have the day of Christmas. The glorious day of the Resurrection would not be if it weren't for the manger or the "yes" of Mary. The splendid morning of Christmas is just the first in the life of the Christ child. Christ had many days that were good. He also had days where things were hard since He was human just like all humans. Christ was also the Messiah, He was born to save the world. For this reason, Christmas is a most glorious day. Christmas is a day in preparation for something bigger. 

The Peace Of Jesus

Quiet your heart, steady your mind. It's Christmas time again. Put away all your cares and all your worries. Listen to the quiet sound of Christmas. Feel the peaceful magic in the air. The reminder of God's love is upon us once more. Feel the beauty of God's love inside and all around you. The tender mercies of the holidays are here to stay. May the peace of Jesus always be with you.

Sleigh Fun

Sledding just before Christmas can be very intense. It's just a tad different than taking the sleigh out for fun on an ordinary winter day. The excitement of Christmas Day can add to the thrill. It's a magical feeling that cannot be explained. Going sledding on a cold, snowy holiday with friends fills the celebration with joy. It's fun going down that big hill down at the school. Talking about what Santa might give us children and the Christmas cookies our mothers would have waiting for us when we get home makes us laugh even more. Going down the hill is as much fun as knowing that your friends are waiting at the bottom of the hill with snowballs to throw at you. Afterward, we take turns pulling each other across the snow as we head home to enjoy those wonderful Christmas cookies.  

Oh Holy Star

Oh Holy star, watch over little Emmanuel, the Babe born this night. This night of all nights. Watch over Mary and Joseph and guide them to a most and holy spot so she can give birth. Be the everlasting silent reminder of God's greatest gift to mankind. Light up the night sky and shine bright. Oh holy star, how greatly loved you are.  

Heavenly Reindeer

   There was a twinkle in God's eyes after He was thinking for awhile. "I know, I'll create My Son and send Him down there." God knew that this was the best and only way to save His people. "They'll know the true meaning of love." And so it was, the baby Christ was born. How God knew His angels would take care of His baby boy. Yet, He wanted another great creation of His - His animals - involved in some way. God called upon His reindeer. They appeared in front of God's throne as fast as you can blink an eye. He told them they were going on an extra special mission. God sent the reindeer to a small city in Judea. They were to fly around the birthplace of the Son of God. When they got to the city, the reindeer flew all around the manger and the baby Christ in awe. It was such an honor for them to help watch over the little babe. The Heavenly reindeer were held high in the sight of God, that soon after their special mission, God sent them to help a great man deliver toys to children all over the world.
   

The Melody of Christmas

Christmas music has always been very special to me. It stirs up special feelings inside of me. We always had the best of Christmas music playing in the house around the holidays. I love singing Christmas carols. It was always extra joyful to listen to when you're watching a beautiful snowfall on a cold winter day. You're inside by the window just as warm as you can be. A favorite memory of mine involved Christmas music & it happened when I was just a baby. One night, around Christmas time, my mother had me cradled in her arms. We were in the living room by the Christmas tree with the light down low. Silent Night was playing & Mom was singing it while she was rocking me to sleep.

Grandma's House

When I was little, I loved going to Grandma's house for Christmas. My family headed over there on Christmas Eve. With smiles on our faces, we would meet my aunts, uncles and cousins there. Grandma and Grandpa would have the house decorated and it would always look awesome. They would have the homemade hot chocolate waiting for us and a bunch of presents under the Christmas tree. The black stove in the kitchen always kept us toasty warm. We, the children would play with our new toys together until we got all tired out. Grandma would always have a big hug for each of us and one of her loving kisses. Yes, Christmas was always so much fun at Grandma's house.

Dancing Limbs

   Hiking in the wood, waiting for the upcoming holidays I get a warm, gay
feeling about Christmas. It's bitter cold out, but my heart is a fire of warmth. I
see the bare tree limbs dancing in the winter wind.  All of last year's leaves have
fallen at last. The lines of the trees nicely fill up their place in the sky. Dancing back and forth, they sport their winter coats. In the winds, they dance slowly at times. Other times they dance and blow all over the place. In the sun, their coats shine. On the gray days, they are a show of beauty. In the star light, the shadows of the limbs dance on the snow. When they move they seem to be telling stories or to be fighting a battle amongst themselves. The wind flaps in the breezes and they create whistling noses. These limbs can paint beautiful pictures on the moon as I ride along the road at night. Sometimes, I feel like dancing along with the snowcovered limbs. They can form magical dreams in my mind, a tale only told to me.  

Let's Gather Once More

     Come on everybody, let's gather once more. Let's come together again and
spread some glad and joyous cheer. We want to see the family at Christmas
time. It's such a special time of year. The snow fall, the quiet of the night, the
crisp fresh air, all the signs of new wonder. How marvelous the glow of
happiness the soul feels. Let's gather around to drink egg nog, tell Christmas
stories and sing Christmas songs. Even though it's cold outside, we're all warm
inside the family's home. It's a family time of year.      

It's Renewed Every Year

Here it comes again. That magical feeling that
that warms your heart anew. It never fails. The childhood
meanings changes as you grow wiser. The meaning
still excites you and everyone around you. This joy
comes from inside. The promise of hope is renewed in
your heart. Your heart dances as the day gets nearer.
This time of year is a treasure you hold in your heart
for always.

In The Forest

In the forest, I can see trees for miles.
Different shades of green are all around,
it adds to the magic of the forest.
The snapping of the twigs can be heard
underfoot.
Small, little animals running about, going
back and forth, here and there.
Imaginary themes pop in and out of mind.
I can hear different noises at all times
causing me to dream of fantasies of
far off lands, enchanted lands where
battles are happening and romance
is everywhere.

V.L.C. 9/3/19

Magnificent Trees

Some trees stand tall and
some trees branch out in the forest.
It is neat how some can stand in a row.
Tree branches paint pictures in the sky,
when the wind blows.
I love the smell of some trees. 
Trees can be magical to me at certain times
of the year.

V.L.C.  8/26/19

Movies Take Me Away

Fantasy is what a movie is to me,
a dream to a faraway land.
I can be a character along with the ones
on the screen.
A chance to dive right into the story.
It has always been that way for me
from a young age.
My mom would read me a story
and make it come alive for me. 
I can do that for myself when 
I watch a movie.

V.L.C.  8/19/19

Struggling With Worries

We all struggle with worries

from time to time.

It’s part of our human condition.

For some of us, worrying can take over

and we don’t know what to do.

We need help, but that’s ok.

We know that God will heal,

still, we need extra help.

We need to talk it out with

someone who can help.

That struggling is real for us.

It can overwhelm us and

gets carried away.

I have learned ways to help me,

I have people I can talk to,

I can breathe.

I have faith that all will

eventually, work out.

V.L.C.   8/13/19

Some Anniversaries

Today is a hard day, I'm longing for someone.

Someone who has gone before me, he has

gone home to God a year ago today.

I long to laugh with him and to share stories.

I remember other people too. My love ones

who have gone home too. I long to tell them

I love them, give them one more hug.

V.L.C.  8/4/19

The End of Summertime

There is a nostalgia feeling when it 

comes to the end of summer.

The end of walking barefoot

and lemonade.

The green grass isn't green anymore.

Time to go back to school and

thinking about the holidays.

An end to a season and the hope

of another year and the beginning

of dreaming of a new summertime.

V.L.C.  7/29/19

Communication

I get lonely for the people I love.
I get sad thinking of them sometimes.
I long to communicate with them.
And I do. I do reach out,
I just wish they reach out to me more.

V.L.C.  7/27/19

Nature Dreaming

Trees are majestic when they blow in the wind.

Their branches paint the sky. Breathes makes

trees sway back and forth.  I walk among the trees

and I dream of far off places where 

fantasies become real. I long to be out in nature 

where I am free. It's great to talk to God in nature, 

to tell Him how I'm feeling, of my love for Him. 

I'd love to hike in nature with good friends and just

be ourselves, laughing and not a care in the world.

To be honest, I'm not out in nature that much at all and

that makes me sad. 

V.L.C.  7/16/19

Oh My Heart

How do I stop my heart from missing this one?

I have moved on, but my heart still ache.

I still think of them every day.

I find ways to stop thinking of them,

but it's never for long.

Why are they so deep in my heart?

I wish my feelings would go away,

so it wouldn't hurt so much.

V.L.C.  7/11/19 

Shock of Death

The shock of death never gets old.

It always leave a fresh feeling that's not good.

I wander about in a daze when I hear

about the loss of someone I know.

The hardest shock of death, I've already

been through. It lasted for months with 

no let up.

I only can say that God saw me through 

every second of that one.

It still brings me to tears when I think of it.

But even so, death is not a total end. And

this is my faith and my belief. I will not

always feel the shock of death, but I 

will in time live on with my God forever. 

V.L.C.   7/7/19

Satisfying Love

Why can't I be satisfied with your love?

You love me like no other.

You strengthen me and keep me strong.

You never let me down.

So why can't I trust your love?

I hold on to loves that fade away.

That are not always true.

They can't love me like you can,

and I get hurt. I must keep that in mind.

You are all I have sometimes.

You never hurt me, I need to trust this.

But I don't, not completely.
Forgive me please. I love you.

I shall always love you.

I'm human. 

V.L.C.  6/18/19

Dear Friend

Dear Friend,

I just wanted you to know somethings.

I'm so glad we met,

You are so awesome and

You are so cared for.

I wish you knew that.

You are a treasure

and I love you so much.

Me

V.L.C.  6/11/19

Thoughts

Drowning in my thoughts tonight.

Missing friends and people left and right,

Longing to talk to them, praying that they're OK.

Love hurts sometimes.

My arms are empty, still they are heavy,

And my heart aches.

Please come and see me, I dare not say.

But I think it anyway.

V.L.C.  6/6/19

The Power of the Holy Eucharist in my Life

I received my first Holy Communion on my 14^th birthday, but I didn’t know that it was truly the Body of Christ then. All I knew was that it was another sacrament of the Church and I wanted everything that the Church had to offer. I didn’t even have my personal relationship with Jesus yet, all I know was God was calling me to Himself. I knew I wanted to go to Him, but I had yet to experience that power.  As time went on, I grew in my relationship with God. In 1988, my relationship with God, with Jesus became real, became personal. I now had that power in my life and I became alive. I had this great love for Jesus. I knew of His great power, His great love for me. But I had yet to know the power of the Eucharist.

In 1993, I started going to Franciscan University of Steubenville to study to be a counselor. At Steubenville, they had a little chapel called the Port where they had 24-7 Adoration. I would visit the chapel from time to time not fully understanding was Adoration meant, all I know was I was drawn to it. The more I went the more I wanted to be there in the Port. I was close to something, but didn’t know what it was or who it was for that matter.

Then, one day it hit me. I looked up at Him. Jesus! I smiled the biggest smile. Jesus! There He was, right in front of me! The body of Christ. I got so excited, there He was, in all of His glory. It was hard to keep my excitement to myself inside that little Port! I went outside and said to the first person I saw, “That’s Jesus! That is really Jesus in there!” They shook their head and smiled. And the next time I received Holy Communion in Christ, the King Chapel, I smiled that biggest smile again. The Eucharist is Lord Jesus Christ, the Body of Christ. It is the God who I have my personal relationship with, the God who I love with all of my heart.

VLC  6/23/18

My New Body Awaits

Oh how exciting this is for me! It never gets old.

The anticipation stays new.

Being disabled all my life and now I know.

It wont be forever. My body will be made anew!

God promise me this, and God always keeps His promise.

My suffering will not be forever, my suffering will end.

My body will be even more beautiful than it is.

I won't always be tired, and I won't always be in pain.

Oh what love God has for me, and He has lighten my

Physical burden most times when I needed it. He has

Shown me mercy at the right time. I thank Him again

And again. Thank you Father God, thank you.

V.L.C.  5/19/19

Graduation Day 1997

Proudest day of my life,

Graduating with good friends that I made

Those last four years.

Grew closer to God too.

Hard work and studying is done.

Having my mom there, beyond priceless.

Going up on stage to receive

My diploma from Fr. and getting hugged.

All complete with a standing ovation,

What a moment!

Thank you Steubenville,

I shall never forget you!

V.L.C.  5/12/19

God, With Your Help

God, with your help I can change the world in my own little way. I can point the way to you. I can show people your love. Make me your witness. I try to thrive to be the best I can be. It is a daily struggle, but at the same time it is a daily challenge. As being human, I sometimes fall, but I always get up and try again. You are my hope, my stronghold. You have delivered me so many times and I am so grateful. I want to make you proud. Make me strong. Make me bold in you. Only with your help I can do it. I want you as the center of my world. You are my all in all.  

Amen

V.L.C.  5/7/19

Beautiful Nature

The sun is shining and the trees 

Swaying back and forth.

I feel the wind blowing through my hair

I love seeing the ripples on the water

The smell of the pine make me dream

Of past memories.

Family vacations with my mom and

Swimming in the lake.

Picnic and canoeing, laughing as

We splash in water.

Fun was had all around.

V.L.C. 5/5/19

God, Give Me Strength

Dear God, I know you love me.

Things are getting harder as I grow older.

I’m trying not to grow weary,

But that is not always easy.

Place some help in my life like you always do.

Be in my life, Lord.

Oh, it’s not easy in this body.

Sorry for complaining.

Allow me to rest a little when I need to.

You are my strength and my song,

Sustain me Lord, oh please.

I love you Lord,

Please?

V.L.C.  5/5/19

River Of Life

River of life, let your waves come over me,
Come wash me and make me new again!
River of life, pour out blessings on this tired soul.
In my daily walk, give me strength and sustain me.
Let me take in the beauty of your nature,
For your nature is beautiful to see.
Let me live for you for you are there for me.
Let me rest in you for you are always there.
I can call on you and you will pour out your mercy.

V.L.C.   5/4/19
      

The Vigil

Waiting in silence and in the dark.
Been a tough two days,
Mourning the Lord’s death, we wait.
Hearts troubled even now.
Candles are lit.
Waiting for the word.
Waiting for the Proclamation.
Candles in some way, are a glimmer of hope.
Waiting.
Father cries out amidst the dark.
And then, a friend starts to sing.
I smile as she sing the great Easter song.
As she sings, “This is the night…”
“O Happy Fault…..” on and on.
I cling to the hope and the fact
That I have been rescued for evermore;
There is absolutely no greater joy
Then this holy pardon,
I am free.

V.L.C. 4/21/19

Oh Good Friday

I mourn on Good Friday

Even though it happened so long ago

It was done for humankind

It was done for me.

Left standing in awe

Didn't have to do it, but

It was done anyway.

Out of love.

V.L.C.  4/20/19

Forsaken?

Why have you forsaken me?
Or have you?
I felt forsaken from time to time
But have you, really?
Times when I was down and out
Were you really there?
In times of struggling troubles
Did you really leave?
When friends turn away, did you?
I breathe out my tears
And my sobs
Never have you left
I felt that you turned away
But you didn't, not really
You were there all along   
Forever grateful will I be
Forever here will you be

V.L.C.  4/16/19

Reign Holy Spirit

Oh come and fall on me
Come Holy Spirit, come
Set me ablaze with your love
None other like you
Reign down your mercy
Make me new
Heal us with your love
You are endless,
Praise God for that
Blow in my direction
Your love I never have to guess
Reign Holy Spirit on this land
I love you 
Holy Spirit
Soak me with your presence

V.L.C.  4/15/19 

Why Am I Concerned?

I have friends that cares
I have friends that laugh with me
They worry when things go wrong
So why am I concerned about
Whether or not you care?
Don't matter to me
Get out of my head, you 
Do not belong there, or in my heart
Were you pretending to care all
Along? I had to listen while you
Told someone you cared
Were you hoping I would hear?
Were you planning to hurt me?
Because you did
I have friends that loves me
So why am I concerned?

V.L.C.  4/11/19

Come Rescue Me

Come Rescue me Lord from
My fears, from my heartaches
You can set me free from my
Troubles and my storms
You have saved me and set me
Free from my sins countless of times
Rescue me from my troubling thoughts
From my nightmare set me free
Only You can grant what I ask
No one else can do
No one else can love me
Like You can
Come rescue me

V.L.C.  4/5/19

Not Alone

I walk along in despair

But somehow I know that

I'm not alone

Jesus is with me and

He loves me more than
I can ever know
He holds my hand and
Walks in silence with me
Letting me think
I start to cry and
Jesus cries with me
He stops me and hugs me
I am not alone

V.L.C.  4/4/19

  

So, About This Glow

So, about this glow you see about me
You see, it comes from above
It's not me. It's nothing I did
Its years of trust in someone
Years of putting my faith in one
I can't see
It's not chance and it's not luck
No, it's not luck
It comes from the Father
And from the Savior
Yes, it comes from above
You see, I'm loved

V.L.C.  3/26/19

I Offer Peace

My heart and I offer peace
No matter where I run
Into you, I offer peace
No hard feelings or 
A mean word, just peace
You don't know my heart
Or how much I care, but
Still I offer peace
You just don't get it

V.L.C.  3/24/19

Oh Flame of Fire

Oh flame of fire burn within us
Set this place ablaze with Your love
Oh Spirit of the living God
Pour out Your flame on us
We need You to renew us
You are powerful 
You are holy, full of peace
Oh Spirit, hear us
Set this place ablaze with Your grace
Come and renew us
Fill us with Your mercy and goodness
You are our love
You are our strength
You satisfy us
You love us
You fill us
You are our God
Oh flame of fire give us Your light
We love you light of goodness

V.L.C.  3/20/19

Hide Me In Your Light, Oh Lord

Hide me in Your light, oh Lord
Show me Your goodness
You are more than awesome
Show me Your love and 
Your mercies
For You are so good
Every hour I shall praise
Your holy name

V.L.C.  3/14/19

Run The Other Way?

Run the other way?
Never
Never gonna
Been there
Miserable and sad
Broken and mad
Never again
Been without You
Been there
Ran the other way
Broken in two
Lonely, without hope
Run the other way?
Never again

V.LC.  3/3/19

If I Had A Chance

If I had a chance, I would chat with you

I would gather you in my arms as two friends

Would. I would talk with you for an hour

or two. Maybe I would steal a day with you, 

just the two of us.

V.L.C.  3/15/19

Morning Sunrise

The Bridge

What My Lent Tends To Be Like

This Lent has been difficult, which is very familiar to me because of past years. Every day, there seems to be a new trial that has me calling out to God for help and relief. It now also falls close to the anniversary of my mother's death which does not help, it seems to make matters a tad worse. I miss my mother terribly. I tend not to let it show but only to those who are close to me.

Who knows why I suffer greatly the time of Lent. It was explained to me by my then spiritual advisor that it may be because my heart is very close to God. I don't fully understand it, perhaps I won't until I see God face to face. I also tend to get weepy and feel like crying a lot now. I feel very lonely too. I only ask people to hang in there with me. I will try to do the best I can, and that may not be good enough, but it is all I can do.

Honestly,

Vicky

                                                     Test

As I walk along this 40 days path I come to more bumps than I care to mention. It is more than I can handle. Sometimes I want to cry, but the tears will not come. Have I become immune to the tears, are they all dry up? I become overwhelmed with it all. Does anyone understand? Maybe God's not there. Oh He has to be there, got to be there or I am dead. Help! My heart is true. Is there anyone out there that cares? I don't understand! Do they understand or do they even care? Walk on, walk on, I keep telling myself. It will be over someday. A great sigh of relief will I have. Oh if that were true. Sorry for my doubt. I love you, it will be alright, just hold on. Jesus.

* Written awhile ago

Lent Suffering

I tend to suffer during Lent and Holy Week is extremely hard for me. It has been this way since I graduated from college. My priest friend who was once my spiritual adviser have told me that it may this way because I am close to Jesus. I have known great struggles in my life and I know Jesus have seen me and held me steady through it all. But I tend to struggle even more during this Holy time. Every year I tell God I don’t want to go through the struggle, but alas I do anyway. Maybe I sound like Jesus in the garden and maybe I don’t trust Him all the way. That’s when I should have more faith in Him, cling to Him more tightly.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.  1 Peter 5: 10-11 

Don't Let Go

Don't let go, Father
When I am drowning
I will not let go
You are Lord of kings
So I won't let go
When I am hurting
Don't let go, Father
You are Lord of life
I will celebrate You
For You don't ever let go

V.L.C.  3/5/19

My Weaknesses

My weaknesses can sometimes
Be my strength
But only in God
Therefore, I praise God
My weaknesses can get
In my way
And frustration takes over
I ask why because I am
Human
Like it or not, I am
Broken, but only in body
My spirit soars because
I have faith
My weaknesses are not me
My faith is me
I will praise God and
Ask Him for help with my
Weaknesses.

V.L.C.  3/3/19  

The Voice

I hear You
I have heard You
Lord Jesus, You have called me
I still hear the voice
Speak softly to me
Calling me to You
Then and now
I hear the Voice

VLC  3/2/19

A Very Special Night

It was a very special night. It was a wonderful, beautiful night. An answer to a long waited prayer for the both of us. It was one of those nights that would be a lovely memory that would be remembered forever. A gift from God. My friend and I waited for a long time and finally the wait was over. My wonderful friend called me from school that afternoon to see if I was there. I was. She was coming a little later to pick me up. I waited outside when it was time. I couldn't help but smile at myself. I was so happy and so was she. Soon she came and we were on our way. We stopped at the grocery store to pick up some food for dinner. I just had to buy my friend a pink rose, her favorite flower. She loved it. We went to her place to eat. It was a delicious dinner. She really slaved over it. She joked that it was only instant, but still, she made it. My friend, her roommate and I all ate dinner together and watched a movie, but mostly we just talked. When dinner was done, my friend asked if I was ready. I said yes with a big smile. It was time. She grabbed a book that was an inspiration to us, I grabbed my Bible. We took off on our journey. It was raining, so we prayed that the rain would stop. We went to get ice cream. It was a tradition of ours from before. She said it was her treat. What a special treat from my very special friend. We hopped back into her little car and she put on our tape that I made for her. We headed to Fernwood State Park. We traveled a long a way that I was somewhat familiar with even though I traveled it only once before. How could I forget! We talked on and on just enjoying each other company. That is something we both treasured. I said to my lovely friend that I felt like I was dreaming. She gently told me that it felt too good to be a dream. She was so glad it was real. I knew she was so right. The rain didn't really bother us. We sang along with the music, laughing. Our song came on. We cranked up the music. I caught my friend listening to me and smiling. I felt good inside. I asked if we could play our song again. She said for me to go ahead and play it over. The song put the biggest smiles on our faces as we played it over and over, singing it over and over. We went over a bridge and it looked so beautiful, so I asked my good friend if we could stop. When my friend stopped the car, I got out and happily ran back to the bridge. She called out for me to be safe, being her caring self. As I looked at the running water I could hear the end of our song, which filled me up with joy. As we started up again, we said that we could hardly believe we were there and we were together. We started praising our Lord for the good thing we had that night.  It was a treasure. When we got to Fernwood, we looked for the spot where we once were before. It was still drizzling, so we didn't get out right away. We sat there eating our ice cream, talking about how beautiful Fernwood was. God did an awesome job! We took our time reading scripture together which was so fun. God's Words means everything to us. It is our guide in this life. It finally stopped raining, so we got out. It was good to be outside at a special place that meant so much to us. We stood there looking over the valley, hugging each other and holding hands. It was just so special and the sight was beautiful.  We talked on and on, sharing together, just the two of us. God brought us together again. It was so beautiful to be there with her, truly beautiful. There is so much love between my friend and I. We got out the book that was special to us and sat down on a wooden beam. We took turns reading this book. She read a page, I read a page. Earlier in the year, my wonderful friend suggested that I get this book, she knew that by my reading the story, it would help me know how special I was  and it would help me to realize and believe it myself. Reading the book together was so much fun and relaxing. I always feel like I can be myself with my friend. When we were done reading, we walked back to the car. I suddenly had the urge to do something. Something I've wanted to do for a long time. I wanted to tell my friend something that I didn't want to say over the phone. They were to important to me. I looked at her and she looked at me. We took hold of one another hands. I had a difficult year dealing with something personal and many times I was very sad. My dear friend, like many of my other friends, stood by me and helped me through times that were painful. She was there for me even if it was only over the phone. She offered up many prayers for me and loved me through the difficult moments. I wanted to thank her in person and tell her how very grateful I was for her friendship and for her love. A lot of things were said between us. I was so blessed to be able to tell my friend how I felt in person. We hugged. What I said meant so much to my dear friend. After that, we went to find the path we hiked once before. We had so much fun on our little hike. We talked about anything and everything. We talked about how our prayer life was going and how we could strengthen that life. She paid me a very nice compliment. She said that she liked it when I offered her my advice on things. I never  put her down. That is something I never want to do because she means so much to me; I mean so much to her. We were praying that we would find some violets like we did last time we hiked this path. We lucked out, there were some. So we picked them. My friend smiled at me and told me to give her the violets. She said she had an idea. She wanted to make me something. She wouldn't tell me what she wanted to make. She wanted to surprise me. I had a feeling that whatever it is, it would be made with much love.  Her wanting to make me something made me feel special. We were having a most wonderful time just being together. There was so much love between us just like there always is when we're together. It was getting dark so we headed back to her place. We played our song a couple of times and listened to other songs as well. When we got back to her place and got ready for a good night sleep, we said some night prayers together. We hugged tenderly, she thanked me for a very wonderful, very special night and kissed me. I thanked her too. We whispered I love yous and I drifted off to sleep thanking God for the very special gift He had given me. That was a very special night my friend and I will never forget. We thank you God for this very special blessing.