God Bless Our Soldiers

May God keep our soldiers safe
as they volunteer to do their duty.
They protect us in a hostile land
while we enjoy our country's beauty.

War as we know, can be unfair
but sometimes necessary for our freedom.
The lights of victory will shine through
with heartfelt courage and wisdom.

To our brave soldiers, we salute you,
and all that you face along the way.
For you are the heroes in our eyes
making the best of life everyday.

Thank you for being so heroic
and standing tall for what is right.
For we are proud American's
looking to the future to be bright.

As we pray for your protection
may you rest in peace each night
trusting in God's divine plan
that everything will be alright.

Keep marching on...
doing what you know best.
For we love and support you
on your journey quest...God Bless!!

By Rachel M. Sparks
Copyright 2009 Rachel M. Sparks

July 2008 - Month to Embrace

July was a month to embrace all the beautiful things in life...
such as, family, friends and freedom.

• 4th of July, Independence Day...a day to remember that we are blessed to live in this country. Because of brave men and women who serve, we have our freedom.
• Celebrated my daughter's 30th birthday with it being a surprise party at my home. She was so happy and excited to see everyone, especially all her cousins and her brother who was finally able to see her new baby girl.
• Three days later was another birthday celebration for my sister which we took to the Cheesecake Factory....and then went to visit our young 82 year aunt who is the life of any party. She can out dance you and stay up longer than anyone. Where does she get her energy? Wished we could get some!
• Went to Lake Arrowhead with a group of friends...enjoyed a boat ride around the lake, delicious food and beautiful friends.
• Met one of my treasured friends for dinner, so that she could meet my sweet granddaughter. My daughter enjoyed getting out of the house and seeing my friend and the waitress give special attention to her precious daughter.
• A beautiful birthday celebration for a special friend turning 55. There was about 10 powerful Goddess Babes embracing the joy and laughter that surrounded this loving birthday friend...it was truly a day to cherish forever...for it was a day filled with love.
• Another special birthday celebration of one of my best friends turning 55 and celebrating her wedding anniversary. What a fabulous time! We had so much fun playing games and laughing. The food was absolutely delicious...and what beautiful memories to cherish. You could feel the love of family and friends that helped made this day a happy one.
• A friend invited me to Palm Springs and what a perfect couple of days. We enjoyed the hot weather by the pool, then went out to dinner at Sullivan's...one of the best meal's I have ever had. Then we decided to see a movie, so we enjoyed watching "Mamma Mia."
• The last couple of days of July, I was blessed to spend special time with my beautiful daughter and adorable granddaughter while my wonderful son-in-law went on a business trip. I embraced every moment with both of them...time flies when you're having fun.

Detour to Heaven

Christopher, my son,
your journey on earth is done.
God gave you a detour
and given you the crown you’ve won.

We’re sad and we’re grieving
since God took you away.
But, you’re so blessed
to walk in His glory today.

We loved you with all our hearts
and felt you were too young to die.
Of course, we’ll trust in God’s plan
for He only knows the reason why.

You left behind so many
including your children and wife.
We will never be the same
without you in our life.

You’re in your heavenly home
it must be beautiful in Paradise.
We’ll deeply miss you--
but for now, we’ll say our good-byes.

One day we’ll embrace again
when our Lord reunites us together.
To be a family of God
where we’ll worship and praise Him forever.

Rachel M. Sparks
Copyright © 2008 Rachel M. Sparks

June 2008 - Month of Blessings

Wow! What a month of beautiful blessings!

• Celebrated two of my darling grandkids birthdays and also one for my lovely daughter.
• Plus, a celebration of three grandkids graduations...alot going on in June.
• We had a BBQ and Pool party on Father's Day...such delicious food prepared by my son and middle daughter. Then came jumping in the pool and water splashing all over. Truly a happy and fun day by all.
• Two days later, we had another special blessing of the arrival of a new granddaughter. She's tiny, precious...and, of course, adorable. Both mommy and baby are doing good.

I'm so thankful to God for all these awesome blessings...celebrating birthdays, graduations and a new birth. This new chapter is filled with so much joy, echos of laughter and tons of love. This is such a wonderful and heartfelt time in my life. I am in gratitude for the shower of blessings and the beautiful rainbow across my front door. Thank You God!

A Poem For A Special Friend

DIFFERENT JOURNEY....

God was looking in the Book of Life

to see why I was there…

for a drunk driver hit me

and I was thrown somewhere

I saw my body all messed up

and people running around

I heard the ambulance siren

and 911 calls to town

The paramedics were working hard

but then it was too late

How could this be happening?

I just finished work at eight

As they started to cover my body

I found myself at my front door

I heard the police officer say,

“I’m sorry...life is gone forevermore.”

What shocking news to hear

for my life was taken too soon

The drunk driver who killed me

was locked up by noon

The angels carried me to the light

and guided me to God’s kingdom

There I stood in front of the King

listening to all His wisdom

He told me that I was special

and my mission on earth was done

My name was in the Book of Life

and what victory I had won

He said my family would miss me so

but I would not die in vain

They’re on a different journey now…

to ease such heartache and pain

The drunk driver who hit me tonight

has some tough lessons ahead

For life is such a precious gift

I’m sure he didn’t wish I were dead.

Now, the journey in life is different

for all those left behind.

Will drunk drivers ever learn…

with only tragedies to remind?

Rachel M. Sparks    Copyright © 2008 Rachel M. Sparks

Driving is a privilege, but it can be taken away.

Think before you drink and drive...

for this could be your nightmare today.

In Loving Memory of David D. Parrino - 2004