Dedication

I have never been one to keep a diary. While the real reason is probably because I don’t enjoy writing, I also never could wrap my head around writing all my innermost thoughts to “Dear Diary.” Who?
That being said, I keep having burdens on my heart of Scriptures that have come alive, hymns or sermons that have spoken to my soul, and circumstances of deep grief as well as of answered prayer. It compels me to tell of them. Marvelous are the Lord’s works and His thoughts which are to us-ward. If I were to declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
So who am I writing to? First of all, this gift is for my blood niece and nephews. While my New Hampshire nephews are already on my heart, it will be a while before they read this (if ever). As my Illinois niece and nephew have grown and gone off to college, the urgency of reaching out to you has drawn near and been a burden on my heart. I love all four of you dearly and wish that I could see you on a regular basis. This is an attempt at the next best thing.
Secondly, there are our adopted nieces and nephews. Our four first-born and our five second-born have always been on our hearts to reach out to. While it seems I may never be called “Mom,” my heart is satisfied with the Lord’s gift of being called “Aunt.” Now our family has grown to so many of you, Beloved, and there is always room for one more.
Since I have already fluctuated between using “I” and “we,” I should stop and answer who is writing this. It’s Melodie. However, since we have been married for 18 years now, we have melded together somewhat. As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend, and Rob is my nearest and dearest. I guess I could sign each post “Rolodie.” =-) Just know that love comes from both of us, but the writing is mine.
What do I ask in return from you? I’m not asking anything. My purpose statement is: “In order to obey God’s command to praise His works to another generation, I will meditate on God’s Word and then declare His greatness.” For years, I have had this idea and burden and not been brave enough to do anything about it. Now I’ve done what God has laid on my heart. If it is helpful to you to read with me and comment on the verses, then great! If not, no worries. Anything I write is just reflections that I’ve had on the Scriptures. It is not meant as a sermon (since that would be wrong) or as unsolicited advice to you (which would be dangerous). It’s just written thoughts sent into cyberspace.
When we are together with you, the time is spent doing mostly fun things—which is fine since life is so short. However, I see the young people that I love so much growing up so fast, and the world we live in is so incredibly wicked and in such deceitful ways. I have seen the Lord’s work in your lives, and my prayer for you is that He who began a good work in you would complete it until the day of redemption.