For my Brother, On His Birthday

January 5th, 2023

Spent much of my life missing you, this much is pretty true.

I just wanted my brother back, I just wanted you.

You hugged just like I do, your smile was the same.

You loved the way I made you laugh, even though you called it “lame.”

I have one of your last notebooks and other things of yours I’ve read.

It truly breaks my heart you never got out of your head.

You and I were the same in other ways too and I still haven’t read your texts.

But I know you reminded me of my goodness, and brought out my best.

We talked so many times about our needing.

Activities, the gym and lots of reading.

Wanting a positive mindset, we shared so much with each other.

From memes to books to conversations, with the one who understood me most, my brother.

When I read that you liked writing, too, it made me think, of course you do.

We miss you Andrew, me and Dad. He text today to say, “I’m sad.”

I just love you so very much, I absolutely do.

I couldn’t be more thankful, to be so much like you.

Happy birthday, Brother.

Scripture Sunday: Give Away Your Negatives So You Can Live Out Your Positives

A bad minute doesn’t make a bad day. Spilling water on yourself doesn’t ruin the whole day. And one argument doesn’t make the whole day bad. I could go on and on.

But who finds themselves feeling like this? Or acting this out? One bad thing happens, and instead of moving on and letting it go, we harp on it, continue to feel bad about it, and we let that one thing literally ruin our whole day.

Our attitude is our choice and better than that, it doesn’t have to be! Give it all to God. All the mistakes, the negative, the fights, the misunderstandings, the troubles, the problems, the fears, and worries, and anxiousness. He wants us to give it all to Him.

He wants to shoulder all of it for us so that we can live in joy, peace, contentment, and love. How awesome is our God?

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.  Psalm 56:3

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you. Psalm 55:22

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

If you’re reading this, I want to pray for you.

Dear God, Remind us to live each day with joy. Whether we are hurting or sad or happy or having a bad day, please remind us to come to You. Please remind us to give our cares and worries to You. Please talk to us so loudly that we cannot not hear You. Thank You for the Word and Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.