the prize.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:14 

Tonight, the girls are asleep. They were both tuckered out and bedtime came early at the Branch house. Sean has been in San Fransisco all week and is supposed to be on a plane home tonight, if the weather cooperates. I have a glass of wine. My candle is burning. I just walked in and kissed Saylor's sweet head and said a prayer for the Lord to watch her as she sleeps. 


It's cold outside. I'm snuggled in a blanket as I type. My kitty is curled up next to me. I am counting my blessings. 


I am thankful for tonight, that I can watch Saylor sleep or look into Chloe's room and see her as her night light shines on her. I am thankful for a quiet, clean house. 


I sit at my computer with the lyrics of Jared Anderson, This is Life, playing in the background, and I am moved to tears. It touches me so deep. This road we are walking, it's a gift. I pray we don't lose sight of the prize we have in Christ Jesus. And while we await the prize, may we not miss the moments in between. It's a beautiful life. May we enjoy today. May we give grace and understanding to others. Life is truly bigger when we live for others...  my husband, my sweet little girls, my family and my friends, and ultimately, our God. 

Jared Anderson - "This is Life"

Brace yourself 

This is going to take every part of you

This is going to make God believe in you

And you believe in Him

Pace yourself

Eternity is not a fairy tale

The in between can be your heaven

Or just another day in hell

Cause the road we walk is straight and narrow

And the times we have they're ours to borrow

So give a little understanding

This is life and its hell if you only live for yourself

Calm yourself

The fear that's in your heart must surely die

You always say its hard and you don't know why

Well welcome to everybody else's life

And lift yourself

You're bigger when you're on your knees again

Just look above and look within

Don't look around its all just been

Cause the road we walk is straight and narrow

The times we have they're ours to borrow

So give a little understanding

This is life and its hell if you only live, 

Give a little understanding

This is life and its hell if you only live for yourself

 - Jared Anderson, This is Life