Abide With Me

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.


This past Tuesday was my angel baby Natalie's first birthday. I had been dreading it since the beginning of the year, I knew it would be a hard day and I was prepared to be left in shambles by the day's end. However God's infinite grace upheld me. Amidst text messages, calls and emails I was surrounded by so much love from my friends and family. I am so thankful to God who used everyone around me to make that day bearable.


We decided to have a picnic to celebrate her birthday. I made her a cake and since Hailey insisted it was her birthday too, I made her one as well. My Hailey-Angel gave me all the love my heart and empty arms were aching for. With her "I love you mama" and "don't cry mommy" she soothed my pain.  My husband was ready to catch me should I fall that day, watching me ever so attentively and lovingly. A friend blessed me with a painting of my angel so I would have an image of her that day. Truly, I am blessed. God himself held me that day and had his angels flank me on all sides.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.


I did not think I would make it through that day, but here I sit to tell it all. With a heart of thankfulness to my savior who heard my humble cry and answered me in a mighty way that only he can. Thank you lord for your undeserving love and grace that you bestow on me.


I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me