published February 10, 2005
The foundation of my life is the love of God, and my savior, Jesus Christ. Those who know me are quick to recognize that my children are the most important things to me on this earth. But I know that my children will grow up, and leave me, to have wonderful lives of their own. And that is what I want for them - to grow and be independent and to have families of their own that are the most important thing to them. I would like to be a part of their lives, but my role will be greatly diminished.
And, time and life experience has taught me that a time will come in my life where friends will pass out of my life. As a woman, I recognize the likelihood of spending some years as a widow, too. But no matter what lies ahead, I will never be alone. The Lord will never leave me, nor forsake me.
Friends will, from time to time, desert or betray me. They are only human. They fall victim to their own fears and weaknesses. God knows I haven't always been the friend that I would want to be. But God will never break His promises to me. I can trust in the goodness of God, even when I cannot understand what is happening around me. The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in want. - Psalm 23. The Lord will provide for me, and I do not need to live in fear. Though I walk through the dark valley, I will not be afraid, for He is with me. - Psalm 23.
For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believed in him would not perish, but instead have eternal life. - John 3:16 God loves me so much that even though I am too weak to be good all the time, and even though I have done things I'm ashamed to admit, Jesus will save me from the punishment I deserve. By calling on Jesus to save me, and trusting His promise to save me, I have been washed clean of my sins, past, present, and future. Instead of going to hell, when I die, I will go to heaven, to be reunited with friends and relatives who have also been saved. Knowing that heaven is my fate upon death has freed me from a fear of death as an end to all things. I know that loneliness is temporary. Knowing that God has forgiven me all my sins has freed me from guilt and shame. Knowing Jesus has transformed my life from despair to hope and peace.
No matter what happens to me in this life, through good times and bad, I always have the love, acceptance, and support of my Lord, my Savior, my Brother, my Counselor, my Encourager and my Father in heaven. On this foundation, I have built my life. To the greater glory of God!
Mary Rita Otto
My view on when life begins
My prayer for the workplace