Blessed Be Your Name...

So my family is going through a whole lot right now. I don't want to get into the gorey details, but rather i'd like to pay tribute to my two wonderful parents. I know I am biased as their daughter, but I think anyone who knows them and what they've gone through, and continue to go through in their lives, would agree with me when I say that they are AMAZING.

I am so blessed to have such wonderful role models--they have taught me so many valuable lessons that many people never learn or experience. I am grateful that my parents do not become victimized by ANYTHING. Their attitude is so right! Whenever bad things happen, they automatically assume and confess that God is doing something bigger and greater because of the "bad" situation. I have never heard them complain, or say a bad word about anyone. And i'm pretty sure that my mother has never raised her voice in her life.

I realize how rare these qualities are more and more- the more people I meet. I can't tell you how thankful I am that God placed me in the care of two amazing parents as Ron and Marilyn Carter. I can only hope that I can turn out 1% as good as they are!

Looking at their lives, I am able to acknowledge that all things really do work out for the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose. I'm able to see that is really possible to stay in love in marriage and have a wonderful family. I'm able to see that even if money and resources are tight, if you have love in a home, that's what really matters. I don't really think i've missed out on any good thing being their daughter. They have poured their lives into mine, and continue to do so even though i've moved out. I know at any point in time, I can call on them for help and support and unconditional love.

Today I was thinking about the lyrics in the song "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord":
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name

The two people that came to mind when I heard that song--my two wonderful parents.