It is so beautiful to know that His mercies are new every morning. Despite my "mixed-bag" weekend, Day 8 greeted me with an overwhelming sense of both peace and purpose. As I spent quiet time, meditating on the goodness of my awesome Creator, I was moved in a way I haven't been in some time.

In these profound moments of quiet communion I was reminded of the depth of His Love for me by the incomprehensible exchange of my frail human efforts for His power, peace and purpose. On days like these, it is hard to consider consecration anything less than a privilege, much less a sacrifice.

Day 8 Thanksgiving: Moments of Solitude
There is a difference between being alone and being lonely. With the multiple roles wear, particularly that of  parent, moments of solitary quiet reflection can be few and far between if I'm not diligent to guard them with my life. Fortunately, I learned a while back that indeed, they are my life. I am grateful for those meditative moments that bookend my day to refresh, restore and replenish my mind, body and spirit.

Day 8 Prayer: New Parents
Lord, the responsibilities of parenthood are such a monumental blessing and such a sobering reality. I pray that you would touch every person who is becoming a parent for the first time. Grant them the strength, courage and wisdom to raise their children under the umbrella of your love. Give them the measure of grace and patience they will need to fulfill the most significant call you have ever placed on the life of another - that of a parent.