Prayer for Japan - by John Piper (Desiring God Blog post)

Father in heaven, you are the absolute Sovereign over the shaking of the earth, the rising of the sea, and the raging of the waves. We tremble at your power and bow before your unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways. We cover our faces and kiss your omnipotent hand. We fall helpless to the floor in prayer and feel how fragile the very ground is beneath our knees.
O God, we humble ourselves under your holy majesty and repent. In a moment—in the twinkling of an eye—we too could be swept away. We are not more deserving of firm ground than our fellowmen in Japan. We too are flesh. We have bodies and homes and cars and family and precious places. We know that if we were treated according to our sins, who could stand? All of it would be gone in a moment. So in this dark hour we turn against our sins, not against you.
And we cry for mercy for Japan. Mercy, Father. Not for what they or we deserve. But mercy.
Have you not encouraged us in this? Have we not heard a hundred times in your Word the riches of your kindness, forbearance, and patience? Do you not a thousand times withhold your judgments, leading your rebellious world toward repentance? Yes, Lord. For your ways are not our ways, and your thoughts are not our thoughts.
Grant, O God, that the wicked will forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Grant us, your sinful creatures, to return to you, that you may have compassion. For surely you will abundantly pardon. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus, your beloved Son, will be saved.
May every heart-breaking loss—millions upon millions of losses—be healed by the wounded hands of the risen Christ. You are not unacquainted with your creatures' pain. You did not spare your own Son, but gave him up for us all.
In Jesus you tasted loss. In Jesus you shared the overwhelming flood of our sorrows and suffering. In Jesus you are a sympathetic Priest in the midst of our pain.
Deal tenderly now, Father, with this fragile people. Woo them. Win them. Save them.
And may the floods they so much dread make blessings break upon their head.
O let them not judge you with feeble sense, but trust you for your grace. And so behind this providence, soon find a smiling face.
In Jesus’ merciful name, Amen.

Keepsakes from Peter and Chelsea's Wedding

Rose given to the mother of the groom by her son and new daughter.


The "rose vase" was a glass Christopher and I got on OUR honeymoon!

Gifts on the tables - Chapstick and Hershey's kisses

Bridal boquet Kristina caught at the end of a perfect evening!

ONE More reason I love this couple!

My first (and only) son's wedding

My first (and only) son, Peter Joseph Kubesh, was married to an amazing woman last night. Her name WAS Chelsea Smith - now Chelsea Kubesh! Peter was so confident SHE was the one, that I never questioned his decision; I immediately accepted and loved her because he did.

However, after listening to the toasts by her brides-maids/matrons/good friends last night, I realized she is JUST LIKE PETER! They truly ARE a match made in heaven! They are both selfless, kind beyond words, always there for everyone and love living life every minute!

The wedding was beautiful for NUMEROUS reasons - but one very special reason was that Chelsea's father performed the ceremony! The words he shared performing the ceremony are words EVERY married couple should hear/read/re-read often! I asked for a copy and will post (after requesting his permission) for everyone to read! I was blessed - not only for Peter and Chelsea, but for myself and my husband!

I have to run watch a movie with my youngest daughter, but will be posting MUCH MORE later. Once again, this amazing son of mine changed my life forever!

Chelsea and her Mom

Cathy Smith and Chelsea Smith Kubesh!

Peter and Chelsea Kubesh's Wedding

Posting photos as they become available - on-line. Professional photos coming soon!

My first and only son will become a husband today!

My sweet son posted this photo on his Facebook page this morning - along with the following note:
First...golf then.....GOING TO THE CHAPEL AND I'M GONNA GET MARRIED...GOIN TO THE CHAPEL OF LOVE!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHHH I'M GETTING MARRIED TODAY!!!!!!!!!!

There are no words in the English language to express the love I have in my heart for this young man. He was THE shining light in my life through numerous heart breaks and God's healing. He has brought me joy, humor, pride, amazement....the list goes on and on.

I am so excited for him (and Chelsea) today - the day he will become the MOST amazing husband in the entire world - and prepares to be the greatest father on earth (God willing they will be blessed with the children they both desire!).

I will be honored to sit in the "Mother of the Groom" seat at the Church (most likely in tears the entire time) watching the father of the bride join his daughter and my son in HOLY MATRIMONY! God has blessed both of our families! I am prasing Him today (and always)!

Mornings with Him

I have been in a slump recently. Rather than getting up early, studying His Word, I allow myself to stay in bed and pray. Please don't get me wrong, prayer is necessary and does add to my relationship with Him. However, there is nothing like digging in His Word! I can't explain it, except to say He meets me there. I feel His presence unlike I do in any other discipline.

Thank you Wendy Chinn and nlcf (a fabulous gathering of Christians in Blacksburg, Virginia) for inspiring me to return home!

I pray you all have a blessed day! Praise God!

c2s2 (Climate Control Student Summit) this weekend at VT!

This was the weekend I have been waiting for since September 2010!


Awesome presentations by Virginia students!


Amazing Scientists from Virginia Tech!


Smart Up-coming Scientists (from Virginia middle and high schools)!


Wonderful Time of learning and growth!


Praise God for safe travel and an amazing Worship service this morning!!


I REMAIN BLESSED!