“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17.

On January 2, 1959, Elra and Dorothy Ward receive a tiny four-pound preemie from the Lord! They named me Violetra, made up by my mom in college years ago. But the doctors assumed I would possibly not make it…and by God’s grace, goodness, and mercy, they took me home against all odds and warmed me in the oven as an incubator… a month later my mom said they had no idea who that little chunky, big eyed baby girl was!

Sixty-three years later I am still holding on to the grace and goodness of the One who keeps me, sustains me, and gives me all good things…the Great Shepherd of the Sheep, our Alpha and Omega…our Lord God Almighty!

There are those who, for whatever reason choose to not celebrate birthdays…but to me, every single year is a testimony to the amazing grace and power of God and His gift of life. So, today I choose to give Him all the glory for another day to get it right…to share the goodness of His saving grace and unconditional love to all men…to walk in my purpose as a new creature in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Well son, I’ll tell you: Life for me aint been no crystal stair.” Words written by Langston Hughes in his poem entitled “Mother to Son,” but I best recall the words of David in the Psalm 37:25 “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” There has never been a time when God has not come through in my life…and I have come this far by faith, and I know He alone will lead me home. I am wonderfully blessed!

Again, to God I give all the glory…God has been good to me-what about you today? Give him the glory because each new day is a wonderful gift from above. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17.

God blessings of joy, peace and amazing grace be with you all!