Priceless Sand Dollar
Happy new year! Our family is ringing in the new year here in Long Boat Key Florida. This has been a destination of Eric's family for many years, and we are blessed to be able to come now with our boys to refresh and remember what's most important to us.

My favorite reminder happened this week with my son Kaden, who is now 6. He really wanted to find a sand dollar. Sand dollars have become much more scarce since the beach renovation project happened last year. I told him we would look, and we set off down the shoreline.

I encouraged him to pray, and he asked God to help us find a sand dollar. A short ways down the shore, I spotted a small sand dollar. He was very excited. It wasn't perfect, but close enough. He started back to show his brother, running, and soon stopped. I caught up with him to find a big frown on his face, and a crushed sand dollar in his hand. He was so excited that he forgot he needed to be careful.

We turned back around and began our search again. I told Kaden he should pray again. He did. We looked for quite a while with no success. Kaden began to get discouraged. I told him, "I think God wants you to know that He hears when you pray. Ask God if he wants you to find a sand dollar." He asked God aloud. Then Kaden said, "Mom, He said YES." I then told him, "Ask God if He wants you to find a perfect one." He asked God aloud. Then Kaden said, "He said YES, and NEVER GIVE UP!"

A few yards from where we had this conversation, Kaden splashed down through the water before my eyes could even follow him. He held up a true treasure, straight from God to him. A priceless, perfect sand dollar.

I believe that God wanted to remind both of us 3 things.

1) Remember to be careful with His treasures.

2) Never give up.

3) If you pray to God, He wants to answer you directly.

May these reminders encourage you as we face the morning of 2008. His mercy is new for us!

Krissy