peace that transcends all understanding

The bible talks about a peace that transcends all understanding. It cannot be explained or achieved by our own will. It involves total reliance and surrender - trusting God above any and all circumstances.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Three years ago, I was deeply inspired by the Watters' story at a Creative Memories convention (click HERE for details) and have been following their journey ever since. Sadly, Victor passed away on Wednesday. While you will see a family mourning the loss of their beloved 14-year old son, the peace is unmistakable as you read through their most recent journal entries. (You can click HERE for their Caringbridge site.) You will also find a powerfully moving article HERE that was featured in today's Pioneer Press.

Their story - Victor's life - is a beautiful reflection of the love of God. You cannot help but be touched by it.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

life and death

Pastor Ryan's sermon last weekend was a well-timed reminder of our tendency to take time for granted. We all assume there will be another day, another month, another year. His admonition was to stop procrastinating - take care of what needs to be taken care of TODAY because the inevitable reality of life, includes death.

It had me thinking all week. How am I spending my time? What really matters to me? Does the way I spend my time reflect that? And then something horrible happened. A wonderful young man passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday and many are grieving in the wake of his loss. I had the privilege of photographing his wedding last summer and have been reflecting on the very precious nature of time. And of living and loving with intention.

Because that reality Pastor Ryan spoke of last weekend.

Is sadly unavoidable.

Pastor Ryan told us he'd been working on his sermon as if it were the last sermon he would ever preach; there was a sense of urgency as he spoke, his words were filled passion and conviction.

I want to live what is left of my life with that same sort of urgency, passion, and conviction. I don't want to merely go through the motions. I want to seek God's purpose for my life and find beauty in it every day. I want to own up to what I need to immediately, forgive quickly, and play with my kids more. How about you? Have you ever taken a moment to think about what you want your life to reflect? What really matters to you in the big scheme of things? Does yours need an adjustment like mine does? I think the key isn't getting caught up in the past or future - it is living for TODAY.

"...a sign of the promise of life restored and renewed."

We'd made big plans for Thursday. My husband planned to spend the day with his dad at the hospice home while I finished up our holiday shopping. (Nothing like leaving things until the last minute, I know.) After the kids arrived home from school, we were going to hit the Christmas Eve eve service at Hosanna! and end our day with dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings (the last holiday gift stop). Great plans but a wrench was tossed in right from the get-go when our youngest woke with Pink Eye (requiring a day home from school AND a trip to the doctor). Long story short, the boys and I ended up doing dinner and the service on our own while Tony made the most of the time with his dad.

Our boys were feeling a bit down. (We'd received news earlier that week that Grandpa likely wouldn't make it to the new year.) So after the service, we decided to stop in the prayer chapel. Two lovely ladies listened to the boys' concerns before praying with us. While the details are private, we did pray that God would let us know that Grandpa would be safe with Him once he passed away. We prayed for signs.

Little did we know, we would be heading immediately to the hospice home afterwards (there was an urgent voice mail waiting for us, telling us to come ASAP). It felt like God was preparing us for all that followed over the course of the next 72 hours.

There have been so many heavenly gestures... one of which, I'd like to share here. Let me preface it with what I'd been telling the boys to bring encouragement. We'd talked about Grandpa's soul being eternal - that though his body was sick and broken, his soul would live on. They were saddened to think he could die on Christmas, so we also talked about the birth of Christ representing NEW LIFE. That while Grandpa would be done with his time here on earth, we would share in the promise of that NEW LIFE with him in heaven someday.

Then this came in the mail yesterday:

A reminder... reassurance. What made it particularly special, is that our family has a tradition of purchasing remembrance ornaments and I'd already been looking for something special to remember Grandpa by.

It couldn't have been more perfect.

my father-in-law passed away this evening

Surrounded by much love.

He will be missed by many...

Thanks for your continued prayers for the family.

Ever felt like hiding?

It's been a secret fantasy as of late. (Guess it's not-so-secret anymore!)

I'd love to literally lock myself away from the world for a month and spend the time watching old movies. And ordering takeout from all of my favorite places. And not answering the phone. Or checking email.

It has been a tough year and though the waters have calmed a bit, life is still not comfortable. I guess my hope in hiding, is that I'll come out on the other side... to normal life. Though summer has been filled with joyful moments, life is still... prickly - realistically, it's likely to stay this way for some time.

I read something the other day that sort of helped and thought it might do the same for someone else working through a difficult season. It has to do with suffering and pain - when something hits out of nowhere and you're left to deal with it. Could be sickness or loss of a loved one. Could be the betrayal of a friend or financial upheaval. It could be a transition of any kind that you did not ask for.

1. We must suffer and endure pain when in a position of weakness, when we have no control over the situation. The pain is bad enough to be sure; what makes it unbearable is the feeling of powerlessness that goes with it. We must endure pain because we cannot prevent or alleviate it.


2. Our emotions can be debilitating. We may feel anger, but it is powerless to help us. We also experience the extra burden of sorrow, the emotion we feel when evil is with us. We need courage to stand firm against these inner emotions as well as outward threats.


3. Endurance implies suffering for a long stretch of time. In our culture, we often expect a quick fix. But the truth is, we do not have much control over how long we must suffer.

So what are we to do with this when faced with extreme hardship and difficulties? For obvious reasons, turning your home (or bedroom) into a hideout is not the answer. Neither is escape by means of alcohol, shopping, or the Internet.

For starters, we need to let someone else in: a trusted friend, family member, health care professional, or pastor. Allow others to be an encouragement to you. Seek prayer. Open yourself up to objective heartfelt advice.

Remember to take life one day at a time. Keep moving. Force yourself to do things you don't "feel" like doing: working, taking care of the house, making dinner, and showering (yes, it can be that bad at times).

Turn to God's word for encouragement. When feeling overwhelmed by fear and doubt, fill your mind and mouth with words of hope.

LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16: 5-8 (NIV)

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. Psalm 18:32-36 (NIV)

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever. Psalm 28:7-9 (NIV)

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 (NKJV)

I run to you, LORD, for protection. Don't disappoint me. Psalm 71:1 (CEV)

Discover for yourself that the LORD is kind. Come to him for protection, and you will be glad. Psalm 34:8 (CEV)

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

And lastly, I have a great resource to share. If you've been following my blog for any length of time, you might be familiar with Pete Wilson (remember the Backseat Jesus sermon series?); he's recently written a book entitled, "Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would?" Click HERE to learn more.

it's a personal thing

While making my way to an appointment last week, I happened upon a powerful radio interview with Todd and Angie Smith. (Many of you know Angie's story from her blog Bring the Rain.) The interview was featured as a three-part series (just click on any of the links below to listen to the program yourself):

A New Birth (Day 1 of 3)
Walking by Faith (Day 2 of 3)
Comfort Others (Day 3 of 3)

Angie spoke of her pregnancy with Audrey Caroline and the uneasiness she'd experienced well before there was even mention of a problem. Despite her doctor's early reassurance, Angie knew that something was amiss - a spiritual foreshadowing of sorts. The Lord was preparing her in His own gentle way, to receive the news.

I was deeply moved by Angie's words, having experienced the same uneasiness while pregnant with our third child. A deep knowing before the situation even unfolded. God spoke to me during that time with a gentle nudging, bringing particular verses to light. Before I even realized there was a problem, God had made it abundantly clear that He would be there for me... no matter what.

I was attending Alpha at the time in an effort to learn more about Christianity. During our group's discussion one evening, a friend mentioned a frightening drive home during an icy storm. As her vehicle slid out of control, she cried: "I'm ready, God. If you want to take me now, I'm ready." With that, she regained control of the vehicle.

My friend's story left a mark. Lying in bed that night, I realized it was time for me to let go. I addressed the feelings of uneasiness and told God that if He needed to take my baby, I would be okay. I surrended the very thing I wanted most because above all else, I wanted God's will for my life.

Fast forward six years. I'm sitting in my favorite chair, a journal and Bible in my lap. Something is eating at me... that familiar uneasiness. I ask God a few specific questions before surrendering the very thing I want most. He brings me to Psalm 91, portions of which are below:

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and relay, and in Him I [confidentally] trust!

* * * *

[Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge. His truth and faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.

* * * *

Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness - trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. [emphasis mine]

* * * *

Shortly after coming across this passage, the first of several "storms" hit. No matter how things looked or felt, I knew that God was with me. As I struggled with circumstances surrounding me, I continued to go back to this passage - seeking to grasp its full meaning. On one day in particular, I was struck by the many bird references.

Perhaps it was the fact that I'd been obsessed with the little visitor who had been sitting by my front window FOR HOURS.

That very same day.

The Lord again making it abundantly clear that He is with me... FOR ME. A reminder in more ways than one that He will never abandon me. Especially poignant after reading this parable:

An article in National Geographic several years ago provided this penetrating picture. After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had singed her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live.

This is the picture that the psalmist has in mind when he talks of God's wings: "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." Psalm 91:4 (Click HERE to read more on the topic.)

At one time or another, we will all face storms. When yours hits, where will your dwelling place be?

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

"when she reds book's"

When my son was in kindergarten he had a very special teacher who received a Stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis early in the school year. To encourage Miss C, I helped the kids put together a very special album. Each student was asked a number of questions about Miss C, some of which included:

• What do you like most about Miss C?
• What have you learned from Miss C?
• What advice do you have for Miss C as she recovers? (They knew she'd just had surgery.)

I hadn't thought much about my son's answers until today, when he came home with this:

You see, Miss C recently lost her valiant battle with cancer. And because reading was so important to her, she'd asked that all of her books be distributed to former students.

My son being one.

It seemed especially bittersweet after recalling what he'd written in her scrapbook so long ago:

Q: What do you like most about Miss C?

A: When she reds book's

I'm so thankful for this tangible reminder of Miss C.

And am sure someday my son will be, too.

my high school BFF...

HAS ENTERED THE BLOGOSPHERE!

(I liked the centered, two-part title so much from my LAST POST I just had to do it again.) You might remember her from THIS POST (along with another amazing God Moment story) and THIS POST (with another neat story).

Jan wrote a beautiful post that tugged at my heart, especially with all that's been on my mind. She lost her mom to cancer five years ago and wrote a post that really speaks to the gaping hole left behind after loss. Grab a couple of tissues and click HERE.

This time of year can be especially challenging for families experiencing loss. The book Decembered Grief would make a wonderful gift for anyone you know who is grieving. (Click HERE for more information.)

Are you struggling right now? If so, I can tell you from personal experience THE BEST cure is reaching out to someone else. Bless someone you don't know. Go out of your way to help an overwhelmed mom at the grocery store. Reach out to a very quiet neighbor. Drop an anonymous gift off at someone's house, choosing a family or person who has experienced difficulty this year.

And in the words of a very wise Tweeter:

Love God. Love others. Regardless. The end.

worth checking out

You might remember his story HERE. This is Steven Curtis Chapman's first album since the tragic death of his daughter Maria. Powerful, emotion-filled lyrics. You can listen to the album in its entirety on Rhapsody by clicking HERE.

Angie's video...

Sweet Audrey-Girl from angie smith on Vimeo. She went through a lot to put this together. Click HERE to view the original post. (Be sure to do so at some point, her words are a very important part of this story).

Be warned... there will be lots of tears. (Double-click on the video screen after hitting the play button to enlarge.)

another random post

The hubby is on vacation so we took a little time to play yesterday. There is so much going on for me in the next couple of weeks, it's going to take A LOT of discipline to stay focused. It doesn't help when you have a family like this:

Gotta love 'em. I had a crop last night and was able to spend a little time with Mellissa. There were a couple of other cropping ladies there as well. Good conversation, a little egg nog chai latte, and holiday music (WHAT???! Yes, 102.9 Lite FM is now playing holiday music.) It felt a bit like we were warming up for our scrapbooking retreat that is rounding the bend.

One of the ladies shared some sad news about a customer (her best friend) I'd met several years ago, a woman who'd attended a few of our crops in SSP. She'd been diagnosed with a debilitating disease several months ago and recently passed away. As much as the news pained me, it was beautiful to hear about the many albums that family and friends had the privilege of viewing at her Celebration of Life service. It brought tears to my eyes to hear that the family had also given her best friend the option of choosing something to keep in remembrance of this dear woman. Of all things, she chose an album her friend had created after one of their special weekends together.

Simply beautiful.

The children are calling for eggs, a promise I'd made to them earlier this week. Enjoy the rest of your weekend :-)

Remembrance Day

Today is the third annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Angie has created a post HERE for mom's who've experienced loss - more than 1,000 women have posted comments, sharing their own stories of loss. Simply heartbreaking. If you feel led to shower some women in prayer, be sure to check it out. For those of you who've walked that painful road, you'll find a load of helpful resources HERE.

Too, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is holding its annual fund drive through October 31st. If you're interested in contributing, click HERE. To learn more about our services, check out this beautiful video entitled, "From the Heart of a Parent."

In loving memory of my babies who are gone but not forgotten.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Someday I hope to be part of this wonderful organization. For those of you unfamiliar with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, this non-profit organization provides infant bereavement photography at no-charge to grieving families. You can learn more about NILMDTS by clicking HERE.

the child I never knew

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

Psalm 139:13-16 (NLT)

On Thursday, February 19, 2004, I made my way to the doctor for a routine OB appointment. Fourteen and a half weeks pregnant with our third child, I knew the drill - weight, blood pressure, belly check, and a quick listen of the heartbeat.

As the doctor scanned my belly with the doppler wand, minutes ticked by; his unwillingness to make eye contact sent chills up my spine. Something was wrong. He directed me to another room for an immediate ultrasound. When a nurse offered to take my three-year-old son, the look on her face said it all. I began to cry.

By the soft glow of the screen, I received the first and last glimpse of my child. The ultrasound technician quietly delivered the devastating news: our baby had died, possibly even two weeks earlier.

How could this happen?

Why would God allow this to happen?

Was it a 'he' or a 'she'?

Why do I feel so much pain when I haven't even met this child face-to-face?

How could something so small leave such a large hole?

We were in the process of building a new home and our child's room-to-be would be empty. Reminders. My body had already been changing and I could only fit into maternity clothes. Reminders. A couple of friends and I shared similar due dates; they were still pregnant and I was not. Reminders.

I poured out my grief and heartache to the Lord and found scripture that ministered to my soul. Mellissa and I were mere acquaintances at the time, yet she stopped by one day with books for my entire family. My oldest loved the workbook, Remembering Our Baby by Patti Keough; perhaps one day I will share his artwork and heartfelt words. I also received Threads of Hope, Pieces of Joy: A Pregnancy Loss Bible Study by Teale Fackler & Gwen Kid, which was extremely helpful in working through the loss. My sister-in-law Amy had also given me a couple of very helpful books, my favorite being Grieving the Child I Never Knew by Kathe Wunnenberg.

Through that difficult time, the Lord made it clear that my child's life had purpose no matter how brief it's time here:

Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you. Jeremiah 1:5a (MSG)

I went on to experience two more pregnancy losses, each no less heartbreaking than the first. Needless to say, I've spent a lot of time in God's Word and know a few things to be true:

• I will be reunited with my children in heaven. 2 Samuel 12:22 (MSG) and 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT)
• The Lord holds children dear to His heart. Matthew 18:10 (AMP) and Matthew 19:14 (AMP)
• The Lord has a heart for the weak. 1 Corinthians 1:27 (MSG)

I know this is a sensitive subject and that some would prefer the term "embryo" or "fetus" as opposed to "child" when speaking of pregnancy loss. Some hold a woman's life in higher regard than that of a child. Some debate whether or not life even begins before birth. A hot topic I'm not about to tackle! (Shannon of Rocks In My Dryer bravely did that HERE.) What I am going to address is the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act.

Ever heard of it? It was signed into law in 2002 but I hadn't heard a thing about it until recently stumbling across a nurse's testimony from the hearing. Jill Stanek had worked as an RN for five years at a hospital in Illinois. This hospital used a method of abortion called "induced labor abortion"; sometimes the babies being aborted were healthy, sometimes they were not. The brutality of what happened involved babies who were left to die on their own, alone and without care. (You can find her testimony, as well as a statement from another nurse at the hearing, by clicking HERE.)

Not only is my heart is tender for those sweet, little things but for the poor mothers who felt they had no other choice. Along those lines, there are a couple of other resources I'd like to share. One is a link I discovered through Angie Smith ("Bring the Rain") and was a help while they walked the last leg of their pregnancy. Another is a brilliant children and family photographer who also has a ministry for birth mothers. Her name is Skye Hardwick - her photography website is HERE and ministry website is HERE. (She's also a columnist for Adoption Today, just Google her name and you'll find dozens of inspiring articles.)

Did you see Angie's surprise???

For those of you who've been following her story, go to her blog now by clicking HERE (don't read any further, SPOILER AHEAD).

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Angie lost her baby daughter shortly after delivery only a short time ago. Her daughter's lungs were not fully developed and Audrey died 2-1/2 hours after birth. Another women (Sara) was going through the very same situation, her son's due date was even around the same time. They connected through Angie's blog and have been supporting one another although they'd never met in person. Angie surprised Sara by showing up at Elliot's celebration of life service! The photos (and story) are unbelievably moving.

God's impeccable timing...

Smith Family Story from Matthew Singleton on Vimeo.

Considering my post from late last night, this video is quite fitting. This pastor interviewed Angie and Todd for his church. The video is 20-minutes long and well worth every second. If you find yourself ever wondering why things happen the way they do, you will be deeply touched.

(The code appears to have a glitch at the moment; to view the video directly from its original post click HERE.)

when life catches you off guard

Today was one of those days. The "catching off guard" sort.

It began like any other... I woke up early to spend time in God's Word (no small feat these days) and even managed to grab a shower before walking the kids to the bus stop. I thought I'd enjoy a quick cup of coffee and a chat with my mom before heading off to the grocery store.

That's when my friend called. A 23-year old woman the Lord had placed in my life died on Thursday and her funeral was today. Part of me wanted to take the easy way out, to use the late notice as an excuse not to attend. But after talking with my mom, I knew better - we were supposed to be there.

You see, my mom and I met Katie and her mom several years ago (the Lord's hand was all over the connection). Katie had been struggling with an eating disorder and both she and her mom were looking for hope. They'd heard our story: my mom having lived through it with two daughters and my many years of successful recovery. We met over lunch and parted ways, though Katie continued to weave in and out of our lives. She even called me during one of her hospital stays and I offered her the only thing I could (the only thing any one of us could) and that was the Truth that had set me free. I remember Katie's doubt as she expressed feelings of unworthiness - God's promises for hope and a future surely weren't meant for me...

Yes, Katie, especially for you.

The dark battle reminds me so much of this BarlowGirl song:

Why? Why are you still here with me?

Didn’t you see what I’ve done?

In my shame I want to run,

And hide myself.

Yeah, but it’s here I see the truth,

I don’t deserve you.

But I need you to love me,

And I, I won’t keep my heart from you this time.

And I’ll stop this pretending that I can,

Somehow deserve what I already have

I need you to love me

I, I have wasted so much time

Pushing you away from me.

I just never saw how you

Could cherish me.

Cause you’re a God who has all things,

And still you want me.

And I need you to love me,

And I, I won’t keep my heart from you this time.

And I’ll stop this pretending that I can,

Somehow deserve what I already have

Yeah, ye-ea-eah

Your love makes me forget what I have been.

Your love makes me see who I really am.

Your love makes me forget what I have been, oh-oh.

And I need you to love me, yeah

I need you to love me, ye-ea-eah!

And I’ll stop this pretending that I can,

Somehow deserve what I already have

Somehow deserve what I already have

I need you to love me, yeah

I need you to… oh oh oh oh eo (x4)

Love me, love me, yah

And wouldn't you know it? This song was on the radio as I made my way to the funeral. The verse below was also on my mind and one of many shared at today's service:

THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, to grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion – to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit – that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3 (AMP)

Jesus brings FREEDOM. He came for the broken, needy, and downtrodden - He came for you and me. Every single one of us. The only requirement? To simply accept it. He doesn't expect us to be clean or perfect or have everything in order. He simply wants us to come to Him. ("I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by Me." John 14:6).

I have so much more swirling through my head tonight... I'll have to continue on another time. Just know, no matter where you are at or what you have done - you are not alone. Know that you are loved and cherished by your Father in heaven.

simply beautiful.

If you haven't had a chance to check out Angie's blog in recent days, you should do so today to view her slideshow. Be sure to first turn off the blog music player on the left lower side of the page because the photo slideshow plays to a new song written about their heartwrenching journey. Click HERE for Angie's blog posting/slideshow.

Grab a box of Kleenex as well.

there's a light at the end of this tunnel

Tunnel by Third Day

Well I won't pretend to know what you're thinking
And I can't begin to know what you're going through
And I won't deny the pain that you're feeling
But I'm gonna try and give a little hope to you
Just remember what I told you
There's so much you're living for

There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel for you
For you
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shining bright at the end of this tunnel for you
For you
So keep holding on

You got your disappointments and sorrows
You ought to share the weight of that load with me
Then you will find that the light of tomorrow
Well it brings new life for your eyes to see
So remember what I told you
There's so much your living for

There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel for you
For you
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shining bright at the end of this tunnel for you
For you
So keep holding on
Keep holding on

So remember what I told you
There's so much you're living for

There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel for you
For you yeah
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shining bright at the end of this tunnel for you
For you yeah
There's a light at the end of this tunnel ooh
For you, for you yeah
Shining bright at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
So keep holding on
Keep holding on
Keep holding on now

You got your disappointments and sorrows
I'm gonna try and give a little hope to you

goodbye for now, not forever

Today was the service for Jean and what a beautiful celebration of life it was! Several wonderful stories were shared by family and friends, including her husband Rick. Their son also shared some moving words in a letter written to family and friends. I want to share a small part of that with you:

She taught me to laugh in the face of adversity - that being upset was never a solution. Her faith, compassion, and willingness to listen always left me feeling assured that everything would be okay. Even as I walked with her through her battle with cancer, she was never negative, never afraid, and never sad. Once again, she put my mind at ease that everything would be alright.

The service was a powerful reminder of so many things: faith, friendship, love - and most importantly, a personal relationship with the Lord. Five years ago, when she surrendered her life to Him a transformation took place - her brother Don mentioned it several times. Without a doubt, it was He who gave her the strength, peace, and grace she needed. She knew that heaven was around the corner and had the assurance of her salvation. The Bible says that this is available to every single one of us but we must first recognize our need for a Savior. God will not force you to accept His Son, it will forever remain your choice. But the Bible makes it pretty clear that Jesus is the way to eternal life:

1. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
2. "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all ..." (1 Timothy 2:5)
3. "There is one body and one Spirit ... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4)
4. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
5. "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and find pasture ... I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:9)
6. Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25)
7. Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12)
8. And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)
9. "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)
10. "... whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:15-16)
11. "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36)
12. "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (John 8:24)
13. "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." (John 5:24)
14. "... And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; He who does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11)
15. "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God." (1 John 4:14)

There is much to grab hold of in our short time here. As always, I encourage you to ask tough questions and dig deeply for answers!