I miss my son....

 

Brothers, by Bradley Dorwin

Brothers, by Bradley Dorwin

Chapter One

Carter is my brother.  I would like to show you him.  But I can't - he is in heaven.  He died in a car accident.  This is my story about my brother.  There is sin in this world and it will never end.  But God will come into this world and smash sin!  And we get to tell people about God before God comes back.

Carter's last Cubs Rocket Launch - 2010

 Bradley - Cubs Rocket Launch - 2014

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."  Philippians 1:21

With God, we will hold on......

 

Thinking about Carter at thirteen...

Friday morning...

Bradley, "Do you know what's cool, Mom?"

Mom, "What?"

Bradley, "If Carter was still with us, he would be getting arm-pit hair."

Mom, "Yeah....... I guess he would, wouldn't he?!?"

 

I loved the following words from a post of a grieving mom......

"I especially agree that time does not heal all wounds and that many grieving mothers no matter how much time has passed are functioning on Gods life support and in a state of waiting. Waiting with the promise of being reunited in Heaven with their child (ren). God bless."

 

"Functioning on God's life support."  Yes, yes......so very true!

 

 

The passing of seasons is a constant reminder that life goes on regardless.

 



Help Stop Ebola!

We can make a difference in the fight against Ebola.

July 29, 2014 By Peggy Halvorsen

Ebola has been in the international news as this deadly disease continues devastate the lives of hundreds of people in West Africa. The Ebola virus is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person. Because of that, healthcare workers and family members of victims are at great risk.

 

Teamwork Africa’s mission is to resource churches to meet the vital spiritual, physical and social needs in their communities. Now is time for our Liberian churches to step out and meet those needs. A very simple way to do that is to provide a household with a bucket with a faucet, chorine bleach and soap. Families are encouraged to have everyone wash their hands regularly. Adding just a little bit of bleach kills the Ebola virus quickly. This is part of a larger medical response training that is on going in Monrovia right now. However, $15 for the bucket is a “rich man’s price” for most Liberian families.

 

Teamwork Africa wants to parnter with our churches to give away as many of these budgets as possible with the love of Jesus during this crisis. Will you help?

• 1 bucket= $15
• 5 buckets= $75
• 10 buckets= $150
• 100 buckets= $1,500

​Make you donation today!

http://www.teamworkafrica.org/get-involved/donate/

As of August 1, $5285 has been raised for 352 buckets! Our miracle goal is 1000 buckets.

Feeling alone...

Dear Lord, on those days when I feel cut off from help, encouragement, or support, help me to remember You are the One who is at my right hand. Thank You for being the One who helps me, counsels me and encourages me. Because of Your stability I will never be shaken ... and I will never walk alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

~Proverbs 31 Ministries

 



Becoming more like Christ

 

Jesus is our Rock

I wish I had more time with Carter.  It didn't seem enough.  It hurts - my heart hurts and it cries. I miss him so much.  I want to hold him.  When I do get to see him again, I feel like I will never, ever let go of him.  I hope he is still nine, because that's how I remember him. With his big front teeth in his smile -- and that sparkle in his eye. That's how I see him in my mind. I miss his hair - I loved his thick hair. I miss all the moles on his body, especially the one on his face, right above his mouth. Sometimes I hear him in Bradley's voice, and I want him to be there.  It's hard to imagine what he would even be like at thirteen.  I don't know and it hurts not knowing. It's hard to imagine what it would even be like for him living here with us. We don't have those memories. Surrendering is hard.  I can't control it; I can't change it, but I want to. I want to go back and do it all over again. But I can't. Its hard to face birthdays and heaven days. To act like everything is ok and its not. Crying hurts - it hurts my body, makes me weak; it hurts my eyes, they throb; it hurts my head. I get headaches from it. These headaches will never go away.  Please, God, use my pain for Your glory. Use it to advance Your kingdom.

"My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled." Psalm 119:123

"I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised." Psalm 119:107

My best memories give shape to that hopeful future. Your memories - especially if you've lost a loved one, or your health, or your ability to think clearly - should inspire hope in you too. For as wonderful as the world was when all those special remembrances occurred....these things are only foreshadowings of more delightful, pleasurable experiences to come....Jesus assures us that our best memories will one day blossom into a more joyous reality that we ever imagine.

Joni Eareckson Tada

The Lord has blessed us with beautiful people in our lives.  I feel very grateful for the family and friends that have hung in there and who continue to hang in there with us. Some days we can be feeling very lifted.....filled with so much hope....feeling so good. The next day can hit us like a rock and the darkness comes in......overwhelming sadness, and a struggle to just get through the day...to even get out of bed in the morning.  Our bodies heavy, tired, and weary. We can't imagine having to talk to anyone or put a smile on our face.  I cry out..."Please, God, let me hear Your voice...Your truth....Your promises!" We know God is there, but we can't see Him. These ups and downs create drama, messiness, chaos in peoples lives.  And we are so very thankful for the ones who "get it", and can accept our brokenness, and love us right where we are.
Thank you! We love you!

"I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise." Psalm 119:147-148

I  know there is joy and hope even while we suffer. God will sustain us. Our hope is in the Lord.  Jesus is our hope! God's faithful love endures forever!