Remembering Carter...



Remembering our lives with Carter....

 

Merry Christmas 2009 from the Dorwin’s

Merry Christmas from the Dorwin’s!  We hope that this holiday season finds you comfy, cozy, happy and well.  2009 has been a busy, wonderful year for us with a big move from northwestern Durand, all the way to southeastern Lake Geneva!

 Carter turned eight in July.  He is enjoying his new school and the new city of Lake Geneva.  He makes a good little scout, with an interest in science and discovery education!  Attending the “Winter and Summer Camps” for the cub scouts at Fort Rice in Haugen, was a treat for him!  His Pinewood Derby was the event to be at this year, where he raced his “cool”, orange car that Grandpa Bill helped him make.  Currently, he is getting another car ready for the next Pinewood Derby in January.  Along with cub scouts during the week, and learning new wrestling moves in the Badger Youth Wrestling Club, he is a busy 2^nd grader.  His humor, along with his big heart makes us smile.  J

 Bradley will turn four on Christmas Eve.  Our little preschooler wants to be a policeman!  His animated stories entertain us.  He absolutely adores his big brother and his dad.  You would find Bradley playing with the dress-up clothes and acting out: Indiana Jones, Star Wars, a Police Officer, or a Knight.  The boys have become close brothers and it is nice to see them play together, along with our dog, Toby.  Bradley’s excitement and enthusiasm makes us smile.  J

 Chad and Nicole have been busy exploring Lake Geneva and finding all the good restaurants.  In April, Chad went to work for a business in Ellsworth, hauling sand and gravel.  Currently, he has the best job of all - and that is being “Dad”.  He is looking for a job in the Lake Geneva area, however, many of the leads that he has are positions for the Spring time – this makes Bradley happy.  How wonderful it is to think of the memories he is creating for Carter and Bradley.  Bradley will be very sad when the time comes and Chad finds work outside the home.  L

 Nicole is busy with her new teaching job at the Badger High School.  She loves her new Family & Consumer Sciences Department and the position that she has.  She completed her graduate work in August at UW-Stout, in Family Life and Human Development.  The school and community keep us busy with many invitations to all kinds of fun events.  There is never a dull moment around here.  We enjoy our boys and our new community.

 MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS-

CHAD, NICOLE, CARTER & BRADLEY

 

Jesus is the reason for this Christmas season. 

May your heart and home be filled with the true spirit of Christmas - JESUS!

 

I keep putting one foot in front of the other today as I did the day of Carter's death. I take a day at a time, asking God to guide me in trusting Him through every situation, even if I can't understand why it's happening.

 

Lord, even in times that are much less happy, may I still come and find joy in Your presence.

 

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am." John 14:1-3

 

Memories become a treasure

 

Asking for God's comfort...

Someone posted this poem for the surviving family members of Laynie Amos, age 5:

"I'll lend you for a little time, a child of mine," he said.
"For you to love the while he lives, and mourn when he is dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his joys to gladden you, and though his stay be brief,
You'll have lovely memories as solace for your grief."

"I cannot promise he will stay; since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down here I want this child to learn.
I've looked the world wide over in my search for teacher's true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again?"

"I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joys Thy child will bring, the risk of grief we run.
We will shelter him with tenderness, we will love him while we may,
And for the lovely memories, forever grateful stay;
But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we planned,
We will brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."

Laynie Jo Amos, age 5, joined her two beautiful cousins, Lydia & Clara, in heaven on Saturday December 14, 2013. She left this world surrounded by her parents, Kassi Milberg & Joseph Amos, immediate family and close friends at Gillette Children’s (Regions) Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Laynie was born on August 7, 2008 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin the daughter of Kassi Milberg and Joseph Amos.

Laynie had the heart of gold and loved animals very much. Laynie and her sister Audrie were inseparable from the time they woke up until the time they went to bed. Many memories, laughs, and joys were spent together. Laynie loved her sister very much. Most days, you would find Laynie playing outside with her dogs-Twister & Ted, gerbil- Spike, horse-Bingo, cats-Tedo & Tink and watching her fish-Cookie. If she was not with her parents, Laynie could be found with her grandparents, aunts/uncles, or cousins. When Laynie, Clara, Easton, Audrie and Lydia were together, there wasn’t a moment without laughter filling the air. Their love for each other was inexpressible and had to be witnessed to fully comprehend the depth of emotion. 

 

Can I please borrow Your smile?

Praying that I can do all things through God as He strengthens me.

 

 

Singing for Joy ... Even When the World Seems Dark

by Barbara Rainey

 

Blogs I've been reading are oozing with enthusiasm, emotion, and eager anticipation for the holiday season. Descriptions of fireplaces and hot cocoa, plaids and sequins, lights and laughter are so vivid they feel like an attempt to scatter glitter from every screen. Be warm, be filled, be happy. Let the dazzling delights of the season satisfy.

 

But for many of us the holiday sparkles only magnify our loneliness. Our losses. There has been a cloud of discouragement over my world this fall. Like a moving cold front with periodic breaks in the cloud deck or dark stretches with rolling billows, it has changed from day to day, but the external circumstances in my world have not.

 

I have a friend whose son and daughter-in-law are divorcing. Their situation is unbelievably complicated by a beyond-healing medical condition. How does my friend find joy in this season?

My daughter has lots of friends, godly young women, who long to be married but are waiting again this Christmas for that long-prayed-for, but still-unanswered, prayer. Yes, they know marriage is not the answer for all, but they also know Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." The ever-present images of happy children opening gifts with ever-smiling moms and dads is a constant reminder to these delightful young women of their aloneness.

 

Another young friend will walk through this season knowing her unborn baby has a heart defect.

It seems our prayer list of dear friends, family members, and many acquaintances is littered with challenging medical issues and broken relationships. Where do they and we find joy in this season and beyond?

 

In God alone

One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 33:6: "And he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge." No matter the current national or world crisis, and though our eyes constantly look for the outward to satisfy, to fill us, to bring us joy, it is only found within. David said, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation" (Psalm 51:12). He knew the source was in God alone.

 

Joni Eareckson Tada gives me the perspective I need. For over 46 years she has been bound to a wheelchair and to the constant need of others caring for her physical needs.

She said this year in an interview, "In the morning when I wake up, I know they'll be coming into my bedroom to give me a bed bath, to do my toileting routines, pull up my pants, put me in the wheelchair, feed me my breakfast and push me out the front door. I lie there thinking, Oh God, I cannot face this. I'm so tired of this routine. I don't know how I'm going to make it to lunchtime. But I can do all things through You as You strengthen me. Can I please borrow Your smile? I need it."

 

Do you tear up just reading those words? I do. Do you shake your head incredulously at her impossible-to-comprehend circumstances? I do. And I marvel.

 

She went on to say, "I make myself be happy. I make myself sing because I have to. I choose the Holy Spirit's help because I don't want to go down that grim, dark path to depression anymore. Cast yourself at the mercy of God and let Him show up through your weaknesses because that is what He promises."

 

Her faith stuns me. But God eagerly waits to meet us when we come with our losses and broken hearts to His welcoming embrace. That is where joy is found in the holiday season--in a real, vital, alive relationship with Jesus Christ who willingly shrunk His deity to a single cell to then be born on Christmas Day for our sake.

 

Come to Him. Give Him your broken heart. Adore Him always as Christ the Lord. Then sing for joy that He has not abandoned us. Not for a moment will He forsake thee or me!

 

Praying "...eyes are ever toward the Lord..." Psalm 25:15

December 20, 2013

Combating Loneliness
Samantha Evilsizer

"My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted." Psalm 25:15-16 (ESV)

Don't look his way, her heart and mind insist.

She doesn't want to look. Then again, she does. Though my friend did not check the "Plus One" box on her RSVP card, she wishes she had. Why had she come to this party alone? Maybe then she wouldn't gravitate to him.

He's reckless and destructive. My friend knows better, but he's the only one who can relate to her. Even so, she avoids eye contact, hoping to make him believe she doesn't need him anymore.

She succeeds until another round of laughter fills the Christmas party. Her resolve walks out as he walks up to her, extending a knowing hand. Fingers entwined, she falls in his snare. She can't stand him ... this companion called loneliness.

In the midst of listening to marriage, baby, vacation, life-is-grand stories, she hears the voice of loneliness, high above the conversations: You'll never have this. You'll be lonely forever.

She had promised herself she wouldn't turn her eyes to him this time. As she was getting ready for the party, she put this truth on: "My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted." (Psalm 25:15-16 ESV)

But she forgot this hopeful promise as she fell into the trap of loneliness.

By the time the clock chimed an acceptable hour to bid her goodbyes, she was eager to be gone. One step out the door and she lowered her guard too soon. Loneliness had saved his best for last. Powerfully, he pummeled lies until she believed: You will always be lonely.

When he trotted off, leaving her alone, a different hand reached down. One that is gentle and healing. Let me help you up. Rough night, huh?

She looked up to see His scarred hand extended.

How'd You know I was here?

He tells her He's been there the whole time, always near, at the ready to rescue any time she looked to Him for help. As she faced Him, He began to untangle the false claims of loneliness with truth: I am near (Psalm 145:18). I will never leave (Deuteronomy 31:6). I am your joy (Psalm 16:11).

Hollow parts of her heart filled with the confidence of Jesus. She knew it was time to break-up with loneliness for good. Not just at parties, during holidays, or weekends with nothing planned.

Maybe it's your time too? Truth is, loneliness can tag along whether you are alone or surrounded by family and friends, on special days and ordinary days.

There's only one way to keep loneliness from being a constant companion in life. It is to make sure our "... eyes are ever toward the LORD ..." Psalm 25:15a (ESV).

Let's keep our focus on God and call out to Him when we feel loneliness setting a trap for us: in the festive times, in the quiet times, at all times.

Dear Lord, my eyes are ever toward You, for only You will release my feet from the trap of loneliness. Will You please turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted? Thank You for being near and being my joy. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

Third Child Dies After Western Wis. Crash « CBS Minnesota

Please pray for the families in this tragic car accident.  I am at a loss for words right now.  Please pray for them.

Third Child Dies After Western Wis. Crash « CBS Minnesota

Abby's Poem - December 2011

My cousin spent Christmas in Heaven last year,

He has been safe with Jesus so have no fear.

 

Since Carter's been in Heaven we feel very sad,

And so does his brother, his dog, his mother, and his dad.

 

This Christmas we'll gather from far and near,

To celebrate Jesus to live in his heart with those we hold dear.

 

When we think about Carter we'll always be glad,

That he asked Jesus to live in his heart when he was just a lad.

 

We can all have the gift of Heaven that is clear,

If we accept Jesus' gift of love so pure.

~Honorable Mention - Abby Klimek, age 13, Notre Dame Middle School, Chippewa Falls

Remembering Collin...

Please remember Dan & Rachel Fitzgerald in your prayers.  It has been one year since their son, Collin, met Jesus.  I have an overwhelming sadness on these days, as doubt and fear creep in.  Please lift them up in prayer, think of Collin and his family......let them know you are thinking of them and of Collin (I can't tell you how much that means....).  Pray that God's forever love will embrace their hearts with His ever-present healing comfort.  "Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe!" Psalm 116:2

We can't fully understand what it means for the Lord to welcome home one of His precious saints.  And we surely can't fully understand what it means for the Lord to welcome home a young child. It is also difficult to understand the joy that our loved one experiences while we are in the midst of pain.  But we do know that our Lord loves them and is with them and we do know that our Lord loves us and is with us.  "May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise." Psalm 119:76

May God hold up and carry this family today and the days to come.  Praying for their suffering and their hurting hearts.

" Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15





We Will Remember..

Will I Forget?

After three long years of missing you,
I have a newborn fear;
That as time goes by, my mind will fail,
And your memory won't be clear.

Already I have problems in
Remembering the sound
Your sweet voice made in speaking--
Oh, where can it be found?

I have photos by the hundreds,
And your face will always be
Engraved upon my very heart,
For you're the heart of me.

But how I long to hear your voice
And see your loving smile!
To gaze upon your precious face,
And talk with you a while.

I can't believe it's been three years--
It seems like yesterday;
Yet it also seems a million years
Since you went away.

Time doesn't work the way it did
When you were still on earth;
Sometimes it crawls, sometimes it flies,
It's hard to know time's worth.

But three years gone is three years less
I have to live alone,
And as the years roll slowly by,
Someday I'll be called Home.

And then I'll get to be with you,
For all eternity,
How precious, then, will be our time,
Each day a symphony!

Oh, always, I'll remember you
And all the things you are,
You are my son, my precious child,
My brightly shining star.

I will remember!

Loving you ever, forgetting you never,
Mom

This poem was written by Saralyn McAfee Smith, for her son in heaven, Robbie Smith.

God's Grace

Strengthened By Grace

 

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

The grace of God strengthens a child of God. Like a B1 vitamin gives energy to the body, so God’s grace energizes the inner being of believers. This is why in the face of human weakness, grace flourishes. Fear weakens, but faith strengthens. Anger weakens, but forgiveness strengthens. Busyness weakens, but prayer strengthens. Noise weakens, but quiet strengthens. Stress weakens, but rest strengthens. Yes, the love of God strengthens His servants by grace!

Has your patience been tested to your very last nerve? Are you exhausted and depleted by the demands of others? Look for the way of grace to give you what you need in your emotional emptiness. Your heart yearns for what only the Lord can provide through the fullness of His Spirit. So, Christ consoles your soul with His eternal encouragement, the good hope you have in Him. Gladly and gratefully receive God’s grace like at salvation, abandon yourself to His care. Because of the disgrace Jesus experienced on the cross, you enjoy His grace when you bear a cross of pain.

It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace. Hebrews 13:9

Furthermore, the inner energy we receive by God’s grace is supplied for our service. This is why it is remarkable when a man or woman on their sickbed become a blessing to those who serve them. Nurses, nutritionists and neurologists go away scratching their heads having been in the presence of heaven’s emissary, a grace filled follower of Jesus. Indeed, our adverse condition is not about us, but about how we can graciously exhibit what we believe for God’s glory. Grace strengthens!

Grace gives you stamina to serve a needy child or an aging parent. Grace engages your empathetic heart with a friend’s hurting heart. Grace is the fortitude you need to remain steadfast in a relationship that is not life giving right now. So, whether strength of character or mental toughness is required, God’s grace is available as your supply chain. Grace does carry Christ’s expectations, but with it HIs power to execute. Grace is a sweet, soothing sound that is music to your soul.

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ. Ephesians 3:7-8

Prayer: Heavenly Father, strengthen me by Your grace, so I can serve others in Your power.

 

This side of heaven...

Today is baby Jacob's birthday/heaven day. He would have been six.  We would have had a six year old, seven year old and a twelve year old....on this earth! We would have been raising three busy boys....if it were our will. When we put our faith in Christ, we allow His will to happen.  This does not happen without pain, but we will see God through the pain.

 

Jacob was born sleeping....right into the arms of Jesus. My precious baby. Carter knew Jesus and loved Him and loved heaven.  Into the arms of Jesus at the age of nine.  My precious son. Bradley loves Jesus and looks forward to our life to come with the Lord, where he will be reunited with his brothers. My precious boy.

 

As we live our lives on this side of heaven, we keep our eyes fixed on our life to come. God is bigger and stronger than our own understanding.

 

Give your children an extra hug today.  Be ever so thankful for your gifts from the Lord.

 

 

"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."  John 14:27

 

 

Keeping the memories alive..

When your child is no longer with you, you ask the Lord to fill your lives with special ways to keep the memories alive.

"O God, listen to my cry!  Hear my prayer!  From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.  Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.  Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings" Psalm 61:1-4
 

 

 

Being thankful

Today, we are so very thankful for Jesus, His life and His incredible sacrifice.  We are so very thankful for our eternal life that He gives us.  We are so very thankful that death is not the end - Jesus has conquered the grave.  We are so very thankful that Carter is alive and living with Jesus.  We are so very thankful for God's precious gifts to us - our children.  We are so thankful for nine years with Carter.  We are so thankful for all that Carter has taught us about Heaven and Jesus.  We are so thankful for how he loved Jesus while on this earth.  We are so thankful for our surviving son.  We are so thankful that he remembers his brother and the memories that they shared.  We are so thankful that he loves Jesus and will often imagine his brother in Heaven with Jesus.  We are so thankful to not go a day without talking about Carter. 

Today we spent time in the cemetery visiting baby Jacob.  We paused quietly and remembered his short life with us.  We reflected on the death of Jacob and how it drew us closer to God. We reflected on nine years of Carter's life and his death; and how we fell flat on our faces, fully humbled before the Lord. And now, our comfort and security come from God alone.  We are thankful for God's protection over our surviving son, who lifts us up, makes us strong and keeps us going, even on the hard days.  We are thankful for the family and friends, who never left our side. We are thankful for their patience and support over the last few years. We are thankful for all who continue to remember Carter on the special days with us.

We deserve nothing.  God owes us nothing. Yet He gives us everything. Everything we have are gifts from our gracious God.  We are and will always be thankful.

Holidays can be downright painful...

		November 27, 2013 Whom Can You Invite? Karen Ehman "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families ..." Psalm 68:5-6a (NIV 1984) "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" The loudspeaker blared the joyful lyrics of the familiar song that snowy Christmas Eve afternoon. Everywhere I glanced, people were searching for last-minute gift purchases, holiday baking ingredients or that one final string of twinkle lights that would make their Christmas downright Norman-Rockwell-perfect. However, as I stood in line paying for the ingredients for my assigned cheesy potato casserole for our family gathering, a lump formed in my throat. Soon my lips quivered and hot tears fell onto my wind-chapped cheeks. How can everyone be so happy? Why is the world going on as if nothing happened? My friend Julie died last night leaving behind a husband and eight children who need her. Doesn't anyone care? I wanted to scream. And I wanted the holidays to be cancelled that year. There was no cheer in me, and I thought the rest of the world should follow suit and just "humbug" the whole celebration. Although our hearts were heavy, we tried to make the most of Christmas, especially for our children who were sad about their friends' mother's death. Over the next few months, my husband and I carried on with our normal life and tried to help our widowed friend as best we could. Several in our circle of friends made meals on a weekly basis. A college girl offered to clean their home. One of Julie's sons joined our homeschool for kindergarten a few days each week. Although we still experienced great heartache knowing our friend wasn't coming back, lightening her husband's load and being there for the children made us feel as if we were fulfilling the mission God had for us. Ever since that year, our family has become more aware of the fact that for many, Thanksgiving and Christmas aren't the most wonderful times of the year. In fact, the holidays can be downright painful. Loneliness looms. Depressions darken. Even suicides soar. While scores of us delight in the season, drinking the sights, sounds, and smells, others are numb from pain and despise these months. A neighbor of mine had a good perspective on helping those who hurt. She once told me, "The holidays are an excuse for making someone's life better." She was right! There are people waiting to be encouraged and included during this season. If only we would cease our own sometimes self-focused hustle and bustle long enough to see! After that sad season, we've made it our mission to reach out at the holidays more than we play the commercialized "gimmee game." Thanksgiving and Christmas are not about getting. The very essence of both is giving. When our family has been intentional about being Jesus' hands and feet at the holidays, He has allowed us to brighten the lives of many. We get to show His love and character talked about in Psalm 68:5-6a, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families ..." (NIV 1984) Others are welcomed at our table. We sing Christmas carols to shut-ins, decorate homes and address Christmas cards for widows, shop for the needy, bake for the brokenhearted, and often include the lonely in our normal holiday activities as if they were part of our family. Because really, they are. Maybe God wants to use your family to encourage someone this year. Let's use this Thanksgiving and Christmas to make someone's life better, richer in love, and fuller in the comforts of knowing they are noticed and cared for. Dear Lord, show me who needs to be reached out to this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Help me make someone's life richer, fuller and far less lonely. I want to be Your hands and feet. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Helping Hands

How to Help

 

Please be gentle with this new person that I was forced to become. I need understanding and patience, so please administer some.

 

I often feel myself floundering in my daily activities now, and some of the things that I used to do are harder to do somehow.

 

There are certain songs I can't bear to hear and places where I cannot dwell, and just folding laundry can make me cry; (shopping for groceries, as well.)

 

If the smell of a grilled cheese sandwich has me suddenly weeping tears; please understand that he loved those for lunch and I made them for him for years.

 

And don't be afraid to mention his name. I need that more than you know. You are not the reason I'm hurting so much - the loss of my son made that so.

 

Just offer your shoulder if I need to cry and listen if I need to talk. This road that I'm on is SO difficult - the hardest I ever will walk.

 

Maybe someday I'll show you his pictures and not fall apart at the seams. Just tell me you know that I'm hurting so - I can't tell you how much that means.

 

I know that the pain will get softer so be patient with me till it does; I never will be the same person again, for, I'm not the ME that I was.

 

~Beverly F. Walker, "Grieving and Recovery"

 

 

 

Last night when I was reading to Bradley, one of the questions in his children's book was, "What do you see yourself doing someday?"  And Bradley's response was, "I see myself playing in Heaven someday."

 

 

"As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?" Psalm 42:1-2

 

 

Thank You, Father, for helping us to live with an eternal perspective.

 

 

 

 



With thanksgiving...

		November 21, 2013 The Treasure of Thrown-Away Food Lysa TerKeurst "But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV) My son Jackson wrote a paper about the corruption and greed that caused the civil war in his native land. But Jackson wasn't just explaining a historical event – he lived in the midst of the horrific conditions of this war. You see, for the first 13 years of his life, Jackson lived in a forgotten orphanage in the third world country of Liberia, Africa. During one part of the paper, he described what it felt like to be naked digging through the trash looking for the treasure of thrown-away food. The treasure of thrown-away food. I can hardly type those words without crying. This is my son. And yet, despite the horrific conditions of his childhood, there was an unexplainable thread of peace woven through his recollection of the story. A powerful peace centered in the awareness of God's presence. The truly thankful person is a truly peaceful person. They have made a habit no matter what, to notice, pause, and choose. Noticing something for which to be thankful no matter their circumstance. Pausing to acknowledge this something as a reminder of God's presence. Choosing to focus on God's presence until His powerful peace is unleashed. Will we be a noticer? A pauser? A chooser? A person of thanksgiving no matter what circumstance we're facing? I find this truth about the power of thanksgiving over and over in Scripture. What was the prayer Daniel prayed right before being thrown in the lion's den and witnessing God miraculously shutting the lion's mouths? Thanksgiving. After three days in the belly of a fish, what was the cry of Jonah's heart right before he was finally delivered onto dry land? Thanksgiving. How are we instructed to pray in Philippians 4:6 when we feel anxious? With thanksgiving. And what is the outcome of each of these situations where thanksgiving is proclaimed? Peace. Powerful, unexplainable, uncontainable peace. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7 NIV). One of Webster's official definitions of thanksgiving is: "a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness." I wonder how we might celebrate God's divine goodness today. I wonder what might happen if we decide in the midst of our circumstances today to notice, pause, and choose something for which we can truly be thankful. Dear Lord, will You help me notice things for which I can be thankful in each circumstance I face today? Will You help me remember to pause and acknowledge this as evidence of Your presence? And will You help me remember to choose to focus on Your presence until Your powerful peace rushes into my heart and helps me see everything more clearly? Thank You for the reality that being thankful changes everything. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

World Wide Village

I ask that you would please take the time to read Jacob's letter below, in regards to a World Wide Village mission trip to Haiti. Jacob's parents have been dear friends of ours' for about the last seven years or so. In fact, they played an important role in our Christian walk together as a family. Jacob's mom was my first Bible study leader in our women's Bible study group. Jacob's dad and Chad were also in a men's Bible study group together. When we would meet during the week for our women's Bible study, Carter and Bradley would come along and hang out with Jacob and his two brothers. It has been a joy to watch these boys grow up, and watch as they lovingly follow the Lord. Carter and Bradley loved hanging out with Jacob and his brothers, and I always felt that they were such good examples of godly boys, for my boys to be around. Carter looked up to these godly young men!

Thank you for taking the time to read Jacob's letter and I ask for your prayers for him and for this great mission trip to happen. Please pass along this information - with Christmas right around the corner, this is a great way for families to minister to the people in Haiti.

 

Dear family and friends,

 

I would like to update you on what has been going on in my life lately.  I am now a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire studying sports pedagogy.  With this degree, I plan to go on staff with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  At UWEC, I am involved in a campus ministry called Cru where I am in leadership and on the worship team.  Cru has helped me to stay true to my faith and continue to grow in this dark place we called our world.  It has been a daily struggle, but I always know I can turn to my brothers and sisters in Cru for prayers and support.  Cru has presented me with opportunities to go to various conferences throughout the country.  Last winter break, I traveled to Minneapolis for a week and attended the TCX (Twin Cities Experience) conference.  Over spring break last year, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Panama City Beach, Florida, where I attended the Big Break conference and was able to share the gospel with college students on the beach.  This spring break, however, I have the unique opportunity to participate in a week-long mission trip to Port au Prince, Haiti, with World Wide Village (WWV).

WWV is a faith-based organization that was founded in 2001. Their vision is to properly immunize and feed the children and families of Haiti and allow the children to receive a solid Christian education. They strive to provide sustainable communities, safe drinking water, and adequate healthcare facilities. During the trip, we (our team) will be doing things such as building and repairing houses, visiting children’s homes and schools, evangelism, church construction and maintenance, assisting at medical clinics, farm work, and playground construction.

My team and I will be flying from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Miami, Florida, and then to Port au Prince, Haiti. Our trip will begin on March 15 and end on March 22. You all are invited to journey to Haiti with me. While it may be hard for some people to take a week off of work and hop on a plane to Port au Prince, there is still a way for you to come with me. By financially and prayerfully supporting me, you are traveling with me and ministering to the people in Haiti. This gives you an opportunity to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself!

Raising the funds will be one of the greatest steps of faith I will take in preparing for this trip. I will need a total of about $2000 for the trip with $1000 due by December 16th and another $1000 by January 30^th. Financial donations will go toward paying for airfare, housing accommodations, food, drinking water, translators, and project materials. Please prayerfully consider partnering with me through prayer or a monetary gift or even both!

My heart is really in this trip.  I have a passion for children, and I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the Haitian people.  I see this trip as an opportunity to share the love of Christ with those in need. I would like to point out that prayer is as, if not more, important than a monetary gift.  The power of prayer is outstanding when we are sincerely bringing our requests before the Lord. 

 

If you would like to make a monetary donation, please follow these instructions:

-Checks should be mailed to:

            World Wide Village
             616 Sims Avenue

             St. Paul, MN 55130

-Checks made payable to World Wide Village

-Please include my name, Jacob Hurlburt, somewhere in the envelope you send but please do not write it on the check.

-A sticky note attached to the check is fine

-You can also donate on the WWV website

-Click “Donate Now” from the homepage at www.worldwidevillage.org

 If you have any further questions about my trip, feel free to contact me. I will leave my contact information at the end of the letter. 

Once again, thank you for all of your support whether it is prayer for the trip, a monetary donation, or both.  I am extremely excited to see what God has planned for this trip!

Blessings,

 Jacob Ryan Hurlburt

Email: jakehurlburt22@gmail.com

or
hurlburj@uwec.edu

or

Phone: 715-495-4625

or

Snail mail:

722 E. Wells St.
Durand, WI 54736

 

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19-20
 

 

"With Every Act of Love", Jason Gray...

 

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=019JJJNU
 

It's OK to grieve...

In a Season of Loss, Release Your Grief by Rick Warren

“Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8b NLT)   The Bible says when you go through a season of loss, the first thing you need to do is release your grief.   Tragedy always produces strong emotions — anger, fear, depression, worry, and sometimes guilt. These feelings are scary to us, and we don't know what to do with them. When we have experienced a major loss, these enormous feelings bubble up within us. If you don't deal with them now, it will take you far longer to recover.   Some of you have never dealt with grief in your life. You're stuffers. You push it down. You pretend it's not there. You play like it doesn't exist. That's why you're still struggling with emotional stress in your life from losses that occurred 20 or 30 years ago.   There's a myth that says God wants you to walk around with a smile on your face all the time saying, "Praise the Lord!” The Bible doesn't say that anywhere.   In fact, Jesus taught the exact opposite. In Matthew 5:4, he says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (NLT). It's OK to grieve. When somebody is a Christian, we know he goes on to Heaven, so we don't grieve like the world. We're not grieving for their sake; we're grieving for our own sake, because we're going to miss them.   What do you do with your feelings? You've got to deal with them. You must release your grief. You don't repress it or stuff it down. You don't rehearse it and go over and over it in your mind. You release it — you give it to God. You cry out to God, "God, I’m hurt! I'm grieving! This is a tough one to take.” If you want a good example of this, read through the book of Psalms, where many times David spills his guts and says, "God, I'm in a tough time right now. I am really, really hurting.” You cry out to God, just like David did.   Psalm 62:8 says, "Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge." Those of you who are going through a loss right now need to understand that if you don't release your grief, it will pour out eventually. Feelings that are pushed down fester, and eventually they explode in a much worse situation.   Release your grief first so that God can begin to heal your heart.

Broken road...

Please remember our sweet friends, Dan & Rachel Fitzgerald, who have children in heaven with our children:  Collin, Zaylee & Baby Fitzgerald.  As this time of year is so very heavy for both of our families, we lift each other up to the Lord.  As we want our children to be with us so badly, we will ask our Heavenly Father to carry us........to carry us until we will be with our precious children again.  We will see Jesus in our brokenness.

 

Thank you Fitzgerald's!

We love you!

Rachel Fitzgerald

November 16

Today is a very special little boys Heaven Day. His name is Carter Dorwin, he was 9 when Jesus brought him to Heaven, just 2 years before our son. I remember it was just days after our son Collin died that I found myself begging with Carter's mom Nicole, to please tell me what I could do to make the hurt in my heart better. I couldn't think, I couldn't eat, the flashbacks consumed me, I needed my son so bad. She reminded me over and over and OVER that Collin was no longer damaged, that he was alive with Jesus. She reminded me of the promises that Jesus has for us, especially an eternity without tears and a life forever with Him and my children. His mom has sent me a card every single month on the 11th-Collin's Heaven Day. She didn't need to do that, but she took the time to. Somedays those cards were truly what got me through the day, a reminder that Collin is safe and alive no matter what the visions of him were in my mind. I ask for prayers tonight, that God will bring comfort for this family.

 

An outpouring of thanksgiving...

		November 18, 2013 The Sacrifice of Thanks-sharing Glynnis Whitwer "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:15-16 (NASB) Enough. That's what I have. Really, more than enough. More than enough clothes in my closet. Food in my fridge. Shoes spread on the floor. Cans in the cupboard. My children have books, warm jackets, tennis shoes, pencils, and opportunities for more. I have clean sheets, soft pillows, a kitchen table, and indoor plumbing. My husband and I have never taken our provisions for granted. Every day we are thankful for the blessings of our home and family. Yet eight years ago we were increasingly aware of what Luke 12:48b tells us, "When someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." (NLT) We felt an obligation to do something more with our blessings. So in 2005 our family of five put a plan in place to share what we had. We had enough home, enough time, and enough love. Our gratitude to God for His blessings couldn't be kept to ourselves any more. We started with some rearranging. Two of our three sons moved furniture around so they could share a room, Then we bought two little white beds, pink curtains, and some dolls. I bought matching calico comforters and guessed at sizes of dresses. After months of planning to share what we had, two little orphaned sisters stepped off a plane gripping the hands of their new daddy and walked into our hearts and homes. They wore "African suits" bought from the place of their birth, brightly colored dresses that hung on tiny bodies. So proud they were to own their first new pieces of clothing, wanting to greet their new family in their best. As we wrapped our arms around these little girls, our family of five became seven. As weeks turned into months, and typical family issues mingled with trauma from our daughters' pasts, we learned God's call to share isn't always easy. Oh, at first it was great, before the first blush of excitement wore off. But the magnitude of sharing our lives with two wounded little girls was harder than we ever imagined. When worry about the future threatened to overwhelm me, God quietly reminded me that He didn't ask me to have the answers. That's His job. My job is just to share what He has given me–my love, my home, my life–with two not-so-little girls now who call me Mama. With a heart of thankfulness, and an open hand of generosity. That's all He's asking me. That's what blesses Him. God's Word confirms what pleases Him. Hebrews 13:15-16 teaches us that we must link thanksgiving with sharing. But it also says it will be a sacrifice: "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (NASB) As we walk together as a family, we continue to learn that showing thanks to God involves sharing, and sharing involves sacrifice. God still calls us to share out of our abundance, and it still involves sacrifice. But when we share our lives, our homes, our money, our hearts, our skills, and our time as an outpouring of thanksgiving, God is pleased. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your generosity with me. I don't deserve Your favor, and my heart overflows with thanksgiving. Help me to show my gratitude through words and actions that are pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' Name, Amen.