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.

November 16, 2013

Carter Michael Dorwin

Forever 9

July 27, 2001 - November 16, 2010

 



God, I know you gave your precious Son to give us life with You. But we didn't want our son to leave, cause he was precious too. We all are special in Your eyes and all to You return. We know our son will not come back, and for this our hearts still yearn. Our time on earth is for learning, and when our lessons are through, our Lord will choose the time we leave, and we come back to You. Our precious son is with You, and there will be a day, that we too will leave this earth, and You will light our way. His arms will be wide open, and that wait will be worthwhile, when we see again our precious son, and the splendor of his smile.   ~Anonymous

Only in God are we truly safe and secure. Anything else is false security. Whether we are surrounded by mighty walls of stone, a comfortable home, or a secure job, no one can predict what tomorrow may bring. Our relationship with God is the only security that cannot be taken away.

Today is the three year Heaven Anniversary since Carter met Jesus and went Home. It brings me so much peace to know that Carter is with our Lord.  Knowing this is comfort to my heart. It brings me so much pain to live out the rest of my life without him. Doing this is the hard part. I know God's promises to us and how He wants me to feel about death and eternal life. To help me feel His truth and believe His promises, I have to draw near to Him. Sometimes, before we can find the sunrise, we must find courage to walk into the darkness. I want to live a life that reflects the love that I have for our Lord. I pray to live each day, with the pain that I have of losing Carter, with a faith that trusts and believes all that Jesus promises. I need Jesus to fill me with His love today, as we remember Carter, and are weak with heavy hearts as we walk this path with our Lord. Because God is strong, He can help us in our weakness. I know that God is with me; I know He will never leave me nor forsake me; and I know that He carries me on these hard days.  I will not let Satan take the joy that God has for me. God will hold me up today.

"He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20

 

 

Missing our sweet, sweet boy......

We wait for You, Lord Jesus!

Last picture taken of Carter.  One week before November 16, 2010. Having lunch with Carter at Eastview Elementary School.

 Last song Carter listened to - November 16, 2010~
 

 

A Glorious Day is Coming...

Thank You, Lord, that death is not the end!

Reunited

Micca Campbell

 

"After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NIV)

When my husband died, a part of me died too. Pain and fear surrounded me during those dark days. I ached inside and felt so lost, empty, and alone. I missed him terribly.

At times, my need for his comforting touch was so strong it would play tricks on my mind. Once, I saw a man who resembled my husband driving a red truck just like Porter's. I followed that truck for miles. As my heart pounded with hope, nothing else mattered more in that moment than catching up to the truck. I was willing to drive to the ends of the earth if necessary.

When I finally caught up with him at a red light and our eyes met, my fantasy ended with a devastating halt. It was as if a cruel joke had been played on me. Weakened by the truth, I pulled into a nearby parking lot, lay across the seat of my car, and wept. As the sun set, the temperature inside the car cooled. Sitting up, I wiped my face, zipped up my coat, and headed for home—without my husband.

There was a great sense of loss, thinking I'd never see Porter again. Maybe you can relate and have experienced grief too? If so, you may be encouraged by this truth: for those who love and know the Lord, parting is only temporary. It's not really goodbye, but see-you-later.

The apostle Paul assured the Thessalonians of this truth.

"The dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever" (1 Thessalonians 4:16b-17 NIV).

That assurance is for us too. There are three words in Paul's statement that provide hope, comfort, and assurance for the brokenhearted: we, together, and them.

We (people on earth) who are still alive will be caught up together (two parties meeting) with them (those who are in heaven).

These words of reunion indicate that God's children never have to experience permanent separation. That's good news! One day you and I will be reunited with our loved ones who believed in Jesus while on Earth. What a glorious day that will be.

Once I really took hold of this truth, my heart settled. Though I still walked through days of missing my husband, the firm grip sadness had on me lost its strangling hold.

Now, grief no longer burdens my heart. I have hope in God's promise that one day I'll be reunited with Porter, my two grandmothers, and my grandfathers. Holding on to that hope has eased death's sting and filled my heart with anticipation.

Even in grief there is hope. For those who accept the Lord as their Savior, death is not goodbye. It's simply see-you-later.

Dear Lord, thank You for communicating to us words of a glorious reunion one day. Thank You that death is not the end. When my grief runs deep, remind my heart to hope in Your truth. I will see my loved ones again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

Jesus cares about the little things....

As we prepare to go see Matthew West tonight, Sidewalk Prophets will also be singing.  Bradley and I were listening to some of the Sidewalk Prophets songs - and we came across them singing, "Man in the Mirror"!!

 

This one is for you, my sweet Carter!!

 

 

 

 

We love how Jesus brings these special blessings to us!