Mary, Did You Know?

Incredible.....

"Mitchell's Journey"

Click on the link to view this incredible video....
      A family's Christmas without their son.

http://vimeo.com/114511333

....And Jesus to come back

Dear santa,

For Christmas, I would like an xbox three sixty, a ramp, a trick bike and snowboard with the lock-in feet, and the shoes for the snowboard. And some hightops. And my brother Carter. And Jesus to come back.

Bradley

Jacob Gabriel Dorwin

There will always be an empty place in our hearts that only our Jacob can fill...

Jacob Gabriel Dorwin

December 4, 2007

 

 

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for You are with me" Psalm 23:4

 

Lord, please bring Your comfort over our family.



Our only hope is Jesus

I still keep the pictures up of who we lost

Joy is a memory that I forgot

Life wasn't fair to us

A cold room and all alone

I cry tonight, my prayers are angry words

They're questions why life wasn't fair to us

 

You're healer to the broken

Shepherd to the lost

Father to the orphan

Adopted by the cross

There's comfort in Your arms

It's where our healing starts

Our only hope is Jesus

 

Even though I walk down broken roads

I will never have to walk alone

When I cannot stand on my own feet, You will carry me

 

OUR ONLY HOPE IS JESUS

 



When Life is Hard

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus...

 

CARTER DORWIN

PreviousNext



Carter Dorwin

 

Lake Geneva, WI - Carter Michael Dorwin, age 9, went into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday morning, November 16, 2010 as the result of a tragic car accident.

 

Carter was born on July 27, 2001 in Eau Claire, WI, the precious and much-anticipated first born son of Chad and Nicole (Klimek) Dorwin. Carter Mike also filled the roll of protective older brother, roll model, and best bud of his little brother, Bradley James. Carter attended school at Caddie Woodlawn and Arkansas Elementary through first grade. After his family moved to Lake Geneva, Carter continued his education at Eastview Elementary where he was a third grader at the time of his death. Carter was involved in wrestling, Cub Scouts, and children's church at Mt. Zion Church.

 

Carter leaves behind his parents, Chad and Nicole; and his little brother, Bradley. He is further survived by his paternal grandparents, Bill and LaNita Dorwin of Durand, WI; maternal grandparents, Ken and Debra Klimek of Chippewa Falls, WI; great-grandparents, Lila Manor of Eau Claire, WI and Edward Baecker of Independence, WI; uncles, Todd (Missy) Dorwin, Jamie (Shana) Klimek, Ross (Stephanie) Dorwin, and Paul (Tara) Dorwin; and so many cousins that will miss him, Austin, Andrew, Abby, Evan, Dylan, Autumn, Paige, Cruz, Little Abby, Alaina, and Brennan.

 

Carter was preceded in death by his baby brother, Jacob Gabriel, who was born sleeping on December 4, 2007; great-grandparents, Romelle Baecker, Daniel and Richardine Feuling, Lyman Manor, William and Ann Dorwin, and Roman and Caroline Klimek.

 

Carter was a boy with the biggest smile who loved his mom, dad, and little brother with a pure and full heart. Carter's love for life and passion for living brought smiles and joy to all who were fortunate to know and love him. His curious, inquisitive, imaginative nature always found him investigating, collecting, and searching for "treasures". Carter was a bright light burning brilliantly here on Earth whose mischievous grin, sparkling eyes, and bubbly laugh will forever leave a void in our lives. Carter loved his family, his little dog, Toby, his cousins and friends, wrestling, Cub Scouts, Legos, his third grade class at Eastview Elementary, Star Wars, collecting interesting things, candy bars, and a good bowl of mac n cheese.

 

Services for Carter Michael Dorwin will be Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in Mount Zion Christian Church, 2330 Hwy 120, Lake Geneva, WI; Pastor David Adams will officiate.

 

Visitation will be Saturday in church from 11:00 a.m. until time of services.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy memorials are requested in Carter's name to: Mount Zion. Christian Church, 2330 Hwy 120, Lake Geneva, WI.

 

On Saturday November 27, 2010 in the Friendship Baptist Church in Mondovi there will be Memorial Prayer Service in memory of Carter at 1:00 p.m.

 

Carter loved Jesus and believed in his love and asked to live in his heart. Because of this, we know we will see our precious Carter Mike again in Heaven. Until that day...

 

Haase-Derrick-Lockwood Funeral Home and Crematory in Lake Geneva is assisting the Dorwin family with arrangements.

 

 

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."  Colossians 3:2-4

 

I miss you more with every passing day...

My heart shatters into a million little pieces with every holiday that comes and goes without my son.  Every passing season and holiday is a reminder of what we once had......what we no longer have....and how we learn to live without Carter.  When a parent loses a child, a part of us is gone too and a part of our future, hopes and dreams.  Losing Carter is a heavy, heartbreaking pain to live with every day. Holidays will never feel fully complete without him.  Oh, how much we miss him.

I will hold onto my son in my heart and know that he rests in Jesus and I will see him again one day.

Love you, sweet boy.

Grief Wish List

MY GRIEF WISH LIST

Author Unknown

If you have been through grief you will relate to this. If you are going through it you will relate. If you have never been through this type of grief, keep this handy…it may help you one day.

I wish you would not be afraid to speak my loved one’s name. They lived and were important and I need to hear their name.

If I cry or get emotional if we talk about my loved one, I wish you knew that it isn’t because you have hurt me: the fact they have died has caused my tears. You have allowed me to cry and I thank you. Crying and emotional outbursts are healing.

I wish you wouldn’t let my loved one die again by removing from your home his pictures, artwork or other remembrances.

I will have emotional highs and lows, up and down. I wish you wouldn’t think that if I have a good day my grief is all over, or that if I have a bad day, I need psychiatric counseling.

I wish you knew that the death of a child is different from other losses and must be viewed separately. It is the ultimate tragedy and I wish you wouldn’t compare it to your loss of a parent, a spouse or a pet.

Being a bereaved person is not contagious, so I wish you wouldn’t stay away from me.

I wish you knew all the crazy grief reactions that I am having are in fact very normal. Depression, anger, frustration and hopelessness and the questioning of values and beliefs are to be expected following a death.

I wish you wouldn’t expect my grief to be over in six months. The first few years are going to be exceedingly traumatic for us. As with alcoholics I will never be ‘cured’ or a ‘formerly bereaved’, but forever a ‘recovering’ from my bereavement.

I wish you understood the physical reaction to grief. I may gain weight or lose weight, sleep all the time or not at all, develop a lot of illness and be accident prone, all of which are related to my grief.

Our loved one’s birthday, the anniversary of his death and the holidays are terrible times for us. I wish you could tell me that you are thinking about them on these days and if we get quiet and withdrawn, just know that we are thinking about them and don’t try to coerce us into being cheerful.

I wish you wouldn’t offer to take me out for a drink, or to a party. This is just a temporary crutch and the only way I can get through this grief is to experience it. I have to hurt before I can heal.

I wish you understood that grief changes people. I am not the same person I was before my loved one died and I never will be that person again. If you keep waiting for me to get back to ‘my old self’, you will stay frustrated. I am a new creature with new thoughts, dreams, aspirations, values and beliefs. Please try to get to know the new me: maybe you will still like me.

Grief is Ugly

The first time I saw my son, I looked into his eyes.  It changed my life FOREVER.  It changed the way I wanted to live for the rest of my life.

 

 

 

 

 

Grief is a deep longing for the ordinary.  It's the absence of the ordinary things that bring me to my knees.  All we have left are pictures and memories.  We can never get back what we've lost.

 

Oh Lord, I wish I would wake up from this nightmare.  I am weak, Lord, but You are strong. 

 

My favorite teacher

Teacher Humor...

Teacher Humor

Are you sick of highly-paid teachers?

by sloucher Feb 21, 2011 posted on Facebook (an oldie but goodie) J

Teachers' hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work nine or ten months a year! It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do -- babysit!

We can get that for less than minimum wage.

That's right. Let's give them $3.00 an hour and only the hours they worked; not any of that silly planning time, or any time they spend before or after school. That would be $19.50 a day (7:45 to 3:00 PM with 45 min. off for lunch and planning -- that equals 6-1/2 hours).

So each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers to baby-sit their child. Now how many students do they teach in a day...maybe 30? So that's $19.50 x 30 = $585 a day.

However, remember they only work 180 days a year!!! I am not going to pay them for any vacations.

LET'S SEE....

That's $585 X 180= $105,300 per year. (Hold on! My calculator needs new batteries).

What about those special education teachers and the ones with Master's degrees? Well, we could pay them minimum wage ($7.75), and just to be fair, round it off to $8.00 an hour. That would be $8 X 6-1/2 hours X 30 children X 180 days = $280,800 per year.

Wait a minute -- there's something wrong here! There sure is.

The average teacher's salary (nationwide) is $50,000.

$50,000/180 days = $277.77 per day / 30 students = $9.25 / 6.5 hours = $1.42 per hour per student -- a very inexpensive baby-sitter and they even EDUCATE your kids!)

WHAT A DEAL!!!

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!

 

A Beautiful City

I like earth. But my heart pumps for heaven. Our hearts hold a shadow of heaven.... I have a glorious homesickness for heaven, a penetrating and piercing ache. I'm a stranger in a strange land, a displaced person...What a sweetness to feel homesick for heaven.

Joni Eareckson Tada

 

 

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."

 Philippians 3:20-21

 

 

Only in the Gospel of Christ do hurting people find incredible hope.

 

Justice Run

Justice Run

July 9, 2014

Carson Park

From here to eternity

All your life an unattainable ecstasy has hovered just beyond the grasp of your consciousness. The day is coming when you will wake to find, beyond all hope, that you have attained it.

C.S. Lewis

 

"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven." Luke 6:23
 

 

 

Sweet Hannah

Thinking about our dear friends this week, Jeff & Heather Hahn, and their precious daughter, Hannah, on her Heaven date. 

"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." Psalm 61:1-3. 

Crying out to God in our pain....missing our children so darn much...and can't wait to walk through Heaven's doors.....

Lifting up the Hahn's and praying for courage to trust God.  The day is coming when death will ultimately be destroyed!!  (1 Corinthians 15:20-26)

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain...." Revelation 21:4

 

Please join us in praying for the Hahn's!

 

 

Flowers, Fireworks & Friends

Donations and proceeds will be taken for

Hope Gospel Mission and Hope for Haiti

"Flowers, Fireworks & Friends" is an amazing fellowship opportunity for our whole community and school family. Christ Lutheran School would be honored to have you join us. "Down to Earth" loves people and is blessed to put on an event of this magnitude. Christ Lutheran will be present that day with a booth and even a clown or two. Enjoy this time for food, fellowship and good old fashioned down to earth fun. Feel free to invite others too.  They are expecting around 5000 people so feel free to come early and stay late! J

     

Father's Day for the hurting

 

 

 

 

 

 I have a heavy heart for my husband who will have his 4th Father's Day without his oldest son.  My heart breaks looking at his sadness and pain.  I am the "talker" of my pain.  My husband is the silent one who suffers by himself to look after me as I grieve and trying to fix what he cannot fix.  I know he will carry his broken heart until his last breath.  Thankfully, his faith makes his days bearable.  Not a day goes by without thinking about Carter and talking about what life would be like with him.

 

Yes, it's Father's Day and for the sake of Bradley, it will be a happy father's day, but it will also be a day of emptiness and loneliness without Carter.

 

May all the grieving dads out there feel the love of their lost children.

 

 

To be a man in grief,
Since "men don't cry"
and "men are strong"
No tears can bring relief.

It must be very difficult
To stand up to the test,
And field the calls and visitors
So she can get some rest.

They always ask if she's all right
And what she's going through.
But seldom take his hand and ask,
"My friend, but how are you?"

He hears her crying in the night
And thinks his heart will break.
He dries her tears and comforts her,
But "stays strong" for her sake.

It must be very difficult
To start each day anew.
And try to be so very brave-
He lost his baby too.
Eileen Knight Hagemeister

 

 

Happy Father's Day to the One who loves us most and carries us through our pain.  Heavenly Father, we need and rely on You for our Daily Bread.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grip of God

 

We had a beautiful trip to visit Rachel Fitzgerald at her store, "Weathered Raindrop", a Division of Grip of God Ministries, in New Richmond.  Rachel is Collin's mama, the precious little boy who lives in heaven with our Lord. Rachel has a beautiful heart for the Lord. Such an incredible sense of peace ran through me in her store.  This inspirational Christian place is filled with beautiful collections that give hope, love, and encouragement to the hurting.  It is a store that inspires others through suffering, encouraging them to allow God to hold them secure in His grip and restore their lives.  And that is exactly what happened when we were there......

We cried together, we laughed together -- we shared stories of our children together, and just how God holds us secure in His grip as we travel through our brokenness.  I felt God so near to us in the store and His presence was so very alive!  I had just shared with Rachel the story of the Oriole bird that passed over our car the day before, and we talked about the ways that God takes care of us.  As we were talking and sharing, Carter's song "Mighty to Save" starting playing.  I thought it was my cell phone ringing, for I've had that ring-tone on my phone since the accident.  Come to find out, it wasn't my cell phone!  It had come from another person's cell phone, that she had just started playing Pandora Radio on!!  And that was the first song that was playing!!  There it was....."Mighty to Save"....playing in the store as we were clinging to Jesus in our pain!!

Thank You, Lord, for Your steadfast and incredible blessings!  "You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior." Psalm 65:5


Links to Rachel's Inspirational Christian Market:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WeatheredRaindrop

https://www.facebook.com/weatheredraindrop

God's love never quits

We've been keeping our cousins, Dan & Karla Adams, close to our hearts this month. Their daughter, Laura, went into the arms of Jesus on June 1, 2005, when she was just 22 years old.  Laura had a beautiful heart.  She was going to school to be a teacher.  Working with children was her greatest joy, and her family said that she went Home to help care for God's children.  It brings me to tears just hearing those words...."to help care for God's children", for Carter is one of those children.  We know that heaven is the most beautiful place we will ever be - and we long to be there.  We also know how wonderful it will be.....but, each day that comes as a bereaved parent is not an easy one.  Laura went to Heaven nine years ago.  It doesn't matter how many years have passed, time does not take away the agony and suffering, the sense of loss and aloneness. It it a difficult journey of total submission to the Lord's plans and trusting in His ways.  There is no getting over, getting around, or getting by the loss of your child. Our lives are changed forever and the part of what went into making our lives "normal", is not normal anymore. Time doesn't heal, but God comforts and refreshes us over time when we let Him. All we can do is trust God to get us through - even if we can't see the other side of our grief.

We took Dan & Karla one of Carter's little plants.  Together, we prayed for them.... prayed that Carter's plant would bless and comfort their lives, and would remind them of their sweet daughter who is in God's hands, and that we do not face our pain alone.  We also prayed that Carter's plant would grow and become beautiful for them.

Thinking about Laura and the pain that Dan & Karla suffered, brought me to tears on the drive over.  My mind will often travel to doubt and fear --- and trying to figure out why our children had to die.  Of course, this is not how God wants us to be thinking, but it is reality when "death" has robbed us of someone we love so deeply.  So, I fought back tears and pulled myself together to take in Carter's plant.  I felt broken and heavy as we were leaving.  As I was pulling out of their driveway and just starting to leave, a beautiful Oriole slowly and gracefully flew right over the front of my car.  It was so beautiful just to watch it fly over us.  I felt like, just for a second, life went into slow motion.  My tears turned into laughter and I had an overwhelming sense of comfort and love from the Lord.  I felt Carter watching over us, and we praised the Lord for his amazing ways of showing us.  I will never forget this incredible feeling of God's presence right then and there in the midst of pain.

"God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits.....Takes care of everyone in time of need.  His love never quits."  Psalm 136:23, 25 THE MESSAGE

Glimpse of Heaven

Our time on earth is limited and we are to use it wisely, not living for the moment, but with our eternal home in mind.


Jerry Sittser writes......

The book of Revelation describes a scene from the future in which Jesus himself embraces and restores all those who have suffered and died....That scene reminds me that heaven is our true destiny, however good life on earth seems to be.  Heaven is our real home, where we have always longed to be.

 

"In hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time." Titus 1:2


Marth Beth Chapman writes....

Something inside me knew that God had healed Maria in a way we didn't want....Somehow in that unthinkable moment it became clear to Steven and me that we were standing at the very door of heaven, placing our little girl carefully in the arms of Jesus, desperately trusting that she would be safe there until we could come and join her.

 

 

 "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6
 

Jason Gray & 513FREE Concert

 

• Sunday, June 8, 2014
• 6:00pm – 8:15pm

 

• Peace Lutheran Church
• 501 E. Fillmore Ave.
• Eau Claire, WI 54701

 

Parenthood

Remembering Hannah....

Thinking of little Hannah, who would be eleven today...

 

Praying for our families as we remember Hannah's life.... and the ache of missing her so....

 

Love you, Family!

A Permanent Hole that Will Never be Filled...

Mother’s Day is a challenging celebration for moms who have experienced the death of her child.  The day, and even the days/weeks leading up to Mother's Day, is a painful trigger for bereaved moms.  For many of us, it is a day of pain and loss.  


MOTHER'S DAY, WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR US NOW?  (Clara's mom)

I took motherhood so seriously. I took nothing for granted.
I was always praising and giving thanks for what I had
Praying for safety and health, is all I ever wanted.

And yet this happened to me.

I chose to stay close to her, live through her life not my own.
I put my own needs aside, because my needs were now her needs.

And yet, this still happened to me.

My life was spent caring for my daughter, who made me a better person. With her there was so much more to life, so much more to give. She made my life special in so many ways.

One day she was living alive and happy and thriving.
The next day she was gone, and no longer do we share our lives together.

Everything has changed, I went from being Kati to very proudly be known as "Clara's mom" oh how I loved being called Clara's mom.
I wasn't Kati anymore I was Claras mom. My identity changed, and my insides changed, my heart grew, and swelled with love.

I'm trying to figure a way to struggle through life and constant grief.
To find anything to bring peace for just a moment. I'm trying to accept that this is happened to me. And realize I can't physically kiss, hug, smell, bathe, dance, doll up, sleep, with my daughter ever again.

I am looking for something to bring wholeness and peace, and move a step forward into this life I never wanted. And would do anything to give it back. Why did this happen to us.....




"Whom have I in heaven but you?  I desire you more than anything on earth.  My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." Psalm 73:25-26

Lord, please help us......we need You!

HE IS RISEN!!!

He is risen!!

 

 

Without Jesus and the Resurrection, there would be nothing...absolutely nothing.  We would live in a dark world without any Light or hope....and the promise of a better tomorrow.

 

"God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way".......unknown

 

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your gift of life now and for eternity.

 

 

Thank You that You are with us now......and tomorrow......and for all eternity.

 

 

 

 



Support "Angels Island Memorial Playground"

A letter written to the "Ellen Degeneres Show" in memory of the Lydia, Laynie & Clara:





Hello Ellen,

I hope you or one of your staff members will take 15 seconds of your time to read about three little angels who lost their lives together in a tragic car accident on December 13th, 2013. Their names are Lydia, Laynie and Clara, all cousins, and each of their mothers are sisters. This was a HUGE loss for our small community in Wisconsin and the hurt, grief and confusion seems to never end.
Our amazing community of 800 people is trying to raise $25,000 to build a community park in remembrance of the girls. The park will also be a place for many families to gather, spend quality time, share laughter, stories and make memories. Most importantly, this park will be a place the family members of the lost loved ones can forever visit and feel a little closer to their three angels waiting for them in heaven.

I know you are beyond generous in your donations, giving and support to those in need. By no means am I saying a certain family deserves your help more than another, but I do strongly believe with your help, or even publicity, our TINY little town of 800 people can make this the best remembrance park ever imagined! We can hit our goals with the help of your team.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Many blessings your way!

http://www.gofundme.com/82us7k




Click here to support Angels Island Memorial Playground / Park by Nancy LeMay

gofundme.com

John 16:33

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33

 

THANK YOU, JESUS!

Help us to stay focused on You and to see Your light above all else

What if I Don't Get Any More Tomorrows?

What if I Don't Get Any More Tomorrows? Tracie Miles

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog — it's here a little while, then it's gone." James 4:14 (NLT)

Before the plane backed away from the gate, the flight attendant warned us: "It's been a rough day in the air. Prepare yourself for tremendous turbulence." Although I wanted to make a mad dash for the door, I simply tightened my seat belt and prayed for safety. Soon, her verbal warning became a reality.

The plane rocked back and forth, as if it were slamming into walls instead of fluffy clouds. It was a short, but difficult, flight and after several attempts at landing, we were diverted to another airport, adding hours to the trip.

During this extra time in the air, I did a lot of thinking about what was most important in my life. I didn't really believe we would crash, but I couldn't keep from wondering ... What if the worst happens? What if I don't get any more tomorrows?

I thought about my loved ones. What were my last words to them? Were they kind or harsh? Were they filled with love, or merely instructions to carry out during my absence? Did I hug everyone and tell them how much they meant to me? If I didn't make it home, had I prepared my children spiritually and emotionally to handle life, trust God and walk in faith? Had I told my husband how much I appreciated him?

Was there anyone I needed to forgive? Were there people I had been meaning to call or visit but never took the time? Had my priorities and plans been in line with God's will? Had I sought God's insight about everything on my to-do list? Had I done all I could to bring glory to God? Would I be ready to meet Jesus face to face?

Although my heart knew God was in control, my mind and emotions ran wild as I peered out the oval window at the dark clouds hovering all around us.

In an effort to ignore the panicked voice over the intercom, I began searching my Bible for scriptures about how God knows the number of our days. The first verse I found was today's key verse.

In the rest of chapter 4, James reprimands the people for their self-centered living. Their self-indulgent, judgmental and prideful ways caused arguments and quarrels. They were consumed with business profits and neglected to seek God's insight.

They focused on their personal agendas instead of what actually mattered. They acted as if God didn't exist, or didn't matter, and pursued their own plans. They disregarded God's control over their lives and the number of their days.

James then wrote these words that spoke truth into my heart, "How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog — it's here a little while, then it's gone" (James 4:14).

That passage could have been written to me. Sometimes I focus on my own plans, ignoring that only God knows how long He will allow me to carry them out. Other times, I make plans without seeking God's will and get distracted by lesser things, instead of what really matters.

James wanted his readers to remember God directs us to live with a holy perspective, knowing every breath we take is one more gift from God. We aren't promised any tomorrows, so we need to live today with an eternal perspective.

I remained calm in the midst of the airborne chaos, but that time of reflection in the bumpy skies served as a great reminder not to take time for granted. I don't want to assume I'll always have another tomorrow, or another chance to love on those I love the most. From now on, I want to include God in my plans and serve Him as best I can.

Lord, forgive me for focusing on my own plans or neglecting to seek Your insight. Help me to never put off until tomorrow what You want me to do today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

Comfort for Today

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow....

 

God never changes.  He sees His people through hard times.  God is good and He is working everything that happens in your life for your good (Romans 8:28).  Be comforted today knowing if we wait on the Lord and trust in His purpose and timing, we will see His goodness in this life.  If we cast our burdens and cares on Him, He will sustain us and won't let us fall (Psalm 55:22).  Know that God sees your situation and your circumstances.  He loves you and He cares.  Trust that He is working in your life, behind the scenes, orchestrating a grand finale that you can't hear or see just yet.  Ask for His guidance and seek His face today as you wait on Him.  And be on the lookout for the miracles and blessings - big and small - that God is sending your way.

"What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?  I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord's name for saving me.  I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people.  The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die.  O Lord, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household"  Psalm 116:12-16

Heaven is for Real

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Heaven and our Eternal Life with You.

 

We cannot wait to see Carter again....

 

 

"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

Movie Trailer to "Heaven is for Real"....

http://heavenisforrealmovieresources.com/?vid=13RhGBC5ANI

I can't comprehend Your infinitely beautiful and perfect love.

Worship and Prayer

Weathered Raindrop

Rachel Fitzgerald, New Richmond....

 

"So proud to be part of this community. This weekend we will be opening the doors for our new shop. We are excited to offer inspirational Christian items that can support and encourage others, on the very best of days and through the very ...worst of falls. As we continue to journey through our own trials one thing has remained clear, God has given us the comfort we have needed, through the support of so many. We hope to now share that with others."