Some of you know and many of you don't know that on July 11th of this year my 4 year old cousin, Hannah, went to be with Jesus. Usually I wouldn't say for sure that someone was with Jesus because only God knows the heart. However, I don't believe that she had reached the age of accountability yet so I am certain that she is with the Father. This tragedy was extremely unexpected and I hope you will join me in continually praying for my extended family.
After this shocking experience, we tried to return some semblance of normalcy to our lives and I dare say we were succeeding. We even had Johnna's graduation ceremony; which was a tear-jerking celebration.
During my Dad's sabbatical we took a family vacation. Everyone went, including Nikki and Blake.
First we went to North Carolina, rented a cabin and visited the Biltmore Estate. It was beautiful we had a lot of fun exploring the gardens, touring the house and rolling down hills.
After that, we traveled to Georgia where we visited with my Aunt Sarah and her husband, Uncle Wesley. They were extremely gracious in letting 17 people invade their living space.
We went to Six Flags over Georgia; hands down the Batman is the best ride there. Thankfully everyone was able to keep their food down for all of the rides we were on.
Sadly our excursion came to an end and we returned home to reality - the reality that my Dad had to resign. Not because anyone did anything wrong, simply because the staff at the church feels that it is time to take the music in a new direction. We were and still are heartbroken by this decision, but we trust in God's bigger picture not our immediate circumstances. We are all looking forward to new opportunities.
Right now even though life can seem crazy and full of turmoil this scripture has been helping me. Who knows? Maybe it will lift you up too.
Isaiah 43:2-3, NIV
"When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze."
Sadly our excursion came to an end and we returned home to reality - the reality that my Dad had to resign. Not because anyone did anything wrong, simply because the staff at the church feels that it is time to take the music in a new direction. We were and still are heartbroken by this decision, but we trust in God's bigger picture not our immediate circumstances. We are all looking forward to new opportunities.
Right now even though life can seem crazy and full of turmoil this scripture has been helping me. Who knows? Maybe it will lift you up too.
Isaiah 43:2-3, NIV
"When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze."
Love you, Sweet Girl! This is one of my favorite scriptures. Listen closely to Jesus in the midst of this storm...it is not intended to bring you harm, but instead to grow your faith. I believe that when you look back on this time, you will be grateful for all that God has taught you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your support during these difficult times. We love you and have really appreciated your wisdom an kindness!
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