Changed

It only takes a moment for life to change forever. It wasn't long ago that I asked you to pray for my brother-in-law as he fought cancer. I had no idea how quickly that my prayers would change.

A week ago I woke up not realizing how drastically life was about to change. I had gotten a midnight call that my brother-in-law's fight with cancer was dire, but I still had hope. The next morning we got up and prayed and read from Revelation. Hearing my children's heart in their prayers brought the realization that they are growing in their faith. That they are learning far younger than I to graciously accept a "no" that may come in answer to their prayers.

Then I got on facebook where my sister was posting updates and read the words "Jim will soon be going to be with Jesus." That night he did.

That night, Jim was changed. My sister and my niece were forever changed. My life, my husband's life, my children's lives were forever changed.

Jim's life is an amazing testimony to the power of love and the changing power of God's presence. He was first my sister's boyfriend/ husband and along the way he changed into a friend. A dearly beloved uncle. Although I only knew him a short time, love was what I saw define his life.

Would you pray for Megan and Marley? So many decisions have to be made. So many questions will have to be answered.

Although Jim will always be missed I look forward to the day when I too will be changed. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. After that, we who are still alive and who 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. Therefore encourage one another with these words."
I Thessalonians 4:16-18

Tired and Sick and Random

Need I say more?

Sorry I'm way behind on blog hopping, friends. I try to read when I can, but don't always have time to comment. Maybe you've guessed it (or you know me), I'm a perfectionist. It bugs me to not use capitols or punctuate properly. Not that my posts lack typos, just that I hate them. And feeding a baby and typing don't exactly go hand in hand. That and "nak" is not universally understood, I've found.

So, as I said we've been sick. The colds are taking out family members one at a time. I started it so I am trying to not me grumpy with the kids. Although if I had a dollar for every time I've said "Blow your nose! I don't want to pay for another ear infection." I'd probably have enough money to pay the doctor's bill.

Speaking of doctors bills, have you heard of Samaritan Ministries? This wonderful group is our family's health care choice. The ministry revolves around the Biblical principals for bearing the burdens you are able to carry and helping others carry the burdens they cannot. For example, going to the doctor for an ear infection while pricey is not beyond our means. Having a baby is a different level of pricey! :) When major medical needs (bills) are present, this community of believers shares the need. It is such a blessing to receive the notes of encouragement and know that our family is being prayed for.

To our favorite family members in the south (You know who you are!), Doug and I miss you! We can't wait to head to FL again and swing by. We're keeping our fingers crossed that the timing will work out.

Does anyone know how to get rid of the floating deleted picture button on my blog? I have no idea what it is even from. HELP!!!! please. and thank you. (so much for caps, right?)

This school year is flying by. We took our annual trip to the apple orchard and the Feast of the Hunter's Moon - a French and Indian trading post reenactment. Fun days! I'll try to post pictures soon. Here is an orchard picture I couldn't resist throwing in!
Ty is flying through his math and Becca is developing so quickly with her creative writing. Does anyone have ideas to keep a preschooler busy. Hope loves to do "school" but wants it to be "big kid" stuff. She doesn't want to do "baby" learning like colors and shapes. She loves to draw circles right now. I don't remember the others doing that. And this is Breeley's most recent accomplishment. (Well this and rolling, but she's my fourth and I don't have pictures of that yet.)

Our family is taking part in our church's Christmas production. It's fun. And overwhelming. Watching the kids practice and seeing them grow is so worth whatever sleep I lose. I'm hoping Breeley and Hope make it through all four performances without a melt down. We'll see. :)

And last, but most importantly, would you pray for my sister Megan's family? Her husband Jim has cancer that is continuing to grow. They are fighting illness on several fronts and I know would greatly appreciate your prayers for God's grace to cover them. Thanks!

(My sis and niece visiting Bree in the hospital.)