Life is Far Too Short.

Just this past weekend a young 22 yr. old woman from my church back in NC became a widow. Her husband was only 21.

I just read about Dennis Rainey's granddaughter who will probably pass into the arms of Jesus with the next day or so. She is only a few days old, but was born with a severe defect.

A few weeks ago, Stephen Curtis Chapman had to bury his daughter.

I could name countless others who have lost loved ones way too soon.

It's not fair. It's not right. It makes no sense. There are no words that can truly comfort those who are grieving. That pain will never completely disappear, even if it does fade over time.

I often struggle between not going and ministering because I don't know what to say or going and saying too much.

As someone who has not lost a spouse or a child, it is easy for me to think, "God has a greater purpose. Yada, yada, yada..." That may well be true. God will surely get the glory from all things, either now or later. I can't help but think that sometimes God would be better glorified if we kept those thoughts to ourselves.

Sometimes, it's enough to embrace the broken hearted and tell them you are sorry, or to say nothing at all. Sometimes, they just need to know that you are there, holding up their arms like Aaron did for Moses or that you are able to help them bear the burden of grief.

One of my professors once said that sometimes the only thing we can do is bring the Holy Spirit into a situation to minister to the hurting. As children of the Most High God, the Holy Spirit indwells us and is with us whereever we go. So, just being there for the broken is ministering.

My challenge to you is to go and minister to that person who needs comfort and strength in the midst of their storm. You don't have to say a word. Just be there.

Feeling Drained

Funny how being home with the kids by myself for just two days is such a complete drain on me. My brain is fried. I'd love to update the look of this blog. I'd love to create some cards or design something, but I don't have it in me.

But, my boys are great, so I can handle being drained.

Eddie is growing so well and is so smart; too smart for his own good. He's almost three. I can't believe that. Makes me happy and sad all at the same time.

Eddie is my smart, shy boy with the puppy dog eyes. His eyes can convince you that he should have whatever he wants, even if it's cake for breakfast.

And Andrew, well, he's just funny. There's not much shy about him and talk about a charmer!!? He flashes those bright blue eyes at anybody and everybody. He'll never have a problem making people believe him.

So... I'm drained for now, but my cup overflows with the blessings that are my boys.

My Mom

If you've read more than two or three posts on this blog, then you are probably aware that my family is somewhat dysfunctional and that my relationship with my mom is strained.

I think the last thing I mentioned about my mom was that I did not know where she was. I did find her. She sent a Christmas card about a year and a half after "disappearing." We've been in contact semi-regularly since then.

Unfortunately, mom was diagnosed with colon cancer at the end of April. When the surgeon operated, he discovered that her cancer was at stage 4. It has metasticized to her liver and the back wall of her abdomen.

She is undergoing chemotherapy for purely palliative reasons at this point. In about three weeks, the doctors will be able to tell us if the chemo is working and what kind of time frame we are looking at.

Obviously, this is heartbreaking for me for so many reasons. I am concerned for my mom's spiritual condition. I am concerned for her health. I am concerned for my brothers.

So, if you think of it, please pray for my mom. Her name is Julie.

Re-inventing The Blog

I can't really re-invent the wheel, so I'll re-invent my blog.

Really, I suppose I am just dusting it off and working on it a bit more now. I'll start to work on a new look and maybe add a few new things here and there.

I'll probably add a link to my etsy store and maybe even my cafepress store. For now though, I'll just update you on what I've been up to for the past who knows how long.

Mostly, I've been being a mom. Eddie is so smart and keeps me on my toes. Andrew is only 8 months old, but is wearing 18 month size clothes and has recently (yesterday) started cruising along the couch.

We are living in Ohio now and liking it most of the time. We've found a church to call home, so that's good. Not so keen on the weather here, but it is better than Florida weather.

I've written some for Associated Content, but nothing earth-shattering or even really important at all. but it does give me a little play money.

Since Andrew has decided to try to type, I guess I should go for now.