Merry Christmas to all. I hope the origin of this day, is not lost with you. For what we celebrate is not Santa, not Black Friday, not after Christmas sales, not snow days, it is the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! A tiny infant who would grow into a man who would die for all of our sins, that we may be free! I am working on a Waterquest bookmark this afternoon, and yes I am NOT an artist- so we will see if the rest of the world sees what I do in this primitive sketch. It will be nice to send out something more personalized with my letters.
This past week I ran into an old friend who informed me that they were newly diagnosed with brain cancer. I am sending out a copy of the book "When God Meets Cancer," as others have found faith and hope within its pages.
Another dear person I have known for too many years to mention has pancreatic cancer. So another of the same book is making its way to him.
I see that my copies of "Waterbugs to Dragonflies" made it so Sandy Hook Elementary. I bought all the seller hand (only 8), but hope to send more soon.
I have recieved 2 wonderful hand written thank-yous in the past week. Beautiful words, straight from the heart; providing me with reassurance that I am doing God's workd. I NEVER expect a thank-you, I do this not for recognition, but to help people in need- and hope that they will one day simply pay it forward.
I lastly ask for prayers for my father. He is struggling as weeks of aspirating food into his lungs has made him weak and lacking an appetite. My dad is my hero- he means so very much to me. I am very grateful to have him only 2 blocks away, and being cared for by an exceptional staff of individuals. I have treasured every moment I have spent with him these last weeks. That being said, I am not ready to let him go because he is starving. His poor swallowing ability has made it impossible to safely eat and drink regular food. His liquids are pudding consistency, and his food pureed. The pureed food he overall has tolerated better, but he simply isnt getting the water he so desperately needs. I had always believed it would be his significantly impaired respiratory system that would send him to Jesus; I could not have imagined it would be weakness from not eating or drinking because, "it just doesn't taste good." So as I work on figuring out how to best help him, comfort him, care for him, and ensure he is not in pain- please pray for us. I know he doesn't have years left with us, perhaps only months. But, I still need him; and believe he still needs me. As long as he can hear me tell him he's my hero and that I love him, and he can tell me "I love you too pumpkin"- I will be grateful.
Blessings to all. And thank you God for this wonderful baby who has come to us to save us from sin and sadness. To God be the glory!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
An unbelievable tragedy
I am sure that 99% of people who read this blog will know about the tragedy in CT a couple of days ago. The enormity of the situation is still elusive to most of us at this time. The amount of suffering and on-going grief is too large to grasp. I wish my money tree would bloom so I could send out $400 worth of books. But since the possibility of that is remote, I am starting small. I am planning on sending 10 copies of the book "The Waterbug and the Dragonfly" as well as a copy of "The Next Place" to the school. Both of the books are aimed specifically at children to help understand death, and that though their friends are gone- they are in a good place. As time goes along I plan on sending out copies of "I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye." It is my primary resource for people who are experiencing tragic and sudden loss. I figure if I just send them to the school and put a note for them to distribute them as they feel appropriate, the books will find their way to the right people. I have no desire to know the names of the families affected by this tragedy. This is too personal of a loss to have your name and face smattered about the media.
Please pray for these families/staff/friends and whole community. For I believe not one soul in the proximity was not and will not feel the effects of this horrible even for years to come.
Please pray for these families/staff/friends and whole community. For I believe not one soul in the proximity was not and will not feel the effects of this horrible even for years to come.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
More books out- more prayers needed
Oh my! Had a hard time just ordering some 6 books to send out tonight. I guess this time of year, its not just me going nuts on Amazon :-) So after this 2 hours of searching for adresses and playing with a buggy Amazon- here's what we did today- and what we need to pray for.
Sent a book out to Poyner Elementary - where Elizabeth Collins went to school. It is a book written about the waterbug and the dragonfly. If you have never read it before- I suggest googling it. It gave me comfort after the sudden loss of my ex-husband/friend- Mark. It also provided comfort to my son- as a sudden unexpected death- catches everyone by suprise- and young or old- we dont understand.
I also sent the same book to Kingsley Elementary- where Lyric Cook attended. I sent messages to each of the principals in hopes that they will share the stories with their students who were friends/classmates of the girls.
I sent a copy of the same book to Drew and Heather Collins as well- as I believe they will read it to their other children. I also sent a copy of "I wasn't ready to say goodbye." It is my FAVORITE book to send people who are dealing with the sudden and traumatic death of a loved one. So many grief books are more geared towards the "expected/hospice" type of death- where a sudden loss from out of the blue- is indeed a whole different creature.
I sent out a contemporary english version of the Bible, and a Tony Dungy devotional to a young man who happens to be a son of a friend. He is serving time in prison, as of course I do not condone whatever it is that landed him there: but there are at LEAST two Bible verses to provide us guidance in times such as this. "Let he who is WITHOUT sin, cast the first stone." "While looking at the speck in your neighbors eye- do you not see the log in yours."
So if you could say a prayer for the families and friends of Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook it would be much appreciated. A quick prayer for the young man who has most certainly made mistakes- but who God loves as he asks for forgiveness; would also be appreciated.
I don't think many people follow this- however it does NOT bother me; as I am doing this NOT for fame- I am doing this to help others- and listening to what the Holy Spirit has spoken to my heart. God Bless You, and I hope you are happy, your family healthy, and your Christmas full of love and amazement at the birth of our Saviour.
Sent a book out to Poyner Elementary - where Elizabeth Collins went to school. It is a book written about the waterbug and the dragonfly. If you have never read it before- I suggest googling it. It gave me comfort after the sudden loss of my ex-husband/friend- Mark. It also provided comfort to my son- as a sudden unexpected death- catches everyone by suprise- and young or old- we dont understand.
I also sent the same book to Kingsley Elementary- where Lyric Cook attended. I sent messages to each of the principals in hopes that they will share the stories with their students who were friends/classmates of the girls.
I sent a copy of the same book to Drew and Heather Collins as well- as I believe they will read it to their other children. I also sent a copy of "I wasn't ready to say goodbye." It is my FAVORITE book to send people who are dealing with the sudden and traumatic death of a loved one. So many grief books are more geared towards the "expected/hospice" type of death- where a sudden loss from out of the blue- is indeed a whole different creature.
I sent out a contemporary english version of the Bible, and a Tony Dungy devotional to a young man who happens to be a son of a friend. He is serving time in prison, as of course I do not condone whatever it is that landed him there: but there are at LEAST two Bible verses to provide us guidance in times such as this. "Let he who is WITHOUT sin, cast the first stone." "While looking at the speck in your neighbors eye- do you not see the log in yours."
So if you could say a prayer for the families and friends of Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook it would be much appreciated. A quick prayer for the young man who has most certainly made mistakes- but who God loves as he asks for forgiveness; would also be appreciated.
I don't think many people follow this- however it does NOT bother me; as I am doing this NOT for fame- I am doing this to help others- and listening to what the Holy Spirit has spoken to my heart. God Bless You, and I hope you are happy, your family healthy, and your Christmas full of love and amazement at the birth of our Saviour.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
More people needing prayers...
Good evening,
As the holidays quickly approach, I am not only reminded of the sadness that I have missing Mark; but everyone who has lost loved ones this year. I know that others have said the first year is the hardest; however I am sure EVERY year carries anguish for those who have went before us :'( Since my last post; many more books have been delivered and prayers said too numerous to count. Tonight as I type this I am immediately aware if the following people who need a moment for your prayers.
A 5 and 3 year old girl mourning the loss of a beloved great grandma.
A wonderful person in my personal life, who has been thrown head first into the uncertain world of ovarian cancer with immediate need of surgery.
My own father, who I love to the moon and back many times over, as his health continues to fail him.
Another dear friend with colon cancer who will start chemotherapy after the first of the year.
The parents and friends of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins, who had been missing since July 13th right here in my own figurative back yard. I remember walking around the very lake they were thought to be abducted from, as if it were yesterday on July 15th at 530 am. So many of us were praying for a different ending to this nightmare.
Dear Lord, we pray that you will help to heal broken hearts and bodies as only you can. We remember as we celebrate your joyous birth; we know for many the Christmas's of yester year are a memory as we learn to accept our new "normal."
Amen.
As the holidays quickly approach, I am not only reminded of the sadness that I have missing Mark; but everyone who has lost loved ones this year. I know that others have said the first year is the hardest; however I am sure EVERY year carries anguish for those who have went before us :'( Since my last post; many more books have been delivered and prayers said too numerous to count. Tonight as I type this I am immediately aware if the following people who need a moment for your prayers.
A 5 and 3 year old girl mourning the loss of a beloved great grandma.
A wonderful person in my personal life, who has been thrown head first into the uncertain world of ovarian cancer with immediate need of surgery.
My own father, who I love to the moon and back many times over, as his health continues to fail him.
Another dear friend with colon cancer who will start chemotherapy after the first of the year.
The parents and friends of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins, who had been missing since July 13th right here in my own figurative back yard. I remember walking around the very lake they were thought to be abducted from, as if it were yesterday on July 15th at 530 am. So many of us were praying for a different ending to this nightmare.
Dear Lord, we pray that you will help to heal broken hearts and bodies as only you can. We remember as we celebrate your joyous birth; we know for many the Christmas's of yester year are a memory as we learn to accept our new "normal."
Amen.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Please pray for them....
It seems as if recently my world has been beseiged by others who have suffered the agonizing grief that is associated with an unexpected/traumatic death. I have been very busy "shopping" and sending out books to many, many people. Please, if you have a moment- pray for these families who are needing some extra comfort and love during this time of unrelenting sadness.
Family of a young girl- 9 who lost her life in a car accident.
Family of a very special lady- 60 who died unexpectedly.
Family of another great woman in her 60's who died unexpectedly right before Thanksgiving.
Family of a single mother who died in a car accident this past week.
Family of a great man admired by many, who was killed in a tragic tree cutting accident.
Family of a young father taken way to soon in a motorcycle accident.
Family of a grandfather and father killed unexpectedly in a plane crash this week.
Family of another young father, taken too soon.
Family of a premature lil boy who was to pass after celebrating his first Thanksgiving.
Family of a young boy battling cancer.
Obviously this list is NOT comprehensive of EVERYONE in need, rather these are the people that in the recent month have recieved books to hopefully provide them comfort, peace, and love. So many people, just poof and gone. I hope my simple acts can provide them with a promise of a better tomorrow.
Family of a young girl- 9 who lost her life in a car accident.
Family of a very special lady- 60 who died unexpectedly.
Family of another great woman in her 60's who died unexpectedly right before Thanksgiving.
Family of a single mother who died in a car accident this past week.
Family of a great man admired by many, who was killed in a tragic tree cutting accident.
Family of a young father taken way to soon in a motorcycle accident.
Family of a grandfather and father killed unexpectedly in a plane crash this week.
Family of another young father, taken too soon.
Family of a premature lil boy who was to pass after celebrating his first Thanksgiving.
Family of a young boy battling cancer.
Obviously this list is NOT comprehensive of EVERYONE in need, rather these are the people that in the recent month have recieved books to hopefully provide them comfort, peace, and love. So many people, just poof and gone. I hope my simple acts can provide them with a promise of a better tomorrow.
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