Anniversaries

18 months.

Or 21 years.

This date has significance both ways. 

Both were beginnings. Both were also an end.

Both were an end to life as I knew it. 

Both were the beginning of a new “normal.”

Both were intrinsically saturated with volatile emotions.

One was my wedding day. 

One was the day my marriage ended.

One was the day my dreams were fulfilled.

One was the day my dreams were crushed.

One was full of anticipation, the other of dread.

One was characterized by smiles, the other with tears.

Both were filled with the support of family and friends.

Both were bold reminders of the impact each choice has on our future.

I remember them both with this insane mixture of bitter and sweet.

Bitter - because the marriage that began so beautifully smacked into “death do us part” entirely too soon…because I LOVED being defined by the role of wife, and that no longer exists for me…because I do not enjoy facing life and its challenges alone.

Sweet - because of the wonderful memory-making moments we were blessed to experience as a result of that day twenty-one years ago…because of the four precious little people that union brought into existence…because of the precious way God answered prayers even as Michael lay on his death bed. 

Bitter - because I see so much joy in Happy Anniversary posts on Facebook and I know that isn’t part of my NOW….because I struggle to find a replacement for the feeling of being valued so deeply by another human being that he was willing to spend the rest of his life with me.

Sweet - because I was privileged to experience deep, soul-connecting, true love….because I know Jesus loves me with a love far beyond that of any man’s…and He is caring for me even now.

As this day in 2015 comes to a close, the kids are all headed into sweet slumber, and all the emotion of these memories comes crashing in over my head. 

The day really was a good one. The kids and I did some chores, then we spent some wonderful time together as a family. But when that time came to an end, I could feel the crazy stuff pressing in on me…smothering my ability to think straight, tearing at my heart with sharp pangs of sorrow.

I don’t WANT to feel or remember the pain. 

But it lives just beneath the surface of every day, not just special anniversary days like this one. 

Sometimes the trigger for its release is a phrase someone uses in casual conversation.
Sometimes it's a picture. 

Sometimes it’s a song playing over a store intercom,
          sometimes a specific location or activity.

Sometimes it’s a task he used to perform.
Sometimes it's his favorite cologne.

Sometimes…it’s nothing at all. 

What was life like before this pain? Before cancer? I scarcely remember. 

The children were looking through some old photo albums today.
That’s one way to remember. 

One way to recreate some of what once was. 

But that doesn’t solve the pain problem. Because what was, is no more. 

So thankfully, the children don’t need to stay in the past, nor cling to it.  They acknowledge its significance in their lives and value it. But they are also ready to live…to move forward with what  IS, their NOW.

In this, they are brilliant. They are resilient. They are all their father ever wanted them to be. 

They have not let this mountain become their Apollo 13. 

They have instead allowed it to become their Space Shuttle Discovery…

      …..launching them into discovery of themselves, their weaknesses, and their strengths.

…..launching them into discovery of God’s promises to them personally.

….launching them into discovery of the faithfulness and character of God.

Their high school transcripts may not be filled with grandiose extracurricular courses and activities, but they have lived a lot of LIFE these past few years. How much more prepared to face their future could they be than to have experienced such things?

Me? Well, my schedule isn’t full of community service, church outreach events, missions trips, or entertainment opportunities. It’s not glamorous in the least. I have no speaking engagements nor is any book being published. I have little to offer society as a whole. Many days are filled with the boring tasks that keep our little portion of the world turning somewhat smoothly.

But do you know what? Many of these very days are good days….very good days. 

Days where we work together, play together, cry or laugh together.

Days where hugs are given freely as well as insults traded teasingly.

Days where tempers get short, but forgiveness is readily granted.

Days where we learn our limitations and grant grace to each other.

Days where we reach out in compassion to others facing deep hurt and loss.

Days where we find our way through challenges while experiencing God's grace.

Days where we remember what we have faced and Who brought us through.

And when I truly stop to remember, I no longer feel alone. 

Alone, Yet Not Alone

Bruce Broughton

Performed by Joni Eareckson Tada

To listen, click here.

I'm alone, yet not alone.

God's the light that will guide me home.

With His love and tenderness,

Leading through the wilderness,

And wherever I may roam,

I'm alone, yet not alone.

I will not be bent in fear.

He's the refuge I know is near.

In His strength I find my own.

By His faithful mercies shown.

That so mighty is His shield

All His love is now revealed.

When my steps are lost.

And desperate for a guide,

I can feel his touch,

A soothing presence by my side.

Alone, yet not alone.

Not forsaken when on my own.

I can lean upon His arm,

And be lifted up from harm.

If I stumble, or if I'm thrown,

I'm alone, yet not alone.

When my steps are lost.

And desperate for a guide,

I can feel his touch,

A soothing presence by my side.

By my side!

He has bound me with His love,

Watchful angels look from above.

Every evil can be braved,

For I know I will be saved.

Never frightened on my own,

I'm alone, yet not alone.

I'm alone, yet not alone.

_____________________________________________

"And the LORD, he [it is] 

that doth go before thee;

he will be with thee, he will not fail thee,

neither forsake thee:

fear not, neither be dismayed."

Deuteronomy 31:8

...who needs these words today?

1. All Your Anxiety

   Edward H. Joy, Public Domain
   
   
   Is there a heart o’erbound by sorrow?
   Is there a life weighed down by care?
   Come to the cross, each burden bearing;
   All your anxiety—leave it there.
2. No other friend so swift to help you,
   No other friend so quick to hear,
   No other place to leave your burden,
   No other one to hear your prayer.
3. Come then at once; delay no longer!
   Heed His entreaty kind and sweet,
   You need not fear a disappointment;
   You shall find peace at the mercy seat.
   
   
   Refrain:

   All your anxiety, all your care,

   Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there,

   Never a burden He cannot bear,

   Never a friend like Jesus!
   
   

   
   
   What a Friend We Have in Jesus
   Joseph M. Scriven, Public Domain
   
   
   1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
      All our sins and griefs to bear!
      What a privilege to carry
      Everything to God in prayer!
      Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
      Oh, what needless pain we bear,
      All because we do not carry
      Everything to God in prayer!
   2. Have we trials and temptations?
      Is there trouble anywhere?
      We should never be discouraged—
      Take it to the Lord in prayer.
      Can we find a friend so faithful,
      Who will all our sorrows share?
      Jesus knows our every weakness;
      Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
      Cumbered with a load of care?
      Precious Savior, still our refuge—
      Take it to the Lord in prayer.
      Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
      Take it to the Lord in prayer!
      In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
      Thou wilt find a solace there.
   4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
      Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
      May we ever, Lord, be bringing
      All to Thee in earnest prayer.
      Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
      There will be no need for prayer—
      Rapture, praise, and endless worship
      Will be our sweet portion there.
      
      
      
      
      He Giveth More Grace
      Annie J. Flint, Public Domain
      
      
      
      

      1. He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
         He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
         To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
         To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
      2. When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
         When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
         When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
         Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
      3. Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
         Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
         Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
         The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
      4. Refrain:
         His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
         His power no boundary known unto men;
         For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
         He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
         
         
         
         
         When life seems bigger than anything I had imagined, GOD IS HERE.
         When tasks are immensely daunting yet my energy has vanished, GOD IS HERE.
         When panic grips my heart and I can barely survive that moment, GOD IS HERE.
         When pain surrounds me and steals my very breath, GOD IS HERE.
         When my heart is broken for others in deep distress, GOD IS HERE.
         When failure taunts my bruised spirit and I cower in insecurity, GOD IS HERE.
         When dark memories rush back over me and drown out the good, GOD IS HERE.
         When the future looms large and my heart quakes, GOD IS HERE.
         When light glimmers faintly in the distance, GOD IS HERE.
         When I reach for Him and can barely feel His hand, GOD IS HERE.
         When I let His promises soothe my restless mind, GOD IS HERE.
         
         
         And as the song slips quietly back into my soul, I remember...GOD IS HERE.
         
         
         
         

         Desiring God in my every day, 

         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

Graduation rehearsal

It's the night of rehearsal for the homeschoolers high school graduation.

56 beautiful young people mill about all on the verge of being launched into a world and experiences beyond their current scope of comprehension.

The parents of these young people sit in the pews beaming with pride, breathing sighs of relief, hoping for the future.

The music is practiced, the final instructions made clear. 

It's time for the parents to line up to practice their part. 

Just before they reach the stage, they are asked to sign the diploma for their child. 

There is one blank for Instructor and one for School Administrator.

It's my turn. Wait! Which blank do I sign? 

Well, for the most part, the mothers have been signing on the Instructor blank and the fathers on the one for School Administrators, I overhear.

Oh. Oh! Okay...well, where does that leave me? It seems a tad awkward to sign in both places, so I pick up the lovely pen provided and write my name in my best handwriting over the Instructor blank. 

Then the tears come. Unbidden, unwanted...and unnoticed by others at first. 

Then a sweet woman stops to ask me a question and looks startled. "Oh, you're crying! Are you okay?"

I can't even slow the flow enough to squeak out an answer at first. Another kind woman I've only briefly met before steps back and suddenly remembers my story. She hugs me and offers to pray with me...I say over and over, "It's okay...I'll be okay..." hoping against hope that it's true. I can't cry up there on the platform!!!  

My husband should BE here...he should BE here celebrating this major achievement in not only Luanna's life, but in ours as a family. 
With his love and support and encouragement, Luanna did this!  I did this! 
And with Michael's God-given foresight, he made sure I could continue doing this after his death! 

Thirteen years of hard work culminating in a beautiful celebration of the part parents play in their children's education SHOULD include Michael! 

But he's not here. 

I imagine him visiting with the father in line just in front of us. He seems to have a wonderful family. 

I imagine him bravely making his way up the narrow steps to the platform on his crutches, a massive and proud grin on his face, ready with some goofy pun that gets Luanna saying, "Oh, Dad..." yet loving it all the same. 

I imagine he would remember twice crossing that very same stage to receive his own diploma.

I imagine standing opposite him as we hand our daughter her hard-earned reward at graduation.

I imagine his smile and pose for the camera...he definitely had a certain smile he used for pictures.

I imagine him completely being the life of her party the next day, mixing and mingling and being the host I have never been able to be. 

I imagine the host of selfies he'd take with Luanna...until she's telling him to stop already!

I imagine his many Facebook posts declaring his pride in his daughter to the whole social media world. 

I imagine we will be missing him greatly this weekend.

I imagine...no, I KNOW I can never be him. 

I am not comfortable with pictures of myself, I don't post much on Facebook, I'm not funny OR "pun-ny," and I'm far from being the life of the party. 

But I AM the mother of a gorgeous bunch of kids who have shined like stars in the darkest of night skies. 

I AM the mother of a high school graduate with a very healthy GPA and plans for college in the fall.

I AM the mother of a young lady who has overcome some serious obstacles in her pathway to reach this point. 

I AM the mother of some precious children who know they wouldn't have a chance if it weren't for the amazing blessings of our Heavenly Father - and they've seen Him work for us and in us repeatedly.

I AM a mother who has put many, many imperfectly executed hours into the education of her children because she loves them so very much and longs for them to find God's plan for their lives.

I AM a mother who may not know everything, but I DO know how my children think and feel about almost everything because we are a tightly bound family, with bonds forged through flames and flood.

I AM a woman who knows her strength, wisdom, peace, stamina, courage, and what little creativity is left comes straight from her Abba Father...

and that's how she keeps on going...

I hope Michael is allowed a glimpse of this celebration. 
I hope he knows how much we miss him. 
And I hope he's proud of how we've marched forward...
              through the fog, through the pain...

Because I KNOW he would want us to. 

MPE Graduating class of 2015 has chosen the following as their class verse:

"But those who hope in the LORD

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be afraid."

Isaiah 40:31, Michael's life verse

Class song:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. 

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Words: Dallan Forgail (8th Century)

If these graduates have truly made these words their prayer, they, too, will live as Michael lived and leave behind a legacy worth following.

Distinctly and deeply missing my "other half,"

It's March 20....

It’s March 20…

The mention of that date brings with it so many memories and so much emotion. 

Yes, I’m back. 

I know, I know…it’s been a long time. 

There has been much emotional “water under the bridge” since my last post.

But I’ve not forgotten about the blog nor have I completely ignored it. 

In fact, I wrote an entire post in which I endeavored to describe what I experienced over the months of December and January. But I lost it. 

And the energy to recreate it was…well, nonexistent. 

Nor could I remember a thing I had written. 

So, I didn’t write…

I didn’t write about our first Christmas without Michael.

I didn’t write about the New Year.

I didn’t write about the one year anniversary of Michael’s death.

I didn’t write about my birthday or Valentine’s Day that followed shortly thereafter.

I’m not sure what was expected of me, but if I were to write about anything, I supposed my readers might expect me to write about those events. I think I even expected it of myself. 

But I didn’t. I didn’t do what was expected. I couldn’t. The well was dry. 

That particular emotional journey was such a difficult and private one I had no words with which to adequately describe it. 

And again, at this moment, emotion is running high. 

The fear tries to sweep over me again…the fear I felt on this day five long years ago as we began to realize this was no ordinary situation…no quick-fix scenario. 

I will never forget seeing Michael being carried in by two men unknown to us. 

…the way he so bravely tried to mask his intense pain so he wouldn’t frighten the kids.

…the drive to the hospital.

…the cold, dreary weather, the snow on the ground.

…the beginning of the saga that was to become “our story.”

My watch broke that day. 

Now you’d think that a little thing at first mention, wouldn’t you? 

But for me, it was a symbol…

You see, Michael bought me that watch. 

He had purchased it on a random whim as he made one of his regular treks around Oak Park Mall the winter of ’09-‘10. He loved to exercise a bit on his lunch break, and in inclement weather, the mall served as an interesting place to walk. One day he saw the sale, then the watch. And he chose it for me, then presented it to me “just because.” 

Then on the day and in the place his leg broke, so did my watch.

It became very important to me to get that watch repaired. 

So, when my sister-in-law asked how she could help, I mentioned the watch. 

She quickly agreed to get it fixed and back to me, and she did just that.

We could fix the watch.

And we tried to fix Michael. 

He had the amputation surgery to remove the invading cancer, 

and he received chemotherapy to ward off new tumor growth…

And as Michael’s journey continued, I wore the watch…almost every day.

But then it began to lose time. 

At first it was barely noticeable. 

And I thought maybe it was my fault.

You see, it was the kind where physical movement of the watch served to “wind” the watch. 

So, I just assumed I wasn’t moving it enough.

But it didn't get better.

Rather, it slowly got worse…until finally the hands would no longer move at all.

Early on, the tumors in Michael’s lungs were very, very small. 

Barely detectable. 

And we thought maybe it was our fault…because we chose to forgo a portion of the original recommended chemo regimen.

But as the tumors grew, and we were forced to go back to the chemo treatments, we were told it was likely we could do little to stop them. 

We could only slow them down.

The jeweler said the watch wasn’t worth what it would take to fix it. 

I wore no watch at all for a long time. 

My watch was broken. 

My husband was physically broken.

My family was heart-broken.

My marriage was almost broken.

My world had been shattered.

It may be somewhat shocking to some of you to read those words. 

But the devil fought hard, and none of us escaped his wrath.

When it was obvious he couldn’t have Michael, 

he blasted me with depression and near panic attacks.

Then when God began to rescue me, Satan blasted our marriage. 

Days were dark. Nights were even darker.

But God reached down in His infinite mercy, 

and with precious grace and patience, 

helped us put our “us” back together again. 

God granted us a special gift…an amazingly sweet and precious five months of soul intimacy just before Michael died - the best months of our entire marriage! 

The devil was defeated once again! 

I remain immensely grateful for this time and will forever praise the Lord for it!

December, 2013 - the month was extremely difficult…

Michael was slipping away from us rapidly…but God gave us Christmas!

And, though heart-wrenching, what a precious Christmas it was!

Not too many days before the holiday arrived, I came upon Michael on his hospital bed there in the living room…the laptop was open, as was often the case. 

But this time, he was shopping…

Guess what he had found? 

A beautiful watch with interchangeable bands in a variety of colors! 

He was so excited with his discovery! (He’s never been good at keeping surprises a secret!) 

So after getting my stamp of approval on the watch, he ordered it for me for Christmas. 

We kept it under the tree until our official family Christmas, but I was thrilled with the gift. 

Because he had remembered.

Because it was a gift from his heart.

Because to me, it was a sign that for “us,” all was well.

And I knew it would quite possibly be the last such gift…

I have worn this watch every day since then (except for one visit it made to the “shop”). 

I wore only the black band for quite some time as a silent testament to my mourning.

Then I began to enjoy wearing it as it was meant to be worn…as Michael wanted me to.

I enjoy the variety and the colors…and the remembrance of the precious, kind, thoughtful man who gave me not only the gift of time, 

                    but also the gift of his life, his laughter, and his love….

…the man who spent the rest of his life with me, Michael Jay Wright!

On this, the 20th day of March in the year 2015, 

…once again, I remember…

Scriptures and quotes that ministered to me 
during Michael's amputation surgery, March 25, 2010:

He gives strength to those who are tired
    and more power to those who are weak.

But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again.
They will rise up as an eagle in the sky;
    they will run and not need rest;
    they will walk and not become tired.

                                 ~ Isaiah 40:29, 31

God is our protection and our strength.

    He always helps in times of trouble.

The Lord All-Powerful is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our defender. 

~Psalm 46:1, 11

I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine,

I believe in love, even when it isn't shown,

I believe in God, even when He doesn't speak.

The Lord hears good people when they cry out to him,

    and he saves them from all their troubles.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,

   and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed.

                                                        ~Psalm 34:17-18

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. 

He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, 

we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.

~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The God who spoke still speaks...

The God who came still comes.

He comes into our world.

He comes into your world.

He comes to do what you can't.

(from God's Promises for You by Max Lucado)

...who enjoys fortune cookies?

We were treated to a special dinner with friends and family Saturday evening. I was humbled and honored to have been invited by the sweet and generous couple who hosted the event. They have been so kind to our family this past couple of years. The dinner was at a local Chinese buffet and the food was absolutely delicious! I even tried a couple of new things!

But the traditional fortune cookies prompted some interesting thoughts...so I thought I'd divert a little from my usual posting style and share these thoughts with you.

I like this little saying. I'm not sure I understand all its implications yet, but I'm beginning to. I think it's saying something like this: Feelings run deep...and often they are inseparable from others that run just as deeply.   And if you stop and think for a moment, isn't each feeling based on some idea we have about our surroundings? It may be our physical surroundings, relationship surroundings, emotional surroundings, or virtual surroundings, and sometimes it involves more than one of these areas simultaneously.  And these ideas don't remain objective because we begin to feel something soon after the idea occurs to us.

But what happens if we get the wrong idea - maybe through a misunderstanding or misinterpretation? What then? Doesn't it follow that our feelings may be wrong as well?  So often, I've seen evidence in my newsfeed on Facebook that someone is facing the fallout of a wrong idea which has led to difficult emotions. Why do we do this to ourselves? I have seen such behavior cause relationships to be severely damaged. I have seen churches put through agonizing splits. I have seen organizations slandered and reputations smirched. I have seen bitterness toward all things holiness or all things God.

What is left if hope in God has been stripped away through misunderstandings? What a horrible way that would be to live!

So what is the solution? Search for the TRUTH in all situations. Most importantly, search for God's truth. When that becomes our focus, we can cut through all the junk that gets thrown at us in life and we can get to the point where no matter what any one person says, we rest solidly on the truth - the knowledge that humans ARE imperfect, we will ALL make mistakes, we are ALL loved insanely by our amazing Heavenly Father, and since He offers US so much grace we owe that same grace to everyone we meet.

What do YOU think?

I like this one...only I will have to admit, I rarely pick up the phone and call anyone else unless it's business related. It must be a personality bug with which I was created because I've never been one to call people very often with the exception of my husband. I love to GET phone calls from people who feel prompted to call and say hello - because I know I'm talking to them when it's a good time for them...and I know they WANT to talk to me. And just as this fortune states, a call from a good friend often eases my mind and lifts my spirits. There's something about connecting with someone who truly cares that seeps deeply into the soul and helps with the healing process. I consider these moments God hugs...because God created us as social beings, even us introverts!  We, too, need real, solid, and true friendships in order to survive all this old world throws at us. 

Would you agree?

 Along a similar line as the last fortune, this one also refers to kindness from a friend. Have you ever experienced one of those moments where someone you highly respect takes a moment to say a kind word to you? Isn't it true that you can emotionally just feast on that for a good long while?  On the flip side of this, harsh and cutting words also affect us deeply and sometimes for a much longer period of time. So maybe this fortune can serve as a reminder - or a thumb in our backs - to take time to share that kind thought you had about someone...they aren't mind readers, after all! We have to actually share in order for them to know how we feel!  This reminds me of a discussion Michael and I had often. We both felt strongly that our children need to hear from us how valuable they are to God and to us. They need to know we love them and treasure them beyond explanation. We also need to go beyond our own families and share with our co-workers, extended family, church members, and friends that they, too, make a positive difference in our lives! Someone has called this "giving roses before they are gone." We agreed that this practice was part of what God intended the church to be! We are commanded to build each other up. How often do we do so?

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

I can remember distinctly just how blessed we were when so many took time to write notes, stop by, or call Michael during that last month of his life. Most, if not all, stepped out of their comfort zones enough to actually tell Michael how much he meant to them. What a blessing it was for him, but also our children and for me...I got to see anew how loved and valued he was and what a difference he had made in the lives of others! Thank you to all who gave those "roses" to my sweet husband....

Any thoughts?

There is much truth in this little saying. What would we learn if never faced with difficulty? How much would we depend on God? How would our character develop? Why would we ever need each other? God may not send trouble our way, but in His great and perfect wisdom He does allow it in order to bring us closer to His original design for us...Christ-likeness. So does this cause me to be thankful for my trials? Well, it's a bit tough to say I'm thankful FOR my husband's death...I'm not there quite yet. But I CAN say I'm thankful for what God is doing IN my difficulty. I've learned much about seeing His hand at work, about listening closely to His voice, about leaning on His everlasting arms, about trusting in the dark...and I am at the point where I can say I treasure these lessons. And I don't want to go back to the pettiness I see in my former self...to the immaturity I often exhibited...to the extremely unskilled "sailor" I was. I know I'm far, far away from having learned it all, but I can testify to having made great strides in positive directions over the last four years. And I believe my closest of friends would agree...

What about you? Can you see changes you've made as a result of choppy seas in your life?

Aaaaaand this one just struck us funny!!!  Isn't this statement a generality in itself? But oh, how true it is!!! We often make sweeping, all-inclusive statements - "blanket" statements, if you will - that cannot be proven true across the board. Again, I've witnessed damage being done in this manner - the most terrifying being strong and harsh statements against all of God's ministers of the Gospel because of one particular situation. Yet all get painted and thus tainted with the same broad brush. So maybe this little fortune can serve as a somewhat humorous reminder to take care with our words and endeavor to always be truthfully specific in our daily conversations. After all, our children are watching...and listening...VERY closely.

Wouldn't you agree?

One last picture for this post....the flowers on Michael's grave after last night's snow....

...Because I'm doing a lot of remembering...

Grateful for all of you who take time to read my random ramblings,