What Life Deals Us

Life is crazy, sometimes. Doesn't always happen the way we expect it to. It throws a wrench in our daily routine, causing us to ponder if we really do have it all together. The wrench might be a loss of a job, deterioration of a friendship, the death of a loved one, the pain we feel (physical or emotional), the pain of others, the suffering of others. It all touches our lives, for the good or for the bad. How we respond to these wrenches in our lives is the secret to living a sane life.

If I believe nothing comes to me that doesn't go thru the Father's hand first, then I can face anything because I know who holds tomorrow. I know He is with me every step of the way. I know He will never forsake me. My hope is in HIM. Not just to have a ticket to heaven as some would say, but for abundant life right now here on earth. I know these things in my head, but only when I respond will I know it 18 inches below in my heart.

My sister passed away 4 1/2 yrs. ago. She knew she was dying. She became at peace with it saying once " it's a win win for me". Meaning if she was cured of colon cancer, she wins and if she should die, she wins, experiencing the hope of glory we all read about and claim for ourselves.

My younger sister-in-law is now facing that same phase in her life. I pray she is at peace and fears no evil. The Lord IS her Shepherd too. Will she take comfort in knowing just beyond this life is a life with no more pain, no more tears. She'll be in the arms of the Father. She'll be with loved ones gone before her--her parents, grandparents, sisters, brother.

Will we take comfort, those left behind, in letting her go. I believe there comes a time in a person's life when they are facing death and know it, they receive a welcoming into the Father's arms. And at that time, they either fight it or surrender to it in peace. The loved ones around will notice the peace she or he has and will be at peace also. The 23rd Psalms always seems comforting to read at a memorial service. Hmmm, I wonder why that is....... the first line says it all.....The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want!!!

This is me labeling as I see it!

Birthday Wishes to Me

I had a wonderful birthday celebration this year. The week OF my birthday, I got a card from my sister and my neighbor. The actual day started out with a funny card from Wayne. Then attending an estate sale with my good friend, Kathy, and afterwards lunch at Pizza Shack. The estate sale was from a friend of ours at church who passed away in December. I wanted something that she had painted on or made. She was very creative and talented. I got a round lamptable that she painted on and a trash can painted on and a small quilting she had made. Had many birthday wishes on facebook. Went to dinner with Mark, Lisa and the kids at the restaurant Mary Ann works at part-time. Good times!!! I went home the weekend after my birthday to celebrate the upcoming birthday of my dad the following Tuesday. Received a card from my parents with my birthday money. (still haven't spent it yet) Came home, Tuesday night and started preparing for Matthew, Ashleigh and kids coming the next weekend to celebrate my birthday as a family. (Wayne had to work the night of my birthday, so we postponed til the weekend he would be off. Matthew and family got here around midnight Friday night. Got to play with Maya a little and hold Baby Phoenix. (my how he looks like a Fuller boy) Found a picture of Wayne as a baby , saw there was a resemblance. Kept the kids Saturday night while they went to an outing. Maya is so full of energy, energizer bunny comes to mind. Phoenix has reflux problems as did Maya when a baby. Seemed holding him for the most part on my chest or Wayne's chest was satisfactory for him. Sweet baby boy. I sang at church the next morning and played with Maya at home and held Phoenix when he wasn't nursing or sleeping with his mommy. We all went to Mark and Lisa's for grilled hamburgers and ice cream cake. A little bit of margaritas was enjoyed by most everyone. (non-alchoholic for children and nursing moms) Rebekah did her impressions of everyone in the family. She's quite good, except she exaggerated me a bit, I believe. (wink, wink) More cards from the kids and gifts which was not necessary. I just love getting together with our family for good times.

I know this was probably boring, but I wanted to document before I forget. It can happen to the best of us. This is me labeling as I see it. I love my family.