A friend of mine, from when I worked for Dr. Harris, died yesterday and the young age of 38. When she was pregnant with her second child, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Because of this diagnosis, she came to see us more often, and over the course of that time we grew as friends. That was over three years ago. She has been battling cancer most of this time, each time defeating the hurdles in front of her. She fought with great faith and grace, touching the lives of all she encountered. She was truly a great woman, and her life and testimony will continue to live on in many hearts and in the stories of the thousands of people she blessed with her words, actions, courage and love.
She leaves behind her husband Wally, and two young sons Samuel and Dane. It won't be an easy road for Wally. As I can only imagine, he will have to take time to greive, help his boys grieve, and adjust to raising his sons on his own, but what a legacy she has left and what great things he will be able to teach them about their strong, courageous, fighter mom.
She is in the presence of Jesus! She is complete. She feels no more pain or fatigue. No more worry. What a glorious thought! Praise God for His saving grace that gives us peace when we are looking earthly death in the face. Praise God for a life lived to glorify Him, no matter what she went through. Praise God for His provision for Wally and the boys.
She will be greatly missed.

Has it really been that long?

Well, last time I posted I was pregnant and miserable. Now our sweet baby Kash is 5 months old! I can't believe how time flies by! We just moved into our newe house this last weekend and are still living among boxes. Justin did such a beautiful job and we had many friends help us along the way. The kitchen is still not complete and we lack the outside also. It will be much easier to work on now that we aren't driving 30 minutes to get there.

I love to read everyone's thankful thursdays. So here goes mine:

I am thankful for:

God's provision
a replacement honda element (an orange one with a sunroof!)
two bathrooms!
friends who help even when it's the fifty millionth time we have asked
birthdays
baby bubbles
a job
rest
sanity!

I don't know if anyone reads this blog, facebook seems to be so much more effective, but for more private purposes, I will blog this instead of posting on facebook. Justin's cousin Lyndsey is pregnant with her second child. They lost their first last year at 20-22 weeks...a baby boy. This time she has a little girl, who they just found out has Holoprosencephaly. From what I can find on the internet, this basically means that a part of her brain is failing to form correctly and most of these cases lead to the baby's death before birth. There is a glimmer of hope for some babies though, that they have normal brain function, just some deformations of the face and head. Either way, it is very devastating to this couple and our family. There are no words to speak to them that can bring any sense of comfort when there are so many unknowns. The doctor offered for her to terminate now, but they have chosen to carry her until they are told she's not going to make it any longer. They need a miracle. The thought of losing a second child is so unfair...especially since we live in such a fallen world where so many have healthy children even out of disobedience. I know that sounds harsh, but it is a real thought in their minds, and mine for that matter.

I struggle with the concept that God can completely make her brain new and perfect. I struggle with the thought that he wants to heal every ailment. This requires me to trust...and what if he doesn't do a miracle. What if this sweet baby girl dies? What then, does this do to my faith? The truth is, it doesn't matter what I think about it. What matters is that we have a creator, who knew this baby girl before she was even formed. (Isaiah 44:2) he knows her...he started her little heartbeat, he keeps her alive in Lyndsey's belly, and he can touch her head, complete her brain, and move her eyes into perfect position. He can.

Now, she needs to be healed, and if she doesn't have any change, then mom and dad need to be healed...emotionally, spiritually, and physically. This isn't about God proving he can do it, or us proving we have enough faith to change God's mind. This is just a desperate plea to the God of the universe to step in and heal this baby.

Now to him who is able to do immeasureable more that all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout generations, forever and ever, Amen! Ephesians 3:20-21

So, everyday if time permits I read several blogs. Some are of people I know, but most are of people I have never met. I feel so inspired by these women and their families who go through troubling times and display such faith and strength. I am particularly encouraged today by the story of Katherine, who in her words, should be dead. If you haven't been following her story, you should start. Read the whole thing. She is a miracle. Her husband is a trooper, and her family has been so supportive. The biggest thing that stands out to me is her unwaivering faith. She could have been really mad at God, the world...life...if she wanted to. Instead, she keeps on fighting...and winning! Katherine, I don't know you, but you have blessed my heart so many times, and again today! Thank you for sharing your story, triumphs and setbacks, with the world. You will change lives as you are already doing!

If you want to read her story just click the link below:
http://www.katherinewolf.info/

Headed in to the third trimester!

I don't have alot to blog about...except to update about how Justin's job is going. He is getting the hang of it now. At first it was 12 hour days, but he has been finishing much earlier now, so he has a little more energy to work on the house. We hope to be in in August sometime, but we will keep the ultimate goal to move in before Kash gets here.

First Day on the Job

Justin's first day was today. He had to be there at 5:30 am. 4:15 came so early when his alarm went off. He went with someone on their route. He was finished by about 2:00p.m. which is fabulous! I know he is tired. Thank you to everyone that has been praying for us!

!!!!!!!

Justin was about to go up to the cabinet shop to ask if he could come back to work there when he got a call from the job he interviewed for last week. He got the job!!!! We are grateful!