Monday, November 26, 2012
Christmas Giveaway
Aren't giveaways fun.... Yes! That's one of the reason's behind this, but it goes a little, or, a lot deeper than just having some fun! To me, this candle represents a few different things. I'll start with the main reason, **Jesus!** We are celebrating His birth..... thus, the 'free' gift, just as Jesus gave himself freely. When reading, Matthew 2:11 you will read of the gifts the wise men brought Jesus:
Matthew 2:11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
If you win this giveaway.... you get to light this candle, and enjoy a couple significant scents that were given to Jesus. Note: Sorry, gold does not come with this giveaway! (They presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.) lol :o)
This giveaway is also in memory of my precious son Isaiah. He was due on Christmas day... December 25, 2008. As this candle burns, so does the hope that I keep ignited within my heart, until that day when we are reunited in heaven. As I took the picture of this candle, I noticed how much this candle weighs....10 oz....that was Isaiah's birth weight. I guess you'd say, this candle represents so much to me.
If you want a chance to win this neat gift, leave me a comment. If you share this on your blog, you get an extra shot at winning!...Make sure you let me know in the comments, so that you get put down for two.
I have a Facebook acount now! Come visit me on my Facebook, and say hello. I need to add you all on, so we can keep in touch! If you share this giveaway on your Facebook, I'll throw in another shot for you to win!
Celebrating, life~love~hope.
Merry CHRISTmas!
*Giveaway will run through December 3rd. and close @ midnight. Winner will be announced December 4th. Good Luck!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Tonight
Tonight, Parker and I went to church. I dropped him off at his class and went in and sat next to my dad and step-mom. We had a really good preaching, and at the end we were asked if we had any prayer requests.
I looked around quickly, so that I did not cut someone else off in their request, my heart starts to beat a little faster, my hand goes up. The words "I do," come flying from my lips- already knowing that this was the reason I went to church tonight. God knows I had a sink filled with dirty dishes to wash.... Note: Yes, the dishes are still sitting in the sink as I type.... A pumpkin cheesecake pie is still waiting to be made before tomorrow.... Note: It's almost 11:00 p.m. and I still need to make that pie.... But, there is always time for the Lord!
Everyone gathered around me, placing hands on me, and lifted me to the Lord. As people started to pray, tears started to stream down my face. Hearing others intercede for me, and speak uplifting words on how they see who I am, what I do for others and speaking the words of love for me, is just what I needed.
When driving home, it was a clear sky, with the stars sparkling, the moon lit up, and I just felt "still." The radio was on, and 'Praise You In This Storm' by Casting Crowns, started to play. It started to play right before I took my last turn to get home, and that road takes me right past the cemetery where my little Isaiah rests. With one hand on the wheel, and the other turning the volume up, I raised my hand to the Lord, and start to sing, with tears streaming down my cheeks.
As I pass the very place he lays, these words were sung:
"I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away"...
"And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm"...
A beautiful mess..... That's what I was tonight.
I looked around quickly, so that I did not cut someone else off in their request, my heart starts to beat a little faster, my hand goes up. The words "I do," come flying from my lips- already knowing that this was the reason I went to church tonight. God knows I had a sink filled with dirty dishes to wash.... Note: Yes, the dishes are still sitting in the sink as I type.... A pumpkin cheesecake pie is still waiting to be made before tomorrow.... Note: It's almost 11:00 p.m. and I still need to make that pie.... But, there is always time for the Lord!
Everyone gathered around me, placing hands on me, and lifted me to the Lord. As people started to pray, tears started to stream down my face. Hearing others intercede for me, and speak uplifting words on how they see who I am, what I do for others and speaking the words of love for me, is just what I needed.
When driving home, it was a clear sky, with the stars sparkling, the moon lit up, and I just felt "still." The radio was on, and 'Praise You In This Storm' by Casting Crowns, started to play. It started to play right before I took my last turn to get home, and that road takes me right past the cemetery where my little Isaiah rests. With one hand on the wheel, and the other turning the volume up, I raised my hand to the Lord, and start to sing, with tears streaming down my cheeks.
As I pass the very place he lays, these words were sung:
"I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away"...
"And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm"...
A beautiful mess..... That's what I was tonight.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Where the love lasts forever...
There is a song we sing at church called "Where the love lasts forever," and it literally takes my singing to a complete halt.
These are the words that make it most difficult to sing:
"My soul will dance with you, where the love lasts forever...."
I feel this peace come about me. I can see Isaiah dancing around the throne of God with his little bare feet, and a smile illuminating off his face...... I also feel this huge blow to my stomach, as I wish that I could be watching that beautiful smile right in front of me........ smiling directly at me.
But, I began singing again as the verses get easier, and remember this verse...
1 Thessalonians 4:13
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
Yes, I grieve, deeply at times, but this hope I carry runs deep within and throughout my being.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
You wouldn't have seen this next statement written in the first three years after the loss of my son, but this last year has brought with it some unexplained peace. Here it goes......
-Isaiah WAS called according to his purpose-
With as much pain as I have endured throughout these last four years, and tears that could fill a sea, I know that God had a plan for his short lived life, just as his plans for mine continue.
As I look back on all that I have written on my blog, it amazes me the strength that builds as the posts grow in numbers. I have to smile, and believe that with each post written, and tear cried, I have only traveled closer to the throne of God. Closer to the plans that He has written for my life- willing to do His plan, without questioning, "Why?"
When my journey has been completed.....
Yes-"My soul will dance with you, where the love lasts forever..."
These are the words that make it most difficult to sing:
"My soul will dance with you, where the love lasts forever...."
I feel this peace come about me. I can see Isaiah dancing around the throne of God with his little bare feet, and a smile illuminating off his face...... I also feel this huge blow to my stomach, as I wish that I could be watching that beautiful smile right in front of me........ smiling directly at me.
But, I began singing again as the verses get easier, and remember this verse...
1 Thessalonians 4:13
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
Yes, I grieve, deeply at times, but this hope I carry runs deep within and throughout my being.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
You wouldn't have seen this next statement written in the first three years after the loss of my son, but this last year has brought with it some unexplained peace. Here it goes......
-Isaiah WAS called according to his purpose-
With as much pain as I have endured throughout these last four years, and tears that could fill a sea, I know that God had a plan for his short lived life, just as his plans for mine continue.
As I look back on all that I have written on my blog, it amazes me the strength that builds as the posts grow in numbers. I have to smile, and believe that with each post written, and tear cried, I have only traveled closer to the throne of God. Closer to the plans that He has written for my life- willing to do His plan, without questioning, "Why?"
When my journey has been completed.....
Yes-"My soul will dance with you, where the love lasts forever..."
Friday, November 2, 2012
Grace For The Journey
Kelly, Holly and I had an amazing evening on Saturday, October 13th. We put on the very first "Grace For The Journey" conference, for Sufficient Grace Ministries.
Many beautiful women joined us in remembrance of our precious children, who have entered eternal peace and beauty before us.
Kelly, Holly and I each spoke on what we know best..... loss, mixed with beautiful hope.
We talked and counseled.
Enjoyed amazing food and fellowship together.
We prayed.
We thanked God for choosing us to be their mommies.
Our hearts ache often, but our hope remains, growing strong with each new day. One day closer to our reunion in heaven.
I am so thankful to have been a part of this beautiful conference, and blessed to be a daughter of the King.
Here are some pictures from the conference. It was scheduled from 5pm-9pm, and we didn't finish until 10:30 p.m.! It really was a beautiful night.
This is one of the tables set up with the supplies that Kelly gives (FREE) to mothers who have loss a child(ren).
These are the sweet,(pun intended,lol), cupcakes that Kelly brought up from Ohio, along with lots of other yummy food!
Sweet Kelly speaking.... did I mention beautiful?!
Me, giving my "bold" advice on how to treat a mother who has had to say goodbye to her child(ren), because their hearts stopped beating, and precious souls were delivered into the arms of Jesus. "Things to say," and "Not to say"..... This includes how to speak to the father as well. Yes, their hearts ache too......
Sweet Holly speaking... did I mention beautiful?!
After we spoke individually, we then did a panel discussion. Kelly is holding Holly's daughter, Evanee. She is A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!!
We all lit a candle at the end, and whispered our child(ren)s name(s). I decided to share this photo of Kelly, because those three candles gently burning in her hand, represent the two daughters and one son that pulled their mothers heart into creating this beautiful ministry. It's their precious lives that are the heartbeat of Kelly's desire to comfort others, the way that she has been comforted. (Thank you Kelly.)
The three of us being silly.... it comes naturally!
Last of all, a picture of the rainbow that appeared to Kelly and Holly on their drive home Sunday morning. They came to my church, and we had a table set up with all of Sufficient Grace Ministries love. Love for the broken hearted.... filled with hope. I spoke in front of my church that morning sharing what Kelly does, and that I myself carry the burden of a broken heart. A missing piece to my family. When I saw that Kelly and Holly saw this rainbow on the way home, my heart stopped for a few beats..... I knew he was with me, watching down, whispering..... "good job mommy, I love you....."
Many beautiful women joined us in remembrance of our precious children, who have entered eternal peace and beauty before us.
Kelly, Holly and I each spoke on what we know best..... loss, mixed with beautiful hope.
We talked and counseled.
Enjoyed amazing food and fellowship together.
We prayed.
We thanked God for choosing us to be their mommies.
Our hearts ache often, but our hope remains, growing strong with each new day. One day closer to our reunion in heaven.
I am so thankful to have been a part of this beautiful conference, and blessed to be a daughter of the King.
Here are some pictures from the conference. It was scheduled from 5pm-9pm, and we didn't finish until 10:30 p.m.! It really was a beautiful night.
This is one of the tables set up with the supplies that Kelly gives (FREE) to mothers who have loss a child(ren).
These are the sweet,(pun intended,lol), cupcakes that Kelly brought up from Ohio, along with lots of other yummy food!
Sweet Kelly speaking.... did I mention beautiful?!
Me, giving my "bold" advice on how to treat a mother who has had to say goodbye to her child(ren), because their hearts stopped beating, and precious souls were delivered into the arms of Jesus. "Things to say," and "Not to say"..... This includes how to speak to the father as well. Yes, their hearts ache too......
Sweet Holly speaking... did I mention beautiful?!
After we spoke individually, we then did a panel discussion. Kelly is holding Holly's daughter, Evanee. She is A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!!
We all lit a candle at the end, and whispered our child(ren)s name(s). I decided to share this photo of Kelly, because those three candles gently burning in her hand, represent the two daughters and one son that pulled their mothers heart into creating this beautiful ministry. It's their precious lives that are the heartbeat of Kelly's desire to comfort others, the way that she has been comforted. (Thank you Kelly.)
The three of us being silly.... it comes naturally!
Last of all, a picture of the rainbow that appeared to Kelly and Holly on their drive home Sunday morning. They came to my church, and we had a table set up with all of Sufficient Grace Ministries love. Love for the broken hearted.... filled with hope. I spoke in front of my church that morning sharing what Kelly does, and that I myself carry the burden of a broken heart. A missing piece to my family. When I saw that Kelly and Holly saw this rainbow on the way home, my heart stopped for a few beats..... I knew he was with me, watching down, whispering..... "good job mommy, I love you....."
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