Young Christian Widow

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-30T17:03:00.021-05:00

We drove to my sister and brother-in-law's house in Iowa for Memorial Day weekend. We had fun visiting with family and, most of all, watching the cousins play together.

Last Day of School

2011-05-19T05:51:00.011-05:00

Today was the boys' last day of school. They've had a great year at school, but we're ready for summer vacation.

America's Favorite Pastime

2011-05-16T05:47:00.050-05:00

J's first baseball game of the season was tonight. This is his fifth year and he did great catching, throwing, pitching and hitting.

Motherhood

2011-05-08T07:58:00.001-05:00

Happy Mother's Day!

Even though I'm not living the life I expected, it's God's good and perfect plan for me. At times, I still get tired, overwhelmed and frustrated by my lot in life, but I'm still blessed. I'm especially thankful for the blessing of my sons. It's amazing to observe glimpses of me and flashes of Kent in each of them. They encourage me to persevere through life while making it interesting and fun. They truly are gifts from God!

Bailey is 15!

2011-05-06T08:25:00.016-05:00

Bailey is 15-years-old today! He's old, can't see or hear very well and tends to be crabby, but Belle tries to keep him young. They're more foes than friends, but, every once in awhile, they'll lie together. They can be ornery, but they're definitely a blessing to our family.

Field Day

2011-05-04T06:53:00.030-05:00

It was Field Day at the boys' school today. A lot of parents gathered on the football field to watch their children participate in four events. J, E and N did well in their events. In fact, I continue to be pleasantly surprised at their athletic ability. J placed 2nd in two events, E placed 1st in three events and 2nd in one event and N placed 1st in two events and 2nd in one event. I'm so proud of them!

Spring Music Concert

2011-05-02T20:23:00.034-05:00

The spring music concert at the boys' school was tonight. This quote was at the bottom of the program:

GE hires a lot of engineers. We want young people who can do more than add a string of numbers and write a coherent sentence. They must be able to solve problems, communicate ideas and be sensitive to the world around them. Participation in the arts is one of the best ways to develop these abilities.
- Clifford Smith, President of the GE Foundation

Isn't this a great quote?! In an economy where school districts have consistently lost funding over the last few years and have had to make budget cuts that include the arts, I'm very thankful my boys are at a school that values them.

The boys and their classmates sang well and E even sang a solo. One of the highlights of the evening was the 4th grade class playing harmonicas. They played five songs including Amazing Grace. It's such a blessing to hear Christian songs in a public school!

What a great evening!

Easter

2011-04-24T08:22:00.000-05:00

He is risen!

On the first Easter morning many years ago, Christ defeated death through His resurrection and ascension into Heaven to the right hand of God. Through this, we're reconciled with God and offered the gift of eternal life. What a gift! I cannot grasp the enormity of God's love for the world in sending His Son to Earth to die for us and Christ obediently surrendering to God's will by suffering a torturous death on the Cross for our sins, but I'm forever thankful.

We had a wonderful Easter celebration that included Handel's Messiah, Good Friday Service, coloring Easter eggs, watching It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown, Easter baskets full of goodies, Easter morning breakfast and service, an Easter egg hunt and egg salad on croissants. It was a blessed day!

Happy Easter!

E the Artist

2011-04-19T09:36:00.025-05:00

E's artwork, Who is nocturnal?, is on display at the Museum of Nebraska Art's Student Art Show this week.

Huskers' Red-White Spring Game

2011-04-16T09:39:00.031-05:00

J and N went to the University of Nebraska's Memorial Stadium for the first time today for the Huskers' annual red-white spring scrimmage game. They even went on the field during half-time! It was a beautiful spring day to be outside with over 60,000 other Husker fans.

NovoTTF-100A FDA Approved

2011-04-15T07:49:00.060-05:00

The FDA approved the NovoTTF-100A today. This is Novocure's head device that uses alternating electric fields that enter the brain through electrodes to kill cancer cells. Kent was one of the 237 patients in the pivotal clinical trial for this treatment. It didn't work for him but it has worked for a lot of other GBM IV patients, so this is great news in the brain tumor community.

Grandparents' Day

2011-04-11T09:37:00.017-05:00

Today was Grandparents' Day at the boys' school. The hallways were busy with grandparents accompanying their grandchildren to their classrooms, the lunch room and the playground. What a fun day!

The Brevity of Life

2011-04-04T07:30:00.045-05:00

Today would've been Kent's 41st birthday, so we went to the cemetery where we reminisced about his life. His head marker is always a good place to start, because the pictures on it capture his life so well. I'm always amazed at what the boys remember about him. Some memories even made us laugh!

We also talked about James 4:14. It says we are mists that appear for a little while and then vanish. This is so true! We sure do miss him, but we're thankful for the time he was here. He was a great husband, father, son, brother and friend!

A Life Interrupted

2011-04-02T22:42:00.107-05:00

Sometimes, I feel like my life has been interrupted, so I went to Priscilla Shirer's Life Interrupted Simulcast this weekend. Her message is based on the Prophet Jonah, because she says, like him, we tend to run - maybe mentally and emotionally instead of physically - when our lives are interrupted with something unexpected. If this simulcast comes to your area, you should go to it. It's so encouraging! There's also a book, Life Interrupted: Navigating the Unexpected, and even a Bible study, Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted. Check them out!

Leave it all with Him!

2011-04-02T10:43:00.001-05:00

Leave it all quietly with Him: failures, fears, foes and future!

This quote from today's entry in LB Cowman's Springs in the Valley says it all, doesn't it? How encouraging!

Golden Dragon Acrobats

2011-03-31T22:41:00.023-05:00

We saw the Golden Dragon Acrobats tonight which is China's premiere acrobatic touring company. Their performance also includes contortionists and jugglers.

It was an amazing show!

Riverdance

2011-03-23T22:40:00.036-05:00

We enjoyed the traditional Irish stepdancing of Riverdance tonight. I saw it at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago in February 1999 and it was just as good last night as it was back then.

The Sentimental Swing Set

2011-03-21T11:25:00.015-05:00

The swing set that Kent built (the weekend before our trial with cancer started) traveled well from Indiana to Nebraska and the boys are still getting a lot of use out of it.

Spring is here!

2011-03-20T10:39:00.002-05:00

The first day of spring brought weather nice enough for the boys to shoot hoops in our driveway.

After baseball, basketball is the boys' favorite sport. J was a starter for his school's 3rd and 4th grade team this year and is looking forward to camp this summer.

E and N have been learning the fundamentals of the game through a six week program at our local YMCA and are looking forward to playing on the same 1st and 2nd grade team next year through a league hosted by a local church.

N was goofing around here and actually made the shot!

What a great first day of spring!

Building Project

2011-03-20T00:35:00.008-05:00

I'm God's building project! I heard this in reference to Ephesians 2:10 at church this morning and it really hit home. God isn't remodeling. He's still building from the blueprint. His handiwork just takes time. How encouraging!

Wrestling

2011-03-19T22:37:00.037-05:00

I was surprised when all three of the boys wanted to wrestle this year. I didn't know anything about the sport and was apprehensive about it but let them try it anyway. N excelled at it, E had fun with it and J, who competed against boys with three or four years more experience than him, will probably just be playing basketball next year. At first, I resisted liking it, but it was a lot of fun!

N lost his first tooth!

2011-02-25T22:35:00.014-06:00

N lost his first tooth at school this morning! He lost his first tooth sooner than both of his brothers.

The Boys & Their Fort

2011-02-17T22:33:00.034-06:00

The boys have been working on this fort for awhile now. A few of the logs were already there. Now that J can drive the Ranger, they used the bed of it to move some of the logs there and they pulled, pushed and carried the rest of them. They've spent hours working on it and, of course, playing in and around it!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T22:33:00.089-06:00

I keep this note in my Bible. A close friend of many years mailed it to me last year in remembrance of Kent. It was postmarked February 13th, the day he died the prior year, but was received on February 14th, Valentine's Day.

If you can't read it, it says:

Dear Bridgett,

Thank you for being you. Kent loved you immensely. You made him extremely happy. You gave him three wonderful sons who made him even happier. God bless you.

Sincerely, with love,

Name Withheld

Valentine's Day will always be the day after Kent was called to his eternal home which compounds the reminder of my loss. It was a blessing to receive this note on a day of really missing him!

Remembering Kent

2011-02-13T07:58:00.132-06:00

Even though it's been two years since Kent went to his eternal home in Heaven, my heart is still grieving. In remembering him, this partial entry by Lettie Cowman, a widow herself, in her classic devotional Consolation speaks to my heart:

[H]eart stricken mourner, He knows the grief and anguish you feel; He knows the desolations of your spirit and its yearnings after a solace the world cannot give!

Go the grave of your beloved one; but as you go let not your tears so blind you, neither so hang down your head that you may not see that Jesus has come to sustain you. Hear His gracious voice from beside the tomb, "I am the resurrection and the life."

Your husband is not dead. His believing soul lived with Christ here, now lives with Christ in Heaven and his Christian dust is sleeping sweetly until He shall rise, immortal, glorious and incorruptible at the resurrection of the last day. All your love, watching and anxious nursing could not save him from [sickness, suffering] and the tomb; but the love of Jesus has delivered him from all and taken him up to that sinless home where there "shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things have passed away".

Here you were united in a better than an earthly love, the love of Christ, and in that love you are and shall be united forever. Look, then, beyond the scene of your mortal grief to the home of your perpetual bliss. Christ has lain in the tomb and sweetened it for the sleep of His beloved and yours; but as you stoop to see within the sepulchre see not that it is broken and that the uprising Master has opened a way through it, up through the rent veil, up through the everlasting doors to the paradise of God! There seek to follow and when you draw near the celestial band you will find waiting to welcome you one more radiant than an angel in whose transfigured countenance you will recognize him you have not lost but who has gone before you to our Father's house.

I miss my husband and my sons miss their father, but it's an incredible comfort to know we'll be reunited with him in Heaven. In the meantime, though, God is continuing to sustain and bless us as we continue to heal from our loss.

More Good Reports

2011-02-10T09:45:00.010-06:00

I went to parent-teacher conferences tonight and all three of the boys are continuing to do well in school. Like other boys, their favorite part of school is PE, lunch and, of course, recess!

February Birthdays

2011-02-02T00:52:00.020-06:00

Happy birthday to N and Belle! N is six today and Belle will be one tomorrow.

N had fun celebrating the day with one of his brothers and some of his classmates at the Big Apple's Ballocity.

One Thousand Gifts

2011-01-17T14:54:00.113-06:00

When we were going through our trial with cancer, I was challenged by Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience to record One Thousand Gifts by cultivating a heart of gratitude with the intentional counting of my daily blessings - or gifts - from God. This challenge opened the eyes of my heart to the simple but profound blessings in everyday life which encouraged me to persevere through my husband's cancer and death and even now through widowhood and single parenting.

The title of her gift list is now the title of a highly acclaimed and best selling book that released today. If you're seeking contentment and joy in the midst of the mundane of everyday life or even in the heartache of a trial, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are is a great book. It's about Ann's life and how contentment and joy in it started with gratitude. Check it out!

J & Basketball

2011-01-15T01:02:00.022-06:00

J's first basketball game of the season was this morning. It's his first year playing and he did great!

First Snow

2011-01-09T01:01:00.055-06:00

Even though it has snowed three times so far this winter, our first big snow storm arrived last night. The boys are always eager to shovel the porch, deck and sidewalks while I plow the driveway.

It's a lot of work for them but helps me quite a bit. They have fun too, though, especially when they pile enough snow up to build igloos and tunnels.

Of course, Belle, like most Labs, likes to play in the snow too.

J turns 9!

2011-01-09T00:52:00.016-06:00

My oldest son, J, turned nine today! He had fun celebrating this weekend with some of his classmates and a neighbor at the Big Apple. Afterward, they ate pizza as well as cake and ice cream, played Wii and watched a movie at our house.

A New Year

2010-12-31T00:04:00.027-06:00

As I sit here in a comfy chair, snug in a throw blanket with my laptop and a cup of hot tea with honey, close to midnight on New Year's Eve, I think back on 2010. For some, it was a year of gain, but, for others, it was a year of loss.

In thinking about the loss of my husband and best friend, my sons' father, leader of my marriage, parenting and home, provider of my family and, ultimately, my future, I hold close to my heart Isaiah 30:18 which is "Yes, the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion." This verse carries a lot of truth in my life, because, on this continuous road of unknowns, the Lord, out of his infinite love, so graciously and compassionately carries us through the trying times of our lives whether it's challenges in our relationship with our God, spouse, children, parents, in-laws, friends, stewardship of time and money, things that hold us in bondage to sin or even grief from loss.

While we're familiar with the challenges of this life, God is faithful to sustain and bless us along the way. So, regardless of what 2011 brings us, I trust His all-sufficient grace to carry us through it to find contentment and joy as we move forward in this journey on Earth.

Happy New Year, friends!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T23:52:00.027-06:00

Merry Christmas! God's gift is still the greatest which is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, was born on this day many years ago. He came to Earth in the flesh of a baby, lived a sinless life for 33 years and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins so we can have eternal life. God's great love for us through the gift of His only Son paved the way for us to be forgiven, reconciled and made righteous. What an incredible gift!

We enjoyed food, fellowship and fun with family and friends in Indiana today.

Christmas Cookies

2010-12-19T00:52:00.046-06:00

We've been busy baking. We made the traditional Eloe cookies of chocolate towne, ginger, molasses sugar and sour cream sugar as well as oatmeal raisin and peanut butter. The boys' favorite kind, though, is roll-out sugar. They like to make cut-out cookies with cookie cutters and decorate them. It's been fun and the deep freeze is stocked!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T23:49:00.040-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm very excited to be hosting Thanksgiving dinner for my family and some of my in-laws.

According to the dictionary, thanksgiving in an act of giving thanks or an expression of gratitude especially to God. So aside from a day filled with family and food, I pray that hearts and homes are filled with thankfulness for His blessings.

Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

A Getaway with Girlfriends

2010-11-14T00:10:00.020-06:00

I had fun in Iowa this weekend catching up with longtime girlfriends. As a woman, we have a God-given longing for friendships with other women. For over 21 years, these women - who were once my high school classmates - have fulfilled this longing. These friendships, though we are all different, have been strong and rewarding even through our seasons of change. We know everything about each other and still love each other anyway. I'm very thankful for the blessing of these women in my life and the rare longevity of our friendship.

A friend loves at all times.
Proverbs 17:17

My 37th Birthday

2010-11-06T23:47:00.032-05:00

Today was my 37th birthday. To celebrate, we went to Skeeter Barnes for supper. Afterward, we went home and enjoyed an ice cream cake from Coldstone Creamery.

Halloween

2010-10-31T16:05:00.033-05:00

The boys had fun trick-or-treating in town tonight. J was a Nebraska Husker football player, E was a pirate and N was an indian.

It's harvest time!

2010-10-30T16:04:00.020-05:00

The boys had fun taking turns riding in the combine to harvest corn on their grandpa's farm today.

Carving Pumpkins

2010-10-28T00:28:00.007-05:00

The boys carved their pumpkins tonight.

Stand up and do your best!

2010-10-27T14:51:00.039-05:00

Stand up in the place where [God] has put you, and there do your best. The grandest character is grown in hardship, from LB Cowman's Streams in the Desert.

I can get overwhelmed and frustrated by my lot in life, so this quote is very encouraging!

Remembering 10/21/00

2010-10-21T17:34:00.068-05:00

[B]etter to have loved and lost [t]han never to have loved at all, Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Today would've been my and Kent's 10th wedding anniversary. We had a healthy Christ-centered marriage, but it wasn't perfect. The beauty of our love, though, was that we loved each other in our imperfections . . . just like Jesus loves us. I miss him and our life, but I'm thankful for the eight years we were married.

Gettin' Rid of Dirt

2010-10-20T17:47:00.012-05:00

As I was power washing our deck today, I couldn't help but think it'd be nice if the dirt in my heart and life would disappear as easily as it did from the deck.

The Gifts of Sorrow

2010-10-19T22:44:00.001-05:00

This is another quote from LB Cowman's devotional, Consolation, that spoke straight to my heart:

Take care that you don't waste your sorrows; that you don't let the precious gifts of disappointment, pain, loss, loneliness, or similar afflictions that come into your daily life mar you instead of mend you. See that they send you nearer to God, and not that they drive you farther from Him

This classic devotional continues to be a great source of comfort and encouragement to me as we continue to heal from our loss. It's out of print but if you can find it on Amazon or even eBay, I trust it'll bless you as much as it has me.

New Robes

2010-10-14T23:20:00.028-05:00

The boys' new robes arrived in the mail a few days ago. They're supposed to wear them as an alternative to bringing blankets to the kitchen table every morning. So far, so good!

Journey & Gateway

2010-10-10T22:30:00.004-05:00

This is a quote from today's entry in LB Cowman's classic devotional, Consolation:

What we call life is a journey to death. What we call death is the gateway to life.

Wow! I'm so thankful for the hope of eternal life through knowing Jesus!

Pumpkin Picking

2010-10-09T17:14:00.019-05:00

We went to Helgoth's Pumpkin Patch today where the boys had fun going on a hayride to pick their own pumpkins.

Good Reports

2010-10-04T10:49:00.030-05:00

I went to parent-teacher conferences tonight and all three of the boys are doing great in school. I really like the Accelerated Reader program that supplements their reading curriculum. They want to read all the time to reach their monthly goals. It's awesome!

E turns 7!

2010-10-02T16:47:00.041-05:00

My middle son, E, turned seven today! He had fun celebrating his birthday with some of his classmates, cousins and brothers at the Big Apple's Ballocity.

Later in the evening, he lost his first tooth!

A Lot of Apples

2010-09-30T01:47:00.003-05:00

We arrived at the apple orchard this afternoon too late to pick our own, so we bought pre-bagged ones instead. That's 50 pounds of Jonagold and Jonathan apples to peel, slice and bag to freeze for cobblers, crisps, pies and tarts!

A BIG Puppy

2010-09-29T23:01:00.000-05:00

Belle is almost 8-months-old now. She sure is a BIG puppy!

ABCs

2010-09-18T22:52:00.025-05:00

I read this poem at Widow's Christian Place and it really resonated with my heart:

ABCs

Although things are not perfect

Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
GOD is forever able
Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee

Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command

Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there will be good times,
and yes, some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...
where none are ever sad!

by Cindy Blackamore

What a comfort and encouragement for strength to get through each day!

Disinterment

2010-09-17T01:19:00.011-05:00

Kent's vault containing his casket was disinterred yesterday morning from the cemetery in Indiana where he was buried after his funeral.

Then the vault company transported it about 700 miles to Nebraska where it was interred this afternoon to a cemetery close to our house.

I thought this was an odd thing to do, but the funeral homes on both ends that arranged this do a few month. We're just glad it's here, because it's where it belongs.

Muffins with Mom

2010-09-14T21:48:00.051-05:00

It was Donuts with Dad & Muffins with Mom at the boys' school this morning. There was a similar event last year at their previous school, but it was just for dads. Thankfully, their grandpas went with them, but it wasn't the same as having a dad there. I was glad to be included this year, so they weren't excluded. I enjoyed eating breakfast with them (and even some of their friends and their parents) in the cafeteria before they started their school day.

It's All About Him

2010-08-29T00:02:00.038-05:00

Today was the annual "It's All About Him" Sunday at Bethel Church. It's all about Him all the time, but these annual Sundays are a special celebration of the supremacy of Jesus Christ in all things. This message always reminds me of the anthology of Jesus Christ through the entire Bible that the pastor shared a few years ago:

Genesis - He's the Ram at Abraham's altar.
Exodus - He's the Passover Lamb.
Leviticus - He's the faithful High Priest.
Numbers - He's the bronze snake that heals.
Deuteronomy - He's the city of our refuge.
Joshua - He's the scarlet thread in Rahab's window.
Judges - He's our Judge.
Ruth - He's our kinsman Redeemer.
Samuel - He's our trusted prophet.
Kings & Chronicles - He's our reigning King.
Ezra - He's the faithful scribe.
Nehemiah - He's the Rebuilder of everything that's broken.
Esther - He's Mordecal sitting faithful at the gate.
Job - He's our Redeemer that ever lives.
Psalms - He's our Shepherd.
Proverbs & Ecclesiastes - He's our wisdom.
Song of Songs - He's the beautiful Bridegroom.
Isaiah - He's the suffering servant.
Jeremiah & Lamentations - He's the weeping prophet.
Ezekiel - He's the wheel within a wheel.
Daniel - He's the fourth man in the fiery furnace.
Hosea - He's our lover forever faithful.
Joel - He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit.
Amos - He's our burden bearer.
Obadiah - He's our Savior.
Jonah - He's the Missionary to the entire world.
Micah - He's the Messenger with beautiful feet.
Nahum - He's the Avenger.
Habakkuk - He's the watchman praying for revival.
Zephaniah - He's the Lord mighty to save.
Haggai - He's the Restorer of our lost heritage.
Zachariah - He's our fountain.
Malachi - He's the Son of righteousness.
Matthew - He is Christ, Son of the living God.
Mark - He's the Miracle Worker.
Luke - He's the Son of Man.
John - He's the door through which we must enter.
Acts - He's the shining light on Saul.
Romans - He's our Justifier.
1 Corinthians - He's our resurrection.
2 Corinthians - He's our sin bearer.
Galatians - He redeems us from the curse of law.
Ephesians - He's our unsearchable riches.
Philippians - He supplies all of our needs.
Colossians - He's the fullness of Godhead in bodily form.
Thessalonians - He's the soon coming King.
Timothy - He's the mediator between God and Man.
Titus - He's our blessed hope.
Philemon - He's a friend closer than a brother.
Hebrews - He's the blood of the everlasting covenant.
James - He's the Lord who heals the sick.
Peter - He's our chief Shepherd.
John - He's the tenderness of love.
Jude - He's the Lord coming with 10,000 saints.
Revelation - He's the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Back to School

2010-08-23T22:56:00.050-05:00

I returned to college today. It's been years since I was in college and so much has changed! I don't usually feel old, but I sure did today . . . especially because most of the students in my classes are half my age. What a dose of humility!

From Hoosiers to Huskers

2010-08-20T22:44:00.108-05:00

Yes, it's true, we moved. We're not Hoosiers anymore; we're Huskers now! Nebraska isn't a place a lot of people want to move to, but Kent was from here and it's captured my heart over the last decade.

Compared to NW Indiana, it's less populated and slower paced. It's a great place for me to focus on God and my boys. I like NW Indiana and my house there, but the bittersweet memories of the area and especially the house were a constant reminder that Kent's not here anymore.

A lot of pondering and praying went into this decision. We've wanted to move here for awhile now (even before Kent passed away) and God opened a door for it to happen. I trust God's leading here and believe a fresh start will be very healthy for us.

A New School Year

2010-08-18T21:08:00.045-05:00

Today was the boys' first day of school. It's hard to believe they're in 3rd, 1st and kindergarten this year. Time sure does fly!

Lake County Fair

2010-08-15T21:10:00.059-05:00

After church today, I took the boys to the county fair for a few hours. They had fun riding the rides, walking through the livestock pavillions and eating corn dogs with lemonade shake-ups. Even though it was hot, we had a good time!

Oregon Coast

2010-08-12T19:40:00.292-05:00

When we arrived in Portland, we rented a van and drove two hours to the Oregon Coast where we met family and enjoyed mild temperature, magnificent scenery and attractions along Pacific Coast Highway for the last week.

We learned about marine life at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

We visited Newport's Historic Bayfront and toured Ripley's Believe it or Not!, Wax Works and the Underground Sea Garden at Mariner Square, shopped the quaint shops and, at the pier, watched sea lions and fishermen at work.

We flew kites at a windy Nye Beach.

We climbed the spiral staircase inside of Oregon's tallest lighthouse at Yaquina Head and walked on the nearby black cobble beach.

We visited Oregon's shortest lighthouse and Octopus Tree at Cape Meares.

We patiently waited for the high tide at the mysterious Devil's Punch Bowl.

We walked through the Tillamook Air Museum.

We toured the Tillamook Cheese Factory and enjoyed taste testing cheese and eating ice cream.

We explored the sea life in the tide pools at Cannon Beach's Haystack Rock.

We savored fresh seafood every day and the boys swam in the hotels' pools a few times a day. It was too cold to swim in the ocean!

Aside from not being prepared for such cool weather, we had a great time!

All aboard!

2010-08-03T00:10:00.012-05:00

We left Chicago's Union Station for Portland on Amtrak's Empire Builder two days ago.

We stayed in a superliner bedroom suite in a sleeper car and had access to the snack, sightseer and dining cars.

Along the way, we enjoyed the views of the Wisconsin Dells, Mississippi River, Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park, Gateway to Mount Rainier, Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood.

After 2257 miles, 47 hours and three times zones, we finally made it to Portland's Union Station.

What an experience!

Should You Go First

2010-07-28T01:14:00.072-05:00

L.B. Cowman's Consolation continues to be a tremendous source of encouragement for me. This poem is from today's entry:

Should You Go First
Should you go first and I remain
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memory's garden, dear,
With happy days we've known.
In Spring, I'll wait for roses red,
In Summer - lilacs blue;
In Autumn, when the brown leaves call
I'll catch a breath of you.

Should you go first and I remain
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain
To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup of joy;
Ah, memory is one gift of God
That death cannot destroy.

Should you go first and I remain
One thing I'd have you do:
Walk slowly down the path of death,
For soon I'll follow you.
I'll want to know each step you take,
That I may walk the same,
For some day down that lonely road
You'll hear me call your name.

by A.K. Rowswell

My heart needed courage to move forward alone and God used this poem to encourage me to do so. His timing is perfect!

Take Them A Meal

2010-07-26T10:56:00.068-05:00

Have you been called to minister to a family in need with hot homemade meals? If so, Take Them A Meal is a quick and effective way to organize a meal schedule for someone and their family. Instead of the time consuming task of making phone calls to fill in names on a calendar, just create a meal schedule on their website and e-mail or even post on Facebook or a blog (such as a CaringBridge site) the link, person's last name and passcode to those that may be interested in ministering in the same way. It's easy! It's amazing how quickly a calendar fills up with very little effort. It's a great way to help someone that just had a baby or death in their family as well as someone that is recovering from surgery or going through treatment. Check it out!

Kidz BLAST

2010-07-23T12:45:00.061-05:00

It's been a busy week of Vacation Bible School at our church!

The boys and over 500 other kids had fun at Kidz BLAST where they learned to Believe, Love, Adore, Serve and Trust. This fun-filled week included worship, Bible stories, games, crafts, snacks and a missions project that raised over $3100 for Living Water International, an organization that helps poverty-stricken countries acquire clean water.

I served on the 5th and 6th grade crafts team which was a fun and enjoyable change of pace for me.

We had a blast!

Dirty Dog

2010-07-21T23:48:00.005-05:00

Belle was naughty today, but she had fun and made us laugh!

Grief Share

2010-07-20T22:49:00.001-05:00

Do you know about Grief Share? It's a community of people that helps those who have lost a loved one heal from their loss by connecting them to support groups, seminars, personal studies and books. There's even a daily devotional, A Season of Grief, that is free via e-mail. I like starting my day with a hot cup of coffee and a comforting and encouraging e-mail from them in my in-box. Check it out!

National Ice Cream Day

2010-07-18T00:05:00.002-05:00

Do you know today is National Ice Cream Day? Back in 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day.

Kent liked ice cream a lot, so our freezer was (and still is) always stocked. The boys looked forward to eating some with him almost every night. Blue Bunny cookies & cream and mint chocolate chip as well as my mother-in-law's homemade graham cracker have always been favorites in our house, but we like plain chocolate and vanilla too. We recently made my paternal grandma's homemade strawberry and it was good too . . . even without fresh cream! Last but not least, we've always liked spur-of-the-moment drives on a hot, humid afternoon or evening to Dairy Queen for some soft serve.

Tonight we finished a quart of key lime pie which was last week's flavor of the week at Tastee Top, a revived classic right down the road from where I grew up.

So what's your favorite ice cream?

Our camper is home!

2010-07-17T16:59:00.000-05:00

After being gone for a week, J and other 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders from our church came home today from Twin Lakes Camp where they kept busy with creek walks, a water zip line, swimming, boating, archery, crafts and, of course, chapel, devotions and prayer. One of J's favorite activities was the mud pit. He's such a boy! Aside from being cold at night and a little homesick, he had a great time in God's great outdoors. We're glad he's home though, because we missed him!

A Solitary Way

2010-07-14T15:13:00.003-05:00

I'm far from alone at church, but it's where I feel lonely more than anywhere else. I miss walking into the building as a family of five, having help dropping off and picking up the boys in their Sunday School rooms, sitting next to someone during the service and talking about the message on the way home. I even miss being a passenger in our truck! I may look and sound okay, but my heart is still hurting.

Miriam Neff, a widow, author and speaker, once said "loneliness is not descriptive enough of the space that becomes the cocoon of the widow". This is so true.

This poem is from today's entry in L.B. Cowman's Consolation:

A Solitary Way

There is a mystery in human hearts;
And though we be encircled by a host
Of those who love us well, and are beloved,
To every one of us, from time to time,
There comes a sense of utter loneliness:
Our dearest friend is stranger to our joy,
And cannot realize our bitterness.
There is not one who really understands,
Not one to enter into all I feel:
Such is the cry of each of us in turn;
We wander in a solitary way.
No matter what or where our lot may be;
Each heart, mysterious even to itself,
Must live its inner life in solitude.

And would you know the reason why this is?
It is because the Lord desires our love:
In every heart He wishes to be first.
He therefore keeps the secret key Himself,
To open all its chambers and to bless
With perfect sympathy and holy peace,
Each solitary soul that comes to Him.
So when we feel this loneliness, it is
The voice of Jesus saying, "Come to me";
And every time we are not understood,
It is a call to us to come again;
For Christ alone can satisfy the soul,
And those who walk with Him from day to day,
Can never have a solitary way.

And when beneath some heavy cross you faint,
And say, I cannot bear this load alone,
You say the truth. Christ made it purposely
So heavy that you must return to Him.
The bitter grief, which no one understands,
Conveys a secret message from the King,
Entreating you to come to Him again.
The Man of Sorrows understands it well;
In all points tempted, He can feel with you.
You cannot come too often, or two near -
The Son of God is infinite in grace,
His presence satisfies the longing soul,
And those who walk with Him from day to day,
Can never have a solitary way.

This poem came at a time when my heart desperately needed to be comforted and encouraged in my loneliness.

Loneliness is a gift. It's a nudge to assess and possibly re-align the priorities in our walk with Christ and it can draw us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. It's so comforting and encouraging to know I can find in Jesus what I can't find in anyone else.

Blueberry Pickin'

2010-07-13T15:05:00.001-05:00

E and N had fun picking blueberries at Zylstra's Blueberry Farm today. It was really hot and humid and there were lots of mosquitoes, but we still picked 10 pounds. We're looking forward to making and eating blueberry coffee cake, pancakes, jam, smoothies and popsicles.

Half-Way Home

2010-07-10T23:00:00.048-05:00

We didn't caravan home from Nebraska with anyone, so we stopped half-way in Iowa to visit my sister and her family. The boys had fun with their cousins splashing around at their small town's pool. We were even able to watch their church's Vacation Bible School program. It was a short but fun visit!

The Farm

2010-07-08T23:29:00.171-05:00

We've been in Nebraska at my in-laws' farm with lots of family for the last week where the boys have had fun traipsing around with grandpa looking for work to be done. They've become really good at spotting and digging up musk thistles (or carduus nutans), an invasive weed, in the pastures. J can even drive everyone around on the Polaris Ranger for this task. The boys had fun taking a break from farm work to play with their first, second and third cousins but, as usual, were anxious to return to the farm for their favorite pastime of riding and driving tractors. J even learned how to drive the '62 Ford 2000 which is a nostalgic tractor at this family farm.

It's Belle's first time at the farm and she has had fun here too. She likes jumping in and out of the cattle tank to cool down . . . well, except when the cattle are in the corral. She keeps her distance from them and barks a lot. Most of all though, she likes the fresh air and wide open space.

She has been just as tuckered out as the boys at the end of each day!

Blueberry Popsicles

2010-07-06T21:16:00.000-05:00

Do you know July is National Blueberry Month?

Here's a great recipe:

Blueberry Popsicles
1 pint fresh blueberries
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup skim milk
sugar to taste
8 5-ounce paper cups
8 wooden craft sticks

Blend blueberries, yogurt, milk and sugar until smooth. Pour mixture into eight 5-ounce paper cups. Place foil over the top of each cup. Pierce the center of foil and insert a wooden craft stick as the handle.

Freeze up to six hours. Before serving, dip cups in warm water for a few seconds. Remove paper and foil.

My boys really like these!

A Famous Couple of Tractors

2010-07-04T23:49:00.004-05:00

Three of the family tractors were in a 4th of July parade today. In line with the Famous Couples theme, our entry was A Famous Couple of Tractors: Henry Ford and Minnie Moline, so my nephew drove the the '51 8N Ford and my father-in-law drove the '57 Minneapolis Moline 335.

I led them with the '58 MM 5 Star pulling a wagon full of family which won first place!

This is the third year in a row we've been in this parade. It's a lot of fun!

Our Freedom

2010-07-04T21:52:00.025-05:00

Happy 4th of July!

Like most Americans on this day, we like gatherings with family and friends, parades, cook-outs and fireworks, but the true meaning of this day in history is not far from our hearts.

Dear God,

There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience this freedom from sin and death that You have provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and soul are free to praise You. For this I am very thankful.

On this Independence Day, I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my freedom was purchased with a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives.

God, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty, meet their needs and watch over their families.

Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, God. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else’s life today and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Jesus Christ.

Amen

Author Unknown

This Independence Day prayer really resonates with my heart!

Our Hope in Christ

2010-07-02T20:32:00.040-05:00

This is today's entry in L.B. Cowman's Consolation, a timeless devotional that ministers to the hearts of those that have lost a loved one.

For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Those who died in Christ shall be forever reunited with us who wait for Him and them. They shall come with Him. "God will bring them." We, on the other hand, if we are living at the supreme moment, shall be changed and caught up to meet Him, and then, all one in Christ, we shall be forever with Him to go out no more forever.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words
1 Thessalonians 4:18

Sometimes you went away
For just a little while,
And I could scarcely wait
To see again your smile.
I listened for your step,
My hand was on the door,
And what a joy it was
To have you back once more.

One day you said "Goodbye,"
And went to see the King,
His beauty to behold
And precious sheaves to bring;
In eagerness I wait
The while I feel my lack.
I'm looking hour by hour
To see you both come back.

by Edith L. Mapes

Mrs. Cowman is a widow herself and has quite a gift of ministering to the grieving hearts of other widows. These verses are so comforting and encouraging. In fact, two verses preceeding these three are on Kent's head marker though in the NIV version:

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

I'm so thankful for the hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ! Even though our hearts grieve the loss of those that leave this earth to join their Lord and Savior before us, we know we'll see them again.

A Classic & its Spin-off

2010-06-30T18:40:00.018-05:00

I finished reading Kent's copy of Oswald Chambers's classic and best selling one year devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, today. These daily entries have challenged me to truly give my utmost to His highest. There's even a child-friendly version of the book, Jesus Wants All of Me, by Phil Smouse. Check them out!

Let's hit the road!

2010-06-29T14:07:00.004-05:00

Our truck is tuned up, gased up and packed up for a roadtrip. Nebraska, here we come!

My All-Stars

2010-06-26T20:07:00.007-05:00

We went to a picnic hosted by our town's little league organization today where the boys received their trophies for this season. My boys aren't old enough for All-Stars yet, but they're my all-stars! Great job, boys!

Father's Day

2010-06-20T22:38:00.025-05:00

Kent highly valued the calling of fatherhood, one of God's highest responsibilities for man. When I think of him as a father, Ephesians 6:4 comes to my mind which tells fathers to bring their children up in the ways of the Lord. He believed the goal of a Christian father's life with his children should be to instruct and discipline them according to God's Word all the while striving to serve as an example of how to live a life that glorifies God. Kent did this very well.

While Father's Day and all the hype surrounding it is a painful reminder that Kent isn't here anymore, I'm thankful for the seven years he was a father to our sons and the legacy he has left behind. I'm also thankful for my dad, step-dad and father-in-law and their investment in my sons' lives. Most of all though, I'm thankful for our Heavenly Father and His faithfulness to His promise to uphold the fatherless and widows (Psalm 146:9).

The purple cone flowers (or echinacea) from the gardens around our house that Kent started in the summer of 2005 bloomed early this year, so, after church this morning, we went to the cemetery to put some in the vase at his grave. Later in the afternoon, we enjoyed steaks and homemade strawberry ice cream.

My Pitcher

2010-06-19T22:47:00.001-05:00

Today was J's last little league game of the season. He did a great job this year. He was quick on his feet at first base and shortstop, had a good eye for batting and delivered good pitches. He really likes to pitch, so he'll be working to improve his mechanics and velocity for next year.

Kent's .22 Rifle

2010-06-19T22:11:00.011-05:00

J and his cousin had fun shooting Kent's .22 at our church's annual rifle shoot this morning. It's been eight months since J shot this gun, but he remembered how to load, aim and shoot it. Kent would be so proud of him!

Pickin' Strawberries

2010-06-17T22:30:00.014-05:00

The boys and their cousin had fun picking strawberries at Johnson's Strawberry Farm this morning. Even though it's their third and final week for U-Pick this season, we picked and filled four buckets full of red ripe ones. We're looking forward to making and eating homemade strawberry jam and/or jelly, pie and ice cream.

A Substitute for Starbucks

2010-06-14T22:05:00.003-05:00

If you're like me and crave an iced vanilla latte from Starbucks on a hot summer day but live several miles from the closest one, this recipe from a friend is a great alternative:

Creamy Iced Vanilla Latte
6 cups brewed coffee
1 cup milk
1 cup half & half
1/3 cup sugar (or more if needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix together in a pitcher, refrigerate all day or overnight and serve over ice.

So good!

A Fun Fishin' Hole

2010-06-13T20:19:00.008-05:00

This lil' fisherman caught this Bluegill with a grown-up rod and reel from my dad's pond today. The boys and my dad caught lots of Bass and even a Catfish, but N was the only one to catch a Bluegill . . . twice!

Let summer vacation begin!

2010-06-10T14:37:00.013-05:00

The boys have spent a lot of their first week of summer vacation in this 12 x 36 Intex Easy Set Pool. I'm killing some grass in the back yard that Kent worked so hard on to look nice, but it's keeping us at home and cool. I can even get in it. Now, we just have to keep Belle out of it!

A Widow's Grief & Recommitment to Christ

2010-06-05T10:45:00.018-05:00

This is today's entry in L.B. Cowman's timeless but out of print devotional Consolation:

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:18 KJV

There is something in bereavement which makes it mean a great deal in a woman's life. It is a sore disappointment. Dreams of love's happiness are shattered. The beauty which had only begun to be realized in her home, in her wedded joy, in the development of her plans and hopes is suddenly left to wither. Very great is the sorrow when one of two lovers is taken and the other left. Widowhood is very desolate and lonely.

Just how shall she meet her perplexities. She is a Christian. She is comforted in her grief by the truth of Divine love, that her sorrow was no accident, that her bereavement was not the plan of God to break up the goodness and beauty of her life, that nothing has really gone wrong in the plan of Christ for her. But the question presses itself upon her mind. I am sure it has done so a thousand times. How am I to go on in this broken life of mine? What am I to do in my shattering bereavement? Her life is not yet finished. She is only a girl in years. She may live, she probably will live, forty years or more. What does Christ want her to do with her broken life?

God's plan for her was not spoiled when her sorrow came interrupting everything leaving her in darkness. The sorrow was not a surprise to God, and His plan for her life runs on to the end of her years. What the remainder of the plan is she does not know for the present. She must not know. Her faith must not fail; she must not despair. She must go on in faith and confidence. Believe that all these broken things are in His hands. "Gather up the broken pieces that remain that nothing be lost," is what Christ is saying to her today. Let her gather up the broken pieces from this miracle of love and happiness. Let her keep all the fragments.

The next thing is for her to recommit her life, with its grief, its desolation, its broken things, all to Christ. She must not undertake to rebuild it. She must not make plans of her own for the years to come. She must let Christ lead her, let Him plan for her, mark out the way. He must build the life for her. He must have much of the love she has to give. Be brave dear soul! God's help is near! Dr. Miller

Oh, does this speak to my heart!

Plugged In Online

2010-06-04T14:09:00.010-05:00

When I'm not sure if the boys should see a movie, I visit Focus on the Family's Plugged In Online for a review of it from a conservative Christian perspective. They also review TV shows, music videos and video games. Check it out!

The Return of Hummingbirds

2010-06-01T21:53:00.023-05:00

We've always looked forward to the return of hummingbirds in the spring at our house. Since the hanging baskets of petunias on our front porch have attracted some, we decided to dig out our feeders too.

For nectar, Kent always preferred this well-known homemade recipe instead of the red ready-to-use mix available in stores:

Hummingbird Food
4 cups water
1 cup granulated cane sugar

Bring water to a boil; add sugar and stir until dissolved. Let mixture cool before pouring into feeder. Leftover mixture can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.

I hadn't made this before today, but it was easy. Now, we just have to remember to clean and refill the feeders every two to five days. In the meantime though, hopefully we'll see some more of these small birds flit about our yard.

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T16:01:00.032-05:00

I know Memorial Day is a day to commemorate U.S. soliders that have died while in military service, but it's just as important to remember those that are serving now. It's also important to remember the families of these men and women, because they're the ones whose lives are most effected by their loved ones' service to our country.

This prayer by an unknown author encompasses all that are impacted by military service:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice of death for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of Your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.

We also remember the families of our troops and ask for your blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.

May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.

In the name of Jesus,
Amen

Kent didn't die in service to our country, but, like a lot of people that visit the graves of their deceased relatives on this day, we did too. We cleaned and dried his head marker and then trimmed the grass around it before leaving beautiful Irises of assorted colors from his parents' garden in the vase.

Here, fishy, fishy!

2010-05-30T16:00:00.010-05:00

After church today, Doug B., a former co-worker as well as friend and fishing buddy of Kent's, and his family took me, the boys, my father-in-law and nephew fishing and tubing.

The Bass were really biting! J caught the most and this was his biggest catch.

This was N's biggest catch. It was the biggest Bass of the day! Of course, this didn't make his big brothers happy, especially because he caught the biggest Crappie at the same place last year.

N even caught a Catfish. He didn't want to hold it though!

E and my nephew didn't fare so well. E had a big fish bite but it broke the line and got away, and G caught one that wasn't big enough to keep. They were disappointed but had fun tubing afterward.

Indiana Beach Amusement Resort

2010-05-29T15:46:00.018-05:00

We roadtripped south last night to the historic Indiana Beach Amusement Resort where the boys and their cousin had a good time on the Boardwalk today. After seven hours and almost 40 rides, they were exhausted and ready to call it a day. It was a quick but fun getaway especially since it's close to home, smaller in size and reasonably priced.

Our Mailbox

2010-05-27T23:31:00.015-05:00

Kent made our mailbox shortly after we moved to our house in June of 2004. After almost six years, it was in bad shape. I thought about buying a new one but, because of its sentimental value, decided to fix it instead.

We had fun sanding, priming and painting and later replacing the numbers and flag.

What a meaningful and enjoyable project! Now, we just have to add some perennials and mulch around the bottom of it.

Our Loved Ones There

2010-05-27T22:44:00.003-05:00

For today's date in L.B. Cowman's classic devotional Consolation, there's a short but beautiful and encouraging poem that resonates with the hearts of those about to lose a spouse:

"Bid me good-bye now,
As going at night to my room:
If I may, I will open the door, love,
And call to you out of the gloom.

If I may not, the Lord is our keeper,
And still we are both in His care,
You on Earth, I in Heaven, both guarded,
Both safe, till you follow me there."

by Alfred Norris

It's so comforting to know that death isn't goodbye for Christians but, rather, a temporary separation until we are reunited again in Heaven. I've been missing Kent a lot lately, so I'm thankful for this reminder today.

On your mark, get set, go!

2010-05-22T23:42:00.007-05:00

It was an overcast morning in Chicago, but, despite this, it was great weather for the American Brain Tumor Association's 5th annual Path to Progress 5K walk/strut/run.

I met some survivors and caregivers with amazing stories as well as family and friends of those that have lost their battle. Also, after a few years of communicating primarily through YASG, a message board for brain cancer . . . specifically glioblastoma multiforme (also known as GBM IV or Stage 4), and now Facebook, I met two ladies from Texas and Virginia that lost their husbands and another lady from Iowa that lost her sister. We actually spent the afternoon and evening together which was a time of tears and laughter. No one understands the trial of brain cancer and the grief of losing someone to it like those who have traveled the same road, so it was a healthy part of our healing process.

This year's event was the largest and most successful yet with over 6,000 runners, strutters and walkers, volunteers and supporters raising over $750,000 for research to treat, prevent and cure brain tumors. My team, Hearts for Heads, contributed over $3,600.

God blessed this event and me in many ways and it was a privilege to participate in such a worthy cause. Thank you to those of you that participated with me by running, strutting or walking, donating and praying. I look forward to doing this in memory of Kent and others again next year!

Oh, Belle!

2010-05-20T21:57:00.016-05:00

Belle is almost 4-months-old now and still growing like a weed. She's coming along with housetraining and starts a basic obedience class soon. She's a cute, loving and fun but ornery puppy. I couldn't keep her from running through our driveway culvert today. It's halfway full of water, so it made me nervous. She definitely needs to learn to sit and stay!

Camp Widow

2010-05-18T06:48:00.006-05:00

Camp Widow, an annual gathering of widows from around the country and all walks of life hosted by the Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation, is August 6 - 8 at the Marriott Hotel and Marina in San Diego, California. It's a weekend of hearing keynote speakers and participating in workshops with others who understand the life altering experience of widowhood. Check it out!

The Financial Crisis of a Health Crisis

2010-05-12T08:51:00.013-05:00

Throughout Kent's entire illness, we had excellent insurance through an individual policy with Assurant Health for our family. All too often though, when people are diagnosed with something catastrophic, they're not adequately insured or they don't have any insurance which leaves them dealing with not only a health crisis but also a financial crisis. A friend, fellow church member and former co-worker of Kent's recently posted 5 Tips for Dealing with Medical Debt on his blog. This is a good read for those who are grappling with how to pay for surgeries, treatments and routine appointments for scans and check-ups.

The Gift of Widowhood & Single Parenting

2010-05-11T09:02:00.008-05:00

I have a gift no one wants: widowhood at 36-years-old. While I don't like being referred to as a widow, I've had to identify myself as one on a slew of forms since Kent died . . . so much so that it's made my lot in life really hit home.

I've been reminding myself that everything from God is a gift . . . even my widowhood and subsequent single parenting. God gives us gifts that we don't ask for or even want, and, sometimes, they're gifts that can't be returned or re-gifted . . . but, nonetheless, they're gifts out of His infinite love to teach and grow us in our walk with Christ while drawing us closer to Himself.

I've also been reminding myself of God's goodness. God does not make mistakes with what He allows in our life, so He is good all the time. Because of this, I can trust His plan for my life, though I may not always understand it. Even though some of His gifts can hurt, we have to trust that, in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

I once thought brain cancer interrupted my life, but it's been a part of God's good and perfect plan for my life all along. My widowhood IS a gift; what I do with this gift is up to me.

God is in Every Tomorrow

2010-05-10T06:20:00.003-05:00

I received one of LB Cowman's devotionals, Streams in the Desert, this past Christmas, and this beautiful poem from January 14th has been quite a comfort and encouragement to me:

God is in every tomorrow,
Therefore I live for today,
Certain of finding at sunrise,
Guidance and strength for the way;
Power for each moment of weakness,
Hope for each moment of pain,
Comfort for every sorrow,
Sunshine and joy after rain.

by FB Meyer