Wednesday, February 29, 2012

It's Official!

Our oldest has her drivers license!!!!!



It took exactly one year to accomplished but it's done now! I went and picked her up from school early yesterday (10am), one year after getting her permit. We tried doing the parent-taught but she was having trouble grasping the concept. So we enrolled her into Austin Driving School where she could be with other kids her age. Our school district offered the classroom phase but not the behind-the-wheel phase. It was a long process but worth the extra time and money.

She was extremely nervous and I was for her. She ACED the parallel parking, the instructor took 1 point off for not using her signal. All said and done and she did an AMAZING job, her score was 27 out of 30! We're SO proud of her! After the test, her and I had a chance to go out to lunch (which hardly happens) and enjoy each others company.

I have learned to treasure our time together. When she was younger, I thought I had allot of time left. Well, now I've come to realize that's not true!

 We will be celebrating her 18th birthday in 34 days, watching her walk across the stage to receive her High School Diploma in 92 days and moving to grandparents soon after graduation. Our time with her is SO precious....always has been!

P.S. Thanks Papa for letting her use your car for her testing! It was a life-saver! And thanks for giving her pointers, instruction and taking the time to show her how it's done!

Blessings and Love,
Hollie


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

"I'm In Cake Heaven"

I figured something out that's extremely cool! I can add "tabs" to my blog! I know most of you already know how, I'm a little slow catching on :o) So please check out my "I'm In Cake Heaven" tab! Thanks!!!!

If your needing a cake for that special occasion, I'm your gal! I specialize in Birthday, Baby Shower, Graduation, and Anniversary cakes. I have yet to do a wedding cake but that is in my future!

Just drop me a message with your request and I will get back with you!

Blessings and Love,
Hollie

Thursday, February 23, 2012

"Praying for Your Husband"

I strive daily to lift my husband in prayer because it's very important to me. It helps our relationship as one and my personal relationship with Christ.


God has placed him as leader of our family and home, it can be extremely heavy most times. I'm so thankful for his dedication for our marriage, our children and our walk with Christ.

As you all know, Satan attacks each one of us constantly! He's very good at what he does too! Sometimes way too good! Prayer, scripture reading and more prayer are the most important way to keep him at a distance!

I came across this on a ladies blog and LOVED it so much that I personalized it for Rob's needs. One of the most important jobs as a wife is to lift her husband up in daily prayer.

So please feel free to copy and make your own changes. God Bless!

My prayer for you, is that God works in your heart to pray for your husband as well, if you don't already. With the divorce rate at a high, prayer is needed more than ever!

Blessings and Love,
Hollie
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My 25 Prayers for Rob

I pray....



  1. that Rob continues to grow spiritually through the discipline of Bible study, prayer, and quiet times with You Lord. (Proverbs 4:23- Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.)
  2. that his relationship with You will bear much fruit in his life, and that he will be a man who seeks Your wisdom and understanding. (Proverbs 3:7- Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. Psalm 112:1- Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands.)
  3. that Rob would walk humbly with You, and would always be convicted quickly about any sin in his life. (Micah 6:8- He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with the Lord.)
  4. that Rob will continue to grow as the leader of our family, and that You would be glorified in our marriage. (Ephesians 5:25-29- Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church.)
  5. that Rob would have a teachable spirit and a servant's heart, and that he will listen to You and desire to do Your will. (Proverbs 15:33- The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.)
  6. that Rob would always look to the way of escape from any kind of temptation, and that he would rely on You Lord to remain faithful to our marriage, and to You. (1 Corinthians 10:13- No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.)
  7. that Rob would safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex, and that his heart stays pure and undivided in his commitment to me and to our marriage. (Proverbs 6:23-25- For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.)
  8. that Rob would continue to be able to provide for our family, and that he will not become discouraged by doing work he does not enjoy. (Colossians 3:23- Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.)
  9. that money would never become a source of discord in our family, and that we would be wise in handling finances and in stewardship. (Luke 16:13- No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You can not serve both God and money.)
  10. that the words he speaks will build our family, and reflect a heart of love. (Proverbs 18:21- The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat it's fruit.)
  11. that our physical intimacy would be a positive reflection of selfless love. (Song of Solomon 7:10- I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me.)
  12. that the men in Rob's life would encourage his accountability before You Lord, and that he would be a godly influence on his friends and coworkers. (Proverbs 13:20- He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 27:17-As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.)
  13. that Rob will chose healthy foods and activities, and honor You by taking the best possible care of his body as the tabernacle of You Lord. (1 Corinthians 6:19- Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.)
  14. for his strength – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. (Ephesians 3:16- I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being.)
  15. for Rob to have wisdom and discernment in training/disciplining our children, and that You would enable him to love them unconditionally. (Ephesians 6:4- Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.)
  16. that Rob would always have an eternal perspective, and make the most of however much time he has in this life. (Ephesians 5:16- Making the most in every opportunity, because the days are evil.)
  17. that Rob would always be a man of peace, who allows the Holy Spirit to lead his responses in all situations. (Romans 14:19- Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.)
  18. that Rob would have a balanced life in regards to work and play, and that he would submit his schedule to You Lord. (Proverbs 16:9- In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.)
  19. for Rob to find favor with You, but also with people he knows and interacts with. (Luke 2:52- And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.)
  20. that Rob will enjoy peace and refreshment in his relationship with You. (Psalm 16:11- You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.)
  21. that Rob would always be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will protect our family from Satan's attacks. (Ephesians 6:13- Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil come, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.)
  22. that Rob would be a man of prayer, seeking You Lord in purposeful ways. (1 Thessalonians 5:17- Pray continually.)
  23. that Rob will serve You Lord and others with pure motives, and that You would be glorified in everything he does. (Colossians 3:23-24- Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
  24. That Rob would offer all his dreams to You Lord, and pursue only those that bring You glory, and that count for eternity. (Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”)
  25. that Rob will recognize the lies of the enemy in his life, and that he will always be guided by the Truth. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5- The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.)

Friday, February 17, 2012

Give Your Life to God While There's Still Time

Church Body

Would you please stand in agreement with me and my family as we pray for God's healing hand to cover us?

We've been seeking and searching for just the right church body, with like minded people for a couple of years now. We almost gave up hope for ever finding anything!

I'm not saying we've found the perfect one, because that just doesn't exist. However, I do think this is where God wants us to be. It's a small country church with about 100 or less members. The kids like it, Rob likes it and so do I. We've visited the last two Sunday's and this past Wednesday night. There's a mixture of older and younger generations.

One of a few things I like about this church body is that they don't want to be in debt! The current building they have, took 6-7 years to build. They built as they received the funds to build. They owe nothing! That's almost unheard of these days!

Rob, the kids and I have been in prayer daily, seeking God's wisdom in this body. We hunger and thirst for a body to belong to and have for some time now. We want to take this nice and slow, this is very important to us.

So please lift our family up and this church body as well. Lord, we're listening and believing in You! Thank you for showing us the way!

Blessings and Love,
Hollie

Thursday, February 16, 2012

GED

As posted yesterday, I will be taking the GED test soon. After talking with Rob, we've decided that April the 11th is best. I have a tutor to help and 7 weeks to study. My main focus is the Mathematics part, which is my weak area.

Please be in prayer on my behalf as I am struggling with this. This is HUGE for me and I'm totally trusting in the Lord. Thank you all for the encouragement and prayers. I will keep you posted.

Blessings and Love,
Hollie

Are you kidding me?! What is happening to our country?!

It really makes me sad to see that our government continues to over take our freedoms! We've given them so much more power than what their suppose to have! What ever happened to "WE THE PEOPLE"and our government serving us instead of the other way around. Our founding fathers would just be sick about this!

4-year-old North Carolina girl whose home-packed lunch was deemed unsuitable by an inspector at her school.

http://foxnewsinsider.com/2012/02/15/fox-follow-up-reporter-who-broke-school-lunch-story-that-sparked-national-debate-speaks-out/

Blessings and Love,
Hollie

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Pondering....

Yes, it can be very dangerous! At this moment I have three very important goals/accomplishments to complete or be apart of.  

1. Take the GED test and pass it! (I quit school after my first born, almost 18 years ago) I took the test back in 2007 and aced everything but the Math, missed it by 30 points. Never went back, fear of failing again. But not anymore, I've allowed satan to keep that for far too long! I have to face him head on and win this. God's won this for me already, I just have to take what is already mine! 


2. Help Our 1st with getting her drivers license. She's already taking the class room phase, behind the wheel phase, now it's testing time! We've put it off long enough....

3. Watching our oldest daughter get her High School diploma in May! She will be the first in our family. Rob quit school as well but did the smart thing, got his GED right away. We're SO proud of her! Hard to believe she's graduating this year!

I have so much more on my list of goals and accomplishments, but these are the three that are pressing right now.

Please be in prayer for me when it comes to #1, pray for encouragement, strength, wisdom, and drive to finish! With Christ I will get my GED! There are two testings coming up, one on March 7th and the second on April 11th. I haven't decided which one yet because I have some serious studying to do. I believe March the 7th is the winner. The sooner the better!

Blessings and Love,
Hollie

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Manhattan Declaration

This came to me in a email from a friend of a friends brother :o) What a great way for your voice to be heard! So far they have over 500,000 signatures! God is working in mighty ways through His believers!


About two years ago, Barbara and I were privileged to be two of the original signers of the Manhattan Declaration, along with other Christian leaders, such as Chuck Colson, Dr. James Dobson and Kay Arthur. This important document outlines God’s plan for three matters of eternal significance: the sanctity of life, the dignity of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and religious liberty. Barbara and I both believe signing the document is one of the most important things we’ve ever done. I would strongly encourage you to sign this declaration and make a stand for spiritual liberties and rights of conscience. Like all who have signed this important document, we signed it as individuals and not on behalf of FamilyLife.

I’m writing today to ask you to read the Manhattan Declaration and consider signing it.  

You will also notice there is a petition that the writers of the Manhattan Declaration will be presenting to President Obama next week.  You may wish to consider signing this petition as well.  I don’t often ask our friends to consider signing such a statement, but I’m firing a silver bullet to bring these matters to your attention because I believe this is an intensely spiritual matter and one that I believe the Christian community needs to address. I am reminded of Dietrich Bonheoffer’s statement, “The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.“


Until every home is a godly home,



Dennis Rainey

Saturday, February 11, 2012

A Wonderful 57 Years

To Vicki and her family:


Yesterday was a sad but grand day. You see death/cancer took a dear friend but God has her in His loving arms in heaven now!

We paid our respects to a very dear friend; Vicki, who like so many, life was cut short because of cancer. She was so young; only 57 years old. She had so much more living to do. Grand-children to love, watch grow, party with, celebrate for and make many more memories!

She had a beautiful service. Many family and friends gathered to honor and remember her love and passion for family, friends, and life.

It was such a great honor to have been apart of her last 6 years. I met Vicki in July of 2006 at my best friends house for Independence Day. You see, she's my best friends, husband's mother. And my best friend and her husband are my children's god-parents; making Vicki my children's god-grandmother. What a blessing! So she was very important to our family!

When the family first heard that she had cancer, the doctors only gave her about a year. That was in January 2011. And she surpassed that and then some! She has always been a fighter, and she fought till the last minute! She won over so many hearts in her young life! And her life story will be shared and carried on for years to come!

Vicki, you're so special to so many and will be dearly missed! What an honor to have known you for just a short time! You did such an amazing job raising your children! What a great example you showed your 13 grand-children! You will be forever in our hearts!

Tomorrow life is not promised, so live it to the fullest! Cherish every second and soak in every memory! Hold your loved ones very close! Love one another, for God is love!

Blessings and Love,
Hollie

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Viewing and Memorial

As I type this, Vicki's family and friends are gathered together for her viewing from 5pm-7pm tonight. This may sound selfish but Rob and I don't attend viewings. I want to remember that loved one when they were alive.

I've been extremely sick this week. Went to the doctor on Tuesday and found that I had the flu and sinus infection. Why this week? My bff needs me! I've been resting, on meds and Lord willing I can at least show up for Vicki's memorial tomorrow at 2pm.

Please continue to be in prayer for Vicki's family.

Blessings and Love,
Hollie

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Heaven Bound

It is with a heavy heart to share that our sweet Vicki went to be with our Father last night about 11:30pm. My heart is SO sad! She fought a good fight and is now in the Lord's arms claiming her victory!

Please be in prayer for her family as they try their best to move on without her. Thank you all and God bless!

Blessings and Love,
Hollie

Thursday, February 2, 2012

God's Got Us Covered!

I love sharing things that I get either by email, searching, reading from the Word or just life in general. My Uncle sent this to me this morning in an email and it convicted and touched my heart all at the same time!

I don't work out of the home but I still struggle probably even more so. I'm alone about 10 hours a day, 5 days a week. My mind wonders, doubts, questions and makes stuff up. I know that these things are NOT of God but Satan! I really needed this....thanks Uncle Bill! 

May this bless your day as well.

Me (in a tizzy): God, can I ask you something? 

GOD: Sure. 

Me: Promise you won't get mad? 

GOD: I promise. 

Me (frustrated): Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today? 

GOD: What do you mean? 

Me: Well I woke up late, 

GOD: Yes 

Me: My car took forever to start, 

GOD: Okay.... 

Me (growling): At lunch, they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait 

GOD:  Hmmmm.. 

Me: On the way home, my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call 

GOD: All right 

Me (loudly): And to top it all off, when I got home, I just wanted to soak  my feet in my foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work. Nothing went  right today! Why did you do that? 

GOD: Well let me see..... the death angel was at your bed this morning and  I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you  sleep through that. 

Me (humbled): Oh... 

GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your  route that might have hit you if you were on the road 

Me (ashamed): ............ 

GOD: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick and I didn't  want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work 

Me (embarrassed): Oh..... 

GOD: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to  give a false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let  you talk to them so you would be covered 

Me (softly): I see God 

GOD: Oh and that foot massager, it had a short  that was going to throw  out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in  the dark. 

Me: I'm sorry God. 

GOD: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me.........in all things, the  good and the bad 

Me: I WILL trust you God 

GOD: And don't doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your  plan 

Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything  today. 

GOD: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I  love looking after my children. 

Scriptural References: 

II Samuel 22:31; “As for God, His way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him."
Proverbs 3:5-6; Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Hebrews 2:13; And again, “I will put my trust in Him.” And again He says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of Him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Blessings and Love,
Hollie 

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Update on Vicki

Vicki had a bad day yesterday. Her color has changed, her nail beds are darker, she's getting more forgetful, and her eyes are distant. Lord, comfort her loved ones. They give her a few days to a week at the most. Please continue to lift Vicki and her loved up in your prayers! My heart aches so!


I came across this and wanted to share! How powerful! I found this from another blogger and love her blog; although she hasn't posted since January 2010. Arkansas Soaper wrote this below!


It is my hope and prayer that these Scriptures will comfort, and that God will use them to sustain you. I do not know how anyone can go through such heartache and retain any sanity without the peace and love of God carrying them through it.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38

God’s Word sustained me through the darkest times of my grief, and continues to on a daily basis. I have clung to Scripture for comfort and prayed for that peace that passes all understanding (and yes, it DOES exist!). Claim the promises the Bible gives us, and lay all of your hurt on the shoulders of the Father. There is nothing our God cannot do including healing the pain and hurt your heart is going through.
I know how literally consuming grief can be and is, especially in the beginning. It does get easier with lots of time and prayer. But know this – there is a REASON you are still alive. God is not finished with you yet or He would have taken you home. I lay in the hospital the night our daughter died and prayed with all my heart for understanding – I wanted to die too. I did not feel I could go on or even keep breathing the heartache was so suffocating. I thought I had committed some sin that had caused her death. This is not true – bad things happen because we are IN the world, even though we are not OF the world as Believers. Life will keep on going and it will drag you with it whether you want it to or not. You have to make a decision to allow God to help you work through your grief and show you how to pick up the pieces of your life and go on.
“Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petition that we have asked of Him.”
I John 5:14-15

Let me reiterate what I said in the previous account of our daughter’s death. I believe our daughter’s life had purpose, and that whatever that purpose was, she fulfilled it in the 9 months I carried her. I believe our daughter was carried into the presence of God the Father at the moment of her death. I do believe babies have a soul from the moment of conception and that God’s Word teaches this. I do not believe that because a child was not born alive, it means they are not a PERSON. The Bible says God knew us from the very moment we were conceived and knew everything we were to go through in our life.
“For You formed my inward parts, You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth, Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they were all written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” Psalm 139:13-16

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
I certainly didn’t feel blessed because I was mourning.  I started taking a hard look at the last part of the verse:  “for they shall be comforted.”  That means God will provide comfort when you’re hurting so badly you feel like you can’t take another breath.  He will sustain you and carry you through this time.  He will provide what you need, but ONLY if you ask Him to.  He does not barge in on your life and take charge without you asking Him to do so.  If you want comfort, you *must* ask Him for it.

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
There were times I felt like I *would* be consumed by my grief, but I clung to this scripture because I knew God’s love would not fail me – it says we will not be consumed because of how strong His love is for us as His children.  We are told as Christians we will suffer through things just as non-believers will because of this old world we live in.  BUT – we have an advantage – we have God on our side to cover us with His hands and protect us from being devoured.  It does not mean we won’t have bad things happen, but it means we have the only One who can get us through watching over us and caring for us in ways we don’t even recognize.  This is hope to me, and when you hit bottom, you have to have something to hope for.  Knowing God’s love was steadfast and unchanging carried me through many hard times.

“In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord.” I Samuel 1:10
This scripture has meant a lot to me since our daughter’s death.  I needed to know other women had felt like I did – I needed that connection.  I felt that connection with Hannah – she was barren and desperate for a child.  I felt that desperation and longing for my own child.  Even back in Biblical times, women experienced grief relating to their children.  This was a comfort to me knowing I was not alone.

“And He said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.II Corinthians 12:9
If there was ever a time in my life I was weak, it was the days, weeks, and months after my daughter died.  To know that God’s strength was at it’s best when I needed it the most gave me courage to take another breath.  It seems impossible to “glory in my affirmities” when you don’t feel you have the strength to go on with your life, but God’s grace *is* sufficient.  There is power through Christ Jesus to sustain you when nothing else can.  You must allow Him to carry the burden – there are things too big for us to handle on our own.  We cannot as mothers (and fathers) get through the loss of a child and retain any sanity without His help.
I don’t think it’s wrong to ask “why” – I have many times over the years.  But you have to recognize God’s authority and know that whatever purpose there was for your child, it was fulfilled during the time you carried him or her.  We don’t understand all of it, and honestly I don’t believe we have the capacity to.  But I take comfort knowing that one day, God will hold me close and explain it to me in a way that I can understand.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.Matthew 11:28-30
I wanted rest and peace more than anything – I *was* weary.  God provided it in ways I never expected and in some ways that I didn’t realize until a long time after.  Sometimes a stranger’s kind word or a thoughtful gesture meant so much to me and brought me comfort.  Not everyone said the right things, but there were a lot of people who did – just by being there when I needed them and knowing they cared.

“The Lord is near to those who are broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.Psalm 34:18
Praise God that He is close to those who are suffering. He knows the pain we’re going through and He keeps us from being consumed by it. I know without a doubt that had it not been for the grace of God, I would have come through my daughter’s death a bitter and downtrodden woman. But through His love and compassion, He saved me from being crushed by the weight of the burden I carried. My heart still aches for my baby and it’s been seven years since she died – the ache has dulled some with time, but I don’t believe it will ever go away completely. I still cry at times talking about her, but I rest in the knowledge that God is near and will continue to carry me if I allow Him to. It’s a choice – a conscious decision you have to make. You have to acknowledge that you need help getting through it, and God is the only answer.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7
Satan will use times of grief to wage war on the Believer’s mind. It truly IS a battle for your mind. Recognize that God is not the author of confusion, nor does He give us irrational thoughts. Those things do not come from the Father. A sound mind is a blessing you can claim with this Scripture.

“And if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:17-18
It is so hard for us to think of suffering this way. When adversity strikes, our human nature wants to curl up in a ball and make the world go away. But the Bible teaches us that although we ARE suffering now, it is nothing compared to the glory we will have in heaven. Our lives here on earth are a blink in time compared to eternity. Christ took all of our sin at the cross so that we might spend eternity with Him (and our children), and He will wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelations 7:17).

“Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phillipians 4:6-8
These are my favorite scriptures – I read them out loud many, many times and still do.  I tried to find things to thank God for – sometimes it was just air to breathe.  Sometimes it was making it through another day.  Try to find something, no matter how small it is, to praise God for. Try to focus on anything in your life that is good rather than the bad.
There IS a peace that passes all understanding. The calmness and serenity it provides is indescribable and will protect your heart and mind from the onslaught of grief that seems unbearable.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
God can and will strengthen you through your grief and heartache. Sometimes when we are consumed by what we are dealing with, it is difficult to quiet the mind enough to allow yourself to hear God’s words. Remember that His love for us is so great – greater than that we have even for our own children, that He will comfort you and give you strength to get through the day.

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10
We had this scripture engraved on our daughter’s headstone. I believe when we lose a child, they are with God the Father in heaven from the moment of their death. If they cannot be with us on earth, what better place for them to be. I know I will see my daughter again. I thank God for the grace and mercy of my salvation through Christ Jesus – I know where I will spend eternity.
And what a glorious eternity it shall be!

The Weaving
My life is but a weaving, between my God and me;
I do not chose the colors, He worketh steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper, and I the under side.
Not til the loom is silent, and shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why
The dark threads are as needful in the skillful Weaver’s hand
As threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.
–Anonymous