Circle of Life

Well, here is another faint attempt to continue to blog-- I am inspired by reading some of my friend's blogs and I think it's a great way to get some thoughts down, so here we go! :-)
It seems like so much has been happening lately:

- A few weeks ago my grandfather was diagnosed with terminal cancer. We flew out to see him and say our "goodbye until heaven". It was such a wonderful trip and it brought tears to my eyes to see him play with my son (who doesn't have his own grandpas). Two weeks ago he passed away and we are flying back out for the services. My heart is getting heavy knowing the sadness that surrounds death and knowing that my grandmother is heartbroken. And although it doesn't look like there is much of a silver lining here, we were able to pray with him and I am fairly certain that he accepted Christ into his heart and will be spending eternity with the Lord. Amen! The best silver lining of all!!

- Also, my brother has been back in the hospital and in rehab and we have had the chance to visit with him about once a week. Just for the record, his willing spirit just blows my mind. He manages to have a smile on his face and enjoy our times together. Mind you, he has had over 70 surgeries and his ongoing health issues remind me of Job. Yet, I still believe that he loves Christ - again, the greatest sliver lining of all! Love ya bro!

- I celebrated my first mother's day on Sunday. My, what a blessing to be able to share my time with my boys! Being a mother has truly changed my heart. My selfishness is quickly fading and I realize more and more the importance of "shepherding my child's heart". God has been so faithful in giving us our daily bread so that I can be home with him and for this I am so blessed! Although my grandfather passed away, I can hold tight to the life lessons that he taught me and focus on teaching them to my own son.

- As we embark on our next trip west, I will tip toe around the mess that our kitchen is (they are ripping out my ceiling), try to get the little one to nap in between hammer banging, do laundry and pack, and relish in the fact that Noah just started blowing kisses and will successfully play on his own for 10-20 minutes at a time so I can do things such a post on this blog :-) (or a million other things).

Praying that God will show you the silver lining today. Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Marianne