July 27, 2006

I checked Izzy's blog today, remembering that yesterday was her 4th birthday. It seems unreal that it's been over two years since her accident. I am always encouraged when reading about her treatment and the progress of her recovery, because it shows the dedication and love that Annie and her family have for each other. It always helps me in putting my life in perspective because God has so richly blessed me. Sometimes it's easy to forget where the blessings come from and to give God the glory for all the things in my life!

I am so thankful to God for bringing Jody into my life along with Toni and Candace, and for giving me Elizabeth and Chance. My life has been greatly enriched because of our children. Elizabeth, especially gives special meaning because without her, I'm not sure that I would still be here today. In reality, I believe she saved my life by giving me the strength to leave the situation I was in at the time I got pregnant!

I think about the kids a lot and know that I made mistakes in my parenting, but hope that the faith and the values we taught the kids while they were growing up will be a source of strength and guidance for them throughout their lifetimes.

I am concerned right now about Toni. It seems to me that she is truly searching for something to give her life some meaning - although I know she is looking in the wrong places.

I love Toni and pray that she will make good decisions - that her faith will be strengthened and she will come back to the life she knows is right.
Elizabeth and Addy are doing well - Elizabeth's marriage to Michael is, I'm sure, pleasing to God and I know that they will live in service to Him daily.
Candace and Nick are also doing well. Candace going back to work and Nick keeping the boys while she works is probably good for all of them. They talk to me a lot more about Nick than they used to. I think, most of the time, they like staying with him!

Chance is such a great kid! I can't imagine my life without him! Sometimes I think, with dread, about living through those teenage years again, but he really has a good head on his shoulders and so far has not been any trouble. I wish that we had been better about making Bible study and attending worship services a priority. He's had a good moral upbringing and knows right from wrong - but I'm not sure he truly understands the sacrifice of Christ and what that means to his life! Those are things I want him to know and understand so that he can live his life with God's will as the basis for everything he says and does.

My Mom - I miss her! Since she moved to the nursing home in January, I have definitely felt her absence and it becomes stronger each day! In March after she seemed to forget so many things about her life, she has really gone down quickly! She's tired and she misses Daddy and Grandma so much! I pray daily that God will comfort her and keep her in his loving embrace until the time for her to depart this life. I know she's ready in all ways and when the time comes, it will be such a relief! She has lived in service to Him and will be blessed!