When we are born we are given one chance at life. There are no re-do's. We live every single day with no ability to go back in time. We cannot live in fear. We cannot live in faithlessness. Our hope lies in Jesus Christ and our eternal place in heaven. That's what I strive to do every single day. I cannot wallow in sorrow over Emma passing away. I choose not to. I choose to live my life as the voice she never had. I choose to live my life as declaration of faith to Christ ... my Christ ... who died on the cross for me!!! Emma was never given the chance to live her life to the fullest, one day at a time. She never even took her first breath. But, every day I am given the gift of a new day ... one more day to tell others about Christ, to live as an example of His gracious love and tender mercy. Every day I get to live my life for Christ. I cannot think of a better way to honor Emma and all the blessings that have truly come from her death. God takes care of us through it all, giving us the strength we need when we need it the most. In my weakest He is strongest.
It's been a little over 10 months since Emma passed away. Strange how time flies but seems to stand still all at the same time. In the last 10 days much has happened. We received a grant from KW Cares (that's Keller Williams) that has completely paid all of my medical bills from our stay in the hospital PLUS Emma's headstone. We did not think we were going to be able to buy her headstone for some time, but God surprised us. He always does (and in such a way that you KNOW it's Him and nothing else). In addition, a lot has happened with Johnny in his real estate career. He went from working it part time to being a full time agent and in doing so is now just busting loose. It's awesome to see how much his business has grown - and we attribute it to God intervening at a crucial time this past summer. God works through so many different people and situations that I am always surprised at how beautiful He weaves our lives with others. It's an amazing tapestry when you step back and look at it in detail. Through the KW Cares, Johnny's real estate story has now been recognized by the co-founder of Keller Williams and is going to be part of the inspirational message that will be given during the Keller Williams Family Reunion event next month. It's amazing. God is amazing.
Do you see how much God can do if you let Him, if you get out of the way? I just find it beautiful and amazing and very humbling to work for such an awesome God. I truly mean that. Even through Emma's passing we have tried to stay faithful to God - always acknowledging His plans for us. It has not been easy at times. There have been moments where we try to do things ourselves only to have them fall apart. We just keep relying on God and He keeps providing ways for us to get better, for our faith to increase, for His love for us to show through. I just love that. Thank you, Lord, for everything ... for every blessing and every trial and tribulation. Thank you |