O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

On Tuesday I will be giving away a copy of Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow to a subscriber of this blog. See information at the bottom of post. At the end of each chapter I look up at Noah and say "This is definitely my favorite book.", and it's easy to see why. As Nancy Guthrie acknowledges early in the book, this was written at a different point in her grief, and as she dug into scripture God gave her the words to compose this book. You will recognize the points that are personal struggles in our suffering and points you straight to the cross to deal with them, and she doesn't expect you to take her word for it. Each chapter is exploding with scripture because when we are suffering that is when we ask and see that "the gospel is really true". Through Nancy's writing we are reminded that through our pain God works for good. I highly recommend this book to EVERYONE, not just those who have lost a child, so that our faith may grow during our ...

Time is just flying by, and today I saw how much more grown-up Walt is. He crawled himself into the big chair at the table where I was writing cards. He sat there reading his book at the table. There is so much work that has be done each day that sometimes I forget to just sit and enjoy him. Us sitting together at the table reminded me to do just that, so Walt and I went into the living room and played until it was nap time. I have taught him how to hug, so as soon as I sat on the floor he came up to me and said "hug" while wrapping his little arms around me. I am writing this short little blog to encourage all of us to sit still today and enjoy the gifts God has given us. Sometimes the day passes by with checking things off worrying over little things while losing sight of the bigger picture. Today I want to reevaluate my motives for all of the little things so that all I do may glorify God, which I am called to do on this earth.

The cemetery will be closed for a few weeks because of the tornado damage. This is hard for us when we want that time to remember her in quiet with God where her body lies. I had bought a flag for her area, and since I couldn't put it at her grave nor could we take her flowers, we put it outside our door along with a potted plant to remember that she is with Jesus on this day! Of course the flowers and the pot are pink! Easter is the day that we get to celebrate that Jesus is Risen, and because of this we will be reunited with Magdalena one day in heaven praising God forever! These verses are especially special to us because the first person who saw Jesus after being raised was Magdalene (Magdalena is Spanish for Magdalene.). John 20:11 - 18 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, ...

Walt's first time at the zoo was awesome! He was not his complete self, which meant less smiling, but he did have fun with his two cousins! And he got to practice some of his animal names! Then, afterwards we enjoyed a picnic in the beautiful weather.

Walt had such a good time at Mimi and Papa's house that he came home exhausted, but we still had a few errands to run. He hung in there, and on the way home I gave him his favorite treat, raisins. He didn't get to really enjoy them very long because he fell asleep with hand in the box. I love a good, hard day of work!

I have just woken to extra strong coffee that my sweet husband made this morning. Between the gloomy weather and me being up late last night, I am slowly drinking it to attempt the wake up process. My entire life I have always required more than the average number of hours of sleep to be at my best, which, by the way, describes Walt too. Staying up late is not a good idea, but last night there was just no avoiding it. I love my work, and most of the time I can do it in small increments throughout the day when Walt is napping, but I have just not had the motivation nor the time to complete making my final exams. Well, the time sneaked by me, and before I knew it, my students are in their last few weeks of school. I was in my work mode last night, and so once I got started, I was determined to finish! I did, so every minute of lost sleep was worth it, but today is going to hurt! There is still much work to be done to finish up this semester and prepare for the next, but thankfull...

Noah and I are trying to be more intentional with our date nights and time spent together. Between school and work time can fly by quickly without having a true conversation, which is not good. We went on amazing date, and no, it was not one of our good cheap dates, but it was very much needed. Walt went to Mimi and Papa's house to be completely spoiled, and we dressed up to partake of a delicious dinner. Look how handsome my man is! This special time together is rare, and I love it! God has given me an amazing husband!

Noah and I saw these flowers at Sam's and just stopped and stared for a long while. They reminded both of us of Magdalena because of how pink and beautiful they were.

I woke up on Friday to a dark sky outside my window, and as I waited on Walt to wake up I read a little of Isaiah and checked the Weather Channel app on my phone to see when it would rain. I was supposed to run some errands, but I they weren't urgent enough to force me out into the rain! Around 8 a.m. Noah came home from driving the school bus, and we talked about how we expected flash foods today, but we had no idea what was coming towards us. About 30 minutes before the tornado hit I was outside talking with my neighbor about the March of Dimes bake sell we were supposed to have this past Saturday. While bread was baking, laundry drying, and me making lunch for Noah the electricity flickered. Then, Noah went to get Walt up from his nap to bring him downstairs to be safe. It had happened before our minds could wrap around what was going on. Afterwards Walt and I walked around and took these pictures, and it was then we really began to sink in. Walt was an awesome little ma...

Gigi's is hosting a Giveaway to Promote Healthy Babies in Memory of Magdalena. Please read carefully below! Gigi's Gifts and Calligraphy (www.shopgigisms.com) is having a drawing for "TWO" $50.00 Gift Certificates. Your name is placed into the drawing for every $1.00 you donate. Donate $10.00 - your name goes in 10 times. The more you donate the better your chances are to win. To receive the promo, donations need to be made at www.marchforbabies.org/jenndale . Make sure you put your name and email address when donating. Otherwise i wont know who made the donations. Winners will be contacted by email and announced on FB You have the capablity to win both gift certificates. You are not limited to just one win. You DO NOT have to be present at the walk to win! The gift certficates can be used online or locally/no limitations. Donations for under jenndale ends Thursday evening, April 21. The drawing will take place at the walk, April 30th. To see all of Gigi's Gifts...

Our team, Magdalena's Feet, will be raising money and walking in memory of sweet Magdalena, my sunshine. Through the work done by the March of Dimes, Magdalena was given a fighting chance at life, and that is our hope for all babies. Every amount both large and small help. Just think what would happen if everyone who read this post donated just $5. You can do this online through a debit card, credit card, or paypal. Simply go to www.marchforbabies.org/julieroberts

Here is Magdalena's picture in the sand!! http://namesinthesand.blogspot.com/2011/04/magdalena-grace-roberts.html

Parents who have lost a child have a connection, no matter their differences. God blessed me with a sweet mommy who shared this ministry out of Australia for families who have lost a child. The couple writes the child's name in the sand and records it with a beautiful Australian sunset. The waiting list opens for short periods of time, but thanks to my sweet friend, we were able to get on the list. Below is the link for you to see Magdalena's sweet name on the waiting list and watch as it rises to the top to have the project completed in memory of her. http://namesinthesand.blogspot.com/2010/07/rainbow-wait-list.html Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord , have not forsaken those who seek you. Through specific verses we are able to learn more about God's character. He is the the Creator , the God Most High, the God who sees , the all-sufficient One, the self-existent One, the Lord provides , the Lord who heals, the Lord our banner, the Lord who sanctifies , peace, Lord of hosts, the Lord my shepherd, the Lord our righteousness, and the Lord who is there. Knowing God's character during trials helps to keep us from doubting. It reminded me of how truly knowing Noah allows me to trust him and his decisions, and slowly as I know him more this trust increases. I have a tendency to go to the end of the chapter sometimes and read the questions before I read the chapter. It helps me to think on them as I study God more in depth. Under "Reflection" it ask...

With family in town we grilled out a few times. Walt enjoyed his corn too! This was his first time eating corn on the cob!

Congratulations to Nikki B for winning the book, Half the Church , through Random.Org!