Powerful

October has been a different month for us...a time to reach deep within us and rely on the simplest precepts of our faith to pull us through what seemed like - to the world - often insurmountable mountains. Although somethings - some moments - are are just too intimate to share, I would like to highlight a few precious times we have spent as a family this month...October, 2009, we shall not soon forget...that is sure.

At the beginning of October, Mike had to have surgery. Although I will gladly spare you the details, it was a difficult time - more of a challenge than we EVER anticipated. God was good and granted healing in His timing...but the challenge brought us closer as a couple...and the reliance we had to have on one another to see it through developed a bonding we are thankful for...although we hope to not have to go through that again anytime soon, right, honey?

Next, Abby developed a terrible bout with the flu - Type A - probably H1N1 in all likelihood - about a week after Mike's surgery. Her fevers topped out at 105.8 - WOW - scary, hairy times...that I know for sure. So add to a healing surgical patient - a very sick toddler, a working mom, two boys in school, husband with surgery complications, and other issues on top of that - challenging. It caused me to DIG DEEP. And, God was more than I ever needed - never failed me!

Following physical healing and restoration in my home, we were directly thrown into enormous emotional pain as we learned of my family's tragic experience - the death of my cousin, Dustin Bradley Everage - so handsome, exceptionally talented, 29 years of life...we just kept saying to each other..."This is so hard, this is so hard." Of the eight grandchildren on my maternal grandparents family branch, there are six of us now living - of which I am the oldest. Although I do not mourn without hope, I still deal with the grief on a daily basis. I hurt so much for my extended family - the family that has been at this same place time and time again. It is powerful...powerful...so powerful. God has us at a vulnerable place - a powerful place. He is a powerful God. He is allowing us to experience life - difficult times - and still be able to see His power. I see Him working in me in powerful ways through all of this...but I realize that although my circumstances change - surgery, sick children, death...He never changes. His power never changes. He is omnipotent - ALL POWERFUL!

After the funeral, Mike and I travelled to Black Mountain, SC, to attend
LifeWay's Festival of Marriage Event.

It was our second year attending and it was an incredible blessing. We were especially thankful for the break-out sessions that allowed us to reconnect in our marriage, talk with one another, deal with some STUFF, reminisce about the past, and dream about the future together as a couple. Then...wow...what do you say about the the final session with Steve and Debbie Wilson on Sunday morning...POWERFUL...40 people accepted Christ, marriages were healed, and we were able to renew our vows! Refreshing and POWERFUL!

Last night, Mike and I were priviliged to attend the Celebration of Life service as we memorialized one of the elderly members of our church who went home to be with the Lord...we were sad - yes, we are human - to see him leave his wife,church and family...but it was so POWERFUL to listen to the testimonies of his family and his church family...as they spoke of the legacy of faith he left us...his testimony, his witness, his integration of his faith and his life in every situation. POWERFUL STUFF! And, most importantly, to live is Christ...to die is GAIN!

And now, I end tonight with something powerful...God can use the simplest things to speak volumes during difficulty. I am so thankful for volunteers who teach our children about the Lord and have a passion for ministry. This past week, in our Worship KidStyle ministry, A.D. was teaching Isaac's class about Jesus' example of washing the disciples feet and how His example teaches us to serve others. She invited us to come to the class and observe the "foot-washin'." We gladly came. She had the children who wanted to participate wash each others feet to experience what it may have been like that day for the disciples. We noticed...at first...that Isaac was somewhat hesitant - a new experience would make anyone think twice, right? Well, as the Godly example, Mike went to him and asked him if 'daddy could wash his feet'...Isaac immediately lit up and wanted to participate - he felt more comfortable doing it with his dad! And...I don't think he'll ever forget...nor shall I! POWERFUL!

And, for the fam...something not so POWERFUL...just plain ole' fun...Trick-or-Treat pics 2009 ...introducing...Mario (Jonah age 7), Luigi (Isaac age 8) and TinkerBell (age 3.5)!
I love these young 'ens!