Remembering

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children."
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

Today, on this day that we remember, the windswept rain is beating against our windows. The girls are sick, the humidifier is going, and our bodies are tired. But we have so much to be thankful for as we remember. For we still have our family intact, the illness is temporary, and our home is full of laughter. How different it is for many. So easy to forget as we live our day to day. But today, especially, we remember.

He is With You

There have been a lot of tears in our household this month ...

Tears of joy as our friends experience the wonderful blessings of God. Tears of grief as we hurt for other friends that are weighed down by some hard providences. Tears of hope as we realize how God uses these experiences to mold us and fashion us.

In the joyous times, He is there. He has blessed you with His tender mercies.

Through the pain, He is there. He is working out His perfect will, no matter how hard it is to understand.

Throughout these seasons of life, He shows us His plan whether for joy or sorrow. He tells us in His word that He will be with us through it all.

He hears your shouts of joy, your groans of pain.

"God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sov'reign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fasts,
Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow'r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain. "

-William Cowper-