60 miles for Jen…
“Hope your knee is ok. You are an amazing woman and friend.” This was the message I received from my friend Jen Ashauer seven years ago today. We had just completed a 60 mile walk raising funds for cancer research. Jen was a mover and a shaker. In January of 2011 she had phoned several…
Cheers to 21!
Thirteen years after they met on our front porch, she walked into our home. I couldn’t help but smile. I recognized those eyes and curls as soon as she walked through the door. They did not remember each other, but I knew instantly. In the year 2000, a spunky little girl stopped to play on our…
Beyond fear lies freedom.
Happy Day of Independence! Fear does not stop death, it stops life. We have been gifted the freedom to believe in our God who richly provides us with everything we need. We enjoy the freedom to live out our faith. At all times, we are blessed to seek the source of all creation who will grant…
You’ve got a friend…
I am truly working to help protect families. As many of you know, three years ago, our family lost our first born son as he was crossing the street. He was two months into his freshman year of college. We were not prepared for this in any way. One year ago I left my solid career…
Death Crawl…
Can you imagine waking up each day to the tasks ahead with this coach pushing you through? Encouragement is vital to success. Agony with the weight of another on your back, blinded with burning pain, anticipating collapse at any moment, accurately describes losing a child. Read or listen to encouraging words each morning. Find peace…
Never give up.
Look Up Be Happy is a motto. It is also where hope and knowledge is shared. Wisdom is knowledge applied. Faith gives us fearless, eye-opening strength in suffering. Our family struggled with the sudden, unexpected loss of our beautiful son. This suffering instilled depths of gratefulness to life. There are no words to describe the pain of…
Life without Faith…
The bible never promises an easy life. It tells us to have faith that we are not alone. Many may not understand your walk, but know that your purpose in this life is important and not forgotten. I will forever remember Pastor Shank standing next to me as I wept over our motionless son. He…
Sustenance…
Today I saw the names of scholar athletes and outstanding students in the news. Last weekend social media flowed with beautiful photos of proms in the area. There are many award ceremonies and graduations this month. All wonderful reasons to celebrate life. Yesterday, I was reminded that not everyone witnesses their children living the life…
Lily’s miracle…
The relationships you hold close and who you’re connected with, can change your life. Robin and I have been friends since middle school. In high school and college we may have been mischievious. In the blink of an eye, we were each blessed with a husband and children. Not long afterwards, I distinctly remember her finding Christ.…
Prayers for Lily
This photo is of a brave young lady named Lily. She is in New York having spinal fusion surgery this morning. Lily has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, scoliosis and osteoporosis. She was adopted from China eighteen months ago and is the fifteenth child in her amazing family. When Lily left China she was 12 and weighed…
A wrecked life…
When God closes doors to your aspirations, we must believe he has a different plan for our life. When you feel defeated and worn down, it is easy to give up. Somedays I look back at the words placed on my heart and they give me strength. I pray they do the same for you……
February love!
On this first day of February, I share with you a letter written to our son, on his last Valentines Day. Four years later, I clearly see the words placed on my heart given to him in a new light. As I read, I see a sovereign God, reminding us of HIS awesome gift of…