KRISTI

She was just about 4 pounds when she came home from the hospital, 30 years ago. She grew into a beautiful, blond haired, blue eyed young woman who loved life and always had a smile and encouraging word for those she was around. She had 2 beautiful little children, Abbie age 7 and Avery age 4. She was engaged to be married and had never been happier in her life.

Her name was Kristi and she was my niece, my sister Chery’s oldest daughter. On Wednesday, March 25, Kristi took the children to school, went to work, picked up the children, made dinner and put the children to bed. On Thursday, she woke up with a headache, had a seizure and never woke up.

For a couple of days, Kristi laid in a hospital bed kept alive only by machines. Her beautiful blue eyes didn’t shine. Her lips didn’t smile. No encouraging words were spoken from her mouth.

We called out to God. We prayed. We begged Him to let her wake up. We bargained. We shook our fists in anger at Him. We questioned “Why”. What could God possibly be thinking here, for a young vibrant mother to be taken so suddenly? But God stayed silent.

My heart broke for my sister as I watched her kiss the cheek of the child she gave life to, only to see her life slip away before her eyes. If tears could have saved Kristi, she would be here today.

After being at the hospital for three days, Chery and her husband Clay left without the child they had raised and loved for 30 years. It seemed as though God wasn’t there and didn’t care.

But when they arrived home and walked up to the front door, God spoke to them!! For on their porch light was a message from Him that wasn’t there when they left their house 3 days before.


A beautiful dove! The dove is a symbol of peace. In the bible, the dove represents the Holy Spirit, given to us by God as a comforter, when He couldn't be with us in person. Chery and Clay were desperately in need of peace and comfort. This dove was God's way of providing HIS peace. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27). I will never understand why God didn’t grant our petition for Kristi to wake up. I cannot possibly understand His ways. But God doesn’t promise that every journey in life will be on the mountain. Only in heaven will there me no more tears. "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev. 21:4) But God feels the hurt we experience in this life. and He WILL provide what we need to get through, until the day we will be with our loved ones forever!!

Rest in the arms of Jesus our sweet Kristi. And one day soon we will be together again!

BEWARE!

When I began writing this blog, I was entering the desert called breast cancer. I felt led by God to share my journey through it. I had no idea where the journey would lead nor what would happen along the way. All I knew was that God would walk with me. I found through out the year of blogging that God not only used my words to help others, but also to help me grow closer to him through the encouraging words of those who read the blog.
Well it has been almost 6 months since finishing treatment. I haven’t blogged as often because I felt that I didn’t have much to offer since life seemed to be settling into the “new normal”.

BEWARE!! When you fail to see that God is actively working in your life, He may allow you to experience more trials, in order to teach you to be mindful of Him. I don’t know the exact reason, but over the last several months, my life has been filled with “new deserts”. Some people call it bad luck. I think that “luck” does not enter into play in the life of a Christian. All things that happen in our lives, happen for a reason.

Once again, God has directed me to write about what has happened in the last several months. As I look back on each situation, it is very clear how the hand of God was at work. And I am compelled to share it. It is my prayer once again that God will use these words for His glory. To give encouragement to those who are also walking through a desert and the knowledge that we never have to walk the journey alone!

A Picture That Says It All

There are some pictures that "say it all". And for me this is one of them. It truly reflects the words to my favorite scripture. “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23)


For His faithfulness walked me through the desert. His faithfulness continues to bring new mercies fresh every morning. He gives me each new day to do with as I choose. He provides the flowers for me to enjoy. He brings the smile that only comes from the joy of knowing Him. He blesses me with the love of my little granddaughter, Jayda. He showers me with mercies and blessings too many to name, for which I am so undeserved. Thank You, thank you Lord!

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS LORD UNTO ME!