Saturday, September 8, 2012

From the Heart--Dad S

Dear Friends~


I know God loves me.  I know He won't give me more than I can handle with Him.  I know God is faithful.  I know that storms in life strengthen us.I know every prayer is heard, and that He answers every prayer.  He may not answer how we want...but how He wants.  I know God loves me.


I found out late yesterday afternoon that my amazing, very loving Father-in-Law passed away.  He had Alzheimer's and some physical difficulty, but it was a shock.  This man is with Jesus and with my dear Mother-in-Law now, I have no doubt about that.  When we would visit, we would have church in his apartment just before bed time.  I'd read a section of the Bible, and we'd sing, and we'd talk about what we learned from the Bible.  It was incredible times.  The three of us, Dad, Jesus and myself.  Now, he is no longer here for us to go see, to hug, to share with, to watch the Cardinals.  I know he is in a much better place.  I know that we are all very sad that this veteran, this Dad, Grand-Dad, and Great-Grand-Dad will not be able to laugh his contagious laugh, or share that sparkly white smile of his again.  We are sad. I am sad.


I am sharing this because I do not know if I will be able to blog this week.
I will bring my computer with me, but I don't know how much time alone I will have to blog.  If you want a blog...reread the first paragraph of this letter again.  It tells you so much about our Lord, Christ Jesus.   And, even though I know Dad is so much happier, it is OK for us to be sad. 


My son, Joshua, leaves next Sunday.  I will miss out on spending time with him most of this week.  He needs to report in England at the USAF base on Sunday...hopefully, we will have Saturday with him.  I will miss him so much...my heart feels like it is grieving for him.  I will sure need some support when he leaves.  2 years is a long time...even if we can fit in a visit or two.  This is the hardest thing I have gone through.  Fortunately, I pray for him every day and thank the Father for keeping him safe, healthy, happy, and to bring him closer to knowing Him every day. 


If you have a family member who is not yet Saved...don't give up. I urge you to continue praying.  Have others pray.  Lead by example...not by shoving it down their throat.  Be patient.  As patient as you can.  Never give up.


Praying you have a wonderful, God-filled week!  Please leave a comment before Wednesday at midnight to be eligible in the He IS Able Card Set Give Away!  Your name may be randomly drawn.  And, if you sign up to receive the reminder that this blog has a new post...on the top right corner of the blog...it is confidential...I don't know who is signed up, any of the emails, anything...but, you will know when a post is written no matter what  day.  It's free of course, just like God's gift of Salvation--you can't earn your way to Heaven!  Think about both of these things...if you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and want to, leave a comment...someone will pray with you...or go to a church and tell them you want to pray to receive Christ.  They will guide you.  God bless all of you!


He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather


p.s.If Gemiel is reading, or if you know her.  Please let her know I need her to email her mailing address to me, so I can send the cards she claimed.  My email is on the side bar.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

He IS Able Blog Card Set of the Week Recipient!

Hi Friends~

I have been so busy with life that I have not announced the Winner of the He IS Able Blog's Card Set of the Week!  Did you leave a comment during the week of Tuesday, August 21 and before the following Wednesday the 29th at Midnight?  That is how you become eligible to receive a He IS Able Blog Card Set if you live in the United States.  (I am sorry, I can't afford postage out of the country, and I don't make digital images.  I have tried to find someone to make a digital card with 1 of 2 Scriptures on it, so I could have everyone from every country participate for a a beautiful give-away...no one has stepped up.  If you have the time and the talent...PLEASE let me know. God laid this on my heart over a year ago, and I haven't found anyone yet.) About the give away your comment can be about anything.  And, the deadline for the next give-away is August 31-September 8th at Midnight...just leave a comment and you are entered in a random drawing.  Check back Thursday to win...or sign up for an email copy of the blog...in case I run late....and email me your mailing address if you are the winner!

The person who won the He IS Able  Blog's Card Set this week wrote this comment:
 
 
Asking, trusting and believing the Lord to surround this sweet precious child with His powerful protective haling care as He abundantly showers down His love, grace, mercy, goodness, kindness, encouragement and peace on the family. Love, Caterina
 
 
 
 

Caterina, Congratulations, and thank you for this beautiful prayer for the child I wrote about who was born with Down Syndrome.  It was a post before the latest Beatitude sharing.  Please, read it, and take it to heart.  Someone emailed that exact request to me. It brought tears to my eyes, and prayers to my lips.  There are people hurting and worried, and we should, I believe, carry each other's burdens.  Praying is the most effective thing we can do.  He hears EVERY prayer.  Please join us with a prayerful heart.  If someone takes the time to email me with a prayer request...you'd better believe they need it.  It's not something to be tossed away. It takes an effort to write and some courage, too. Right?  Right!

Caterina, I have your address, and will send you your cards!  Thank you again for such a beautiful comment.  You have an amazing heart...full of so much love!  I pray for you daily, My Friend.

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Did any of you read the post about the Beatitude:  "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven?"  (Matthew 5:10)  It is the post right below this one.  It answered so many questions for me!  This seemed as if it was the scariest Beatitude for me...that it was all about being persecuted...well, there is a lot more to it.  I encourage you to read it.  On Tuesday, hopefully, I will have a worksheet for your use about the Beatitudes.  If I can figure out how to put it on the limited width of space the blog allows us.

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 As for me?  Life has been so exciting for me lately. My pain is very painful because I have been very active...but worth it.  It is so nice trying to give Joshua an alternative memory of me.  He hasn't stayed in this house for 4 years!When he was young and I was newly disabled, I couldn't attend many of his event.  I slept a LOT! I was awkward and at that time, I was on medicine that made me groggy and miserable.   I was a good Mom...I just didn't live up to my expectations.  Well, I have made sure that I was up before him in the morning, and made his breakfast if he wanted, we went to Sea World today...it was a scorcher out.  But, what a wonderful time Dave, Josh and I had. I am not perfect...but I am just doing my best. We have enjoyed fun and interesting conversation over meals...and he has spent a lot of time out with friends.  Luckily, it was late in the night, and I was sound asleep anyway.  Thank you for your blessings over him.  I appreciate it with all of my heart.  He leaves on the 16th for 2 years...I am asking for strength and support for then now.  I never realized how big a part of my life he is. I know, but this brings it all to my ming. I will miss him as he starts his new adventure...but 5 years and 2 months...and he will be done with his contract with the Air Force.  I asked him to please speak with me before considering signing another.  They are already wagging the proverbial carrot in front of him. 

May you have a lovely and very safe Labor Day!  (Do all countries celebrate a type of Labor Day?)  I would love to know, and it would be an entry for the He IS Able Blog's  Card Set of the Week!  God Bless!


He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather