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.

8 comments:

  1. Traci, I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. He sounds like a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May God wrap His loving arms around you all and grant you His peace during this difficult time.

    Also lifting prayers for Joshua as he travels to England. We are a retired Air Force family so I can tell you that he'll be in good hands.

    I forwarded the e-mail I sent you awhile ago with my address. If you don't have it by now that means it didn't go through again. Please let me know...

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  2. Dear Traci... I'm so sorry for your loss... but so thankful that he knew and loved the Savior and is now basking in His glory... celebrating and singing like he's never sung before! You will miss him but as Christians...we don't greive as those who have no hope! May God comfort you and Dave, and I'll be praying for you all as you travel... and as you come back to send off Josh! So much to deal with in such a short time... praying for your health as well... I know this will tax you to your limits, but may He give you the strength you need!!!

    hugs,
    Grace

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  3. Dearest sweet Traci, my sincerest sympathies to you as your mourn your beloved Dad. Thankful to the Lord that your Dad is in the presence of God's glory and one day you will be with him for all eternity for we do not grieve as others grieve. We have hope in Jesus!

    Thinking of Josh as you send him off. May God surround you with His loving comfort, grace, encouragement and peace.

    Love,
    Caterina

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  4. Traci,
    I am so sorry to hear about your FIL. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for safe travels as well.
    Also for you son, will pray for his safety and travels too. May the Lord be with you this week as you deal with the difficulties your going through.
    Love,
    Nichole

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  5. Traci- I am grieving with you. It is great to know that he is with the Father. I am continuing my prayers for Josh to be safe. God is always with us even through the darkest days!

    Hugs
    Joan

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  6. Tracy-I'm so sorry for your loss.

    Sounds like you have some wonderful memories.

    The older generation had experienced so much and had such a gentle spirit.

    Been praying for you & your family.

    Hugs my friend.

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  7. Oh Traci,
    Lifting you in prayer that the Lord would continue to bring comfort to you through His promises. . .all of which are yes and amen! in the Lord Jesus Christ! Praying that you feel the closeness of His Spirit as He ministers through His Word and by His people! Thinking of you during this difficult time as you mourn the loss of one so dear, all the while celebrating, knowing that he has is now home!! Hugs!

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  8. Traci
    My sincerest condolences to you and your family for your DFL.
    I pray that your son will remain safe and the good Lord will continue to bless you all.
    Hugs...Leanne

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