it has been 2 years

It has been 2 years since Christian went to be with Jesus. I mentioned it to Austin and Noah earlier this week, reminding them about today. They both looked at each other, completely surprised that it has been this long. They both thought that it had only been a year.

All week long, I have been contemplating what to write for today. A few ideas and thoughts have been swirling around in my head, but I have not had a peace as to what I should say.

These past two days, my heart has been heavily burdened for my friend Samantha. Two days ago, her loving husband Erik left this earth to be with our Heavenly Father. No one expects to be called home at only 42 years old. It was sudden, it was unexpected. Please pray for Sam and their three children!

I have written much about our grief over the past two years, and I pray that y'all have also seen God's grace that goes hand-in-hand with it. Instead of adding more to the pages of my opinion and experience, I want to share with y'all the TRUTH and FACT of God's Word. That you may come to see the face of God, to see Him for who He is... and that one day, you will be PREPARED to stand before His throne!

This is what I read just a few minutes ago. I know that God wanted me to read these words this morning and He has impressed upon my heart to share it with YOU.

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Thomas said unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

-John 14:1-6, 16-18 (emphasis mine)

Life does not turn out how we expect and plan. I never dreamed that my precious Christian would only be with us for 3 years and 9 months. Sam never dreamed that her husband Erik would not be here today with her. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. But you don't have to go through it alone! Trust God. Believe on His Son Jesus Christ. Let Him be the pilot of your life and let His Word be your compass. That is REAL life, real living!

And dearest Sam, the Comforter lives in you. Let the Lord guide you and give you strength. It is spiritual warfare, a battle for your thoughts and the path that you will take after having your world turned upside down. Don't give up the fight! Put on the whole armour of God and use the shield of FAITH to resist the fiery darts of the devil! I love you, sweet friend and sister-in-Christ!!!