SGM Christmas Extravaganza Giveaway Number 2 - Reunion Heart Pendant!!

Pictures from http://www.cbd.com/ (my favorite place to order books, cds, and other items! I am so excited about the SGM Christmas Extravaganza, that I just can't wait to announce the next item on our list of giveaway goodies!!  Actually, I am announcing two more items, in addition to the choices of several beautiful memorial ornaments we are giving away on the Walking With You page. I absolutely LOVE the necklace above...so much, that I wish I could enter my own giveaway!! What I love about this necklace is that it comes with a message of hope...not the idea of wallowing in our grief, but of looking ahead to the hope we have of a forever reunion one day, because of Jesus. It comes with a poem that ends with the words:                                                                                                                                                   God lets this tender hole remain



Reminding me we'll meet again,


And one day all the pain will cease


When he restores this missing piece.


He'll turn to joy my every tear


And when I wear this necklace near


It will become my special way


To treasure our reunion day


And the beautiful reference to this comforting promise in scripture, He will turn every tear to joy on the keyring also pictured above. Anyone is welcome to participate in this giveaway.  And...it's easy. I will choose one winner for the necklace and one for the keychain from those who comment on this post. You can get extra entries by writing a Remembering at Christmas Post on your blog and linking to the WWY page (because I'd really like to see more people joining in on that special post ...plus you could also enter for a special remembrance ornament on that page...two for the price of one!). You can also receive additional entries for Facebooking  or Twittering about the SGM Christmas Extravaganza. Please just leave a comment here for each thing that you do. Help us spread the word...and some Christmas joy...to those who are missing someone this Christmas!!!

Comments Closed...a winner has been chosen! =)

Remembering at Christmas and SGM Christmas Extravaganza 2010 (Giveaway)

Last year we shared the ways we remember our loved ones who are no longer with us at Christmas. I would like to the same this year. And, in memory of my mother...who loved Christmas so much that in her healthy years her decorations rivaled the lights of Vegas...Sufficient Grace Ministries is hosting a plethora of giveaways for those who participate. It's sort of like Oprah's My Favorite Things Show (Is that even what she calls it? I'm not sure.)...not that I endorse or aspire to be Oprah. But, this will sort of be Kelly's Favorite Things. Every year, no matter how difficult things in our family had been financially or otherwise, my mother made Christmas special. She took great delight in giving us the perfect present. I can still see that child-like twinkle in her eyes on Christmas morning.

We will be doing the  Remembering at Christmas post  to link to this week on the Walking With You page. This first round of giveaways will be for a special ornament to remember your loved one at Christmas. We are giving one baby boy Hallmark ornament, two Hallmark Always Remembered Ornaments (a porcelain clam with a pearl in it that says, "Every life leaves something beautiful behind.") And, one person will win a very special ornament hand painted by my friend Deanna who creates beautiful ornaments in memory of loved ones who have gone home to heaven as found on her site: Payton's Precious Memories (in memory of her daughter, Payton Rose). Deanna is donating an ornament for this giveaway...thanks so much, Dee!

Please click on this link to the Walking With You Page to find out how to enter, and stay tuned. This is the first of many Christmas goodies we are offering on the SGM Christmas Extravaganza 2010!

Remembering at Christmas 2010 ~ SGM Christmas Extravaganza

     
Contest now closed winners announced. You may still link your post and leave a comment, but they will not count toward the contest entry. Thank you so much and God bless you this Christmas season and in the coming year.
If you are missing someone you love this Christmas, someone of ANY age who is spending Christmas with Jesus this year, I hope you will join us on this very special Walking With You. We are sharing our Christmas memories and the ways that we remember our loved ones who have gone home to heaven at Christmas time. If you do not have a blog or do not wish to link a post, you may leave your Christmas memories in the comments below. If you do a post on your blog, come back and link up on the Linky following this post.

We will also be offering several beautiful ornaments to bless a few who participate.

This first round of giveaways will be for a special ornament to remember your loved one at Christmas. We are giving one baby boy Hallmark ornament (pictured later in this post), two Hallmark Always Remembered Ornaments (a porcelain clam with a pearl in it that says, "Every life leaves something beautiful behind.") And, one person will win a very special ornament hand painted by my friend Deanna who creates beautiful ornaments in memory of loved ones who have gone home to heaven as found on her site: Payton's Precious Memories (in memory of her daughter, Payton Rose). Deanna is donating an ornament for this giveaway...thanks so much, Dee!

How to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Participate by linking a post about how you remember your loved one at Christmas. (this gives an additional entry). Please put the Walking With You button in your post on your blog, or put a link to WWY in your blog post.
3. An additional entry will be given for every comment left on the posts that link up on our Linky.(I will be visiting the blogs who link with this post and tallying comments left. You must comment here to enter first, though so I know you would like to be included.)


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How do we remember our babies (Faith, Grace, and Thomas) who are in heaven?

Each year, we fill three shoeboxes with gifts for Operation Christmas Child, which we then donate to the pile of boxes collected by our church for their annual donation. We fill two little girl boxes in memory of Faith and Grace and one little boy box in memory of our Thomas. It is a small thing, but it blesses me to be able to buy some little gifts in their memory and give them to another child in hopes that it will bring some joy. It is something tangible we can do to remember them every year.

A Christmas tree should tell a family's story. Each year, the memories come flooding back as we take out the ornaments and remember all the milestones our children have achieved, the sweet hand made ornaments adorned with school pictures, baby's first Christmas ornaments, Our first Christmas Together ornaments, and for those of us missing those we love, In Memory ornaments. They are a special way to include those who have gone home to heaven in our story. For they are very much a part of our hearts and our lives...and should be in the memories when we unwrap the ornaments each year and hang them on the tree that tells our family story. I shared a great deal about some of those special ornaments on our tree last year in this post. So, I won't repost all of that, but I will show a few more ornaments that have been added to our collection. Several of them came from some of you, my dear bloggy friends and fellow mamas. They touched my heart, and are treasured among some of the most precious gifts that I have received.

These beautiful ornaments were a gift I received last year from Jess:

And these three from Sarita:

And, this sweet ornament for my Thomas...

(Also the same baby boy Hallmark ornament we are giving away on this post!)

I also hang ornaments each year in memory of my sweet mother, Kathy, who went home to heaven four years ago. She adored Christmas, and she is so much a part of every Christmas memory for me. These Christmas giveaways are one thing I do to honor her memory. Even in difficult times, mom loved to make Christmas a fun celebration and she loved to give.

From Because He Came by Kelly Gerken...


More than two thousand years ago, the world ached for salvation, swelled with yearning for deliverance, redemption, restoration...for a Savior to rescue from sin and death. And He came...a baby King, born in a lowly stable on a quiet night to a peasant girl and her betrothed...a carpenter. He was in the still, small voice when He whispered past Elijah. And He was in the quiet stable birth when He came to rescue us and sent His angels to tell the lowly shepherds the good news.


His name is Jesus...and He came for me.

His name is Jesus...and He came for you.


And Because He came...there is hope for tomorrow and a promise of a joyful, forever reunion. He will wipe away all of the tears and wash away the loss and regret. He will cleanse and forgive and clothe us in robes of white. The empty arms will be filled. The hungry hearts will be fed. Brokenness will be restored. Mourning will be turned to dancing. And sin and death will be no more.


Because He came...He will carry us through this life.


And because He came...He will come again...in all His glory...to take us home.


© Kelly Gerken, Sufficient Grace Ministries 2008-2009

Thanks for letting me share some of my Christmas memories of my loved ones in heaven. I look forward to reading all of your memories, and pray that you will find comfort and hope in the truth that He came for you, as you remember this Christmas season.

Shopping and My First Black Friday Part 2...and Please Pray

I survived my first ever Black Friday experience intact. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed a rather peaceful drive to my friend Nicki's house in the wee hours of the morning, smiling at the memories of shopping with my mother and laughing at the hysterical "good-bye" note written to me by my oldest son on a paper plate...showing tongue-in-cheek concern for my safety. I took the road with the belly-getter hills, thinking of her. It felt as if she was in the car with me, the memories were so close. I could sense one of those Daddy's little girl days in the works...you know, those days when it's evident God has gone before you and leaves little blessings throughout the day...and you feel just like "Daddy's little girl".

And, it was like that...

I wish I had something more exciting to report, but other than one disconcerting moment when a pack of wild dingo-type shoppers dove in front of us for some item I couldn't see under the pile, I saw nothing disorderly. We quickly found the bargain I was looking for, were handed a ticket by a polite Wal Mart employee, and waited in a short orderly line for the coveted item. I saved $40 on the gift for our youngest son...and jumped up and down after the purchase! We finished our shopping and checked out in lawn and garden without even waiting in line!

Nicki (who happens to be Sawyer's mama) and I shared laughs and memories throughout the day. We marvelled at how easy and pleasant everything had gone...and I smiled, feeling not only the closeness of my sweet mother, but the blessing of my Heavenly Father throughout the day. I'm so glad I went. So glad I didn't let the tug of guilt keep me home. I would have missed out on the blessing of that day...and the gift of time with a good friend. Who knows? I may even have a new tradition. We'll see! =)

In other news...

Please pray for us as we prepare for tomorrow. Our band, One Way, will be doing the worship music at Holgate United Methodist Church and I will be sharing our family/ministry testimony. Please pray that the Lord would go before us, that He would give the words, that others would be encouraged and that He would be glorified. On a personal note, this is only the second time my husband, Tim, has heard me share the account of our journey. And, it can bring so many emotions for us. Praying for His strength...that He would enable us to be vessels for Him...even in our broken, imperfect state.

Also..don't forget to join us on Monday to kick off the SGM Christmas Extravaganza 2010. We will be sharing the ways that we remember our loved ones at Christmas and other memories. Be ready to link your post on the Walking With You page on Monday. This is for anyone missing someone they love this year....not just grieving parents. And, there will be some blessings offered to those who participate...yes, I am bribing you...but it's for your own good! We'll call it incentive...or positive reinforcement. =) I hope you will join us. It was a blessing for those who participated last year.

Shopping With my Mom and My First Ever Black Friday Experience Part One

I am not supposed to be awake for another thirty minutes, but I've been tossing and turning for a couple hours, so here I am. Not sure whether it's the massive heartburn from too much delicious food (if I do say so myself), the memories of shopping with my mom, the sweet smell of baby Max (my beloved nephew, who feels more like a Grandson) still lingering on my neck, or the fear of my first ever black Friday experience insighted by the frightening tales of crazed shoppers regaled by Grandma Isa during our Thanksgiving meal...that's keeping me up.

I've never in my thirty-five years experienced Black Friday shopping, although I've heard stories. Many stories. And, secretly, I've always wanted to go...just once. It doesn't really fit with my personality to do something crazy like this. I'm not materialistic, and I'm certainly not an aggressive shopper. But, I won't lie. I do love a good deal.

My mother loved a good deal, too. I don't believe she participated in the insanity of Black Friday, but during some shopping excursions, she was known to be a formidable foe. Although, she was a tiny thing...never weighing much more than 100 pounds, she was mighty. She could be just as sweet as honey, but if you crossed her or "did her wrong" or did not display proper customer service....look out and step back!

I am not like that. If someone pushes me, I will get out of the way. Most of the time. ;) If my mother were with us, and she saw someone push me, she would have knocked them over with her cane! She was a feisty force to be reckoned with. To this day, if we have poor customer service, Timothy says, "If Grandma R. were here, she wouldn't stand for this! She would make a huge deal of it. Remember how she always did that?" It's funny how the things that might have made you crazy about a person can become endearing to you once they're gone. What I wouldn't give to hear her stand up for truth, justice, and good manners in the middle of Bob Evans.

Needless to say, I probably won't come out on top during the Black Friday festivities. Let's be honest here, I'm just hoping to survive this thing, get a few laughs with my longest (longest sounds better than oldest) and one of my dearest friends, Nicki, and have some interesting stories to share on the blog for part 2 of this little adventure. Nicki...remember when we watched that silly movie, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure back in the day?? I'm betting this will top that! =)

I so miss shopping with my sweet, feisty mama. In the wee hours of this morning, the memories flooding my heart and mind leave me both smiling and aching for her. I remember being on bed rest with Faith and Grace and having her wheel me around in a wheel chair so that I could get some early Christmas shopping done. We always fit in some crazy Christmas shopping, buying my beloved Mariah Carey Christmas CD, tons of mauve Christmas ornaments at the old Hills store, filling the cart with goodies for her grandbabies. She loved Christmas and she loved her grandbabies. She always made Christmas fun and special, and she always wanted to give to those she loved at Christmas...and give big!! No matter how difficult the year had been, or what might have been going on in our family at the time...we always had Christmas...and she always had a child-like twinkle in her eye as she watched us open our gifts.

I remember shopping for the red suit I wore when I was Homecoming Queen (with white gloves because mom said that the Homecoming Court should wear gloves), and the modest cream pantsuit I wore on my wedding day. How she squealed with delight the first time she could buy new camping equipment and later...on one of our final shopping trips how she purchased a new tent for a trip we never made it to. She even talked about shopping during her last days at the hospice center...telling me I needed to get her something to wear so that we could make a stop at Bed, Bath, and Beyond on the way home. She needed rugs.

We ladies can be determined about our shopping, can't we?

I have much more to share on this...but for now, it's off to this crazy adventure. It may be the only time I try this...and I'm praying I can make it home safely. I'm kind of wishing I had that little 100 pound mama with a cane beside me. And, maybe I'm crazy...but in some small way, it feels like I do. She is probably cracking up from heaven right now!

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Stay tuned for Part 2 and for more Christmas memories coming up in the next several days. There will also be opportunities to win some wonderful Christmas giveaways (What can I say...I love to give to those I love at Christmas, too!). A very special Walking With You is coming up on Monday for anyone who is missing someone they love this Christmas. We are sharing the ways we remember our loved ones and other Christmas memories. You can link up and join in to win some lovely Christmas treasures. So check in Monday for details.

Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving...love to all...

A Sufficient Grace Thank You...and Announcing the Giveaway Winners

First things first. I was hoping to get this post up last night, but it didn't happen. Right now, I am coming to you live from my nice warm bedroom. For the next several days, I will be soaking in the gift of a few days off from my "day job" as a Special Needs Educational Paraprofessional (a big long title that just really means Teacher's Aide) to wallow in gratefulness and fill myself with turkey and other goodies with my people.

Before I announce the winners of the CSN Giveaway and the God Gave Us Book Giveaway, I would like to share some thank-yous from Sufficient Grace.

We have been so blessed this year by the love and generosity of so many people. (I was just interrupted by a tapping on my window. James is outside, chopping up ice from a puddle that froze overnight and wanted to show me the ice chip. He is so excited that winter is coming. Aren't children a blessing...with all of their enthusiasm for life. We tired, weary adults could learn a few things from our kids. Joy in the simple things...)

O.K...now what was I saying. Oh, yes. Thankfulness...

This year, we knew that our needs had grown as we began to reach out to more and more bereaved families across the United States and beyond. Hundreds of families are now served each year by Sufficient Grace Ministries, and although it has never been my favorite part of ministry, we prayed and stepped out in faith once more to launch Operation Support Sufficient Grace in an effort to raise funds to cover this year's needs. Our hopes were surpassed as so many of you donated, not only through the several events we held during the spring and summer...but as individuals...giving from your hearts and giving generously. Many of our friends and supporters blessed us beyond words by giving. Families donated in memory of their babies...so grateful that there was something to honor their baby's memory in their time of need and wanting to bless other families in this way. We have been humbled and blessed by so much giving. Thank you doesn't seem like enough.

Here are a few people that walk with us, and we are so grateful for their part in our lives and in this ministry...

The girls of Sufficient Grace...Becki, Holly, and I...

You ladies continue to bless me with your willingness to walk this path with me, for your heart for grieving mothers, and women in need. I am so grateful that God has placed you in my life, and look forward to serving with you. Who knows what the Lord has in store next.



                                
The beautiful ladies who make our Comfort Bears...we love you and we are so grateful that you are willing to faithfully share your gift. Your willing hearts have comforted so many mothers. We may never have any idea this side of heaven how much comfort you have brought to these hurting hearts by giving them a bear to hold in their empty arms.

Our wonderful church family...(And, my amazing, patient, giving husband...also pictured here... who gives me more grace than I could ever deserve and loves me just as I am.)

The boys from One Way...
We have grown up with Ryan and Dave and they are dear friends of ours. It is an unspeakable honor and privilege to now lift our voices in worship alongside them in our band, One Way. I am honored and blessed that they have joined with us to serve the Lord through music...to know each of our stories and to realize how much we are covered in God's grace and to see the beauty God is weaving into our lives with his love. It is a beautiful gift. (Please keep us in prayer as we will be doing worship music and sharing our testimony this weekend at Holgate United Methodist Church.) I love these boys...now men, who humbly love the Lord. Thank you, guys...for using your gift to bless others, for going on this adventure with me, for putting up with me, for making me laugh, for your relentless teasing which I happily receive knowing that it is your love language,  for praying with and for me, for riding your motorcycles in the rain to support Sufficient Grace, eating ice cream until it's coming out your ears, putting yourself out there, giving in ways that humble and bless us beyond words. Your friendship means more than we could ever say. And, you have done more than we could ever thank you for...we love you dearly.

There are still so many more to thank...

Churches and hospitals who have invited us to share and donated to support SGM.
Individuals who have blessed and encouraged us with their love, support, and prayers.
All of you in blogland who I count as my dear friends. Your stories all have a piece of my heart.
Kathrine Tolles and Cindy Roller who make our amazing baby gowns.
Marlene Carpenter who makes the gorgeous bracelets we give to mommies.
Sheri Ketner who allowed us to share our testimony on Grace for Today.

It has been quite a year. Another year of God's provision, of watching Him work through His people, of witnessing the astounding miracle of the body of Christ coming together to serve Him with various abilities and resources. Thank you for your part in that. You are among those I count as a blessing this Thanksgiving.

And for the winners...

Congratulations to:

Spud 31...You are the winner of the CSN stores online gift code! Whooo-hooo!
Kathryn...God Gave us Heaven book
Sarita...God Gave us Christmas book

And, if you didn't win...do not despair. I have a plethora of goodies to give away beginning Monday, as we kick off  SGM Christmas Extravaganza 2010. (You know how I love a good name.) So stay tuned.

We pray a blessed Thanksgiving for all of you. Snuggle in with your people and know that you are dearly loved by an amazing God.

CSN Stores Giveaway!!!!

Comments closed and a winner was chosen.

Happy Saturday! (Have I mentioned my love for a good Saturday morning?) Anyhoo, although Thanksgiving is upon us, I must admit I have Christmas on my mind this morning. If you are anything like me, the budget is getting tighter and the list of gifts to buy is still waiting in the wings. So, when CSN Stores offered me the opportunity to do a giveaway for a $65 online gift certificate on my blog, I thought it may be a nice way to help out with your Christmas shopping needs this year. Or, you could treat yourself to something nice. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from stylish furniture, a leather briefcase, or great cookware! (Is it wrong that I'm wishing I could enter my own giveaway?)

CSN has a huge variety of large and small items to fit any budget. Anything from furniture, to shoes, to home decor, to school and office supplies, to toys and games for the kids! (I was personally drawn to the toys and games part of the site...you know visions of sugar plums dancing in my head and all!)

So....are you wondering what you have to do to win a $65 gift certificate to CSN Stores toward the purchase of any item????


O.K....it's very easy. There are a few ways you can win.

1. Leave a comment on this post telling what you would like to purchase from CSN...or share something on your Christmas wish list or share something you're thankful for....or just say any old thing you wish, as long as it's in good taste, of course! I'm not really picky! We just want to bless someone with this gift. Actually, just for fun...you can leave as many comments as you want. Each one will count for one entry.

2. Facebook or tweet about this contest linking back to this post. (Make sure you come back and leave me another comment here if you do.)

3. Write a blog post sharing about this contest and link back to this post...again, please leave a comment here if you do.

Happy Shopping!

Snow Days - Yay for a Lazy Wednesdays Walk

 
I'm a day late and a dollar short...but I thought I'd join in with Jennilee's Lazy Wednesdays Walk. It's easy...just pick an old post to share and link up. And, mama likes easy.

Originally posted on December 2, 2008...  (pictures newly added for this post.)


Today was a blessed event at our house. You may have heard the whoops and hollers of glee as we jumped on our beds this morning. It was a Snow Day! One of life's most glorious gifts. Time to sleep in. Time to snuggle in. Time to make snow angels in the snow...(even if there's barely two inches on the ground and the grass is peeking out). Time to sled down the reservoir hills (I still scream and laugh all the way down!) Time for snow ice cream. And time for hot chocolate with marshmallows on top and the special mugs with the snowman lids reserved for just such an occasion. Time to do whatever we want.


Time...

So often, I'm rushing around saying..."We don't have time" for this or that. We have... Rushed time. Scheduled time. Church time. Ministry time. Practice time. Work time. School time. Homework time. Tee time. Chores time. Story/Devotional time. Prayer time. And Bedtime. Sometimes it feels like... No time!

But a snow day stops the world at our house. A snow day means...Free time, Family time, Fun time. Time to stop and watch the snowflakes, and maybe catch a few on our tongues as we marvel at the creativity of our Creator. Time to allow the sound of our children's laughter to soak into our soul, cherishing the moment and thanking God for the gift of their lives. Time to referee their arguments and realize that the time will come when I will have a quiet house and will miss even the chaos that I too quickly wish away and grow irritated with. Time for teachable moments. Time for rest. Time to care for our home and keep some semblance of order. Time to think, to dream, to reflect, to remember. Time to pray and worship with a grateful heart. Ahh...time.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of Snow Days...thank you Lord, for today.
 
Originally posted on December 2, 2008...

Children's Book Reviews...A Giveaway...and Supporting Sufficient Grace This Christmas

Recently, Anthony DeStefano asked me to review his latest children's book, Little Star. The story is about a Little Star that is ignored and feels useless, until God uses him in a very special way. I was going to tell you my take on it. However, since my son enjoyed the book, I thought you might prefer hearing what he had to say. I will say that I really liked the illustrations.

A book review by James, age 9:

Little Star was lonely at the beginning. Nobody wanted to play with him. The other stars started talking about a king that was going to be born. Little Star shined as brightly as he could to keep the baby king warm. He wanted to shine for Jesus. I liked this book because it seemed like in the beginning he wasn't important. But, in the end, he made a big difference.

Thank you for your help, James....very nice book report...ahem....review. ;)

We still love children's books here, even though my littles are getting rather big. Well, at least James and I still love them! Some of our favorites are the God Gave Us... books. God Gave Us You, God Gave us Christmas, God Gave us Heaven...etc.

I think these books help relate spiritual truths to young children at a level they can relate to, and they always seem to speak to my heart as well. (Yes, I'm a huge sap...and still cry when I read most of them.) The illustrations are lovely, and the stories make for very special moments snuggled up to share a bedtime story. They often lead to great discussions, as well.

Sooooo....

I ordered a couple of my favorites to give away here. I will be giving God Gave Us Heaven and God Gave Us Christmas to two commenters on this post. We have several other Christmas favorites, here too...including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I'd love to hear some of your favorite children's books...so feel free to share!

 (Pics from http://www.christianbook.com/ , one of my favorite places to order Christian books and other stuff!)

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In other news...

I just wanted to share that there are a few things you can do to help support Sufficient Grace Ministries this holiday season, and beyond.

One easy and painless way you can help is by using Goodsearch any time you search the internet, or to make holiday and other online purchases using Goodshop and listing Sufficient Grace Ministries for Women as your charity of choice.

You can go to the http://www.goodsearch.com/ website and search there if you don't want to add the toolbar...or, you can use the Goodsearch button on our right sidebar.

If you wish to add the toolbar:
Add the Sufficient Grace Ministries for Women toolbar to IE or Firefox. Once you add the Sufficient Grace Ministries for Women toolbar for IE or Firefox, each time you shop at one of the more than 1,300 participating stores, a percentage of what you spend will be donated to us at no extra cost to you! (you could even save money as the toolbar provides coupons and deals). The toolbar also has a search box and each time you search the Internet, about a penny is donated to us. No registration is required! http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/sufficient-grace-ministries-for-women

Another way to help, is to prayerfully consider making an end-of-the-year donation to Sufficient Grace. We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. All donations made to SGM are tax deductible, and are used to help us continue to provide products and services to grieving families free of charge, as well as to cover the administrative costs of running this nationwide (and beyond) ministry. Donations can be made safely by clicking on the donation icon on the right sidebar. You can also learn more about sponsoring a family and/or hospital by visiting the Dreams of You Shop page and making a donation there.

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Our band, One Way, has been invited to do some praise and worship and Christmas music at the Holgate United Methodist Church on the last Sunday of November during their morning service. If you are in the area, we'd love to see you there!

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One more request, please keep all of the grieving families in your prayers. All holidays and, especially the Christmas season can be extra difficult for those missing a loved one. That's one of the reasons that we like to give away some extra things to bring some joy to a difficult time...and to acknowledge those who are missing someone they love. I have placed an order for several such items this week and will be doing some giveaways here on the blog.

So, stay tuned.

And...for those of you slugging it out in the thick of grief right now...keep on keepin' on and keep holding on to the One who is able to carry you with His strength, comfort, love, and grace.

Let's Hear it for the Boys

On this Veteran's Day, we are thankful to all the men and women who have served, are currently serving, and will someday serve this country...and to their families. Thank you for the sacrifices you make every day to protect our freedom and our beloved country. You have our prayers and our gratitude.

That being said, I would like to dedicate the rest of this post to boys and men and all the things that make them who they are.

I've been reflecting on the gift of the plethora of boys in my life, and the reasons God put them there. Why would he surround me with three brothers, three step brothers, a manly-man husband, and three sons (one in heaven)? You can imagine my initiation into wife/motherhood. I had been in a home where the woman was in charge, where tea sets and flowers had the free reign of the house. And, I married this man who hunted with guns and went to the woods willingly, and rode big horses that made me sneeze, and slurped his milk when he ate his cereal, and came home dirty and smelly after a hard day's work, and wrestled with our son to bond with him, and thought he should be in charge.

What was this foreign land...and how did I get here?

My posse of church ladies stepped in and taught me the importance of loving, honoring, and respecting my husband. I soon learned to look at having the husband as the head of the family as a gift. They also taught me the importance of shaping my son into a young man with all the characteristics he would need to lead his family one day. Courage, integrity, strength, a protector, a provider...perseverance, commitment, a standard of excellence, the heart of a warrior, a willingness to fight the good fight... to stand for truth...to place his trust in the God who created him.

I have been reflecting on the making of a warrior's heart. A boy just doesn't become a man over night. Seeds have to be planted in his heart along the way. He needs challenges to overcome, adventures to embark on, obstacles to conquer. He needs those things to become the strong man he was created to be. That involves the kind of love that doesn't hold on too tightly...the kind of mother who knows when she needs to let go and get out of the way. And, the kind of father who leads by example. That didn't always come easy for me, a woman who loves to be in control. And a woman who spent many years clinging tightly to the child that wasn't taken home to heaven too soon, while watching the others slip from my grasp. But, I learned...sometimes with the gentle leading of my quiet, but extremely wise husband...that sometimes, I need to step back and get out of the way. Children can't spread their wings and soar when we are holding on too tightly...and they can't learn how to make the right choices if they never have the opportunities to make any choices of their own.

Certainly the God who made the sun stand still and parted the Red Sea is capable of keeping my children in His care, guiding them on the right path, and growing them into the young men He has created them to be...right?

For a girlie girl, I find it interesting that God has, in His infinite wisdom, chosen to surround me with boys my entire life. Perhaps He desires that I learn how to love and honor men and the gift they are to us. Perhaps He meant for me to develop the abiding appreciation that has captured my heart for all things little boy...and big alike. For, I do so adore boy-world (well, most of it!) and all of it's rumbly, tumbly, noisy, burping, giggling, one-liner zinging, golf-swinging, dog rolling, tackling, pizza-eating, muddy, wrestling goodness.

And, it's a good thing. Because, these days my tiny house is full of boys! After school there are James' friends, the neighbor boy, Timothy, and sometimes several of his friends (which are all now man-sized). James played wiffle ball for hours after school yesterday with a few boys while Timothy squeezed a golf game out of one of the fleeting last days of this year's Indian summer with a car full of boys. After bible study, we turned the corner to find several boys playing football on our cul-de-sac in the street.

I said, "What on earth?"

And, then..."Wait a minute...I think these boys belong to me! Or at least one of them!"

Sure enough...it was Timothy and a group of guys playing some "street" ball. James joined in. And, I smiled...shaking my head as I went into the house. They came in all sweaty, red faced and out of breath a few minutes later and launched into a video game, with their raucous trash talking....all crammed into my tiny living room.

My cup runneth over...

WWY....Last Blog Feature Post...and What Gifts are you Thankful for, Even in Grief?

We are going to post the last few links to featured blogs. It seems that this segment of WWY has run it's course, as few people are visiting the featured blogs. I hope you will take a few minutes to visit these families this week.

Also, I would like to know what is on your heart for the next WWY? What do you think would be helpful? 

And...if you have a minute...I'd also love your opinion on a question posted in the SGM Blog Frog Community regarding a book I've been working on for awhile. Thanks so much!
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Some mamas who could use your love and support:

We lost our precious daughter, Kara, on December 26, 2009. She was 2 1/2 yrs old, and her death was ruled SUDC, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood. Kara would have celebrated her 3rd birthday next Tuesday, on July 13th. We blogged about Kara's life with our family at http://karaannelang.blogspot.com/.

Thank you for doing what you are doing for others.
With hope,
Kathy Lang


My name is Angie
Our baby daughters name is Addison Kathelene...9/12/2010
Our family blog is OUR HEAPPY MEDIUM


My name is Tina
My babies names are Isaac & Hannah Joy
My blog is Fly Away Home To Heaven
http://flyawayhome08.blogspot.com/

This next link is their story
http://flyawayhome08.blogspot.com/2009/06/story-of-isaac-hannah-joy.html

Please stop by and show them some love this week!

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And, now...I'd like to share a repost from last year about gratefulness...and I ask you to share yourselves. What are you thankful for, even in your grief?

Reflecting on gratefulness is very valuable...especially in the throes of grief. Grief is big and consuming. The simplicity of counting our blessings refocuses a grieving heart from the giants of pain, sorrow, and hopelessness to the hope, comfort, peace, and eventually joy that waits for us on the other side of the valley. The comfort that waits for us in the arms of our Savior.


For the Lord will comfort Zion,
He will comfort all her waste places;
He will make her wilderness like Eden,
And her desert like the garden of the Lord;
Joy and gladness will be found in it,
Thanksgiving and the voice of melody.
~Isaiah 51:3

I am thankful...that I have been comforted by the Lord.


I am thankful...that His grace is sufficient.

I am thankful...that my wilderness has become like Eden, my desert like the garden of the Lord.


I am thankful...that joy has been restored, that morning has come.


I am thankful...for every moment I watched Faith and Grace and Thomas on the ultrasound screen.

I am thankful...for every hiccup, every movement, every kick, every stretching pain, (not-so-much the nausea and vomiting:).

I am thankful...for every dream that we shared together for your lives.


I am thankful...for every conversation that held your names...and for all the times your names have yet to be spoken or written.

I am thankful...that I was chosen to be your mother...for the blessing and privilege of that amazing gift.


I am thankful...that all of my children, in heaven and earth, have their daddy's dark eyes and cute nose.

I am thankful...for prayers prayed over you, songs sung to you, tears wept for you, and the love that spills from the hearts that loved you...and continue to love you.


I am thankful...that Thomas opened his eyes to look up at me and a picture captured that moment of bliss.
I am thankful...that my babies lived on Earth...and that they live in heaven.


I am thankful...Faith, Grace, and Thomas...that I carried you in my womb, held you in my arms, and forever hold you in my heart.

I am thankful...for the promise that I will hold my sweet babies once more in heaven's glory and we will never say good-bye again.

I am thankful...that because our babies lived, many families are comforted in the midst of their sorrow.


I am thankful...that our mourning has been turned into dancing...that our love has sustained the storms of grief...that our God is able to carry us through this life and keep us together as we walk with Him.

I am thankful...that God has blessed me with the boys who remain here with us, filling our house with boisterous noise and the husband who continues to make me laugh, and fills my heart with songs of joy.

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
~Psalm 30:11-12

Real Life is Messy and Imperfect....And Other Stuff I'd Like to Share

Real life is messy and imperfect.

And, so am I.

And that's O.K.

God has been working in my heart, teaching me a new song. And, I think I'm really starting to embrace what He is doing in my life. It is all about sweet freedom from the expectations we sometimes put on ourselves and others...even the expectations we have about this life.

I weigh more than I want to...because I love food.

A lot.

I'm working on that...sometimes. I should say, I'm working on getting out of the way and letting God work in my life to free me of my unhealthy attitudes about food. Sometimes. And other times, I'm drinking Pepsi and eating a handful of Doritos.

My emotions are messy and out of whack. I'm learning to go with it, and pray through it. Embracing the crazy when necessary, and leaning on the strong shoulders of my husband when necessary...pulling myself up by my bootstraps and doing the next thing, when I must.

And that's o.k., too. I don't have to have it all together. God takes me just as I am, and He is able to shape and mold me...to carry me and all my broken pieces...to make something beautiful out of all my ugly.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if we could just be.....just be whatever we are meant to be, think, feel....for that moment, and allow God's grace to pour over us where we fall short? Just embrace whatever God is bringing or allowing into our lives for today. Maybe you already have learned to embrace that freedom, to lay it all down at His feet...the good, the bad, and the ugly. I have not...but I'm working on it.

Less guilt and more embracing. Less regret over what isn't and more gratefulness over what is.

Yesterday was the fourteenth (heavenly) birthday of our baby girls, Faith and Grace. I wanted to buy pink balloons and do a release like we had done for Thomas' birthday. Since, you know, it has taken me fourteen years to think of such a thing. I even thought about making pink cupcakes to feed to the boys in this house. And myself, of course. (Have I mentioned I never met a cupcake I didn't like?)

We've had a few days of the flu here, which has put a damper on life in general and most of my plans and expectations....like getting SGM shipments to grieving families, balancing the checkbook, paying bills, cleaning the house, etc. I returned to work yesterday, after a day of wallowing in bed to recover. And, the balloons were never ordered. The cupcakes were never baked. I came home from work grumpy and growly over who-knows-what. I grumped and growled at Timothy and scowled at the world for a few minutes before the boys both decided to launch into an all out tease-fest until I relented and laughed, despite myself.

Even when I released the grumpy attitude, I decided I really didn't feel like doing a balloon release. I just wanted to lay on my bed and talk to Tim about life, dream some dreams with him, remember a little, talk to the kids about what life would be like if Faith and Grace and Thomas were here. Yikes, five children living in this tiny house! Laugh some more at their ideas. I just wanted to be. For some reason, imperfect seemed more fitting for yesterday than a pretty balloon release and pink cupcakes. And, that's o.k. Why not? That's who were are, at least for today...and that's what seemed best for the moment. Some random day, I may just do a balloon release...or maybe on another birthday...or maybe not. In heaven, I'm sure that their celebration was perfect. But, here on earth...nothing is.

Thanks to Crystal and Calvin, though, my girls still had cupcakes. Love you, girl!
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In other news...

I found out the reason that I am literally allergic to exercise and break out in excruciating hives and horrible itching whenever I try to run....or....um....walk briskly. It turns out I may have a soul mate in Kristen, even though she doesn't know me at all, and may be a little freaked out by the proclamation that she is my soul mate. Apparently, I am unfit. (In regards to exercise, at least.) I can see that.

During our flu episode, and some random cartoon watching, James and I discovered this strange show where a boy named Jimmy has a neighbor named......Mrs. Gerken! (O.k....you don't hear Gerken on TV shows very often...so this was quite exciting for me!! Plus, I work with children, and hear them calling me Mrs. Gerken all day, so I was thinking they would really get a kick out of the fact that I was now a famous cartoon character...sort of.) Jimmy is scared to go to her house and thinks it's creepy. When she opens the door, we see Mrs. Gerken. And, guess what?

She is a creepy old-lady version of a pickle. More likely spelled Gherkin. Not quite what I expected.
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Our band, One Way, has been working on some Christmas music (with a contemporary flair) in anticipation of the upcoming Christmas Praise Night at church, in addition to the praise and worship songs already on our set list. We have been praying for more opportunities to minister through music, and would love to play at other churches, events, venues. If you are within a couple hours of Northwest Ohio, we would be willing to come your way. All proceeds from our performances support Sufficient Grace Ministries.

I am finishing the last segment of the featured mamas on Walking With You, and currently I'm praying for what to do next on our bereavement site. I'm open to suggestions.

Speaking of suggestions, I'm getting ready to work on my on-going book project a little more. Yes, I'm a spurter. I work in spurts. I've posted a request for your opinions in the Blog Frog Community on the right sidebar. Your input would be greatly appreciated. And your prayers....

Also, I just realized that I said I would pick two winners of a My Forever Child pin on this post from the giveaway extravaganza and only chose one.
So...we will be sending a My Forever Child pin to my bloggy friend, Caroline. 
Hoping to finally get all the shipments out by this weekend. So sorry for the wait!

Well, it turns out this post was kind of messy and all over the place. But, I suppose it fits the theme. Life is messy. Just embrace it, along with the portion of sufficient grace set aside for us each day from our loving Father.

Fourteen...My Sweet Girls...

It has been fourteen years since I held you both...one in each arm...with your daddy on one side of me, and your Grandma Kathy nearby. Fourteen years since I sang Amazing Grace while gazing through tears at your sweet little faces, a silent snow falling outside the window.

Dark eyes like your daddy and brothers...

God honored my request that all of my babies would have their daddy's beautiful brown eyes...

Tiny little noses, just like daddy and brothers...

A little hint of mommy around your tiny mouths...

There would have been two of everything...

Sweet Faith, you may have added piano music to our melody with your long, slender fingers.

And dear Grace, I imagine you would have belted out words of praise beside your mama. For some reason, in my mind, I picture that your feisty spirit would ensure that your voice would always be heard.

But, those are my dreams.

Who knows if that's the way it would be at all. If there is one thing I've learned about being a mother for the past sixteen years, it's that children are their own people, not put on this earth to fulfill our dreams. They each have their own purpose, their own free will, their own heart's desires, their own dreams to fulfill. I always worried if I would know how to parent a daughter...much less two little girls. For some reason, the Lord has seen fit to surround me with boy world. I love boy world, and appreciate all the gifts that go with it...well most of them. But, I long for my little girls, who wouldn't be so little anymore.

Maybe you would have pink golf clubs right along side mine. Maybe you would take the stage and play the part. Maybe you would sing a song of worship, or write heart-stopping prose. I wonder how you would have changed the world if you were here. Then I remember, how much you already have done to make a difference in this world. Two tiny girls, who never took a breath on this earth. I wonder...do you know how many people know your names? Do you know how many grieving hearts have found comfort because you lived?

Most likely we would argue over time limits in the one bathroom in our tiny house, the length of your skirts, the angst over all things teenage-girl. I can only dream of what a mother's heart still longs for...but I know in reality, life would be imperfect.

Still,  I long for you both. I long for my mama-heart dreams...and for the reality of imperfection. I long to hold you. Although if you are like your older brother, you'd have none of that by this time.

Happy Fourteenth Birthday, my beautiful girls. We love you. We miss you. We are grateful for every gift your lives have given to us...and for every dream that still fills our hearts for you. Hug your Grandma and Thomas and tell them we love them.

Keep dancing your beautiful dance. I'll keep trying to stumble through mine. One day, I'll be dancing with you.


For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God...
Ephesians 2:8