Today

Do you ever think about the fact that each day is a precious gift? It has been brought to the forefront of my mind recently due to some tragic things that have happened. A friend of a friend put her 1 year old down to nap. She did not wake up. Apparently this sweet baby died in her sleep. My brother's friend had a heart attack while driving and died. In an instant, life is forever changed.

I'm really not attempting to be morbid or gloomy. I just want us to truly cherish each moment. Enjoy each smile, each hug, each kind word spoken.

We as Christians live with hope.

I love the lyrics to the following song.

With Hope
(1 Thess. 4:13-14, Heb. 6:9, 10:23)Steven Curtis Chapman

This is not at all howWe thought it was supposed to be

We had so many plans for you

We had so many dreams

And now you've gone away

And left us with the memories of your smile

And nothing we can say And nothing we can do Can take away the pain

The pain of losing you, but ...

We can cry with hope

We can say goodbye with hope

'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no

And we can grieve with hope 'Cause we believe with hope (There's a place by God's grace)

There's a place where we'll see your face again

We'll see your face again

And never have I known

Anything so hard to understand

And never have I questioned more

The wisdom of God's plan

But through the cloud of tears

I see the Father's smile and say well done

And I imagine you Where you wanted most to be

Seeing all your dreams come true

'Cause now you're home

And now you're free, and ...
We have this hope as an anchor

'Cause we believe that everything God promised us is true, so ...
We wait with hope

And we ache with hope

We hold on with hope

We let go with hope

Live each day as if it's your last!!

C. S. Lewis

"Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.”
C.S. Lewis quote



C. S. Lewis is an author whose work is phenomenal!! If you have not read any of his books, I suggest you give them a try. The message in his books is profound to say the least. Knowing that God will always be there no matter what we may be going through, offers peace that transcends our understanding.

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. [Mere Christianity] - C. S. Lewis

This is what happens...

while you're in the bathroom!!!

New Every Morning

As I awoke this morning to the sun streaming in my bedroom window and the sound of chirping birds I thought of...

Lamentations 3:22-23 (Amplified Bible)
22 It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.

There is a sense of newness in the morning. The troubles of yesterday, while still linger, seem not so daunting. He never fails. We may, but what comfort we have in knowing He is our keeper!!

Have a joyfilled weekend. Toby and I are off to a marriage retreat in the mountains of North Carolina!! Pray for Nana and Papa to survive the aftermath of Chloe, Sawyer and Sophia!!

Announcing...

the arrival of Madelyn Elyse Fusco born to my brother Danny and his wife Wendy on March 4. She is the second addition to our family in 3 weeks. Robert Ethan Spitler was born to my sister Margie and her hubby on February 13. I accidentally deleted pictures of Baby Ethan. Sorry buddy, I am proud of you too. I will post pictures of him as soon as I receive them. Our family is thrilled to welcome these precious, healthy babies into the world.

Searching

Ephesians 5:10 (The Message)
8-10You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You're out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.

This is the passage I studied last night and I was struck by verse 10. It instructs us to find out what pleases the Lord. I have always skimmed right over this verse. For some reason (Yeah, right, we know who was speaking) I read that verse several times and I was also reminded that..."the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." WOW! Don't you just get chills when His word speaks to you that powerfully?

I kept thinking "Am I really seeking the things that please Him? As I thought about it more, I came to the conclusion that in my life at that very moment, I had been seeking to please ME rather than Christ. This revelation if you will, pricked my heart. I'm thankful God is a God of forgiveness! Let us truly desire God more than the blessings he so richly gives!!


Psalm 119:37 (New International Version)
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word

Power

I'm so thankful to be back!!! We were without power for 2 days due to a late winter snow storm. We finally got to do the power dance about 2:30 today when the power was restored!! We awoke Monday morning to a beautiful display of God's handiwork.

Before the big storm, Chloe invited her friend Kathryn to come over for a sleepover Friday night. These are some of the hightlights.

Card making and playing in the sink. Who knew such simple things could bring such joy!

Also on Friday night, we were invited to game night at our good friends Joe and Julie's house. There was fun had by all.

Our friends Susan, Tamara, Steven & Julie.

My sister Margie is now home from the hospital and is very slowly recovering. Please continue to pray for her and her family. Thanks to all who prayed!