Blessings, Miracles, and Birthdays

Saturday - December 13, 2008

Happy Birthday Darcie!

I'm starting backwards from my title. Those who know me would probably say I do a lot of things backwards! That's okay because I get finished with what I need to do - sooner or later!

Birthday wishes go out to my niece Darcie. She is the wife of my nephew JD; the mother of the beautiful Courtney (who happens to look like her mother); the mother of those adorable twin boys - Aaron and Caleb; and was my brother John's cohort in crime when making "new" dishes in the kitchen. He always called and talked about what he and Darcie would be working on for a special supper, party, or family gathering. They would catch Laurie and JD at work and to the kitchen they would go. Knowing John, I'm sure he gave Darcie a lot to laugh about and to remember!

Darcie and JD attending Lindsay and Nate's wedding! Great looking couple if you ask me - but then I may be a tad prejudice! :)

The Miracle that took place Thursday:

Since I'm going backwards, I'm going to tell you about a miracle. Some of you already know what happened to Jeni on her way home from work Thursday - she was involved in an accident. As David said, it appeared there were no visible injuries, but precaution had to be taken to make sure there were no internal injuries to her and the baby. She spent an uncomfortable night in the hospital - those beds are not made for sleeping! We consider it a miracle that she was not critically injured and that the baby was fine. With so many wrecks on our highways , anything could have happened. Apparently, there was a total of four cars involved and Jeni's car was totaled. We are so thankful that Jeni and the baby are fine. The baby's heart beat was strong, and I'm sure she was doing a little bit of kicking!! It was the safest thing to do when the decision was made to keep Jeni in for observation to assure that she and the baby would be okay. They were released Friday morning to go home! We love her and are so thankful she came away with only a few bruises - probably from the seat belt - and that she is going to be okay! Thanks you sweet Jesus for miracles such as this.

Here is our precious Jeni showing off her "new" profile - second pregnancy picture where she really looks pregnant! :)A couple of pictures of Jeni and David taken during the last month:

Counting my Blessings everyday!

I start with thanking God that I had two great and loving parents - pictured below. Dad is no longer with us, but Mom is as spry as she can be. At 88 years of age, she gets along pretty well. Her eyesight is dwindling fast, or so it seems at time, and she has recovered from a heart attack/stroke she had almost two years ago. She gave us all a scare! These two people have been an inspiration to my brothers and myself as well as the rest of the family for a very long time. They have touched the hearts of so many in the family as well as those they have had contact with over the years. Thank you Mom and Dad, you have been and will always continue to be a blessing to all who know you and love you!

Food for thought!

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball, and we don't seem to get out of its way fast enough. When you lose someone so unexpectedly, it is hard to come back and be part of the game. But God does not want us to quit; he wants us to get back into life and give it all we have. Death tends to take the life out of those left here on earth, but we need to remember that we will all be together again.

Find rest my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He
alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken

Psalm 62:5-6

Sometimes we feel like we are floundering and don't know where our feet will land. We feel as if our life is being swamped with so many decisions; we have no idea which way we need to turn. That's easy - turn to God. He will guide you through all the trials and tribulations you may be going through at this time. I have many loved ones and dear friends whose lives seem to be spiraling out of control. But they feel blessed because they know the Lord is with them as well as the prayers and support of family and friends. We take one day at a time and trust in the Lord.

Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust
also in me . . . I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me."

John 14: 1, 6

As we go through this Christmas season, remember whose birthday is approaching; think about the miracles he is responsible for in your life; and continue counting your blessing regardless of how hopeless things may seem to you at any given moment. I try to do that, but I still miss Dad and John; I still cry when I think I can't pick up the phone and call them; but I also know that someday we will have a happy family reunion with all the loved ones who have gone home! Miracles happen everyday, some I know about and others I don't. I am thankful and feel blessed to have family and friends who support one another during our "down" moments. We know there is no quick answer to some of our problems, but we do know that we are not alone! It is easy to be pessimistic when some around you are that way - stay around the as many positive people you can. Stay with the people who will help you stay uplifted and trust God - He will show you the way!

We are putting together a "Hardin Herald" which has turned out to be something some of our family and friends like to read and see what we have been up to the past year! If I can figure it out - we may post it here on our blog, or send via e-mail (both of which are cheaper)! :) In any case, some of your will receive it the old fashion way - no not horse and buggy - but through the US Postal Service! Some even may receive them from our hands to yours!

May God bless and keep all of you safe this Christmas season!