What are you doing to prepare your heart for Christmas? Besides hanging to stockings, putting up the tree, and finding the best deals on gifts for those you love… I’m talking about preparing your heart – focusing on the real meaning of the season and ending this year off right.

If you’re like me… in the business of the season you let your personal time with God slip away. And if I’m being 100% honest I haven’t have a regular daily devotion since my dad passed. It’s hard to pick up the bible and read. Not only with the move and never being alone or having much space from my littles.. But even in the few moments of calm it’s hard to want to pick it up and devote the time.

Last year, I was introduced to the Love God Greatly bible studies series. They’re made for women, by women and they are offered for free! I’ve done several of their studies and have enjoyed them all. I decided to go ahead and order their book on amazon to support the ministry and to keep all my notes together. But that isn’t necessary.

Over the next four weeks the hundreds of women across the US will be picking up their books, reading the word of God and inviting the Holy Spirit to teach them more about himself. Each week will focus on one the many names of God.

Week 1: Bright and Morning Star 

Week 2: Alpha and Omega 

Week 3: Good Shepherd 

Week 4: Prince of Peace 

Each week I plan to recap what the Lord is teaching me about himself. I hope something will encourage you. If you have been looking for a easy devotional I’d encourage you to check out their site! They also blog through the devotional and I have appreciated their insight.

https://lovegodgreatly.com/introduction-for-his-name-is/

 

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, a day of feasting, family, and football. What could be better? Over the years it hasn’t been hard to feel thankful as the day approaches. This year has been different, this year has broken me. I don’t feel thankful. I don’t even want to try.

I was sitting in church when the pastor started his message on thanksgiving, he said thanksgiving is just that. It’s about stopping and GIVING thanks. It’s not thanks”feeling.” I felt convicted and rightfully so.. The Lord has been allowing difficultly to come, things to be taken away. We’ve had to wait longer for things than we thought, cancel trips, deal with sickness. And worst of all, I no longer have my dad.. my friend.. my rock and the one when trials came I could lean on his biblical grounding and encouragement.

But we are not called to give thanks just when life is all together – when we feel like it… we are called to give thanks to our Father in all things. Tonight my family and I visited a church where an African Children’s Choir performed. These kids come from the most broken parts of Africa, orphaned, abandoned and yet they’re up there praising God. My troubles and grief seemed to pale in comparison and these sweet kids taught me what I need to do. Lift my hands, and praise through the pain. Dance when my heart is breaking.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I don’t have many words of encouragement, or a profound message to share. I just want you to know if you’re hurting like I am. Stay pro-active, keep dancing, keeping praising. Even if it’s the last thing you want to do. This is a song that is ministering to me tonight.

 

 

The words came out of her mouth, words I never thought I’d hear from my little sister on a Sunday afternoon… “Dad’s not going to make it.” I fell to my knees but it soon turned into being sprawled out on the grass in my back yard. I was too week to kneel. Too overwhelmed to keep my head up. I needed to lie down.

It was the first time in my life I was that overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with grief, pain, shock, and my head was spinning so fast I almost blacked out. It would not be the first time.. over the last few times there have been several moments where I would need to lie down so I wouldn’t black out. But in every circumstance someone was with me. When I saw my dad is the hospital after the accident. My friend Ramon had been in my dad’s room all night. Keeping guard. Waiting for the rest of the family to come. I was the last one to get there. He escorted me to my dad’s room. Then walked out to give me space. If he didn’t walk me through those doors, I might have passed out. Thank you Ramon.

Once my dad was transferred to hospice, we were waiting outside the room to get to see him. The feeling came again and I had to lie down in the hallway. My sweet husband caught on and sat down so I could put my head in his lap until we were allowed to go into his room.

There have been several other times since the summer that has happened. It wasn’t something I’d ever thought would happen during the grieving process. But it made a common Psalm come to life in a whole new way. Psalm 23:1-2

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. When I’ve heard that psalm before I always envisioned a picnic… Just a lovely day in the park. But today as I read it, I see the Lord letting us lie down and rest. Life it just too much, sometimes we can’t push through. Sometimes we need to stop and lie down in the hallway or on the grass. We need to just be. The Psalm continues in verse 4.

           Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,^[c]
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

He was specifically talking about Death. Life is no picnic. But do you know happens when we lie down… Let’s look at verse 3.

   He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness^[b]
    for his name’s sake.

I don’t know about you, but I need some soul restoration right now. I feel worn and weak. I’m thankful for this promise from God. He is our good shepherd. He know what we need. Friends, it’s okay to lie down. But in the midst of that exhaustion, lie down your needs, wants, and pain unto the father. He’s the one who can do the restoration work.

Today I visited my dad’s “resting place.” Such a strange phrase since I know he probably hasn’t stopped partying since he was taken home. I wasn’t planning on going today, I’ve been avoiding it. But wanting to go at the same time. We got caught in traffic downtown and decided to go home another way… right by memorial park. Justin asked if I wanted to stop. I wanted to say NO, I really don’t! But I did. And he knew I needed to. As soon as we drove through the gate I felt that weight, and grief come over like a flood. I just barely made it to the spot and collapse and laid there for a few minutes. I was able to pray and as I did the clouds opened and sunshine burst through. It was warm. Like a hug from our heavenly father. I miss my dad. I always will. But I know if I let myself lie down. Restoration will come.

Justin took this picture. I almost deleted it… But it’s where I’m at. Miss you dad.

³¹ But the men who had gone with him said, “We can’t attack those people! They’re too strong for us!” ³² So they began to spread lies among the Israelites about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored is one that devours those who live there. All the people we saw there are very tall. ³³ We saw Nephilim there. (The descendants of Anak are Nephilim.) We felt as small as grasshoppers, and that’s how we must have looked to them.” Numbers 13:31-33

Yesterday was a rough day, we are still very new to everything down here. I was called out of service because my usually very happy baby decided to start screaming and not stop… My second youngest loves to bolt and not come back and then when you proceed to talk to her she says “no! mommy!” With a very cheesy grin. I’m tired. Not sleeping and battling stress. God has led us to Florida and we obeyed but it’s not easy. We need to adjust to a new church, new routine, new friends and trust our house will eventually sell and Justin will find work after school. I’m feeling as small as a grasshopper. My sister asked if I was okay yesterday and I wasn’t. “I feel like I’m in a spiritual desert!”

The story of the twelve spies of Israel came to mind. They were lead very miraculously out of the hands of pharaoh and slavery. Moses told the leader of each tribe to scout of the land the Lord promised to them. They did for 40 days. And you know what they found?

^“23 When they came to the Eshcol Valley, they cut off a branch with only one bunch of grapes on it. They carried it on a pole between two of them. They also brought some pomegranates and figs. ²⁴ So they called that valley Eshcol [Bunch of Grapes] because of the bunch of grapes the Israelites cut off there.”

Grapes! So large they put them on a pole. How amazing is that? It was a place of great wealth. Now what’s the hold up on setting up camp? Oh right… those giants that made them feel as small as grasshoppers. Well, spoiler alert! They WERE comparable to grasshoppers. Who could blame them for being timid and saying no way, this is too much. Too big.

Do you remember what happens next? They were exiled to the desert where the whole generation died off and never got to experience the abundance of fruit that comes from faith. There were only two in the group who were spared. Caleb and Joshua. What did Caleb say that spared him?

^“30 Caleb told the people to be quiet and listen to Moses. Caleb said, “Let’s go now and take possession of the land. We should be more than able to conquer it.” 

Not only did he say they could conquer it, but they should be “more than able.” Why? Why did he believe that? He had FAITH. But more than that he wasn’t backing down to a challenge. He knew the Lord, he saw the miracle of the Red Sea and he didn’t let his fears and reality of their size fog the realty that God is able, He is greater, and he follows through with his promises.

I’ve been very focused on the Giants. As a result, I’ve been believing lies. He is able, this wasn’t right. I’m too tired to press on. I’ll just stay here. etc.

I need to look back and see the miraculous ways God has already moved, then be willing to fight with faith the giants that are here and are to come. I have a daily choice. Keep walking. Keep fighting. Pitch my tent. What other option do I have? The desert? No thanks. It’s time to sharpen the blades. Get on my knees. And recommit to His best for my life.

I don’t know what you’re facing. Maybe it’s great loss? A lot of change? Or just the weariness of life. Don’t be afraid to trust the one who is greater than all just because a task might be towering over you. Just because it is promised, doesn’t mean it won’t take work.

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Romans 8:31-39

After an intense few weeks of packing, minimizing, and two full days of driving. We arrived safely in Fort Lauderdale. We are relieved to have made it and are ready to settle into a new routine. Justin starts his dispatch training October 9th. Thank you for your prayers. We are tired but thankful we get to fill mom’s house with some crazy grandkids.

I have so much I would like to share, stories of His grace and goodness. They will come… another day. For the moment, I’d like to share a Psalm that has helped me muster the strength to continue on through sleepless nights and waves of grief. As well as, SO much change. God is Good… Even when situations are bad.

Psalm 145

Great Is the Lord

A Song of Praise. Of David.

 

Thank you Father for your provision, your goodness, your grace. You’re good when things are bad. We don’t have to understand, we just have to trust. Help me praise when I’m weak and trust when I want to doubt.

Goodnight friends.

 

 

I was standing in my garage, helping my husband move boxes down from the attic. I found a shoe box full of some of my random stuff from before we were married. Mostly pictures. I quickly flipped through them holding my breath and then accidently said out loud.. “phew, thank goodness.” After realizing I said it out loud I looked up and saw Justin watching me and he said “none of your dad?”

You see we’ve made it through the week of him on life support. We spent his last days singing to him, holding him, praying over him. We honored all his wishes for burial. We planned the memorial, and did our best to honor him and God at the service. But now what?

What can I do when everything that has to get done has been done and I’m still left without a father? This week I’ve been doing something, I’ve been getting angry. While teaching my son to ride his bike, I get angry that my dad will never see him ride it. While packing to move to Florida, I get frustrated knowing I’m moving into my parents’ house… But now it’s “mom’s house.” While at the mall I see old couples in their 70’s & 80’s and I get mad cause the Lord chose to take my dad home and now my mom is left again to pick up the pieces. Friends, I’ve been battling.

I know God is good. I know he was gracious in how everything came about. I’m richly blessed to have the family I have. But knowing all that doesn’t suffice. I have to make a choice in how I’m going to act upon that. I need to choose to be thankful. I need to choose to remember all the good. When I stop running from the pain and memories and take a moment to pause and think, I can be thankful. The pain won’t subside but the anger will fade and the peace will start to overflow. I can’t keep running.

This is a song my church sings, it’s been one I’ve been trying to sing when I get angry and frustrated.

“My heart is filled with thankfulness

To him who bore my pain;

Who plumbed the depths of my disgrace,

And gave me life again;

Who crushed my curse of sinfulness

And clothed me with his light

And wrote His law of righteousness

With power upon my heart.

 

My heart is filled with thankfulness

To Him who walks beside;

Who floods my weaknesses with strength

And causes fears to fly;

Whose every promise is enough

For every step I take,

Sustaining me with arms of love

And crowning me with grace.

 

My heart is filled with thankfulness

To him who reigns above,

Whose wisdom if my perfect peace,

Whose every thought is love,

For every day I have on earth

Is given by the King

So I will give my life, my all,

To love and follow Him.”

Now I have to make the right choice. I need to not shy away from certain activities because it brings memories that are painful. I need to stop and breathe when I get frustrated and list things that I’m thankful for. It’s not easy, it won’t ever be. But God is gracious and will sustain. I’m reminded and challenged by Colossians 3:15. It says, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called to one body. And be thankful.”

Today I choose to be thankful. I choose to lift up my hurting heart and praise.

 

**I’d like to add a special thanks to all of you who have encouraged me to keep writing. It’s not easy. It makes me challenge my innermost self and I usually don’t like what I find. But I want to be a vessel that God can use, however feeble my efforts might feel. If I only bless one person it is worth it. Thank you all again for your continued prayers for us as a family. They are felt and so appreciate.**

 

 

http://wp.me/p6dJpO-9y

My husband, Justin, and I have been married for five years. We have four babies under four and have been blessed to live by Justin’s family in Delaware. We also have attended the same church and deeply love our community. But sometimes God calls you to move on when you’re most comfortable.

Justin is an incredibly hard working, faithful and dedicated husband and father. I was blessed with a father like that and I wasn’t sure if there were any guys left like him… But thankfully I snatched up a good one. 😉 After two deployments in Iraq his dream of staying through till retirement in the army was no longer for the best. And selfishly I didn’t mind when he told me that he was planning on getting out!

Three years ago he started liberty online full-time in hopes of finding a new career path. He was working full time with a very sick and pregnant wife and a baby under one. He’s been full-time in school while working until this summer. It’s taken sometime but we’ve finally found his passion in the field of Aviation. He earned his private pilot license and through that learned about dispatch. In June he signed up to go to fort Lauderdale, FL (where my family is located) to get his FAA certication for dispatch so Lord willing he can start a career he really loves by the new year.

My father passed very suddenly, but before that happened his advice was very instrumental in our decision to take the leap and sign up for dispatch. We had no idea when we signed up to come to fort Lauderdale in the fall that my dad wouldn’t be around. But God knew. We believe his hand has been guiding us in this direction.

My mom has graciously offered the back part of their home to us to move into. By October 1st we will be on our way home to Florida. When my dad was in the hospital I promised him I’d stick close to mom and help her as much as possible in this next season We have every intention of keeping that promise for as long as the Lord guides us. I’m thankful for my husband who loves my family just as much as I do and is more than willing and excited for this move. I’m ready to get home.

We have two big prayer request. The first is we own a home. We put it on the market a week ago and today is our first showing. We know we’re coming to the end of the traditional house hunting season, but we also realize we have a great big God who can move a house in seconds if that’s his will. Please pray we get an offer soon, and it’s one that is financially acceptable and we have no problems selling. The second would be please pray Justin will find a dispatch job shortly after completing the course. He is anxious to get started.

We covet your prayers! We l know if God isn’t in this, than it’s all for nothing. We hope and pray he is glorified through our family.

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

 

On Friday morning July 21^st my father was transferred into hospice care. I followed the transport ambulance and met my mother and sister in the lobby. Two dear friends joined us shortly after. The staff wanted to get to know Dad. They asked us to describe him. The first thing my mother said was He loved the Lord. We all nodded. After agreeing with her the word that struck me was “intentional.”

Intentional means to do something on purpose, to be deliberate and to have a plan. My father intentionally loved my mother and all us kids and anyone else the Lord put him in contact with. He intentionally modeled what a good earthly father should look like not only to us but to the church, the neighborhood and anyone he came in contact with. He intentionally fixed his eyes on heaven daily and did more than his share of bringing the kingdom one step closer. He intentionally put his whole self into teaching others and training up the next generation. Whether it was a packed convention center or a one on one chat in his office. He gave his all. He was truly sold out.

Reflecting on my father’s life has been convicting. When people see my life, do they say “Steph points people towards Christ, she is sold out!” Or do they say, “Oh, she’s a nice person.” Being nice is great, but it won’t get you into heaven. I’m reminded of this Parable Jesus taught in:

Matthew 25:14-30

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who has received the five talents went at once and traded with them and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. And he also who had the two talents came forwards saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents’ here, I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ He also who received one talent came forward saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invented my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will be more given, and he will have abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Brothers and sisters in Christ. Are we investing what the Lord has given us? Are we living sold out? Is the vision of heaven fixed in our minds? I pray it is. When my time comes I want to hear the words. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Let’s be kingdom minded, let us thirst and crave the word of the Lord. Let us be light upon the earth until the Lord calls us home. Let us be intentional.

For those of you who don’t know Christ as your personal Savior, please stop and consider. If today was your last day on this earth. Do you know where you’d end up? The Lord is soon returning. Let’s spend every day as if it were the day He calls us home.

Yesterday, July 27th we buried my father. If you would have told me at the beginning of this year that I would only have a few months left with my father this side of heaven, I wouldn’t have believe it. I’d be convinced you were joking.

You see, my father was very healthy and disciplined. He just had his knee replaced and was back walking 3+miles a day. When he visited my house in June he was walking every other day, maintaining a very healthy diet and happier than ever. It was the most wonderful visit. He was reading to the kids, spending time with Justin and catching up with me. He said so many times how much he loved us and was proud of us. How we were on the right track raising our kids. I remember stopping and thinking several times how grateful I was for both my parents.

July 16th I laid down for a nap after church. I was feeling pretty full after good fellowship and hearing solid teaching. Just after 2:30pm I was dozing off when my whole body jumped up from bed. I felt sick and afraid. I prayed that the Lord would let me rest cause I was so tired and peace fell over me and I feel asleep for a little over an hour. I woke up and checked my phone… “dad’s been in an accident…” my heart sank. I jumped out of bed and found Justin and sank to the floor. The family text was calm but we were tense… “is he ok…?” “where is he?”

He was driving home after spending the last two weeks preaching at a youth camp and catching up with friends and family. He should have finally been home that night. But the drive went terribly wrong. After attending church with my sister he changed at church and texted my mom saying he was coming home to her. He picked up subway and passed through Albany, GA. It was storming and my father hydroplaned and hit a tree on the drivers side. The door smashed in, car bent, steering wheel even snapped. He wouldn’t have even know what happened it happened so fast.

The text messages kept slowly flowing in… “any word?” Another one comes through… “Rachel is on her way, just over two hours out.” “They say he’s in and out of consciousness.” (Which later we found out was not accurate.) My stomach sank lower than it ever has before and I didn’t know how to pray. All I could manage was to ask Justin to get the suitcases down from the attic “just in case.” The next two hours crept bye.. waiting for more answers, waiting and praying for my sister to safely make it to my dad. Praying it really was nothing serious, and quickly texting close friend to pray as my whole body shook. I decided to take my oldest two kids outside to play and get some air. As they played my youngest sister called. “He’s not going to make it!” I dropped to my knees and said “I’m coming jess, I’m coming!” I dropped the phone, fully collapsed and just prayed over and over. “sweet Jesus, don’t take my dad. please Lord don’t take my dad…. I just want to see him… I just want to touch him.. please Lord spare my daddy.” Justin came running and held me I managed to continue. “Sweet Jesus I KNOW you are good, I want to give you glory. please spare him but please remind me you’re good.” My brother wrote and said “we got to go.”

We packed and were gone within twenty minutes. Fifteen hours of driving through the night, without a wink of sleep and we finally met up with all the stateside siblings and my mom. I dropped my kids off at the hotel, put on a dress and went to the SICU. I was met by a good friend who hugged me and escorted me to my dads bedside where my mom was. I had no words. I couldn’t even pray. I just stared. He looked so good, like he should just wake up. He had a broken arm and other broken bones you couldn’t see. His breathing was assisted and there were wires and monitors everywhere. I was speechless and trying to wrap my mind around what happened. I kissed him hands and held them. And thought maybe he will wake up, it’s just a coma, right? I quickly realized that wouldn’t be the case.

Tuesday. I got up early, got my kids fed and ready for the day then went to the hospital, this would be my routine all week. I offered to handle the logistics with the car and the tow truck driver and find my dads wallet. I had to feel useful or I was worried I’d go crazy. I called the tow truck driver and tracked down the car. It was off an old dirt road. Justin graciously drove me. We got out and the tow truck driver asked if my father was still alive. That should tell you something. I walked down the muddy path and saw it. My dads car. I knew he hit a tree but I had NO idea the tree went directly to his door. All I kept thinking was “he shouldn’t have made it this far, we shouldn’t be able to hold his hand and kiss him.” We got everything out but his wallet. After a second visit with my brother still no wallet. My mom asked my brother and I to continue on to the crash sight. We did, and we went together with our spouses. There wasn’t much to see besides tire tracks and a scraped up tree. But there his wallet sat. I was so overwhelmed. Emotions started to come in waves. Anger. Fear. Hurt. Confusion. But in the midst of that. I had a peace that surpasses all understanding. I couldn’t gather my thoughts enough to pray. But I felt the Holy Spirit press upon my heart that He already took my dad home. And that no matter what he is holding us all in his hands. I started to weep. “Father,” I prayed, “I just want my daddy back. But I know you are good.” Through the tears I sang the doxology, and Justin graciously helped me finish cause I could not. Here are the words. We always sing it at family gatherings

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

In that moment I gave it to God. I gave him my hurt and my anger, my confusion and my father. I said he is yours, just help me trust, help me praise, help me stay faithful.

Wednesday came, the longer my dad was in SICU the clearer the reality of our situation was. My dad’s brain was so damaged. We all saw the scans, the Dr’s were amazing and taking good care of him. But he wasn’t there anymore. He never woke up. And his body was quickly shutting down. My dad had written wishes stating exactly what we should do in that situation. Another mercy God knew we’d need. After lots of discussion, prayers and so many tears we transferred my dad to hospice. There was a special hospice place where they took amazing care of my father, and where the whole family, kids and all, could hang around and just wait. I have never sung or prayed so much in such a short period of time. We took turns making sure someone was always there and singing, praying and reading. We all had a job and without each siblings, spouse and friends we wouldn’t have made it through. At first light on Sunday, July 23rd, exactly one month before my dads 65th birthday, the Lord called him home.

Although we believe he never felt pain, we were relieved he was finally with his Savior. The next day we drove home to Fort Lauderdale. And three days later we had a family burial. We prayed together, shared stories, praise our savior and read his favorite passages.

Friends, my heart hurts so bad. I’m sitting in my dads office now and it’s so empty. He was more than just my dad, he was my hero, my pastor even from afar, my mentor, and my friend. So many times in this last week and a half I felt like I couldn’t breath. But God is good still.  He has shown so many mercies, and the power of his grace. I’m going to continue to praise him. I’m going to carry the torch of my dads spiritual legacy. I’m going to weep so deeply and have to remind myself to breath. But I have no regrets, my dad knew I loved him and looked up to him. My family is even closer than we already were. The word of God is much sweeter. Heaven is something I now look forward to everyday. I want to challenge you. Cling to Jesus. Love your friends and family. When you don’t understand the situation follow my dad’s advice and “look at the big picture.” “it’s about the end game.” My dad lived everyday to serve his savior and his kingdom. He lived counter culture. He lived intentionally. I hope and pray that when God calls me home, my kids can say the same about me.

I want to say a special thanks to my church family in Delaware, you all have lifted me up from afar. Also my in-laws who have been calling and writing and praying. and making it possible for me to be here. To my friends state-side and internationally who have been praying and writing me. To those I’ve never met and might not meet till heaven who are praying and giving. But I really want to thank my siblings and my mom and my husband. You guys have physically, spiritually and emotionally held me up. I have always been proud to be a Perry. But in the last two weeks I have been the most proud and thankful for my family. For my dad. For my mom. For my brothers and sisters and in-laws. And for my husband. I love you guys.

Goodnight for now.

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”