Sunday, December 23, 2007
Happy Birthday Steph. Miss you so much and love you too. I saw your mom and Kendall last week. We talked alot about you and laughed about some really fun memories. Mom brought flowers to the cemetary and placed them on your grave. I wanted so bad to see you this year at Christmastime, but I suppose it just wasn't in God's plans. Until we meet again...
Hugs to heaven!!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Because I can
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Dad,
I am really missing your smiles and your laughter during the Christmas season. Mom and I were talking the other day how much we miss your spirit. You always brought such joy to Christmas. Your light will always shine in the hearts and lives of those who love you!
Although the holidays are tough, memories will get us through with smiles and tears. You are always remembered. Tyler especially has been speaking of you and Andrew knows you by your photos and calls you "papa".
I love you and I miss you, but I know you are in heaven with Carolee and all the others who went before. Steph's there now and I know you were so happy to see her shining smile.
Soon 2008 will be here, it's so hard to believe. But time just keeps on going. I will think of you as we ring in the New Year together as a family. Mom will be here!
Your loving daughter,
Jennifer
Dad,
I am really missing your smiles and your laughter during the Christmas season. Mom and I were talking the other day how much we miss your spirit. You always brought such joy to Christmas. Your light will always shine in the hearts and lives of those who love you!
Although the holidays are tough, memories will get us through with smiles and tears. You are always remembered. Tyler especially has been speaking of you and Andrew knows you by your photos and calls you "papa".
I love you and I miss you, but I know you are in heaven with Carolee and all the others who went before. Steph's there now and I know you were so happy to see her shining smile.
Soon 2008 will be here, it's so hard to believe. But time just keeps on going. I will think of you as we ring in the New Year together as a family. Mom will be here!
Your loving daughter,
Jennifer
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving '07
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving
Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good!!
Dad, I have been missing you...
As we all prepare our Thanksgiving celebrations this year, may the Lord find a way into your hearts and home. It's hard sometimes as some of us may be experiencing some sort of struggle and find it difficult to be thankful under the strains of life, but let me encourage you to seek God for a grateful heart.
Yes, I still struggle with losing my dad to cancer and miss him everyday. I think about my cousin Kat who is spending her first Thanksgiving since her mom passed away. I think about my family back in Illinois who have suffered a recent death, one of my cousins who was only 30 years old. I miss my mom, but am grateful for the relationship we share from hundreds of miles away. We think of Ray's son that he hasn't seen or spoken with for years. But I love the Lord and know that He takes care of me and my family and has blessed me a thousand times over.
Proverbs 15:15 says that a cheerful heart is a "continual feast." My dad always had a cheerful heart and that's because he bowed to his Lord in thankfulness, his cheer came from having a grateful heart. I try to remember that everyday, but especially this Thanksgiving. Life pushes us down sometimes. We must remember Proverbs 15:13 that says, heartache crushes the spirit." We don't have to feel guilty if we don't always have a cheerful heart, but we do need to take our cares to the Lord.
(The bottom half of this blog is taken from a writing on christiananswers.net)
Problems will come your way. God will see to it personally that you grow as a Christian. He will allow the storms, to send your roots deep into the soil of His Word. We pray more in the midst of problems, but it's been well said that you will see more from your knees, than you will on your tip toes.
A man once watched a butterfly struggling to get out of its cocoon. In an effort to help it, he took a razor blade, and carefully slit the edge of the cocoon. The butterfly escaped form its problem ... and immediately died.
It is God's way to have the butterfly struggle. It is the struggle that causes its tiny heart to beat fast, and send the life's blood into its wings.
Trials have their purpose. They make us struggle — they bring us to our knees. They are the cocoon in which we often find ourselves. It is there that the life's blood of faith in God helps us spread our wings.
Faith and thanksgiving are close friends. If you have faith in God, you will be thankful because you know His loving hand is upon you, even though you are in a lion's den. That will give you a deep sense of joy, and joy is the barometer of the depth of faith you have in God. Let me give you an example.
Imagine if I said I would give you one million dollars if you ripped out the last page of today's newspaper, and mailed it to me. Of course, you don't believe that I would do that. But imagine if you did. Imagine if you had knowledge of more than 1,000 people who had sent in the page, and every one received their million dollars — no strings attached. More than that. You had actually called me, and I had assured you personally that I would keep my word. If you believed me, wouldn't you have joy? If you didn't believe me — no joy.
The amount of joy you have would be a barometer as to how much you believed my promise.
We have so much to be thankful for. God has given us "exceeding great and precious promises" that are "more to be desired than gold." Do yourself a big favor — believe those promises, thank God continually for them, and "let your joy be full."
An old farmer once had an ungodly relative visit him. After the farmer had bowed his head and thanked God for the food they were about to eat, the relative rudely said, "What did you do that for? There's no God. We live in an age of enlightenment." The old farmer smiled and said, "There is one on the farm who doesn't thank God before he eats." The relative sat up and said, "Who is this enlightened one?" To which the farmer quietly replied, "My pig."
Thanksgiving
Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good!!
Dad, I have been missing you...
As we all prepare our Thanksgiving celebrations this year, may the Lord find a way into your hearts and home. It's hard sometimes as some of us may be experiencing some sort of struggle and find it difficult to be thankful under the strains of life, but let me encourage you to seek God for a grateful heart.
Yes, I still struggle with losing my dad to cancer and miss him everyday. I think about my cousin Kat who is spending her first Thanksgiving since her mom passed away. I think about my family back in Illinois who have suffered a recent death, one of my cousins who was only 30 years old. I miss my mom, but am grateful for the relationship we share from hundreds of miles away. We think of Ray's son that he hasn't seen or spoken with for years. But I love the Lord and know that He takes care of me and my family and has blessed me a thousand times over.
Proverbs 15:15 says that a cheerful heart is a "continual feast." My dad always had a cheerful heart and that's because he bowed to his Lord in thankfulness, his cheer came from having a grateful heart. I try to remember that everyday, but especially this Thanksgiving. Life pushes us down sometimes. We must remember Proverbs 15:13 that says, heartache crushes the spirit." We don't have to feel guilty if we don't always have a cheerful heart, but we do need to take our cares to the Lord.
(The bottom half of this blog is taken from a writing on christiananswers.net)
Problems will come your way. God will see to it personally that you grow as a Christian. He will allow the storms, to send your roots deep into the soil of His Word. We pray more in the midst of problems, but it's been well said that you will see more from your knees, than you will on your tip toes.
A man once watched a butterfly struggling to get out of its cocoon. In an effort to help it, he took a razor blade, and carefully slit the edge of the cocoon. The butterfly escaped form its problem ... and immediately died.
It is God's way to have the butterfly struggle. It is the struggle that causes its tiny heart to beat fast, and send the life's blood into its wings.
Trials have their purpose. They make us struggle — they bring us to our knees. They are the cocoon in which we often find ourselves. It is there that the life's blood of faith in God helps us spread our wings.
Faith and thanksgiving are close friends. If you have faith in God, you will be thankful because you know His loving hand is upon you, even though you are in a lion's den. That will give you a deep sense of joy, and joy is the barometer of the depth of faith you have in God. Let me give you an example.
Imagine if I said I would give you one million dollars if you ripped out the last page of today's newspaper, and mailed it to me. Of course, you don't believe that I would do that. But imagine if you did. Imagine if you had knowledge of more than 1,000 people who had sent in the page, and every one received their million dollars — no strings attached. More than that. You had actually called me, and I had assured you personally that I would keep my word. If you believed me, wouldn't you have joy? If you didn't believe me — no joy.
The amount of joy you have would be a barometer as to how much you believed my promise.
We have so much to be thankful for. God has given us "exceeding great and precious promises" that are "more to be desired than gold." Do yourself a big favor — believe those promises, thank God continually for them, and "let your joy be full."
An old farmer once had an ungodly relative visit him. After the farmer had bowed his head and thanked God for the food they were about to eat, the relative rudely said, "What did you do that for? There's no God. We live in an age of enlightenment." The old farmer smiled and said, "There is one on the farm who doesn't thank God before he eats." The relative sat up and said, "Who is this enlightened one?" To which the farmer quietly replied, "My pig."
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
What Was Left Behind
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
What Was Left Behind
We have been asked to present some writings in our grief support group and the latest entry required us to write about the things that our deceased loved ones left behind. These could be clothing, photos, mementos, etc. Donna asked us to include what the items were and how they made us feel... a sense of comfort, wave of negative emotions, smiles, what emotions were brought about.
Entry:
What was left behind becomes a part of the legacy dad has given me.
I have many things from my dad that I hold dear. Some of them make me laugh and some make me cry. Either way I cherish each memory and hold them close to my heart because they are the lasting parts of the relationship that I had with my dad. I saved many notes and cards that my dad wrote to me over the years. The messages from dad are both heartwarming and heart wrenching, but I cherish these mementos because they remind me of how blessed I was to be so close with my father. All in his own handwriting, my dad shared his love, words of encouragement, advice, bible verses, and sometimes a silly message just to make me smile. He could never have known how much his written words mean to me now.
Then there are the photographs, memories frozen in time depicting moments where we laughed, loved, worked and played. I am grateful to have so many photographs of my father because they definitely bring me comfort and there are many that make me smile. At this moment, any photograph with my dad in it brings tears because my heart longs to have him here. There is still the ache of wanting to hold his hand in mine, share a hug or hear his voice. A part of me still expects the routine morning phone call from my dad just to check in.
Some particular items of my dad's that I chose to keep were an angel coin given to him by a cancer nurse, a favorite "U.S. Open" golfing cap, a yellow button down cardigan, and a pen that I had given him as a gift. I suppose these items are special to me because they are tangible and somehow make me feel nearer to him. These things are here even though dad is gone and they do bring a sense of comfort to my broken heart. I can wear the cap and sweater, hold the coin and use the pen. I still picture dad sitting at the kitchen table in his home writing bills, envision him on that golf course wearing the cap, remember him wearing the sweater to his youngest grandson's baptism, and recall the day I took him to the cancer center for his first chemo treatment. All these things remind me that he was real and he was here. What was left behind remains a part of my dad and now a part of me…
What Was Left Behind
We have been asked to present some writings in our grief support group and the latest entry required us to write about the things that our deceased loved ones left behind. These could be clothing, photos, mementos, etc. Donna asked us to include what the items were and how they made us feel... a sense of comfort, wave of negative emotions, smiles, what emotions were brought about.
Entry:
What was left behind becomes a part of the legacy dad has given me.
I have many things from my dad that I hold dear. Some of them make me laugh and some make me cry. Either way I cherish each memory and hold them close to my heart because they are the lasting parts of the relationship that I had with my dad. I saved many notes and cards that my dad wrote to me over the years. The messages from dad are both heartwarming and heart wrenching, but I cherish these mementos because they remind me of how blessed I was to be so close with my father. All in his own handwriting, my dad shared his love, words of encouragement, advice, bible verses, and sometimes a silly message just to make me smile. He could never have known how much his written words mean to me now.
Then there are the photographs, memories frozen in time depicting moments where we laughed, loved, worked and played. I am grateful to have so many photographs of my father because they definitely bring me comfort and there are many that make me smile. At this moment, any photograph with my dad in it brings tears because my heart longs to have him here. There is still the ache of wanting to hold his hand in mine, share a hug or hear his voice. A part of me still expects the routine morning phone call from my dad just to check in.
Some particular items of my dad's that I chose to keep were an angel coin given to him by a cancer nurse, a favorite "U.S. Open" golfing cap, a yellow button down cardigan, and a pen that I had given him as a gift. I suppose these items are special to me because they are tangible and somehow make me feel nearer to him. These things are here even though dad is gone and they do bring a sense of comfort to my broken heart. I can wear the cap and sweater, hold the coin and use the pen. I still picture dad sitting at the kitchen table in his home writing bills, envision him on that golf course wearing the cap, remember him wearing the sweater to his youngest grandson's baptism, and recall the day I took him to the cancer center for his first chemo treatment. All these things remind me that he was real and he was here. What was left behind remains a part of my dad and now a part of me…
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I love you, Daddy-O
One year has passed and to this day, I miss you more than words can say... I miss your love, your smile, your cheer... When I miss you most, I feel you near... God in his love for me has shown, His wisdom in taking you to his home... And so dear one, I want you to know... That to this day I miss you so.
Dad passed away this time last year July 14, 2006. I knew my dad for 35 years and will cherish all the time that I had him here. He was the most amazing father a daughter could ever ask for. There was nothing my daddy wouldn't do for me and he always tried everything in his power to keep a smile on my face. He certainly knew how to make me laugh
My dad was such a beautiful man with a giving heart and gentle soul. He always seemed to have the right words for me when I would seek his advice. Knowing I could go to my dad always reminded me that I had a safe place and a hug would be waiting. It is difficult sometimes thinking that I will never be able to feel his arms around me, hear his voice or see that shine in his eyes that always made me feel so safe, warm and happy.
I will never be too old to be considered daddy's little girl. I looked up to him in so many ways and I still do. He touched so many people during his life on this earth and I am sure that he is having that same effect in heaven.
Always in my heart…
I love you, Daddy-O
Dad passed away this time last year July 14, 2006. I knew my dad for 35 years and will cherish all the time that I had him here. He was the most amazing father a daughter could ever ask for. There was nothing my daddy wouldn't do for me and he always tried everything in his power to keep a smile on my face. He certainly knew how to make me laugh
My dad was such a beautiful man with a giving heart and gentle soul. He always seemed to have the right words for me when I would seek his advice. Knowing I could go to my dad always reminded me that I had a safe place and a hug would be waiting. It is difficult sometimes thinking that I will never be able to feel his arms around me, hear his voice or see that shine in his eyes that always made me feel so safe, warm and happy.
I will never be too old to be considered daddy's little girl. I looked up to him in so many ways and I still do. He touched so many people during his life on this earth and I am sure that he is having that same effect in heaven.
Always in my heart…
I love you, Daddy-O
Thursday, June 7, 2007
These are fathers, not strangers
I consider myself very lucky. I have two of the greatest little kids in the world and their daddy is such a loving and generous man. He works hard and always makes sure that we have everything we need. Even though he calls me when I'm out by myself to find out what to give the kids for dinner or leaves toothpaste in the sink, I couldn't be happier about the husband and father he is. I know there are many women out there who have to deal with deadbeat dads, who don't pay child support or many times don't even want to be a part of their children's lives. I am glad to know that our legal system makes a decent effort to bring these poor excuses for parents to light and makes them accountable.
But what about the sorry excuses for women who are the custodial parent and continue to demand money from the child's father or refuses to work amicably with the father on issues regarding the child? Too often, these women will limit or refuse the father's visitation even after a court order. Many times the fathers cannot depend on the courts to help, as the courts continue to side with the mother, allow venues to be changed, or even leave cases going on for years. These women are rarely forced to share parenting time or made to cooperate so that the child can have both parents in their lives. Fathers tend to give up after awhile because they are tired of fighting for their rights or cannot afford to keep fighting a custodial mother who refuses to obey the courts anyway.
These loving fathers genuinely want to be a part of their children's lives. They aren't in it for financial gain or another selfish motive, but because they want to be a part of their child's life. I guarantee these fathers would take their child in a minute to live with them, even if there wasn't child support involved!
It's really sad to witness these kids almost be held ransom by their "mothers" who are too selfish to see that the child needs both parents! Maybe they claim that they know what is best for the child, but how can the best interest be to keep them from their father. Even if these mothers claim they don't keep the father out of the child's life, if things are not exactly on their terms, then the father is not going to see or speak to the child. PERIOD!
Any smart person can see that the mother is not setting a good example for her children if she demonstrates a lack of respect for the other parent, demonstrates her selfishness by not helping with visitation (timing or transportation) and shows her greediness by saying the child support is not enough. Which I find very funny because these women seem to think the non-custodial parent is the primary monetary source to provide for the child. But then most times the father's aren't even included on the decisions regarding their child.
But what is being done to stop these women? Not a lot. Children need their fathers too. There are so many rights out there that people fight for, so why are there so few supporting our non-custodial parents and the children they rarely get to see? Why must these father's jump through hoops just to get their rights warranted? Are father's rights less important than the mother's? And what about these poor children who believe that their dads don't want any part of their lives because their mother's have cleverly clouded their judgement. These are fathers, not strangers. These women need to stop trying to play the protective mother, because all they are really doing is hurting these chidren!
I have too many friends who have dealt with these same issues. Some are the father's, some are the children of divorced parents, some are the girlfrends, some are the new wives... All I know is that it is a sad, sad thing...
But what about the sorry excuses for women who are the custodial parent and continue to demand money from the child's father or refuses to work amicably with the father on issues regarding the child? Too often, these women will limit or refuse the father's visitation even after a court order. Many times the fathers cannot depend on the courts to help, as the courts continue to side with the mother, allow venues to be changed, or even leave cases going on for years. These women are rarely forced to share parenting time or made to cooperate so that the child can have both parents in their lives. Fathers tend to give up after awhile because they are tired of fighting for their rights or cannot afford to keep fighting a custodial mother who refuses to obey the courts anyway.
These loving fathers genuinely want to be a part of their children's lives. They aren't in it for financial gain or another selfish motive, but because they want to be a part of their child's life. I guarantee these fathers would take their child in a minute to live with them, even if there wasn't child support involved!
It's really sad to witness these kids almost be held ransom by their "mothers" who are too selfish to see that the child needs both parents! Maybe they claim that they know what is best for the child, but how can the best interest be to keep them from their father. Even if these mothers claim they don't keep the father out of the child's life, if things are not exactly on their terms, then the father is not going to see or speak to the child. PERIOD!
Any smart person can see that the mother is not setting a good example for her children if she demonstrates a lack of respect for the other parent, demonstrates her selfishness by not helping with visitation (timing or transportation) and shows her greediness by saying the child support is not enough. Which I find very funny because these women seem to think the non-custodial parent is the primary monetary source to provide for the child. But then most times the father's aren't even included on the decisions regarding their child.
But what is being done to stop these women? Not a lot. Children need their fathers too. There are so many rights out there that people fight for, so why are there so few supporting our non-custodial parents and the children they rarely get to see? Why must these father's jump through hoops just to get their rights warranted? Are father's rights less important than the mother's? And what about these poor children who believe that their dads don't want any part of their lives because their mother's have cleverly clouded their judgement. These are fathers, not strangers. These women need to stop trying to play the protective mother, because all they are really doing is hurting these chidren!
I have too many friends who have dealt with these same issues. Some are the father's, some are the children of divorced parents, some are the girlfrends, some are the new wives... All I know is that it is a sad, sad thing...
Friday, April 20, 2007
To Be Comforted
To Be Comforted
Say: The one I lost will always remain with me.
Everywhere you go your grief follows you. You are reminded of your loss and feel the pain often. Your heart is restless for that familiar voice and face. The silence of the moment can be deafening knowing your loved one is gone forever. It is comforting to know how much you loved each other. Remembering is bittersweet, consoling and painful. No one can ever take those memories away from you.
A Healing Thought: The grieving you are faced with today will one day change.
Say: The one I lost will always remain with me.
Everywhere you go your grief follows you. You are reminded of your loss and feel the pain often. Your heart is restless for that familiar voice and face. The silence of the moment can be deafening knowing your loved one is gone forever. It is comforting to know how much you loved each other. Remembering is bittersweet, consoling and painful. No one can ever take those memories away from you.
A Healing Thought: The grieving you are faced with today will one day change.
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