(Original appeared June 29, 2016)

Last evening, Deb and I enjoyed the 10th-birthday celebration of our daughter, along with friends and family. Continue reading “Life Lesson” →

(Original appeared June 24, 2016)

Today is another bitter-sweet day for us. It marks one month since Jacob was called home. We continue to  battle feelings of sadness and longing against joy and relief. Continue reading “One month since he left” →

(Original appeared June 17, 2016)

The parents of Andrew Landry, the struggling young golfer who currently leads the US Open, sent the following text to his parents: Continue reading “PGA and Parents” →

(Original appeared June 16, 2016)

The following article comes on the heels of our last post regarding faith formation in our children. Continue reading “This is why…” →

(Original appeared June 14, 2016)

When I get to Heaven, I fully expect to be welcomed into Jesus’ arms. But I also fully expect him to ask me one question. Continue reading “Should I Expect Them?” →

(Original appeared June 13, 2016)

Deb and I are doing well overall now that we’ve reached nearly three weeks since Jacob left us. Continue reading “Absence of the “Rush”” →

(Original appeared June 9, 2016)

Today marks two months since Jacob’s birth. Continue reading “Two Months” →

(Original appeared June 8, 2016)

“The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:7-8 Continue reading “Grass” →

(Original appeared June 7, 2016)

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” Psalm 30:11‭-‬12 Continue reading “Wailing into Dancing” →

(Original appeared June 6, 2016)

Continuing with our previous comments about we are learning to trust God in all of this, and how we often think of Him telling us “I’ve got this”, Deb and I thought of all of this as one ongoing conversation with God. We imagine it going something like this:

Us: God, didn’t you see this agony coming, and if so, why did it have to happen?
God: Of course I saw it coming. I’ve been here since the beginning and will be here at the end. I Am the Alpha and the Omega. (Rev 1:8) I see things you don’t see, and you need to trust me.

Us:  So, you gave us Jacob, only to take him away?
God: Yes. I give and I take away. (Job 1:21). I have a purpose for Jacob, and for you. (Romans 8:28). I showed you my power by giving you another child – that I can overcome obstacles and conditions you thought were permanent. I showed you my love for you. Please trust me.

Us: But that seems so cruel. Why would you do it that way?
God: My ways are not your ways. Nor are my thoughts your thoughts (Hebrews 12:2). I see the big picture; you just need to trust me.

Us: Our minds just can’t wrap around all of this, and our heart aches. How is this for our good? We just don’t understand.
God: This is for your good. But it’s also for the good of others in ways you cannot see. Trust in me with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

Us: Ok. We will trust you. But sometimes it is tough to do that. We might stumble.
God: Love me with all your heart, soul, mind, and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30). Be confident in me and I will keep you from stumbling. (Proverbs 3:26). I have established your steps, and will hold your hand. You can be joyful that I’ve got this. (Psalms 37:23-24).