Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Psalm 61:1-4

Hello to my fellow blogging buddies!

I don't have much to share tonight but it'd been so long I thought I'd check in. I've not updated our son's site in forever either... I finally did tonight. Gosh, it's just been such a struggle getting through the holidays. Thanksgiving wasn't so hard, but once we rolled over into December it's kinda gone down hill. I think it's because it's this time last year that we finally accepted that it wasn't GOD's will for Brent to get his earthly healing. This was our firstborn... I spent many hours (YEARS EVEN) just praying for that baby to come into our lives... I NEVER, EVER dreamed his precious life would be so short.

It's also hard to remember the condition he was in and how badly he just wanted to be a "normal kid." I remember standing in line outside a store in Vermont to purchase a Wii for Brent. We got it in part because his games had become the only source of "normalcy" that he had... and also because he'd become so weak that he could no longer play his PS2. Then to see the disappointment on his face when he couldn't handle the remote for that game system either. As much as it breaks my heart to remember things like this.... it's also those VERY MEMORIES that help me to accept that he's gone. I have to stop and PRAISE GOD that Brent is HEALED! He's FINALLY FREE and is enjoying life in ways that our minds cannot comprehend. As I shared on his caringbridge site.... We're just SO VERY THANKFUL for the PROMISES of GOD that were FULFILLED through JESUS! Because of HIM we KNOW that we get to see Brent again - NEVER TO EVER be separated... EVER AGAIN!

You know... I just can't get "down" without RUNNING to GOD! Oh how BLESSED we are that HE will carry us!

I'd like to end by sharing a beautiful passage from the Bible....


Psalm 61:1-4 (New Living Translation)

1 O God, listen to my cry!
Hear my prayer!
2 From the ends of the earth,
I cry to You for help
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
3 for You are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
4 Let me live forever in Your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of Your wings!


Yes, GOD'S WORD is ALIVE and TRUE! I'm just so THANKFUL we have it!!!

Alrighty my friends... I guess I'll sign off now. I hope you're having a WONDERFUL CHRISTmas holiday season!!!


8 comments:

Faithful Froggers said...

Tonya -
I know how hard this time of year is for your family. Know that we are lifting you up and praying for God to surround you in peace.

Love & FROG,
Heather

Anonymous said...

I finally found my way back to your blog...I lost the link! Ooops! I love your blog so much because everything you express is so real!

I also wanted to comment on the picture of Gabe. I enjoy scrapbooking and this picture really speaks to me. Pardon me for waxing poetic, but I love the way he is offset in the picture with a wooded road stretched out behind him. It really seems symbolic for the long road he has traveled in his young life(and Zach, too), but how each step was surrounded by God's beautiful presence.

Here are some more ((((((hugs))))) for you!
Stephanie Adams

Anonymous said...

Thank you for coming by to my blog and visiting. I am sorry we have the common bond of both losing son's on this side of heaven, but am thankful we both have the hope to know it's just temporary and our sons await us in heaven. THEN our tears will be wiped away! I am available to you anytime you want to talk and remember and share.

http://writingcanvas.wordpress.com/

Reba said...

Another powerful entry. Have you considered being a writer? Thinking about you this time of year...
Reba

Crystal said...

I know this must have been a really difficult time of year! I love the verses you shared! Just wanted to stop by and wish you and your family a blessed new year!

Deb said...

Hi Tonya,
I stumbled onto your blog tonight. In reading about your son, I see that it is almost the anniversary date of when he went to heaven. Blessings, peace, and comfort to you and your family.
A sister in Christ,
Deb

Susannah said...

Your dear friend Susan at "Forever His" sent me over here today.

Tearing up as I read your powerful post. Your broken but hopeful heart shines through with life and light. I can't begin to imagine the depth of your loss.

On this anniversary of your son's death may you be at peace, knowing he is now fully healed on the other side of heaven.

Blessings, e-Mom @ Chrysalis

Stephanie Rhea Photography Blog said...

Didn't know you were a'bloggin! Welcome! Your site looks great. I am honored that you included me.
I miss ya. One day we should get together....seriously.
Stephanie