Dear Friends,

I wanted to share this snapshot with you. It was taken in early July 2008 before we knew of Jerry's illness. He looks like a picture of health. It is the last picture that was ever taken of our little family before Jerry's death, so it is now such a treasured and cherished photo. When looking at it, it is hard to believe that just 3 months after this photo was taken Jerry would no longer be with us. We miss him terribly.

We have now officially endured our first Christmas and New Year without Jerry's presence. I cannot say that the past few weeks have been a very joyous or merry time, for it was full of much sorrow and sadness. God's peace is not an escape from reality. We still feel pain and struggle. Peace is the rock-solid foundation in that no matter the tears we cry or the sorrow we feel, we know in the depths of our heart that God is with us. We have an assurance that He is in control and the pain that we endure on this earth will be far outweighed by the glory and joy we'll have when we meet Christ face to face.

"He who is in you is greater than He who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

And then, through the midst of our grief, our thoughts turned to Jerry and we were reminded of our hope that we have in knowing exactly where he is, and that we will see him again. One of Joshua's "Christmas Wishes for Our Family" this year was "I hope my Dad has a great Christmas in heaven." I can't even begin to imagine what Christmas in Heaven must be like! Jerry was feasting at a banquet table prepared by our King!

Still yet, tears continue to flow frequently every day. I have never cried so much in my entire life. In an earlier blog back in October I shared a quote that I have found to be very comforting to me. I keep finding myself going back to it over and over again. I'm going to share it with you again too.

There is a sacredness in tears.

They are not the marks of weakness, but of power.

They speak more eloquently then ten thousand tongues.

They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition,

and of unspeakable love.

- Washington Irving -

My love for Jerry still continues to grow even in his absence. For I did not realize my depth of love for him until he was gone. I love Jerry now even more than ever before.

I know God has a master plan for our life. A perfect blueprint that was designed specifically for each one of us. God is involved in every moment of our life. He still sits upon the throne! And, isn't it so very humbling to know that He rejoices over us with singing!

"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Sing louder Lord, sing louder!

Candy