Gone, but not forgotten

This past Sunday, many of us in Rabun County lost a dear friend. But more importantly a family lost a mother, wife, and daughter. I, along with many others, have been struggling at why God would allow this to happen. I keep coming back to "Because he's God". He doesn't owe me an explanation, but I pray that He will be merciful and allow one. His ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts. God is so much bigger than I am and can see the whole picture while I only view a small window.

These past few days, and in the ones yet to come, we have talked about why this happened. We have tried to grasp how this could be. But we have also remembered fondly Kasi. We will still cry, and yet rejoice that she is with her earthly father and also her heavenly Father. We will celebrate her life while those left here try and put theirs back together. It is a bittersweet time. Friends and families are drawn closer. Children are given an extra kiss good night and husbands and wives sit a little closer on the sofa.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled." John 14:1

Here is an excerpt from the hymn that Steve and Jill are singing at the funeral.

What a Day that Will Be

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face
The One who saved me by His grace.
When He takes me by the hand and leads me through the Promised Land;
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Until next time,

Look forward to that glorious day.

Luke's first hit!

Tonight Luke got his first hit without using the tee. I was helping coach first base, and as he ran down to me, tears filled my eyes.  I know it was silly, but watching my little one reach yet another milestone, was great!

Saturday night is our last game. We will have our end of the year celebration following the game and hand out trophies. Looking forward to it.


Until next time,

Go Lookouts!

Best Mommy Ever

I kid Steve that I am going to brainwash our children into thinking that I am the "best Mommy ever". And if you ask Seth, he will tell you that I am. My brainwashing is working with him. Luke is another matter. Recently though he has started saying without any prompting, "Mommy, you're the best Mommy ever". Makes my heart sing.

It does make me think long and hard about what makes a good Mommy. I know that on most days, I am far from being "the best Mommy ever". I think right now my boys think it is because I know how to make their favorite meals, or record that new Phineas and Ferb they have been wanting to see, or maybe even taking them to the school's carnival.

But does that really make me a great Mommy. Of course not. I want them to remember that not only did I do those things for them, but I loved them unconditionally. I want them to remember that I disciplined them even when I didn't want to do so. I want them to see that I put them above a career; that they are my career and that their Daddy and I have chosen it to be that way. I want them to remember that I stayed up late making sure their baseball or football uniforms were clean for the next day's games, that their lunches were packed with their favorites, and that I was there to pick them up after school.

I also want them to see me spending time with their father, and with my heavenly Father. Their Daddy is the most important man in their lives and I want them to see that I love him. But I also want them to see that God is the most important person period. I am trying to teach that accepting the Lord isn't a one time decision, but a relationship that lasts a lifetime, and frankly, all of eternity.

So, today, I will accept the title of "Best Mommy Ever" but one day I hope to add it to my eternal crown and cast it at the feet of my Lord.

Until next time,

Strive to be the best.