Today I had a really long list I wanted (need) to accomplish, which means I turned to Facebook to avoid starting on it. I am good at that.
I saw that Chelsea had posted four blogs today, and knew I had to read them, since her heart for God is life-changing. As I opened up her blog, the song Lifesong by Casting Crowns was playing. If you are ever wanting to know how to make your Lifesong sing to the King...check out her ministry.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Birthday Planning!
We are in full swing of birthday planning!
This birthday celebration does not involve two cakes, balloons or wrapped toys. But it does have thousands of laughing, beautiful, precious children...who can celebrate more happy birthdays!!!
We couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate Holden's birthday weekend than to be given the awesome opportunity to allow children make it to more of their birthdays!! Can you?
The Holden Uganda 5Ks are coming up...and it isn't about running or walking at all. It's about birthdays. Can you please help us help cutie pies like this little one make it to their next birthdays?
That is one more day to learn about Jesus. One more day to know that He loves them so very much.
This birthday celebration does not involve two cakes, balloons or wrapped toys. But it does have thousands of laughing, beautiful, precious children...who can celebrate more happy birthdays!!!
We couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate Holden's birthday weekend than to be given the awesome opportunity to allow children make it to more of their birthdays!! Can you?
The Holden Uganda 5Ks are coming up...and it isn't about running or walking at all. It's about birthdays. Can you please help us help cutie pies like this little one make it to their next birthdays?
They also will answer, 'Lord when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'" Matthew 25:44-45
Change
I think people (myself included) use the term "life-changing" too loosely. There were many events in my life up until last year that I called life-changing.
I finally understand what a life-altering kind of change means. A few mornings ago as I was getting ready for work, my mind wandered to the girl I was a year ago. My walk with the Lord was lukewarm, Chet and I had a good (or we thought good) marriage; our life was just what we wanted. I was selfish. If you would have mentioned other people's problems and pains to me, I would have thought about it, prayed [genuinely] for them, and likely forgotten about it a few days later. I can even think of many senseless things I said and did when people around me were grieving. (I have to remind myself of this when I am encountered by an insensitive or perceived rude person. I believe without knowing pain, it is almost impossible to empathize with or understand it; I too was that insensitive person at one time.)
If Holden would have stayed with us, who knows what kind of hearts, life and family we would have.
I can say that although I have fought it many times year, I believe God's plan for us is loving. He placed our son in His presence, and allowed us to truly "break our hearts for what breaks His".
Will I understand why we want(ed) to be parents so very badly, yet happen to be the only couple in our close circle of friends without children on earth?
No.
Will I ever understand the events leading up to Holden's passing?
No.
Will I ever understand why a healthy baby can just die?
No.
Will I understand why that baby was our baby?
No.
Do I have to understand?
No.
Even David asked God if His faithfulness extended to the grave (Psalm 88, specifically verse 11). He answered that in Psalm 89.
Nearly a year has come and gone. Although a lifetime away from perfect, I am grateful for my changed heart. I believe I can finally grieve for what grieves God. Chet and I both agree that our marriage has never been stronger. My walk with Christ is so much more vibrant and real. When I have pushed Him away and wanted to do anything on Earth rather than pray, He has pursued my heart.
We were given a gift in our firstborn son. I hope there never comes a day that we forget what God has done for us through the gift of Holden's life.
I finally understand what a life-altering kind of change means. A few mornings ago as I was getting ready for work, my mind wandered to the girl I was a year ago. My walk with the Lord was lukewarm, Chet and I had a good (or we thought good) marriage; our life was just what we wanted. I was selfish. If you would have mentioned other people's problems and pains to me, I would have thought about it, prayed [genuinely] for them, and likely forgotten about it a few days later. I can even think of many senseless things I said and did when people around me were grieving. (I have to remind myself of this when I am encountered by an insensitive or perceived rude person. I believe without knowing pain, it is almost impossible to empathize with or understand it; I too was that insensitive person at one time.)
If Holden would have stayed with us, who knows what kind of hearts, life and family we would have.
I can say that although I have fought it many times year, I believe God's plan for us is loving. He placed our son in His presence, and allowed us to truly "break our hearts for what breaks His".
Will I understand why we want(ed) to be parents so very badly, yet happen to be the only couple in our close circle of friends without children on earth?
No.
Will I ever understand the events leading up to Holden's passing?
No.
Will I ever understand why a healthy baby can just die?
No.
Will I understand why that baby was our baby?
No.
Do I have to understand?
No.
Even David asked God if His faithfulness extended to the grave (Psalm 88, specifically verse 11). He answered that in Psalm 89.
Nearly a year has come and gone. Although a lifetime away from perfect, I am grateful for my changed heart. I believe I can finally grieve for what grieves God. Chet and I both agree that our marriage has never been stronger. My walk with Christ is so much more vibrant and real. When I have pushed Him away and wanted to do anything on Earth rather than pray, He has pursued my heart.
We were given a gift in our firstborn son. I hope there never comes a day that we forget what God has done for us through the gift of Holden's life.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. Psalm 89:2
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
lights of this world
Just 17 days until the Holden Uganda Races.
Just 18 days until Holden's first birthday.
We want happiness and joy on Holden's birthday weekend, as that is all our son knows. We already have joy knowing about all the amazing people coming together across the world to run in and support these races. They are ultimately digging wells of water that will allow people to have the amazing privilege of clean water.
It is a feeling I cannot describe to be a part of so much love and hope.
Just 18 days until Holden's first birthday.
We want happiness and joy on Holden's birthday weekend, as that is all our son knows. We already have joy knowing about all the amazing people coming together across the world to run in and support these races. They are ultimately digging wells of water that will allow people to have the amazing privilege of clean water.
It is a feeling I cannot describe to be a part of so much love and hope.
...among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:15b-16 (Emphasis mine)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Run. Snyder Edition.
Holden Uganda
5K Family Fun Run/Walk
Snyder, Texas
Saturday, August 27th, 9am
Prairie Dog Town in Towle Park
Online Registration - $20
www.holdenuganda.org/events
Registration on the day of the race:
Pavilion in Towle Park - $25
Registration fee includes a Holden Uganda run t-shirt.
Lace up your shoes, bring your whole family,
and provide life-saving water!
www.holdenuganda.org
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