Today was….better. I’m trying not to label days as “good” or “bad”, but my attitude was better and I had more patience and joy with my kids which is always a victory! My tears come at the most random moments…I’m learning not to try to predict them but just go with it. Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. You have no idea what that means to me.
I needed to get out of the house today so I took the kids to Target. I made it through, although my breath felt tight toward the end (a familiar feeling these days) and I knew it was time to leave. It was tough walking by all the displays for Valentine’s day knowing that I wouldn’t be planning anything special or picking out the perfect card for my sweetie. I’ve never been big into Valentine’s day, but I did think it was just a fun thing to celebrate. We could be a pretty sappy couple….I loved that.
It’s so hard getting used to using all these past tense words. Just one of the things that I didn’t anticipate. That and how little laundry I have. I always found it amazing, when we would bring home a new baby, how much more laundry I had…the opposite is true when you lose someone. I find it hard to get the mail and see letters addressed only to me…I’m so used to my name next to his and I liked it that way. I’m still working on opening and reading all the cards that you amazing people brought to the funeral. I am so humbled and thankful! It reminds me of the last time I had a pile of cards to open…we brought our wedding cards to open on our honeymoon…good memories.
My children are amazing! They are so full of life. Plus, I defy anyone to be sad all the time with this little face around!
(I just couldn't resist these super cheap pirate jammies at Target today.)
This boy knows how to have fun, almost always has a big toothy smile on his face, is quick to let out a contagious laugh, and is very insistent when he wants attention. He does nothing half-heartedly and there are a couple things that make him literally shake from excitement…one of them is a bath and the other one is food 🙂
Ava is such a sweet heart! Today she came up to me, wrapped her arms around my neck and said “I’m taking care of you mommy”. I could just eat her!
(This was taken right after her bath tonight which is why she's not wearing her glasses)
She has times when she says she is sad and misses Daddy. We talk about heaven and she says “Daddy’s waiting for us in heaven and he will be so excited when we get there!”. Yes baby, he will. Her new phrase this week is “belly-button marshmallows”. I have no idea where that came from but it makes us laugh and actually is fun to say…go ahead, try it.
(showing her true colors. On a side note, check out how crazy long her hair is!)
I took the kids outside yesterday for a bit.
(this pic still makes me laugh!)
It was the first time that I have been able to play in the snow with Ava and since I’m a single parent now, Lincoln got to tag along. One child was very happy with the outing
and the other one was less than thrilled.
I’ll let you figure out which one was which!
The song “Great is Thy Faithfulness” has been running through my head today. It’s my favorite hymn and I sang it a lot after Ava was born. I was just marveling at the fact that God could have just said He was faithful…which would be true…but He took it a step further and said His faithfulness is GREAT! That got me thinking that whatever we think we understand about God, we can be sure He is greater, wiser, stronger, better, than we could EVER imagine! And my husband is with that God right now. What an incredible thought! Oh, how I can’t wait for the day when I will be there too.
Beautiful Things 
Jessica,
My men’s group was just discussing that concept, of how great God is. we talked about how we can’t comprehend what ALL-knowing is and ALL- powerful is but we can certainly know that God has more than we can imagine and lacks not one ioda of any of it. We are in very good hands! I believe it is very clear that you are well in God’s sight and He WILL bless you and your house!!! stay faithful! many prayers are going up for you!
My faith has been restored after being introduced to your blog and I just wanted to say thank you. It amazes me how someone going through your agony has kept the strength that you have. Your husband’s legacy has touced me in a way that nothing ever has or ever will. You and your family are nothing short of pure inspiration. I know that God will keep using you as a light to this world and I know your faith will touch many hearts like your has touched mine. GOD BLESS YOU!!!!
My heart breaks for you! 😦 I find myself feeling you’re pain! you are in my prayers!
You have beautiful children! Praise God for all of His blessings.
Jess – When I read your words, the tears well up in my eyes, but at the same time I am smiling with you as you share your joy of Ava and Lincoln. You will always see Josiah in them and with them you will always have a part of him with you, too. As I read your words, I can picture the Lord’s loving arms wrapped around the three of you – like a big warm blanket. I lost my brother, Tommy, six years ago from Lymphoma. He was 34 years old and he touched more lives in those years than some might who live to be 90. He was a true “man of God”. He said he wanted to be like Jesus because his two little boys (5 & 6 years old at the time) wanted to be just like him. As the boys grow – they are 11 and 12 now – I see him – I see his walk, his smile, quick wit and his glorious sense of humor. I have prayed for you during this time and will continue to pray every day. Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” God be with you and keep you and cover you with his peace and comfort.
I, too, was comforted with the song “Great is Thy Faithfulness” during a difficult time a few years ago. I believe God brought it to my mind since I had sung it in church for many years. The words are so powerful and true! I never thought about knowing the words from memory, but they were all there in my thoughts just when I needed them. I pray that each day you feel stronger and that many things such as songs, Bible verses, kind words from people, help you along the way. I know God has more good things for you ahead.
What fabulous pictures of your adorable children.
Each day brings new challenges but as you have said, God’s grace and strength are sufficient.
He is giving you exactly what you need each moment.
You are an amazing, Godly woman, wife and mother.
Your Sister-in-law was over at our house the other night for voice lessons and she brought Ava with her. While Bethany was busy with her lesson, my dog Bella and I spent some time playing with Ava. We had many laughs and Ava was having a blast trying to get Bella’s rope away from her. She would get a running start and leap into the air, landing right next to (once or twice right on top of) Bella. I took a few photos of the two of them and my wife commented that you might like to see them.
Beyond all that, I wanted to tell you thanks for your foundation in Christ. It has encouraged me as I have seen how He supplies those in need with grace.
You and your kids are in our prayers.
The Portos.
Jess, your post made me laugh (love that silly-faced pic of Ava!) and cry this morning. The pic of Lincoln in the snow reminded me of taking one of my boys out in his big, puffy blue snowsuit for the first time. He had this incredulous look on his face like, “What is this cold, white stuff, and WHY did you bring me out in it?!” Enjoy the “newness” of each moment with them. As I pray that the Lord gives you deep wisdom, I see from your posts that He is. He’s given you great insight into allowing yourself and your children to grieve and also to rejoice without expectations. You are so very often in my prayers. . .
Love, Jen
Hi Jessica,
You do not know me, I met you once at Amy and Andrew Stephenson’s house. But, as I heard of your loss I was compelled to write to you. First, your posts have been amazing to read. I cannot pretend to imagine the pain that you are feeling, however, I too rest in the knowledge that “His mercies are new every morning” and that each day God will give you the peace and grace to get through it. My family lost our grandfather… I actually like to think of it more as a home-going. He was much older and lived a full life of loving the Lord. However, my grandmother is reeling over the loss of her best friend of 54 years. She picked up a book by Randy Alcorn called Heaven. I have just started reading it and found it so uplifting. It is the hope of what is to come. This earth is only temporary… Our eternity awaits! My family will be in continual prayer for you and yours. We will pray for your precious little ones as they process in their own way the “home-going” of their dad. We will pray for you that as you get up each day you will feel the peace and comfort of our Lord, and know you do not walk through this “valley” alone. Your Savior is by your side.
By the way, our daughter’s name is Ava as well. She is 3 and will be turning 4 this year. Great Name! 🙂
Jess – I wish I could write like you do. I am so thankful you have little Ava and Lincoln. When I was morning the loss of my brother my grandkids could always make me feel better. I call them “My Hugs from God” – cause that’s just what it felt like. I’m praying for you and your HUGS. Embrace the tears that come from nowhere as time goes on. I just know that God has an awesome plan for the 3 of you and He will give you the strength you all need. There’s an army of prayer warriors around you ready to help in any way. You are a blessing to us.
Hi Jessica,
I worked with Josiah at Financial. I want you to know that your words have truly inspired me to be a better Christian, a better wife, a better mother. I hope you realize how you and your amazing family have affected the people around you and many people you have probably never met, Your faith, dedication, and love are truly inspiring. Please know that you have many many prayers each day for you and your beautiful babies. Josiah was truly blessed to have such an amazing wife and mother for his children and I’m sure he is watching over you smiling.
“Great is Thy Faithfulness” is also my favorite hymn. “…morning by morning new mercies I see.” Our God is great and merciful. He will take care of you.
Such precious children to bring some joy and laughter–like a rainbow after a storm!
You are a remarkable woman! As in Jer., “God has plans for you.” You must feel the pain, but you will heal.
Jess- That picture of Lincoln in the snow is awesome. I love the fact that all you can see of him is his eyes…. Glad you were able to get out and enjoy Target. I continue to pray for strength and courage to continue to run your race as you face lots of little hard things and knowing how to process them. I was humming Blessed Assurance this morning and thinking of you.
Rejoicing with you 🙂 Ava and Lincoln are beautiful precious children and I told Aubs if you ever need a vacation in the future, just send em to me in DC! Ha. Thank you Jess for continuing to let us in on your heartfelt thoughts. It’s a privilege.
Jessica,
I love these pictures of your blessings! Ava and Lincoln are so blessed to have you as their mother. Your love for them just pours out of these posts.
Last night, I felt especially burdened to pray for you. I prayed against the enemy feeding you any fears or regrets. God’s timing is perfect and He set out every one of Josiah’s minutes in the way that most pleased Him. I will keep praying for you every night, hoping to cover the time you’re waiting for sleep to come with truth and God’s’ comfort and peace.
Joanna
Your babies are so cute – I could just eat them up too!
A excerpt from the Valley of Vision prayer on Devine Support “Keep me walking steadfastly towards the country of everlasting delights, that paradise-land which is my TRUE inheritance.” I prayed this for both of us today. Oh, how we need to keep our focus eternal! Love and prayers! ~Jen
Jess,
You are such an encouragement. Wow! I haven’t even met you and I look up to you as one of my heroes. You are an incredible woman. I truly hope to meet you someday. May God continue to bless you and wrap his arms around you and your amazing children.
Still praying,
~Amanda
As I read my bible I think of you and the kids. I pray scripture over you as the Lord prompts. Today I pray over you in Psalm 36:5-6 “Your Love O LORD reaches to the Heavens, Your Faithfulness to the skies. Your Righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your Justice lke the great deep. O LORD you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your Unfailing Love!
Love you
Oh, Jessica,
God is leading you. I love seeing your little family, too. They are beautiful! I am so glad you got out yesterday. This morning I was praying and wondering how you were doing and thought, “boy, for us stay-at-home/homeschool moms, Jan/Feb months always are tough anyway b/c we want to get out and it can bring us down if we let it” I prayed you would get out with the kids, even if to go to the library for storytime of to Barnes and Noble story time, or just a play center.
I am so thankful for your children to be able to be the light of your life and our children are really good at cheering us up and “taking care” of us. so precious.
In His LOVING Arms,
Jen
Thank you once again for sharing with us and helping us all to be better people through your example. I love the idea of Ava and Lincoln being your little HUGS from God and the fact that you will always have Josiah by your side as they grow and develop characteristics of their great Daddy. Many people are walking by your side right now in spirit and in prayer – know that I am one of them. And…when you see the Valentine stuff just think of God’s big heart and how He healed Ava’s heart and how powerful He is to do such great things. xx0xx
Reading your blogs for some reason bring piece to me. I’m 83 years old and I live next door to the best neighbor’s( Teresa & Mark Klaas. yes their daughter Sarah is Uriah’s wife. those two girls have always been the best kids. We have lived here for over 20 years.
Mark keeps our drive and sidewalk clear with his big snow blower, and starting last year they keep the lawn mowed. They are real Christians, and I sure thank God for them.
Ill continue keeping you in my prayers.
Did you go to U tube and listen to that song by Joe Nicholes( I’ll wait for you) I love it
and another good song is by Clay Aiken ( Mary did you know) and also by Kenny Rogers & Wynona (Mary did you Know ) also Josh Groban (You raised me up).
you said you wanted songs I hope you enjoy these. I save them in my favorites list so I can get to them fast.
God bless you and the kids, sincerely marge
Dear Jessie…so glad you had a good day yesterday…be kind to yourself…
As someone who lost her mother at age 7…you cannot imagine the joy I hear when people tell me, “Wow, you sound and/or act just like your mom.” Or when my dad told me one day, “Seeing you walk up that hill, you looked just like your mom.” It blesses me to hear that, because although I know she is in heaven…I feel a part of her is still here with me…I am sure you will find this to be true too in your own children, and it will warm your heart in the days to come.
We continue to pray for you and yours…I cannot imagine how hard it must be…trying to find a new normal-ness.
Bless you today,
Donna Hardin
Jessica,
You don’t know me, but my family is friends with Andrew and Amy Stephenson. (My husband grew up with Andrew and our families have gone to the same church for years.) I wanted you to know that I have been following your blog for several months now and have shed many tears for you and your family. I am surprised at how often God puts you on my heart and when that happens I just pray and pray for you. I have woken up several times at night during the lasts few nights and God instantly brings you to mind. I am not sure if you happen to be awake and are needing prayers at that very moment but I find that I am praying a lot that God would give you the strength and grace that you need for that moment and then the next, etc. Hope that makes sense. Even though we don’t know each other, we are bonded together in Christ and for that I am thankful.
I also wanted you to know that you will have a CD arriving in the mail sometime in the next week or so. There is one song in particular (Offering of Joy) that I have found to be particularly amazing in hardship. It was written by a mom who lost a baby, but the words are truly applicable in any situation.
Not sure if you would ever get tired of hearing this, but you are not alone. God will show Himself to be sufficient for all your needs and he is taking up each and every one of the prayers that people are praying for you. He will always meet you where you are at. I’ll keep praying for you and your family as often as God puts you on my heart.
Jess,
Be thou my vision…and Great is thy Faithfulness are two of my favorite hymns…
Thank you for continuing to share your feelings and memories with us. Many of the feelings your family is having are familiar to me since I lost my dad at the age of 15. I can truly say it was by God’s grace we survived. I’ll continue to pray for God’s comfort, provision and a solid support system for your family . On a side note, I love the blog idea because I’m sure it is somewhat therapeutic for you. I remember people telling my mom to write daily in a journal during my dad’s sickness and passing. Also…loved the pictures…your kids are just the cutest!! 🙂
HERE AR SOME SONGS FOR YOU I HOPE YOU LIKE THEM. AND I HOPE THEY OPEN. MARGE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu6HyN-OoDQ (JOE NICHOLE’S,ILL WAIT FOR YOU)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rHgrFb44go KENNY ROGER&WYNONA (Mary DID YOU KNOW)
(CLAY AIKEN (MARY DID YOU KNOW)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejzynSKdNDs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVv2TJVPbi8 (JOSH GROBAN, YOU RAISED ME UP)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uIQp9Dqcrw JOSH GROBAN (WHERE YOU ARE)
THIS ONE YOU ENJOY THEM ALL
Dear Jessica,
I have tried really hard not to send responses every time I read one of your blogs because I know we’ve never met, and I don’t ever want someone to think I’m stalking them. But, you asked how Josiah’s life has impacted mine, so I’ll just tell you that when I heard he’d gone to be with the Lord I was so sad and feeling numb I couldn’t even write my sympathy to your mom or you at that point. It took me a couple of days to even face sitting down at the computer to jot a note to your mom. I guess Josiah’s life has impacted mine because you have invited a WHOLE lot of people to walk this path with you both. And somehow walking it with you has made it a little less fearful for me. If someone so young and so full of hope can face it so courageously, I’m sure God will also help me when my day comes. I can’t imagine the strength you have to sit and write at the computer–I know it has to be therapeutic, but very hard also. I’ve cried many tears reading your entries. And when I watched the service I appreciated so much what you shared. You look a lot like I remember your Dad from college. In your other pictures I have seen a lot of your mom.
You and Josiah shared a very special love–and many other people love him too. I understand what you mean when you say songs have become so much more meaningful. Heaven has become much more tangible to you too, hasn’t it? That’s what happens when someone we love so much is there. We long for it with every fiber of our being! I told your mom I will be praying for you until she tells me to stop, and I mean that with all my heart. Once you find your way into my prayer journal, you rarely find your way back out :-).
Thank you so much for sharing, Jessica. It helps us to know how to specifically pray for you and the precious kids God has blessed you with. And Ava IS taking care of you. She and Lincoln are part of the “way of escape” that God will use to keep you from giving up on some days. And the body of Christ, with whom you’ve shared so transparently is taking care of you too. It’s so fascinating how we can not know each other and yet rejoice and weep together in Him.
With love and prayers,
Kim (Watkins) Saunders
Hey Jessica,
Matt Redman has a new version of Great is Your Faithfulness called “How Great is Your faithfulness” on his newest record which is called We Shall Not Be Shaken. I would recommend the song and the whole cd to you they are great! Holly and I have been praying for you and will continue to pray!
Ben
Hey Jess,
Your kids have the cutest smiles! But I guess that you already know that and are super proud of their inherent cuteness. 🙂 Just wanted to say that I am proud of you for pressing on and still praying for you and thinking of you often. Even pancakes make me think of you, if you can make any sense of that. 😉 Here is my contribution to your song list–a bittersweet one, but full of truth that I know makes my heart soar.
Love you!
P.S. I just love how the video ends and “makes sense” of it all.
I was standing in the pouring rain one dark November night
Fighting off the bitter cold when she caught my eye
Her face was taught and her eyes were filled, and to my surprise
She pulled out a photograph and my heart just stopped inside
She said, “He would’ve been three today
I miss his smile, I miss his face”
What was I supposed to say, but
CHORUS
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always
He was living in a broken world, searching for a home
His heart was barely keeping pace when I found him all alone
Remembering the way he felt when his daddy said goodbye
Fighting just to keep the tears and the anger locked inside
He’s barely holding onto faith
But deliverance is on its way, cause
CHORUS
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always
Friend, I don’t know where you are and I don’t know where you’ve been
Maybe you’re fighting for your life or just about to throw the towel in
But if you’re crying out for mercy, if there’s no hope left at all
If you’ve given everything you’ve got and you’re still about to fall
Well hold on, hold on, hold on, cause
I believe always, always
Our savior never fails
Even when all faith is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
Always, always, He will be with you always
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BYskN-CbYQ&feature=PlayList&p=81627944A7E0D5A3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=9
I’m another person you’ve never met. Erin W.(who recently left Iowa Regular Baptist Camp) is the daughter of my Pastor in Central Illinois. She told our church about you and Josiah, and we have been praying for you. I continue to pray for you and your children as well as Josiah’s family. I lost my older brother 26 years ago from cancer. He left 2 small children, too. I know how difficult it was for my mother to lose her firstborn son. And Joshia was an only son. I cannot imagine his mother’s heartache.
I watched the memorial service online and appreciated its message.
Another old hymn that has always been a comfort to me in times of trial and sorrow is “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” I especially like the lines that say, “O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come. . . Be Thou our guide while life shall last, And our Eternal Home.” He is always and only our Hope. I pray you will find hope and strength for each day.
My favorite memory of Josiah….
When Josiah and I worked together at the Ankeny WF branch and he would come back to work after going to a doctors appointment with you when you were pregnant with Ava. He would always be so excited….you could just see in his eyes how much he was going to love to be a first time father! I was pregnant at the same time with my son so he and I would always chat about “how many week pregnant” I was and you were and what was developing with the baby…..what a great man he was and still is. I can’t imagine the life he is living in heaven, how awesome it has to be. He is so blessed to be pain free and with God forever.
Evenin’ Jess!
We’re winding down for the day and Charlie and I are looking at the pictures you posted. He thinks Ava looks like Mary Caroline! So cute, he doesn’t recognize Ava without her glasses and with all that blonde hair it does resemble sissy. And just for the record…it’s hilarious to hear Charlie say “belly button marshmallows” with the hiccups! Sleep tight.
Love you all
Margie and Charlie
Jess,
My thoughts and prayers are with you each day. I pray for peace and for patience. I am a military wife and my husband is gone frequently. I can have so much sympathy for a full time single mom. I know when I do it that it is only temporary but it is not easy. You are amazing. You are a true testimony for Christ. It’s so uplifting to see you praise Him in the storm. What great rewards you will have in Heaven. Lots of prayers to you, Ava, Lincoln, all of your family and friends.
Jess
You and I or your family for that matter have never met, but I sit here with tears as my heart just breaks for you. But with that being said I can not tell you have much you with your blogs and Josiah with the funeral he put together for himself has effected and touched me to the core! I have told friends about you and related you to being a modern day Job. Your faith can’t be swayed you know who is your God and that brings such inspiration to me. I am so sorry for your loss and and you are often on my heart as I wish Josiah was still with you and those precious babies. Please take the time to grieve, laugh and heal. I call it a privelege to be let into your private life and to be a sister in Christ with you.
Jessica,
I’m glad to see that you are still blogging. Ava and Lincoln have such a courageous and strong mother. Nobody can tell you how to grieve or how to feel. You just do whatever comes natural to you. The kids will continue to amaze everyone with their ability to cope and understand well beyond their years, as you are showing as well. You are an amazing woman!!! God bless you and the kids.
Carrie, Michael, Mason & Emma Sauers
Jess,
I often recall a bit of a sermon that I think Pastor Nemmers preached in Nehemiah. He taught about Nehemiah’s arrow prayers. That concept has been a mainstay in my life ever since. Being a wife and mother, then becoming a missionary and moving our family to the other side of the earth…all sorts of things come along in life that could cause me to worry and fret…not that I’m perfect at it, but if I have a little thought or even a big one where “my breath feels tight” (I love how you described that), I shoot off one of those arrow prayers on just what I’m struggling with. Its amazing how that changes things in my attitude or perspective. Turns our eyes right back to the One Who’s in control.
Your babies are so beautiful. I love how God has given you a little girl that looks so much like you and a little boy that looks so much like his incredible Daddy. I’m amazed at that, every time I see a new picture from you. I will continue to pray you will find the Lord’s mercies are new every morning! Much love….
Jess…
It is really a blessing to be able to share your life. You are an inspiration. Our life right now is chaotic and so very busy…something I have not encountered ever before in this way. It is nice to take the time to read and pray for you. I am sure I will be singing Great is Thy Faithfulness all day today after you put that plug in my brain!!!
I had a snow day last week with the boys. I needed to play. There is something therapeutic about being outside, even in snow. I laughed and laughed and rolled in the snow and made angels and a snowman. Looking at the pics of the little “robots” in their snow clothes reminded me of the fun I had that day!!!
Ava’s hair is sooooo long. Maybe she can give some to “locks of love” sometime. Erica does that. She grows her hair just to cut it for that.
Watch out for Lincoln! He may not have liked it, but in those eyes I see snowballs heading for mom and Ava!!!
I will be praying for your day. I cannot imagine how much your heart is aching, but I feel some of it in mine. You are a special woman and my love goes out to you.
Continuing to pray…
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have followed your blog for about a week now, and I am always deeply moved by what you write. I am praying for you and your children (who are very, very blessed to have you as their mother), that you may continue to have better days. I also pray that your heart is filled with love and great memories of your husband this Valentine’s day.
Jessica,
My eyes fill with tears for you and your precious kiddos as I read your blog entry. Your attitude is simply amazing. I know you give God the credit for it, and rightly so. However, God created everyone with a free-will, and any person going through a trial has the choice to be bitter or to accept God’s sovereign plan with a humble attitude. You are displaying such a godly and Christlike attitude amidst your hurt. You are such a wonderful testimony to those around you, even to the people who don’t know you personally! Please know I am and will continue to pray for you and your family in the coming days. Your blog entry reminded me of the song “Rejoice In the Lord”…
God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant or molding a man
Give thanks to the Lord, though your testing seems long
In darkness He giveth a song
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake
He knoweth the end of each path that I take;
For when I am tried and purified
I shall come forth as gold.
Jess, I watched the funeral online and it was such a wonderful time of worship. Thank you so much for your testimony. You are such a picture of God’s grace. I went to the counseling training in Lafayette this week. One of the speakers spoke about God’s grace and how He gives it when its needed and not before. I made me think of you and what an amazing demonstration you are of that fact. Thank you for letting God use you to show His wonderful grace. Love you and praying for you!
Jessica ~
Our kids are so close in age, so looking at your pictures you posted brings a smile to my face being able to relate to your fun times with your children. I think of you and pray for you every day. I can’t explain how all that has happened in your last 10 months has changed my perspectives on so much about life, my relationship with the Lord and so much more. God is so mighty and so powerful. Someone once told me life is like a crosstich…Looking up towards the heavens you see the underneath side, the knots, all the strings going every kind of different direction. The Lord is looking down and can see the top side, the beautiful perfect picture. It is difficult for our human minds to comprehend such difficult times. Even in understanding it doesn’t make the hurt and pain easier. Thank goodness the Lord sustains us with his grace. You and Josiah have touched sooo many hearts and your testimony has changed lives.
In Him,
Trish
Dear Jessica:
A family friend through Lutheran Church of Hope directed me to your blog. Just 5 short months ago our Daddy and sweet husband was taken Home to be with the Father.
I have found great release and hope in keeping up a blog at http://www.courageroad.blogspot.com.
Let me express to you my deepest sympathy on the earthly loss of your precious Josiah. My heart is heavy for you as it seems not that long ago I began this journey that we now walk together. May our Lord and Savior be your continued support and guide….Psalm 23 tells us that we will walk THROUGH this valley…..and we will with HIM by our sides. Walking through means we will someday get to the other side….
Great is Thy Faithfulness is one of my favorite hymns….and one the Lord put into my head many times….another is It is Well with my Soul……
I will be lifting you and your little ones up in prayer….God is FAITHFUL and He will keep you close, they say grief is just as physical as it is emotional. Some days it takes all you have just to get up and get moving….let God, your family, friends and family of God carry you along.
Abiding in Christ’s LOVE,
Angie
Jessica,
Sarah, Nate and Dave and I attend the Calavery Community Church. They have keep us up to date with their family. And continuous prayers have been sent your way. As Sarah spoke of their trip to the funeral and back, she commented on how amazing it was to see God’s Work
being done for everyone. It inspired us to pull up you website. Threw many tears and heart choked words that I could barely speek aloud the words on the pages. But through God’s Grace he gave my husband the voice and words to continue. And God gave me the works back and we continued to read aloud to each other. God IS With YOU Always – Dave and Delores Pace