LIVE

I've been contemplating a post for a while and here it is...
A friend emailed to check up on us the other day and this was my reply: "This is very difficult. Unpacking the ornament boxes was hard...I had not anticipated the depth of emotions that would come with opening the boxes!! Jeff and I had always exchanged ornaments so there were 18 years of memories stored in there. I had to keep putting the Vikings ones to the side, take a break, cry, come back, put them to the side, cry some more and finally I asked the kids if they wanted to hang them on the tree. They did, and we hung them together.  The stockings were about the same but, I was ready for the emotion. I only hung our 3 though. I just can't look at an empty stocking on Christmas morning!
Each day is an new adventure. I cannot anticipate what will happen but, I always remember that God is in control and we are in the middle of his hands."
Each and every day is a challenge. The kiddos and I are surrounded by loving friends, that love The Lord and in return love us! These friends and their love are what gets me through each day! Our Senior pastor has written several books. Right now I am getting through "The Cure for The Chronic Life". It is a 40 day study. I have found something very profound that is going to be my new 'mantra'..if you will. "We are to LIVE. LIVE boldly, surely, certainly, faithfully. We LIVE as those who have been raised from the dead. We LIVE to make a difference, to respond to the needs of the world, and to become all that God needs us to be." I find hope and truth in this!
As you go through the next few days and week. Take time from the bustle of the season to really LIVE and enjoy each other! My goal is to make it through with God's grace leading me!
Merry Christmas!
In Him!!
Dawn

Six months ago today, Jeff became cancer free. I would have never dreamed that I would be where I am right now, at that time.  I am at total Peace and the kids and I are settling into our “new normal”.  I have learned over the past few months, that in times of panic, sadness or loneliness that God is in total control.  It seems at those times, I will receive a text or email or bump into someone just at the perfect time.  HE has strategically placed people in our lives. How can I NOT be at peace? I have never asked “Why?”…my question is with excitement… ”God, What do you have in store  for me next?”  I am learning, once again, to be patient. I heard on the radio this morning a blip from Mandisa about her song “Stronger”…God tells us not to worry about yesterday or tomorrow, but live in the present. It is by God’s Grace that we are allowed to do this.

Live today accepting God’s Grace.

In Him!

Dawn

Here we go!!

During Jeff's illness, I found comfort in sharing with all of you our story through CaringBridge.  I truly feel it helped me get through a lot of tough days.  With my friends Emily and Liberty's help, I will start "The Dawn of Grace" blog!  I will be sharing "God" moments and funny things that happen to our family as we begin our "New normal".

I Timothy 1:14 "The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."

In Him!
Dawn