I had a very unique experience today at Immanuel Church, I walked through the "Stations of the Cross" it was a very meaningful experience. I was touched by each step that Christ walked the last week before He died, while being reminded of His great sacrifice for me. At the end, I found myself kneeling, sobbing and feeling a real sense of brokenness. I was all alone in the room and I thought I was on hallowed grounds and wondered if the Lord had something he wanted to say to me. WOW....this certainly would be an appropriate time. Well, maybe He didn't speak out loud right then, but I wondered if I heard the soft sounds of sandaled feet in that quiet moment. It's often in the stillness that He speaks. The last few months I would say He's been more silent, but I believe that He continues to prepare my heart using moments like today to pour Himself into my weary, empty soul. The anguish and pain that we've experienced these past months, has often been more than we could handle. But He breaks through the dark places and offers treasures that are hidden in the darkness. Riches stored in secret places. I think that's what He did for me today. What amazing love! Thank you Jesus!

Boyce Benefit

Just wanted to update anyone who might be interested. The Boyce Benefit is at Bee Street on April 10th from 4-9. Ashley Nicole is graciously putting this together. She's doing a phenomenal job! So many people have offered their gifts to helping with this night. It's going to be crazy, I think. But that's good! I can hardly believe all the items that have been donated. All I can say is WOW! Pray for all of us ~ that we might show forth the glory of God through this event. Any donations can be dropped off at my house. I will deliver them. Thank you everyone for your support! It means so much to our family!

It was my birthday this week. I was hoping that maybe it would go away. But it didn't, Ken surprised me and we went to Lake Geneva for a day and night. He also surprised me with being my personal servant for the day. He waited on me for 24 hours. Whatever I wanted....! WOW! He even took the blame for things that he didn't do! But by the end of the day, he reminded me that it was over now. Back to normal! Well, it was nice while it lasted. That was definitely a memorable birthday. Then last night Rian and I celebrated our birthdays together. It was fun having everyone here, especially all the little ones. They make life sweet! Most of our family were able to come and so many gifts,(better than Christmas) everything was special. I'm glad now my birthday just didn't go away. Rian and I celebrated together for one of the first times in a long time. I can't believe she's 32! WOW! Happy Birthday Rian! I'm blessed to have such a beautiful daughter! She's such a blessing to me and to many! I hope her birthday is as sweet as she is.

The days seem to fly by and I wonder sometimes where the time actually went. I've definitely sensed the hand of God these last few weeks. I'm learning to see Him in the places I've never looked before, in the places that pre sanfilippo, I probably ignored. God is using pain, that I might see Him through it. Like Elizabeth Elliott writes in her book, there is a pathway through the pain and discovering that relationship between God's mercy and our pain. I know that the pain gives us a reason to examine our hearts, and readjust our priorities, reset our sights on Him. Thankfully the pathway through this is for my growth. I'm beginning to see that. I can continue to say "God, what do you have in this for me?" I saw a beautiful little or actually plump bird sitting on my tree in the backyard last Saturday. It was right after the snow (that seemed to come out of no where). It was the most beautiful bird, perched perfectly on a snowy branch, which seemed out of character, and it mesmerized me. It was a perfect kodak moment. But I missed the moment with my camera. So I only have it in my memory. I kept going back to that spot the rest of the day to hopefully see him perched there again. It just reminded me of the newness of spring coming and leaving the cold and dark days of winter behind. My soul longs for that too. That maybe the darkness of this past winter will now turn to thoughts of spring and newness of life. I'm thankful for the springtime, I think this year I won't take it so for granted. I want to learn to appreciate each day with new joy and a thankful heart. Embracing each moment with new appreciation and allowing God to use us in new ways that maybe we never thought possible without the dark days of winter.

2 Corinthians 4:15 Indeed it is for your sake that all things are ordered, so that, as the abounding grace of God is shared by more and more, the greater may be the chorus of thanksgiving that ascends to the glory of God.

I've heard from a few people that they haven't been able to comment on my blog. I changed some options. I hope that it will work and be easier to comment. Sorry! I would love any feed back.

As Augustine said, "You have made us for Yourself, oh God, and the soul of man is restless until it finds its rest in You." My heart is hungry for rest.

Remind me Lord, that when I'm up against obstacles and struggles, that's when I allow you to prove yourself in my life. I believe God you're doing that. I'm not looking for answers to questions so much, but to somehow use our pain to be an encouragement to someone.

We had a busy week with Jayden and Brooklyn, but what a labor of love for us. They kept us on our toes, and our house had a lovely, transforming makeover.:) Even though we're tired at the end of the day, we wouldn't have it any other way. We're just thankful that Justin and Stef could get away for a few days of refreshment. It was a much needed break for them. When Jayden and Brooklyn left us for the weekend, we both felt sad. They just have a way of lighting up a room and our lives. I know they do that for many others as well. God's special gift to us in extraordinary circumstances. We can't get enough of their enormous smiles and the joy they bring us is quite indescribable.

It's only God that reminds me that He shows himself in unique ways and I don't want to miss those ways. I'm learning to look at life differently, not wanting to miss out on any of the lessons, joys, gifts He's offering.

Habakuk 3:18-19 ~ Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.