Trusting When We Don't Understand

"This trial does not feel good; I don't like it, but I believe that all things are working together for good" are words that were spoken often by my father in law.  Wayne truly believed these words with every fiber of his being.  Any chance he would get, he would instill this and other principles into his family, his children and his friends.  

You hear people talk all the time about having faith.  But, do they really have it?  It's very easy to have it when life is good, the kids are getting along, the bills are getting paid, when our health is good, etc.  Going through tough times and trials will always test how much faith we truly have.

Wayne was so consistent with his faith.  It never wavered.  He acted the same no matter what was going on.  His face always wore a smile.  When he smiled at you, it was genuine and not surface. He could look at a person with all of their "baggage" and it didn't matter.  He could see beyond that, to their true potential. 

Yes, Wayne had given me countless advice and guidance, but what I've really learned from him, came from watching the way he lived his life.  He didn't just talk it....He walked it.  He believed it.  He got it.  Wayne had true faith.  

We may never understand God's timing, and I'm pretty sure we often will not like it.  My father in law was the greatest example of "Trusting When We Don't Understand".

Our family was shaken to the core on March 31, 2012.  However, even through our devastation we honestly believe that this was for a purpose...a GREAT PURPOSE.  I know for fact, Wayne wanted to live a life a purpose.... he did, until his last breath.

Wayne was a loving husband, father, world's greatest father in law, son, Poppy, brother, uncle, and friend  that has left a huge void in our lives.  We will miss him terribly. 

Until we meet again, Wayne, We'll miss you and We love you!  

Happy Birthday, My Friend

My computer background reads, "She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future".  It's there to inspire me, a goal I can only hope to achieve.  However, this definition could easily describe my precious friend, Ashley.
She celebrates her ?? birthday today:)  Happy Birthday, Ash!  Even though I'm a little older...just a little...she is a beautiful example strength, grace, and kindness.  Through life's tragedies, it's so easy to become angry and resentful.  My friend has shown such peace and dignity through difficult circumstances.  Just watching her live her life is an inspiration to me everyday.  When I start to have a "pity party" , her example reminds me that things really aren't so bad.

We may go several weeks without talking(our daily afternoon calls are few and far between, since our children's schedule's consume us), but we always pick up where we left off.  Being her friend is so easy, and there's no pressure to be something I'm not.  I could only hope she feels the same about me:)  
I miss our "choir practice chats", the "looks" we would flash each other if we saw something amusing, and so much more.  As teenagers, I'm not sure who hated early mornings more, Ashley or me.  We would get up to get dressed on Sunday mornings and neither one of us would speak until we were in the car on the way to church.  My stomach turns just thinking about all of those late night runs to Taco Bell...Chili Cheese Burrito anyone?   I'm still not sure what possessed us to tan on her roof for all to see! Ha!  Anything for a little tan:)
Even with the changes in friendship, true friends will always be there.  We may not talk everyday, but we are still as close as ever.  That's true friendship! 

I love you, Ashley.  Happy Birthday to the strongest woman I know.  Thank you for being a true example of strength and grace.