Impressive Young Lady

We are in the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital with many of the family members at the recommendation of Emily’s doctors. You know that means Emily’s time with us is very limited – that is of course unless the Lord chooses to intervene with a major miracle. We are preparing for the likelihood that the Lord will be calling her home soon and are working through the many mixed emotions that come with saying goodbye. The Lord is sovereign and we totally trust in Him regardless of whether we understand His ways.

Emily has fought a long hard battle that isn’t over yet.

“Tears are God’s way of releasing the pressures of the heart.” Pastor Freeman stopped in today to check on the family and shared those words with us as he brought with him an excitement for the Lord that was contagious and uplifting.

There is another amazing young woman that I am thinking about today as well. On Saturday, we will be celebrating Jackie and Will’s wedding. Jackie has proven to have incredible character through all of the storms of this past week. Not only has Emily taken a very bad turn, but Jackie’s Matron of Honor was in Virginia with her family last weekend for a different wedding when her father had some serious seizures and was hospitalized – placed in ICU. The seizures were so serious that he had lost his speech and it took several days to regain it. Thankfully he has improved and it looks like they will be coming home soon, and we are very grateful for that.

Most brides, faced with all that is going on, would be a wreck! But Jackie has shown such faith and maturity through these eventw that I cannot help but be blessed and very proud of her. Many people have wondered if Dawn and I are concerned that she is getting married so young, but we realize how mature she is and are confident that God has some great things in store for the two of them as they travel this life together. Will there be tears and struggles along the way? Of course. But as they grow in Christ, they will most definitely grow closer to one another. I wonder if Will realizes that he is getting such a strong, confident, faithful young lady? My guess is that he does.

My favorite verse comes from Proverbs 3, beginning in verse 5: “Trust in the Lord with all your and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

Through it all, our trust is in the Lord.

Adam's Birthday

As Adam's birthday is quickly approaching, we thought it would be nice to take the kids out for a meal. We decided to give a new restaurant in Meadville a try, Montana's Rib and Chop House. The food was fantastic! The pricing is on par with Applebee’s and other such restaurants. But oh, were the ribs delicious! Adam ordered calamari as an appetizer… mmmm. Did I mention the ribs? If you are going to try it out, we have heard that it is a good idea to make reservations on the weekends (which we did and had no problem). Two thumbs up!

On the way home we had to stop at Wal-Mart. It was an experience, for sure. You see, Dawn gave Adam a pair of jeans for Christmas that didn’t fit. He never exchanged them, so last week Dawn exchanged them for a pair that she thought would fit. Nope. They didn’t. So we were in the store yesterday listening to, “You are going to try these on to make sure they fit!”

We all got a good laugh out of that. Jackie walked away embarrassed. Adam said he felt like a little kid again (which at age 25 isn’t all that bad). And, in keeping with those rebellious years, never did try them on. It was a good time.

Happy Birthday Adam!