The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activities.
First, I would like to introduce you to Jonah Neal Smith born to Britton and Michelle on August 11, 7lb 2 oz., 30 inches long. Big brothers Eli, who will turn 5 in a couple weeks, and Caleb, who just turned 3, are thrilled with their new brother.
We celebrated Caleb and Lane’s birthdays at Britton and Michelle’s so erveryone could see the baby. Lane (Grant & Jenni’s son) turned 6 and Caleb turned 3.
Eli and Caleb were able to spend a couple days with me here. It was Berrien County Fair week so the boys enjoyed a day of rides, animals and tractors!
Our dear friends (I mean MY dear friends) from Zambia came for a few days. I still catch myself saying “we” or “our” instead of “me” and “my.” They were here for some meetings in Chicago but also to attend our mutual friends son’s wedding in Holland, MI. This wedding was particularly hard for me. The Liske’s daughter got married two days after Neal died three years ago and Jim Liske did Neal’s funeral. The last words Neal said to me before he slipped in unconsciousness was that he wanted to make it through the weekend so he didn’t interfere with Ali’s wedding. It worked out that Neal’s funeral was 2 days after the wedding. Lawrence Temfwe, from Zambia, also spoke at Neal’s funeral. Sitting at the wedding I was reminded of when Christ returns. The last book of the Bible, Revelation, talks about that there will be a new heaven and new earth. Our old sick worn out bodies will be made new. The new place where we will reign with Christ will come down from heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband. God will be with us for all eternity. It will be a place of no more sorrow, no more death, no crying or pain. (Revelation 21) Sounds pretty amazing to me. It gives me hope to continue on each day.
The day after the wedding I left with my widow friend, Julie, to go to a dude ranch in Colorado. My next post I will share about my awesome time becoming a cowgirl!
When I got home from the ranch, the following day was the anniversary of Neal’s death, Aug. 31, 2012. It was a hard day for me for several reasons. I mentioned earlier about the recent wedding; there were a couple times at the ranch that were emotional for me wishing Neal was with me; I was tired from traveling; while I was away the mice problem got worse (Whitney and Ty were house sitting and dealt with much of it which was a blessing) so I had a mess to deal with when I returned home.
This weekend is our annual Labor Day Weekend family reunion with my mom’s family. I love having everyone here. It is such a blessing to be together. So as I leave this post and anticipate my parent’s arrival, let me leave you with this thought:
Happy Moments–Praise God
Difficult Moments–Seek God
Quiet Moments–Worship God
Painful Moments–Trust God
Every Moment–Thank God
I pray your moments are filled with praise and thankfulness as we each continue on our journeys.
On trhe journey,
Trish
Your growing family is beautiful. But, you have other ‘family’….friends from far away. They know you care about them; your home is very welcoming.
I also have a hard time dispensing with the ‘we’ and ‘our’ terms…..I guess I still feel like Tom is with me. You mentioned a few times that you wish Neal was with you. I often feel that way….then I think that he is. Some decisions lately have been made by me, some new ventures, and I swear Tom had a hand in it.
Cannot wait to hear and see about your latest excursion. Go West Young Ladies…..and you did!!