Quite a November

This November has been a hard one. There has been lots of sadness that has surrounded our family. I haven't had much to blog about. Sometimes there are not enough words. There has been much to pray about and that is really all we have been able to do.

- A precious girl who grew up at Broadway and was a Sophomore at ACU died in a bus accident. Anabel Reid was a great kid who lived a life that reflected the power of God. She loved Him and we know she rests in His arms.
- A Frenship student died in an accident the weekend before Anable. It is always sad to see a life cut short. The FISD community has been greatly affected by this loss.
- One of my precious friend's from college has been carrying a precious miracle baby in her womb that has been fighting for her life from the beginning. Kamara has been such a woman of strength and the sweet life of Marabeth Renee Cox ended today before it began. Kamara is delivering her sweet stillborn baby today. My heart hurts for this family.
- A great guy has come into Cody's and my lives over the past month. We have been blessed by his friendship and have sort of adopted him as a younger brother. He has an amazing family but they are hours away and he needs to support and encouragement here in Lubbock. The Nelson family immediately began to love our Bryson who is fighting some major battles in his life. He needs the Lord, he needs deliverance, he needs justice, and he needs us. We are so thankful for him, but our hearts are heavy as we watch him fight a huge battle.
- In September, a precious elder at our church and family friend died in a motorcycle accident. We still miss Mr. Rusty and his leadership and wisdom.
- A few couples close to us are in various stages of divorce right now. Our heart hurts for them, their children, and the loss of love.
- And on the most nonimportant note of all, Corey has become a horrible sleeper. The toddler bed did not work. He ended up on a twin daybed and he is up and down several times a night. I cannot remember the last time I slept through the night. Cody and I are both weary from this and it makes a hurting spirit feel even more defeated. Daily we are trying to work this out for us and get a good night of sleep for our family and especially our little boy.

And in the midst of all of this, God's mercies has fallen like rain upon us. We have seen His hand clearly move, comfort, restore, and heal. He is alive and active in our world! There is NOTHING greater to be thankful for each and every day. Our prayers are not falling on deaf ears and we believe He is reclaiming each of these hard situations for His own! In this time it is so easy to see why we need the Lord to come back. This world is not our own and I find no greater comfort in knowing that He has prepared a place for us for eternity!