Catching Up

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalm 34:18

"The secret way to heal a broken heart is to let love leak out like an ocean

through all the cracks."

-Ann Voskamp

 

"He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds."

Psalm 147:3



"The best way to tend to your open wounds is to open your arms.

Out-loving is the only ointment that healed anything.

When you have Jesus on the inside, you’re never on the outside.

In name of Jesus who broke His heart to heal ours…"

-Ann Voskamp

 

My life is full...this is good...it means I feel GREAT!  I've received emails wondering why I haven't posted in so long...am I okay?  YES...I'm home from two weeks in Florida (Healing balm of God's Word with the salt, sand and ocean) with my parents...two weeks of rest and relaxation.  Now I'm preparing for my next trip!  But, before I tell you about that...let me back up and recall this past month in pictures:

Matthew & Me

What an awesome trip I had going to Beulah Beach with my dear friend Carylee!  We went to visit our children (Morgan & Matt) who are serving as camp counselors at this amazing camp on Lake Erie's shoreline!

Matt's "Group" of Young Men 



Carylee & Me...Western Night Hoedown

Lake Erie Sunset

Now off to Florida...



Enjoying my parents pool!

Florida Sunset with Dad & Mom

"but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice

piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents;

for this is acceptable in the sight of God."

I Timothy 5:4

Meeting Linda Heiman at The Soda Shoppe!

Dinner at Darryl's with (almost) all my parents friends!

Dale, Tim, Bob, Maryann, Barbie, Jane, Me, Mom, Mary, Tim, Dad & Wyatt

Love these people!

Fourth of July Fun with the Homoelle's

Ready for Beach Fireworks...

Colleen, Bethany & Courtney

Venice Fireworks were GREAT!

Papa & Granny

Anniversary Roses from Dad!

Mary, Mom & Me on our fun adventure to Jody's on Palm Island!

Getting Ready to Ride Over on the Ferry

Jody & Dizzy pick us up from the ferry in "Gumby"

Relaxing in Jeff & Jody's pool after an amazing day on Palm Island Beach

"Thank You" Jody for a wonderful day...

I am blessed by knowing you and look forward to my next adventure to Palm Island Paradise!

You are a gracious hostess and the day was a highlight of my trip!

Our beach "cabana boy"

It's not an "official" vacation without a trip to Nokomis Groves for Ice Cream!

 A short drive to Sarasota for dinner at Owen's Fish Camp...delicious fun!

Mom, Dad, Wyatt & Mary

My dinner "date"!

Life Size Elephants in the Historical District of Sarasota!

Dad enjoys a hammock at Saint Armands Circle

My traveling companions...Suzanne, Colleen & Linda!

Home again:

"You water its furrows abundantly,

You settle its ridges,

You soften it with showers,

You bless its growth.

You have crowned the year with Your bounty,

And Your paths drip with fatness.

The pastures of the wilderness drip,

And the hills gird themselves with rejoicing."

Psalm 65:10-12

My Garden Bounty

My Garden Dinner...

Fried Green Tomatoes, Crookneck Squash & Cucumbers!

July 13, 2013...Braden's Graduation Party!

The best "Host & Hostess"

Mike & Cheryl

Enjoying "grand-parenting"...

Terry, Kelly & Annie Grace

Aunt Aubrey & Annie Grace

Cassidy Joy

Lauren

The newlyweds...Andrew & Erin

Uncle Jim & Aunt "J"

Cheryl's sweet parents...Mary & Chuck

Some of my favorite people...Sarah & Zac

 

A new addition to Zac & Sarah...2013 Chevy Silverado!

 

More favorites...Matt & Liz

Matt & his mama...

(Morgan...how did I end up without a picture of you?...so sad)

I'm looking forward to another adventure...going to the beach (Ocean Isle) with Carylee.  We fly out on Sunday (7/21) to be with her parents, sister & family!  I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be with these dear people, to be well enough to go and for friends who are keeping me on my toes!  Last Sunday at our church's baptism service I had the pleasure of chatting with a dear widow (Judy Burgess whose husband went home to the Lord 4 years ago)...she gave me some advice..."stay busy"...I guess that's what I'm doing!  I will only be home for a short while after Ocean Isle and then onto Norris Lake, TN for our family vacation.  Please pray for me as I wrap my mind around a "family" vacation without Tom.  I told Sarah, "what's a family vacation/pictures without your dad?"...just doesn't seem right, but I know God will be right beside me (us) through these bittersweet times.

"Thank You" to my anonymous friend!

 

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow,

nor reap nor gather into barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not worth much more than they?"

Matthew 6:26

"Thank You" Karen Brown...love my bird...reminding me of my worth in Christ!

 

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

 

I meet with my cardiologist tomorrow, Thursday 7/18...as well as I have felt, I still think I need some medication adjustments.  Thank you again for all who love, pray and support me and my family.  I am blessed.

Greetings from Florida!

A few weeks back our dear friends, Kent and Suzanne Homoelle, invited me to join them on their flight to Florida! It was a last minute thought that made me check their flight schedule and tickets were still available....so I jumped (hesitantly) and decided to come visit my parents for two weeks!  The unfortunate part of this story is Sarah and I came down with the stomach flu the day before I left.  I prayed that it would be the 24 hour stuff...it wasn't.  I would have cancelled the trip had I gotten insurance...the flight was pretty miserable for me, but I was thankful the flight wasn't full, I wasn't flying alone and I didn't have any "mishaps" on the plane.  Once arriving in Tampa, Bethany found a wheelchair for me and pushed me through to baggage claim! I'm not sure I would have made it and so thankful I didn't have to find out! Thanks, Beth!!  Suzanne only had to pull over once for me on our drive from Tampa to Venice...gross.  I prayed mightily that they wouldn't pick up this nasty germ.  It was so good to lay down at my parents and let my mom wait on me! I thought, "it's a 48 hour bug, I'll be better tomorrow"...NOT!  It was a four day bug that really started this vacation off on a bad note.  I'm feeling better and so thankful for the love and care of my parents!
This week is another especially hard week...our anniversary.  Tom and I always joked that the 4th of July fireworks were to celebrate us! Our anniversary is July 6th, but we liked to think the party was ours...not so much a party for me this year. I'm sure Tom is having an incredible celebration...EVERYDAY...much different here on earth, living with the consequences of sin.  I continue to hold my chin high and thank the Lord for the 27 years He did give me with Tom.
Praying you celebrate HIS freedom!

Father's Day...Just Not the Same

Tom's "pride & joy"...Addy Grace

Saturday evening The Engleharts invited us (Papa, Granny, Sarah, Zac, Addy & me) to their beautiful home for fellowship, fishing, food and fun.  As Ginny and mom prepared food, papa fished (Zac & Sarah hadn't arrived yet) I had alone time with God on the dock.  He grabbed my heart as I was lamenting the fact that Sarah and Matt didn't have a dad (in person) to celebrate this Sunday...then He touched me and said, "Tom is celebrating his first Father's Day with his Heavenly Father...it's okay".  With eyes filled with tears I gave thanks for the many years Sarah and Matt did have an amazing earthly father to celebrate and honor.  I am thankful that Tom is having the best Father's Day ever!  Tom would agree that it was never about him, but about Jesus...our real Father.  Addy sure had fun romping in the water, chasing the ducks and running in the country...I know Tom would have enjoyed seeing her have such a great time.

One of many large mouth bass Papa caught!

 I'm so thankful that my parents are here and we can celebrate Father's Day with my dad.

Sarah & Zac enjoy the canoe

Libby & Addy share a bed in exhaustion...not sure Libby was into sharing her bed!

What a fun evening we had ending with a round of Hand & Foot...thank you, Ginny for your generous hospitality!

For Father's Day:

"For His precious children, He serves as both Guard and Guide.

He both precedes us and protects us.

He is simultaneously our Shepherd and Shield.

He is Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the One Who goes before,

guiding into the future, and the One Who goes behind, gathering up our debris,

our failures, and our poor attempts at ministry,

blessing us and leaving a blessing behind us for others."

 

"After my father's passing, my mother struggled pitifully with loneliness.  There was little anyone could do for it.  Her rambling mountain house seemed desolate, haunted with memories of a vanished hand and a silenced voice.  But she was a sturdy woman with an unusual streak of determination, and as time passed, she began to discover some of the benefits of living alone, such as God's presence."

The Red Sea Rules

by Robert J. Morgan



I'm not sure how long the above "time" was...
I'm not sure anyone would call me "sturdy"...I feel very frail...
I'm not sure if I have a "streak of determination"...
I'm thankful that I have not had to "learn the benefits of living alone" (without Zac & Sarah)...

...that day is coming

BUT...I pray that I will practice the presence of Jesus and never truly feel alone!

As I think of my parents leaving on Monday, to return to their home in Florida, I can become quite sad.  I'm choosing to be happy for them (they have been gone for over a month!) and choosing to be thankful for all they have done here for me and with me!  I know 'life must move on' so I press on with Jesus on this journey He has me on...thanking Him and releasing what He calls me to release to His perfect plan...it's not easy.

Kelly, Mom & Me at the Papaya Street Grill

"Girls Night Out"

I'm going out in "public" more and more without my wig...with the warmer weather,

it's just too hot!  I really feel uncomfortable around people I know...vanity, oh vanity...

it's just that my hair grows SO slow!  I don't think too much about it until I catch a glimpse of myself, see my shadow or see a reflection and then I think, "who's that man?"!!

 

"But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers,

then you are illegitimate children and not sons.  Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?

For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good,

so that we may share His holiness."

Hebrews 12-8-10

Joy

"How can grace get a hold of you when the past won’t let go of you?
How do you leave a legacy different than the one you’ve been left?
That’s what I’ve got to gnaw through to.
If you don’t fight for joy, it’s your children who lose.
What do I want my children to remember — my joy in clean floors, made beds and ironed shirts — or my joy of the Lord?
You will be most remembered — by what brought you most joy.
The joy of the Lord is your strength and the person of Christ is your unassailable joy –
and the battle for joy is nothing less than fighting the good fight of faith."

-Ann Voskamp

Yesterday marked Tom's 8th month in heaven...I still can't grasp all that means, other than I continue to miss him like crazy.  The above quote has stirred my heart...how do I let go of the past that makes me who I am today?  Is this my legacy?  I am fighting for joy...it's a fight.  I want my children to remember me for my "joy of the Lord" and not the sadness of loneliness (or a clean house).  I have to constantly remember that the Lord is my strength and my joy.  It was while visiting with my cousin last week...I shared with her: "accepting the 'legacy' God has given us is allowing Him to be God."  I realize how often I want to be God...is my plan better than His?  Hardly...

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Jeunnette

June 1, 2013

 

There are so many praises to share and yet, still prayer request too.  My heart is full, my lungs are not!  The last time I went into have my lungs tapped there was not enough fluid to drain!  Thank you for praying.

Dad & Mom (aka...papa & granny)

My parents arrived safely from Florida last Thursday.  What an amazing weekend we had celebrating my niece's wedding and my nephew's graduation.

The Beautiful Bride...Erin

The Bride's Parents

Mama & her girls...

Papa & his girls...



My Sweet Little Family (& Liz)...

Amazing Bride & Aunt Lisa

What a beautiful celebration of God's love between two godly young people.  I have to admit I was quite taken by the young pastor...Zac Hess!  He did an amazing job and I really am not partial!  This was the first wedding I've attended since Tom's home going and it wasn't easy.  Such emotions, bittersweet...joy mixed with sadness, loneliness while surrounded by those I love, signing the guestbook as one yet understanding I'm never alone...all of this I look at as part of the process of healing.

One of the best parts of the reception was getting to meet so many people who have prayed for me and encouraged me along this journey.  The mother of the groom, Joan, what a sweetheart who continues to encourage, write and pray as a dear sister in the Lord...what a treat to meet you face to face...you're as sweet in person as your words on paper!  Nate, a groomsman from Michigan...if you're reading this...you'll never know what a blessing your testimony to me was...you're forever on my heart and I can't wait to introduce you to Tom when we all get to heaven!  So many family members I haven't seen in some time...Uncle Bill, Jeanette, Randy, Brenda, Nick, Cortney, Kim, Eric and getting to meet Grace & Lucy.

The 15 passenger van Mike rented for the wedding party...

We loaded it up for church on Sunday morning!

(L to R:  Morgan, Tim, Lauren, Braden, Me, Mom & Dad)

(Not pictured:  Mike, Cheryl, Dan, Brittany & Declan!)

God continues to amaze me with His reminders of His love and how He pursues me...we enjoyed communion (Eucharisto...giving thanks) at church on Sunday morning...what a blessing.



Cheryl...in her office at Akron General Hospital

What fun it was to have lunch with Cheryl on Monday and get to meet her co-workers who have faithfully prayed for me through this journey Jesus has me on!

Braden

Field High School Graduate

Magna Cum Laude

Congratulations to Braden for his high school accomplishments.  I was so excited to be there for his graduation...I had not been to any of his sister's graduations because that was always such a busy time at WCHS for Tom and I.  What  special evening for a special nephew!

Cheryl, Braden, Mike & Morgan

Braden will attend Akron University in the fall studying Civil Engineering

Granny, Braden & Papa

Mike and Cheryl called me on the Friday night prior to the wedding to ask me to stay with them for a few days...I had no excuse (or doctors appointments!) so I stayed!  My original plan was to go home Tuesday after meeting Tom's brother, Terry, Joyce, Leah & Cherith while they were passing through northern Ohio on their way to Niagra Falls.  We met at a Cracker Barrel outside of Cleveland and enjoyed fellowship and breakfast together.  I can't tell you how special family is to me, can you tell?

Me, Joyce, Leah (newly engaged!), Terry & Cherith

Love you all SO much!

I'm looking forward to gathering with Tom's family for Leah's wedding in October!

After meeting Terry's family for breakfast, I then met my cousin, Kim for lunch!  I had never been to her home and what a beautiful place she and Eric have.  My aunt and uncle met us there also and we enjoyed fellowship along with lunch at Applebee's!

Me, Kim, Mike, Dad, Uncle Jim, Aunt Joanne & Mom

After lunch Mike mentioned that Matt's camp (Beulah Beach) was only 20 minutes away...want to visit?  Sure, why not?  So we surprised Matt (& Morgan Meyers!) with an impromptu visit.  What a neat place for ministry right on the bank of Lake Erie.  I look forward to more trips back and staying longer.

Mike, Me, Matt, Granny (look up), Aunt J & Uncle Jim

Matt's "dorm"

(upper right window)

Matt's Morning View

"indeed I will greatly bless you,

and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens

and as the sand which is on the seashore..."

Genesis 22:17

Praying God's blessings on Matt as he faithfully and wholeheartedly serves Jesus and His people at Beulah Beach this summer!



Love my brother!

After the wedding/graduation weekend, my brother took a week of vacation.  So along with my parents, he talked me into staying the rest of the week...why not?  What fun we had...my cheeks still hurt from all the laughter!  Thank you, Morgan for giving up your room for me.  Mike kept us busy and I'm so thankful that I could keep up with all the activities.  We spent one day working at the newlyweds new home mulching and weeding.  I wasn't much help but certainly could give orders and enjoy the sunshine.  God has blessed them with a beautiful home!

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Jeunette's New Home

Stow, Ohio

Sights & Sounds of Akron

Hartville Hardware

Mom, Dad, Mike & Me

(missing Kelly)

A very successful fishing outing for Papa, Mike & Braden!

Haydon Owen Dotson

South Central High School Graduate

Saturday we enjoyed more extended family time at my cousin, Jennifer's sons graduation party!

Getting to meet my second cousin...Cambell James Petee!

May 21, 2013

Great Aunt "B" & Cambell

I'm back home after an amazing week of fun family time.  I'm slowly adjusting back into life at home...glad that my parents are here for another week to ease me into reality.  I have a checkup with my oncologist on Wednesday (6/12) and then with the cardiologist on Monday (6/17).  Please pray that my blood pressure, chest pressure, heart rate and fatigue would improve.  I continue to covet your prayers and appreciate you taking the time to "check into" my life as God has me taking one step at a time fully relying on Him each step of the journey.

"All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth
To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies."

Psalm 25:10

Memorial Day...Memories...Mercy

Let me begin with a huge "THANK YOU" for all who have served or are currently serving our country.  I especially lift up those who have given the ultimate sacrifice...their life.  I pray for the families who mourn the loss of a loved one, while the rest of the world carries on with parades, picnics and family gatherings.  I too can relate to the void of missing a loved one...not one who fought for our country in the military, but one who fought for freedom by teaching, loving and modeling a life of freedom in Jesus Christ.  He did battle...19 months, before God chose to call Tom to his eternal home of real FREEDOM.  I miss him more with each day that passes.

Mrs. Goodman's Cupcakes

Last week I received these yummy cupcakes along with a special invitation to the Worthington Christian High School Spring Choir Concert honoring Tom!  What a special and emotional night Tuesday was!  Karen Rugg-Klapheke does an amazing job directing the choir and bringing out the best in each student.  It was her idea and I'm ever grateful for her honoring our family in such a special way.  During the concert I was presented a beautiful bouquet of tulips and a picture slide show, put together by Colleen Homoelle, was shown during "Upon Your Heart" the song the choir sang at Tom's 'celebration of life' service.

The Program & Tulips

Zac, Sarah, Me & Matt

Ginny, Terri, Me, Carylee, Kelly & Beth

 

I forgot in the last post to tell you that a dear friend, Beth Duewel, came from Ashland, Ohio to plant all my planters with flowers!  I can't tell you what a blessing this was for me and will continue to bring me joy through the summer as the flowers bloom and mature.

This is just a sampling of her amazing "green thumb"...

I believe she planted over 12 planters/pots!!

Thank You, Beth!

 

Joyce, Leah & Terry

Congratulations to niece, Leah, on her graduation from Providence Bible College!

 

Scrapbook presented to me from Mr. Stoll, Media Director at WCHS

This scrapbook was compiled by the journalism students.

A record of statements from the chapel following Tom's "graduation".

Thank you ALL for such a special treasure and reminder of why we all loved Mr. Anglea!

 

Thank You Stoll Family!

 

Beautiful flowers from

Jun, Tong & Austin

What a special treat to receive an e-mail from our Chinese friends who were going to be in Columbus for Memorial Day weekend.  We met Jun & Tong when Jun was a graduate student at The Ohio State University in 1997.  We invited them for a traditional American Thanksgiving in our home.  When Jun finished his graduate work he and Tong moved to Michigan.  We had never met their son, Austin who is in 7th grade.  We were excited to get an e-mail saying they would be in Columbus for Memorial Day weekend and could we go to dinner!!

Matt, Lisa, Tong, Austin & Jun

Max & Erma's

What an enjoyable evening we had!

 

Another Anonymous Blessing

Thank You!!

 

Matt & his large mouth bass from the Englehart's pond!

What a blessing to enjoy our Memorial Day with dear friends, the Englehart's!  They know what it means to sacrifice as a military family.  Thank you Tom for your service for our country!  I am so sad I didn't get a group picture.

 

As far as my health is concerned...I had my right lung "tapped" (drained) on Friday.  There is good news and bad news.  Good news is that there was less fluid than when the CT scan was last taken.  Bad news is there was fluid on my right lung and there is fluid on my left lung that will need tapped this week sometime.  I'm very discouraged that the fluid remains/continues, but I'm confident that the Lord knows the details of my lungs and will bring this to an end...hopefully SOON!  Thank you for your continued prayers.  I'm not feeling as good as I would like, but with each day God gives me the strength I need.

 

Prayer requests:  My parents are en route from Hawaii to Florida and then will drive to Ohio for my nieces wedding on Saturday!  Please pray for their safety, strength and stamina after a long trip.

Please pray for Matt (& me) as he is leaving tomorrow (5/28) for his summer camp job at Beulah Beach (Vermilion, Ohio) on Lake Erie.  I am so excited to see how the Lord will work through him and in the lives of the young people God places in his care.  Please pray for me as I have quickly adjusted to his time with me these past couple of weeks.  It will be another piece of my heart torn as he leaves tomorrow.