chrisine

I can remember specifically sitting in David's recliner during a summer break when JD and Hannah were very young. I sat listening to them play outside in the backyard. It was then that I first counted up to figure out that 2015 would be a hard year for me. Of course the reason I thought it was going to be hard was because JD would be graduating and leaving for college. Little did I know, God's plan was already in place for him not only to graduate but to gain his eternal life. Needless to say, when looking back on this memory, the word sad doesn't begin to cover my emotions of 2015. I have experienced feelings of regret, frustration, despair, helplessness, panic, and grief. However, in the midst of all the negative emotions of this year God has been right there. He has listened to every word I have spoken to Him through all of my unpleasant thoughts. He has turned my emotions into feelings of understanding, joy, peace, comfort, and acceptance. He never ceases to amaze me when I feel like I can not take another step, He carries me right to where I need to be in that moment. Most of the time, He guides me to His word where I can take refuge. Sometimes he uses you all to remind me that He is using JD still to further His Kingdom. I love every "glimpse" you share with me. And recently He has used my own thought to show me that He indeed is always right beside me, and He will never leave me. I have been very hesitant to tell this story, even with the encouragement of David, Hannah and a few of my closest friends. Today, I feel led to share with you. While we were on our cruise I made the comment that I wanted to cut one of JD's bracelets and throw it into the ocean. In my mind, I was thinking that like the movie Message in a Bottle, someone would find it. But unlike the movie, they would see the words "God's Got Me" and maybe come to know Jesus. David told me to go ahead, but I had forgotten to bring an extra one. I did not want to give up mine. JD's uncle Steven said I could use his, because he had more in his room. We took the bracelet, cut it and went on deck to pray and throw it. The first time it landed 2 floors below us. David went down to get the bracelet to bring it back. We again said a prayer, I threw the bracelet over the railing. We waited and looked, but we did not see the bracelet. Believing that it had found its place in the ocean, Hannah and I went to our cabin to take a nap. Hannah woke up and went to sit on our balcony. I heard her say, "There is a broken bracelet on our balcony." Never once did it cross my mind that it would be JD's bracelet! I got up to look, and there it was; JD's bracelet had landed on OUR balcony and had been there for two hours while Hannah and I napped. I believe that "through Christ ALL things are possible". I believe God reminded me again on that day that he does have my child. And I believe that although 2015 has been a year of many emotions, my God continues to comfort me. I also believe that because of God's plan for our lives in 2015 that we can endure anything in the coming years and look upon them as His blessings. May you all be blessed with God's presence throughout this new year and years to come. It is my desire to see each and every one of you living eternally with Him. He is coming back. He keeps His promises.