Sunday, December 23, 2012

I Just Felt Compelled

I have heard these words so much lately, and I can totally relate.  I got up Friday and got a text from a friend who was going to come check out the problem with my back porch.  He came over and saw what my concern was, and he also walked around and noticed some other things that he wanted to make me aware of.  Then he shared with me that he will be helping to take care of these things in the days ahead.  He even took the time to temporarily jack up the porch for me so I wouldn't be afraid to walk on it.  Oh yea, and did I mention....it was pouring rain the whole time!!  So, he also dug out some small trenches around the house to keep the water from pooling right by the house. What an incredible blessing!!
A little after he left the rain stopped and the sun tried to make a bit of an appearance.  As I was just doing things around the house my mind kept going to Newtown.  I just felt compelled to go down there to show my support and love.  It was amazing to see how much support and love has been showered on this little town.  Here are some pictures I took.


The traffic to get to the memorial site







The bear that I left to show support!








Sandy Hook Angels


This touched me so much, 6 larger penguins and 20 little ones.









Another sweet, sad tribute with 6 larger bears and 20 little ones.









More things left for support and love across the street.

To the right  of the tree was a girl that was giving hugs to people.

Little angels

20 little hearts + 6 heroes = 26 angels
Therapy dogs were there for people to pet and to bring a sweet smile to faces!




I also felt compelled to go by the church where the funeral for little Ana was being held right up the street from me.  I had a purple sparkly shirt on to show my support for the family.  I know her cousins so my heart was knit there in more than one way.
This was the sky outside the church right after the funeral for little Ana Marquez-Greene.
Leaving the church to go to the burial site.

Horse drawn carriage for this precious little girl, so heartbreaking!

Let's not forget!  May we feel compelled to keep this spirit of love and kindness and caring all through the year!
Continuing to pray for Newtown and the families of the victims.  May they know the peace that only Jesus can bring!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

In the Face of Tragedy

In the face of tragedy, as in Newtown, CT, sweet innocence is lost.  In the face of tragedy fear becomes a strong emotion for many.  In the face of tragedy trusting children sadly gain a different view of the world.  In the face of tragedy during this time of year the beauty, joy, and light of the Christmas season becomes painfully darkened.  In the face of tragedy families are torn apart...children who were excited and looking forward to Christmas and presents and family time are no longer here to celebrate this special time with moms, dads, brothers, sisters, other family members, and friends.  In the face of tragedy places that were thought of as safe and protected now become subject to scrutiny and questions of how safe they really are.  In the face of tragedy the world starts thinking differently.  In the face of tragedy new laws are made, and new rules are set in place.  In the face of tragedy, especially when precious, innocent lives are lost, there is anger.  In the face of tragedy questions float around in people's minds wondering how something like this could happen.  In the face of tragedy beautiful, quiet, little towns become known worldwide for such awful reasons, and will sadly never be the same again.  In the face of tragedy people that are normally thought of as just regular, everyday, ordinary people become heroes.  Not that they weren't already in some way or form.
 In the face of tragedy the principal, psychologist, and teachers of Sandy Hook found a strength and wisdom that they probably never realized they had.  They showed amazing love and resolve that will never be forgotten.  In the face of tragedy those that are thought of as our normal everyday heroes... our police officers, firefighters and first responders once again rush into danger with no thought of themselves, but only of those they are trying to help and save.  Please don't forget to uplift them in prayer as well. They have to see all the devastation firsthand...

They have to bring the sad news to families... They have to try to hold it together....but they also have to grieve!  These are men and women with families and children of their own, they have emotions and feelings and hearts that break, so please let's not forget to pray for them, too!
In the face of tragedy people bond together.  In the face of tragedy hearts open and love pours out.  In the face of tragedy communities become stronger.  In the face of tragedy prayer becomes acceptable.  In the face of tragedy the good in many shines through.  In the face of tragedy God is there.  We just need to keep our faith and trust in Him.  In the face of tragedy satan tries to shake our faith.  In the face of tragedy people are searching for peace and hope.  In the face of tragedy Christians need to share where our hope and peace comes from.  In the face of tragedy hearts are open, so let's not miss the opportunity to share Him and pray for people to see His light...even in the face of tragedy.
Lord, my heart is so broken for the families of all of the lives lost in this awful tragedy.  Help us not to miss the opportunity to love more, give more, be kind, and share your love with those around us.  Comfort the families, wrap your loving arms around them.  Help us to continue to trust You, not allowing our faith to be shaken, but strengthened.  And help us to love you more!