Hope...

Pastor (Bro.Eddie) with his eldest grandson!

I have to admit it's been quite a week. Last Monday, Februrary 1st, our pastor passed away. My dad and I had been on our way to visit him in the hospital. I remember the shock of the words that I heard. He had a subdural hematoma (a bleed in his brain), which had caused the stroke. He  had been unconscious since Sunday morning (he hadn't even made it to church), but there had still been hope. Hearing that he had died was so...final. He was only 63 years old..too young to die, especially since he wasn't a sickly man.

BUT, it was God's plan, and nothing was ever going to change it. Our pastor had lived a full life, one full of love and giving. He had always worn a smile that was infectious (at least for me it was). I'll never forget the memories I made with him. He was an example to all of us in the congragation of what Christ should look like. His work here on earth was complete, and now he is in heaven with all the other angels rejoicing around our Heavenly Fathers throne.

"Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you, 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

- Isaiah 41:10

Immense Loss, but Hope...

     I haven't written a post in quite some time and originally I thought this post would be on some really awesome athletes from the USA Olympic team, but apparently that won't happen right now. This past week something happened that I feel is way more important than any sports competition.

Sophia + Elise

     I know two of the members from the Smithe family from Google+ and so, when I started using Facebook I naturally "friended" them there. Last week there had been lots of posts from the family because of the wedding of Sophia. On Monday the much-anticipated photos started appearing. The smiles and joy from the bride and groom was contagious. I was happy for the whole event. The wedding party pictures were fun to look at, seeing the flower girls and children so excited. 

Sophia + Enoch

     But, as I was looking at those pictures on Monday night, somewhere else, the Einwechter Family was driving home and was involved in a tragic car accident (the car slipped into a pond on a farm). The only girl Elise (pictured with Sophia to the left) was killed in the accident. The youngest son Enoch (pictured with Sophia below) died in the CCU on Wednesday, who was just a few months old. 

     Even though I don't know the family personally, I felt sadness for them. I can't imagine the pain that they are going through. I believe that losing two children would be an immense loss, and even worse for such little children. My prayers continue to flow for the family and those who personally knew them. There is a website that has been started in case you'd like to help them financially or just to offer prayers or hope: http://eliseandenoch.org/. More information will be released later about the actual car accident, which I'll be posting later on, on Facebook.
   

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, 

who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

The Einwechter Family

What makes a house, a home.

A home isn't made with carpets, windows, and couches.
It isn't made with bookshelves, dressers, or books.
It isn't made with the music playing throughout, the beds, or by the "welcome" signs.

 

A home is an empty building filled with people who love each other.

It may not be comfy, or even furnished completely. 

It may be the smallest building on the block.

But, the people inside fill the building..making it a home.

There hopes, dreams, and joy make the house a home.  

                  So, let us remember to thank God that he gives us homes instead of houses! 

There is always a new hope to be found..

     I never thought that you could get so many messages from one movie. I just didn't think it could happen. But, it actually can happen. And it did. For me, at least. The movies name is "New Hope." It was made last year, in 2012. Now, without further adieu  I'd like to tell you about the lessons I found in the movie. 

~WARNING: If you haven't seen the movie I'd recommend watching it before you read anything below, because I'll be talking about some of the plot and I don't want to ruin it for you!~ 

     

     God DOES Care

After losing her boyfriend Chase to suicide, Jasmine starts to believe that God doesn't care about "some troubled high school kid." Michael, the preacher's kid, who is also new in town, reassures her that God does care. He tells her "We all have struggles, but God hasn't given up on you." God doesn't give up on anyone, especially those that are going through struggles.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says; "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

God also tells us; “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Heb.13:5).” 

     There will be PEACE

After losing a son, things will never go back to the way they were, but Chase's parents want it to. They go to counseling with the new pastor (Michael's father). Sometimes we don't think we will ever get past the current struggle, but God promises us peace, and his unfailing love. 

Isaiah 54:10 says: "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you." 

     Love those that  DON'T love you back

Michael's father explains this one pretty well in the movie. He says "Loving the ones that love us, that's easy, anybody can do that. It's loving the ones that hate us..well, that's the real challenge." It can be a challenge, physically and emotionally, and Michael takes the challenge. Sometimes, a friendship can be born out of the greatest challenges of our life. 

God tells us; "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)."

     Losing someone you loved, is NEVER easy

Lucas Green is eighteen and just went through the tragic loss of his brother. They must have been close in age because they played high school basketball together. I could never image losing my twin sister or brother at this age, but it could happen..today, tomorrow, or fifty years from now (or if I'm lucky I could die before they do..LOL). Lucas takes his anger out at Michael the most because Michael plays Chase's position on the basketball team and starts dating Chase's girlfriend. At the end, Michael tells Lucas that he'll never give up on him..and that proves true. The movie ends and then their are pictures that tell of a wonderful friendship between the two. 

I ABSOLUTELY recommend watching this film. I have never felt so touched by a movie even though I didn't shed any tears. I think it reminded me of some great lessons, that I'll never forget. It's an unforgettable and powerful film!

A Warrior's Heart

     I never really was interested in Lacrosse. I always loved going outside to shoot hoops or throw the ball or even kick the ball, all while attempting to keep the balls in our backyard. During the summer when we were younger me and my siblings were always outside playing sports. 

     I was watching some movie trailers, when I stumbled upon a movie called A Warrior's Heart. I looked at what it was about and I thought it wouldn't be that good, but it was really good. It's about a lacrosse player and...well maybe I shouldn't tell you what its about. You should find out for yourself. I recommend this movie to everyone (it's rated PG), it's a movie made for a family movie night. 

(this is the full moie, right from youtube if it's not in your library or any place you get your movies from)

Frame it! Friday!

Not really from this week, but I'd like to share this anyway. My family is going on vacation to the finger lakes. I would love if everyone prayed for us as we travel and have a great time in God's creation. 

The original Frame it! Friday post...click here...

Forgiveness ~ Sometimes it's doing the impossible

FORGIVENESS!

  This video was brought to my attention this afternoon by my beloved twin sister, and it's been on my heart to share it with all those who look at or follow my blog. May we all forgive even the worst of people, who like this man killed a daughter and sister. 

God's Garden!

Today there was beautiful weather here on Long Island. Not a cloud in the sky blocked the wonderful warm sun. The birds chirp joyfully and clatter around on the bird feeders at the far end of our backyard. Since I couldn't do justice describing the beauty around me, I took pictures and decided to post them for all of you to see. God has truly blessed us with a wonderful start to our garden, so I give him praise for that. Thank you Lord!

Thank You, Lord, for all your blessings..

      Thanksgiving is a time to thank God for all we have. I am especially thankful for my family this year. I am also thankful for God's guidance during my first semester of college. I thank God for his love for me, a sinner saved by his grace. I thank him for his word, where I can always find comfort, rest, and peace. 
      My mothers side of the family meets at my grandma's house to celebrate. I love eating all the delicious food, especially my grandmother's stuffing. I like how everyone around the table brings either a dessert or a dinner side to the gathering (it feels like a potluck when we do this). I have 4 aunts and one uncle (all are married) and three cousins.  

      You might be wondering about my father's side of the family. It would be useless to tell you how many cousins we have on his side of the family. All I know, is that the last time I counted, we had about 20 cousins and still had 9 uncles and one aunt (all married, except for two). We don't see them for thanksgiving because they are too widely spread (over the east coast). We meet for a christmas and/or thanksgiving celebration on the first Saturday of December (that would be this coming Saturday, Dec.3). I love meeting with them, because I can relate to all of them and I have great christian examples to follow.

     Thank you for your prayers. Have a good day..and may God bless all of you. 

     From, your sister in Christ, Julie Waldvogel