Happy Mother's Day!

My mom turned 77 last month. In my mind's eye, she's still just 36. **grin** I feel very blessed to still have my mother. Many of my friends have already bid a final farewell to their mothers in this life. I guess I feel especially blessed to have my mother because for many years depression tried to steal my mom from my two older brothers and me. But when I was 16, JESUS passed by our house. My mom gave her broken heart to Him. He did just as He promised - He mended her shattered heart. People who meet my mom cannot believe she was ever suicidal or severely depressed. She's always spreading SONshine to others and telling JESUS the rest. Yes, I am blessed and I know it. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the best mother in the whole world.

Weeping May Endure for the Night but Joy Comes in the Morning!

Yesterday we learned a very dear friend, Talmage Ladd, went to Heaven. Years of memories flooded my mind's eye. My husband and I swapped one story after another as we walked down Memory Lane. We'd laugh and then we'd cry.

In the midst of our grief, we turned the pages of our Amy Carmichael's devotional. Her entire piece was on death and the grieving process. She pointed out, as only Amy can, that grief for the Christian is NEVER eternal. It's just temporary. Her words were soul food. The trials of this life are just temporary! The waves of sadness that sometimes feel like they will suffocate us are just temporary. There is a day coming when all suffering will come to an end. There will be no more goodbyes, no more pain and no more grief!


Oh death where is thy sting.... Oh grave where is thy victory....

We are a day closer to Home. A day nearer to being reunited with our loved ones again. And that is ETERNAL! Hallelujah! We shall forever be with our Lord!

It reminds me of a song my beloved grandmother often sang....

What a day that will be
When my JESUS I shall I see
When I look upon His face
The One who saved me by His grace.
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me to the Promised Land.
What a day.... glorious day that will be.

There will be no sorrow there.
No more burdens to bear....
No more sickness, no more pain...
No more parting over there
And forever I will be with the One who died for me
What a day... a glorious day that will be...

Stubby's Destiny is Released

Auntie Lo, Cindy Wendland and I went on a road trip to see Libby and Ike at Liberty University. It was wonderful to see the kids.

Paul and I are so excited because of the release of "Stubby's Destiny" from Guardian Angel Publishing. If you know of any children who are in difficult circumstances, we pray that they can hear the story of "Stubby's Destiny". It's a heartwarming tale of hope for children of all ages.

Hope you enjoy some of the pictures we have posted.
Dixie