Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

A Gentle Reminder

Posted on By jennifer

Good morning.  Welcome August.  And, for us, another Heaven birthday to remember.  August 1st is the day our family lovingly calls our Tyler’s Heaven birthday.  I’ve blogged about it often – here and here and many other times – and wondered if I should do so again today.  I struggle with something to add to the thoughts I’ve already expressed, but that is okay.  I simply want to acknowledge that God has been good.  He has been faithful.  Not only as we navigated (and continue to navigate) life with grief, but in so many other ways.  Through all of life trials, heartaches and challenges.

This blog has changed and adapted throughout the years and, some days, I find myself sharing nothing more than failed garden attempts or another boring dinner recipe.  However, I hope this space will always reflect the Savior’s tender mercy, sustaining grace and His goodness to me.  I hope it will encourage others.  Others who may be grieving or might be facing challenges I cannot relate to at all.  The hurt (or the hard) doesn’t matter.  God is so kind and so personal.  I pray you will reach out to Him today.  As well, I hope these blog posts will be an encouragement to my own heart.  Not only my mama’s heart but with each new season of life and whatever challenges they might include.  Everyone needs a good reminder.  This is mine today…and perhaps it will be for someone else today as well.

Psalm 40:3  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:  many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Remember. Be Grateful

Comments (16)

  3. Even in the hardest and most devastating moments of our lives we can rest assured knowing God is always good. I picture Tyler looking down on you from Heaven wanting you to know he is okay and one day you’ll be with him again enjoying the peace of Heaven together. Until then, I pray you will always feel comforted with the strength of our Savior. I cannot imagine going through that kind of loss as a mom but it’s great you hold that gentle reminder in your heart. My prayers are with you.

  4. Aww I know a little how you feel. My first born son passed in 2003 at the age of 25, unexpectedly. His 47th birthday is August 7. His heaven date is May 8 and I struggle every year, on how to observe it.
    Prayers going up for you as you navigate this day.
    God Bless!

  6. Hi Jennifer. Thank you for visit my blog and leaving a message today. I have been reading through some of your posts and my heart if full from your testimony and reflections. I’m so sorry to learn of your family’s great loss. I see that we have some common blog friends and I have added you to my reader. I lived in Alexandria, Virginia, for 12 years before moving to Florida 35 years ago. We were tired of the traffic, crowds, and politics as well. Love it here in FL. Wishing you a lovely weekend and many blessings in the week ahead!

    1. Terri – I am so glad you stopped by, left such a nice comment and introduced yourself some more!! I look forward to visiting back and forth more (and often) in the future! Kudos to you for getting out of Dodge, um – Northern Virginia. I am praying God will lead us elsewhere one day (sooner rather than later!) Again – nice to meet you:)

  9. What a beautiful reminder. I so understand, my friend…unfortunately. Not that my son is never not on my mind, but yesterday…we were coming back from our visit with our godson and my phone dinged. So, I picked it up and lo and behold, my son’s info / photo came up. I dropped the phone. Out of the blue, it was so weird. ANYWAYS, keeping you in prayer. Sending you much love and many hugs.

    1. Linda – I cannot imagine what I would do if something like that happened with my phone!! So startling…and a bit eerie. Glad you stopped by today, Linda. All the best to you!

  10. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I’m so sorry for your loss. So glad your faith continues to sustain you through the tricky waters of grief. Take care.

  11. Today was my first time visiting your blog. I came through FMF, but have read several of your posts, and wish there was a hug option instead of just a like, which didn’t seem appropriate.
    My heart hurt to read of your loss. I cannot even start to imagine what it would feel like to lose a child.
    You have a very encouraging blog.

    1. Thank you very much, Sandra. I so appreciate your kind words and for looking around my blog. I hope you will visit again and look forward to your posts as well. Thanks again!!

  12. Thinking of you, sweet friend, during this difficult time. Hope you gathered with those you love most and shared those memories and stories that perhaps you have shared many times before. But hope each time they are retold, it becomes a little easier to be joyful that Tyler was in your lives however briefly. I know you must miss him every single day. My sister goes to eat Chick-fil-a (spelling?) in honor of my forever 3-year-old nephew on his ‘heaven’ day. And we often eat hot dogs on my Mom’s birthday and ‘heaven’ day. Thank you for reminding us all how very precious life is.

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