That Old Sentimental Feeling

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This Blog is updated each Tuesday.
If you thought my nostalgia has worn off since last week, you are mistaken. Through a series of events my memory has been refreshed time and time again. I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful I am for the Life God has graciously lavished upon me. I never thought I would end up living as much as I do. Sometimes I wonder why I was chosen to get to have all I have. I am amazed by the restorative kindness of God.
This past week I was deeply grieved by the passing of a dear friend of mine who gave up a fifteen year fight with breast cancer. As I sat in the funeral home pondering her life of serving and giving to others, I found myself reflective. 

I thought about the loss of my second brother to cancer..to addiction, a friend who lost her 2 year old in a car wreck, losing MaCille. I thought about losing twins and hearing the words tumor in your uterus. There is a deeply funny thing about death..it causes you to long for life. As I emerged, transforming (if you will) into 2009, I found myself deeply humbled and grateful because I have another day to breathe. I have another day to kiss my daughter. I have another day to live. 

What will you do with your day today? 
(I began going through many of my brother's pictures that were on his computer and have posted some of them here.)
(Under the twin bridges in Waco, TX)
Isaiah 38

15 But what can I say? 
       He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this. 
       I will walk humbly all my years 
       because of this anguish of my soul.

 16 Lord, by such things men live; 
       and my spirit finds life in them too. 
       You restored me to health 
       and let me live.

 17 Surely it was for my benefit 
       that I suffered such anguish. 
       In your love you kept me 
       from the pit of destruction; 
       you have put all my sins 
       behind your back.

 18 For the grave cannot praise you, 
       death cannot sing your praise; 
       those who go down to the pit 
       cannot hope for your faithfulness.

 19 The living, the living—they praise you, 
       as I am doing today; 
       fathers tell their children 
       about your faithfulness.

 20 The LORD will save me, 
       and we will sing with stringed instruments 
       all the days of our lives 
       in the temple of the LORD.

in loving memory of Patt Carmel

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