Beauty for Ashes

Anyone who has lost a baby knows the immense amount of pain that comes along with that.  More times than none, you only hear a mother express the amount of pain she is in after the loss of a baby.  But, father's hurt too. They grieve in their own ways and in their own time. These words were written by my husband not to long ago and I just wanted to share his thoughts and realizations with all of you.  My hopes are that it comforts at least one hurting father out there who doesn't quite know how to express or even understand what they are going through.  God Bless. 'I can remember seeing you on the monitor and hearing your heart beat. It was the most amazing day of my life. I remember tearing up because it was the most amazing sound I've ever heard. All my life I've listened to music. Studied it. Played it. Composed it. But the sound of your heart beat remains the single most beautiful sound I've ever heard. I've never been more in love. I never got to h

Cody and Owen, If I could give you any kind of advice it would be to just live.  Live your lives to the fullest.  Don't be afraid to go on new adventures.  Travel the world.  Don't be afraid to experience new things.  Meet new people.  Try new foods-at least once.  Do not ever be okay with the status quo.  Take risks.  Dream bigger.  When you are told no, don't let it defeat you.  Let it drive you.  Never lose that drive to become better men.  You only get one shot at this life, don't waste a single minute of it. Most importantly though, have a heart that loves God.  Put Him first above all else.  Live a life that honors Him.  He will watch over your coming and going. Because one day, you will leave home to forge your own way in this world.  At times, it will seem big and scary.  He will be your protector.  He will guide you along the paths you are to walk down.  Remember to be still and listen for His voice.  Consult Him on every decision.  No matter how big or

Can you believe it's that time of year again.  Time for Christmas trees and twinkling lights. Time for our favorite holiday coffee and warm fires.  Time for gatherings surrounded by our family and friends.  Time for Santa and family photos.  The holidays sure do have a way of sneaking up on us, don't they?  This time of year marks an end to things past and the thrill of anticipation for what the new year ahead may bring. But what is weighing on my heart tonight are the ones who dread this time of year.  Those who are depressed and hurting because of the holiday season.  For some, this time of year brings on so much pain and sorrow.  This time of year has a way of reminding us of things we want to forget.  Of things we do not have.  Of things we had hoped for.  Of people that we lost.  Of dreams that did not come true. So how do you have a thankful heart while dealing with such turmoil?  Having a thankful heart seems easy enough right?  But what about during a rough time i