Friday, April 10, 2009

"Be Strong and Courageous"

"Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and Courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

These were God's words to Joshua before Joshua was to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River into the promised land. Yet another promise from God to be with us wherever we go, wherever we are in life, whatever trial we are in or about to go into. He is Faithful. That promise carries me and the family everyday. He has been faithful to us this past year without Susan. We all gathered together for the one year anniversary without Susan. We watched some home videos, some picture tributes that Hannah had created, we laughed and cried. And it was good. We also got a special treat from Jim and Kim Washko (their business"Hands on Art Studio"), a wall hanging of the families "hands", including Susan's and her favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." See the picture below. What a wonderful gift, Kim! Thank you so so much. What great insight to start on this while Susan was alive. What a treasure. Also got flowers from Susan's sister Jeanne; Calla Lily (picture below). Thank you all for the gifts and prayers over the years. Also, I included some daffodils because I had put a bouquet of daffodils on Susan's grave. That night it got down to 22 degrees, then warmed up to 55 during the day, then 26 degrees the next night and back up to 55 degrees. That night the girls and I went to change out the daffodils thinking that the flowers were brown and dead, after the harsh cold. Surprise! They were as fresh looking as the daffodils back home inside. They are an amazing and hardy flower. They are one of Susan's favorites and they certainly reflect her life as well; beautiful, amazing and strong.

The Family Gathered around the Hands wall hanging.

Calla Lily from Jeanne, nice!

Susan's favorite flower, Daffodils

Celebrated Hannah's birthday after we got back from Phoenix. Had a dessert pizza, instead of a cake. Pretty weird, but it was fun anyway. Hannah got a Pink Breast Cancer Stethoscope for her birthday, in honor of Susan, for her nursing.

And here is a photo at G&G's house, Jack and Mary Carol. Along with Rick and Cheryl. We had such a wonderful, memoriable time with everyone. Enjoyed the sun too. We came back to 4 inches of snow back in Idaho. But it has warmed up now into the 60's.

Close in view of the "Hands" art.


Doug and Susan's Hands together.