Another step on the way.......

Today I actually completed the main portion of the painting in the scrapbook room.  This was not without its challenges.  The ceiling paint that we bought turned out to be terrible!  It left the ceiling looking like it was covered with water spots.  The "painters tape" actually ripped off strips of paint, that had to be painted over.  So this morning I took back one gallon of the "not working at all" ceiling paint and actually got some "works really, really well" ceiling paint.  And I repainted the ceiling and did all of the touch up work..........all by myself!  All that is left is the closet!  And this will not be an easy task.  I am thinking that I should be able to finish it off on Wednesday! (Tomorrow I am going to Gwen's so thankfully, it will not be a painting day!)

We had a really nice time at Doug and Susie's house on Sunday, being together with Gwen and Tim and the kids.  Doug grilled and we had a very "Fourth of July" meal of  hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, corn on the cob, and of course, watermelon.  It was delicious!  The kids had a wonderful time getting to meet "Lucas Bear".

This precious weighted bear came to Doug and Susie from an amazing organization called Molly Bears.  I would love to have anyone who reads this blog, click on that link and read about them.  It is just another very important service that you never know exists, until you need them.  It was so interesting to watch Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna respond to this bear.  Each of them has been in their own process of grief and dealing with the loss of "baby Lucas". Holding that 7lb 6oz bear was very comforting.  I know that Lucas bear is important to Susie and Doug.  But as I saw Ellie and Lia and Zeke holding it, I knew that it was important for them also.  It is just our new reality that, as a family, we will always be missing Lucas.  All of us.  Not just Doug and Susie.  The women who started Molly Bears lost a precious baby girl (Molly) due to a cord accident.  From her own personal tragedy, thousands of families are being blessed.  There was one line on the web site that really struck me..."It is amazing to think how many people are saying her name - Molly".  Molly will not be forgotten. And we will not forget Lucas.

Yes, there are steps on the way... Clearing out, cleaning, emptying out, painting...on the way to a redone space.  And this precious little bear is another step on the way into our new reality.  Moving on as a family, missing Lucas, but always keeping him in our thoughts.

I had another one of those "Today, God wants you to know" messages.... Today, Lyn, we believe God wants you to know that ...peace can be found in unlikely places.Even in the darkest storms, peace can be found by those who seek it. When turmoil and tension tear at your heart, pray for peace and most often you'll find peace in prayer. Of course there is no need to wait for a storm, pray for peace right now.

These last 8 months have been filled with turmoil and felt like a very dark storm.  But it has been  true that I have found peace through prayer.  There have been times when I really didn't know how I could get through without prayer.  Jesus is peace and He will give you that peace if you just ask.  I love the last line of this message....don't wait for a storm to ask for peace.  That is great advise.  We need peace all along the way!

Jesus, thank you for being our peace.  Holy Spirit, remind us to come to you for a daily shot of peace, no matter what is happening - good or bad.  Jesus, pour out your blessings on the Molly Bear family.  Thank you for using their tragedy to bless others.  Thank you for family times together.  Amen