Role Models

One of my friends who I have known since elementary school, just buried a daughter this weekend. I just wanted to say thank you to Angie and James for being awesome role models of trusting in Christ during a very difficult time. They have shared pictures, videos, and updates during the past few weeks that their daugther has been hospitalized. I will never forget Angie's statement that they are grieving, but will not live in dispair because of needing to be strong for their other three children. They were able to give a testimony that they still believe in miracles and a God who heals, even though their daugther was not healed.

Also, this weekend, I was able to hear a song recorded by a group of guys at my church. They are raising money for a young girl in need of a heart transplant, and hope to raise $75,000.00 to help with the cost of the procedure. I am so thankful for another example of great role models. When people are able to give to others, use their talents, help in a crisis, and be humble...what a great reminder of people doing Christ's work here on earth. I don't know what the future holds, but I know I will remember these wonderful examples of where to gain strength during trials

THANKFUL

Well, I have so much to be thankful for. Brandon and I have both had family members in the hospital this summer, and it sure gives me time to reflect on blessings. My father in law had a tumor removed last week and my sister has been in the hospital for three weeks with pregnancy complications. I have been blessed to see how much joy my children have brought to my family members during our hospital visits. As my mother in law says, "There is nothing like family!"

I appreciate how when life slows down we take time to appreciate the little things. My sister even appreciates the sound of birds when we talk on my cell phone, as she has not been able to be outside for several weeks. My sister has used this time to bond with her baby inside of her, and I am amazed at her positive attitude when I am sure many people would be complaining.

I love my husband for how gentle of a coach he was working with his father on his physical therapy. I will admit that spending my summer in hospitals was not what I was really wanting to be the answer to the question "what did you do this summer"? Great Wolf Lodge is a little bit more what I had in mind....But I will say this....the lessons my children have gained from learning to lift their grandfather up in his hospital bed, the fun my son and I had together making food for the hospital shower for my sister, the prayers that have been lifted up to God by my children, the moments to slow down our busy lives, the respect my husband gives his parents, the way friendships can revive a soul....I would not trade that for 100 trips to Great Wolf Lodge.

Thank you God for doctors, nurses, medicine and technology for nuturing my family back to health and for Carolyn and Larry for being willing to give us opportunity to reflect on what really matters!

Letting Go

Well, I have never blogged before. For some reason I feel like I am getting too old to post my thoughts on facebook, and have concluded that blogging matches my age better? I will admit that I am a planner. So, as I was searching for a picture for this blog, I am reminding myself that I need to let go of the control I have had for the past few years of being able to pick my sons' Halloween costume. I have had so much fun dressing my boys up like "current events" It started with Blake dressing as Michael Phelps his second Halloween, his third Halloween he was the "Swine Flu", and last year he and his brother were "BP oil" and "an oily duck". So, keeping in Classen fashion of planning ahead, Blake has already informed me on many occasions that he will be picking his own costume this year. He will be "Iron Man" of his own choosing. I have nothing against Iron Man, and I am so glad to see that my boy is becoming his own man. I just have a sadness that the phase of life is quickly coming to an end where I can make many of these choices for my boys.