Tears

I woke up this morning and looked beside me and saw my husband sleeping so peacefully and I just laid there and sobbed. He awoke to my crying and wondered what was wrong with me- then when I explained to him that I was sad for Lizzie- that she would not be waking up next to Mike any more it just really made me soooo sad.
So- I am sad- even though Mike was not my spouse- he was my brother in law- and a friend. I miss hearing him in the background when I talk to my sister. I know he is with Christ right now - but boy is he missed here!
I am so encouraged by how my sister is doing. She is so strong. I am sure she struggles daily with the loss of her best friend but I also know that she is HOLDING on firm to the Comfort that only God can give her.
I can't wait to see her in 7 days! Anxiously waiting.....

Back to School

Paul has officially registered for classes again! When Paul was laid off at Molycorp it kind of put a stop on his studies since we WILL not borrow money to go to school. He started a new job however, adjusting to it made him wait a little longer to return to school. I was praying that he would finish his schooling since he has gotten SOOO close. Saturday he decided that it was time for him to sign up for a class. He officially starts back up on October 25, 2010. We are a little off our goal of finishing school by the end of this year- but he is back to school and not quiting. He is not able to take 2 classes at a time as before (time and money will not permit) so it will be a slower process.
This weekend we cleaned closets out and got piles made for a garage sale. When my sister is out in September we are going to have a garage sale.
This week is my last week before VACATION. I cannot wait! I am excited to have my parents and Lizzie come out to visit. My dad has not been out here for a long time. (at least 6 years!)
Then we CELEBRATE with them (a little late) their 40th Anniversary on the Carnival Paradise!!!!

Our Routine

I am finally back somewhat to a normal routine. We have some busy months ahead.
This weekend we are cleaning, organizing, and gathering items for a garage sale. We are having a garage sale next Saturday. I have 2 rooms to clear out so that when Lizzie comes out to live we can make her feel comfortable.
I go on vacation September 6th through September 13th. My parents and Lizzie come out on September 8th. We all, including Paul go on the cruise on September 10-13 to celebrate my parents 40th anniversary.
On October 14th I make the flight out to Atlanta to make the long road trip from Atlanta to Las Vegas. God has worked everything out so that my aunt Judy and my mom are able to make the trip with Lizzie and I. It is going to be a GREAT adventure. We plan on stopping at the grand canyon on October 21st- since this is Mike's birthday- I think he would have liked that!
Then in November Paul, Lizzie and I will be going to South Carolina to be together as a family for Thanksgiving.
So, as you see we have quite a few months ahead.
I want to say THANK YOU again to all of you for praying for us.
We all are doing really well and we know it is all because of all of you who keep us in your prayers.

I hear music

Lizzie is always a happy person. When she comes to visit me she is always smiling, always singing. She cheers my days. My biggest fear since Mike's passing is that she would not sing for a while. I was telling Paul how I am going to miss hearing her hum and sing.

Sunday morning when we went to her house to spend the day with her I walked in the house and I heard music. It made me happy that she was listening to music. What came next truly made me feel happy- Lizzie came out of her bedroom humming along with the song. I had to swallow hard to avoid crying in front of her (even though I had been doing lots of crying!). The music will not stop and for that I am EXTREMELY thankful.

We're home!

We arrived home safe and sound! Praise the Lord. I cannot believe how emotionally drained I feel. I am exhausted. I had a hard time on the plane. It gave me too much time to think with no interruptions and I replayed many memories in my mind of Mike. I spent a portion of the flight wiping my tears away. Paul has been a very good support through this time.

I wanted to share with you all a portion of the memorial service that really touched me. There was a time given for friends and family to share. Mike's children went up to the microphone and attempted to talk about their father. Paul got very EMOTIONAL during this time. Later, I asked him what made that section so much harder for him that all other parts. What he said really hit hard. Paul, after listening to his unsaved children speak felt the burden Mike felt for his children. Every opportunity Mike had with his children he tried to share the GOOD news with them. I remember how Mike prayed daily for his children and family. He loved his children tremendously and wanted them to know Christ like he knew Christ. I have put the Williams family on my prayer list and we have committed to pray for their salvation. The gospel was clearly presented at the Memorial service- now I need to pray and let God do His part.

Praise Him!

The memorial service was VERY nice. We celebrated Mike's life. We cried, laughed and remembered lots about Mike.
Thank you again for praying for us.
Elizabeth (Lizzie) has done remarkably well and I attribute this only to the Love and prayers that have surrounded her. She has a rough year ahead but she will be with us to struggle through.
More to follow...

Atlanta

I arrived safely to humid Atlanta last night. I was greeted by all three of my siblings and my mother- it was a bitter sweet meeting. I was somewhat emotional at first.
I wanted to say THANK YOU all for your prayers. Definitely God is working. Lizzie is doing VERY well. I am very impressed with her strength.
We stayed up until 4:00 talking about Mike, how he went to be with the Lord, the future, etc...
I wanted to share something with you all.
As you know, in September we had planned a 4 day cruise with my parents for their 40th anniversary. When Lizzie was out last month I had randomly mentioned how nice it would be if she could come too- I, however, never mentioned to Mike that I would love for her to come with us. The next day Lizzie was mentioning to Mike what I said and he immediately said she should go. She quickly rebutted NO- I was just with Kathy on a cruise- I need to be home with you. He continued to tell her that she needed to go with us- His comment to her was "YOU NEED YOUR FAMILY" so he talked with me and I added her to the room with us. All was planned.
Now isn't God WONDERFUL how he placed that on Mike's heart!? You see she will be with us during this time- when she needs us! When she told me this I could not keep the tears in! I am NEVER amazed at how God works everything out for our good- even when we don't realize it.
Once again, THANK YOU for your prayers. I know that God is listening to ALL OF YOU!

Update

Several friends and family members have asked me for updates and I decided that instead of calling- I would update you all on my blog.
It has been an exhausting day. I have never been on the phone so much in my life. My sister asked me this morning to call and tell everyone about Mike and I did my best- through the tears. Meanwhile, I would randomly call Lizzie to check on her. My heart is hurting SOOO much for her.
I wrapped up everything at work (well most everything) and I am flying out tomorrow to be with her and the rest of the family. I am SO thankful that Philip and Michael were able to get off of work and take mom to Lizzie. For those of you that don't know us very well- we are a VERY close family so when something happens we are there for each other.
Paul will be flying out on Thursday night. The funeral is on Saturday in Georgia.
Paul and I will be in Georgia until Monday. We then return to Las Vegas.
I have spent the day also pondering LIFE in general. No one knows when their time will come- which means that while we are on earth we need to make the time here count for something. How often we fill our lives with such nonsense when we should spend the time for the Lord.
Thank you all for your prayers. Rough days are ahead of us and I covet your prayers.

Home with the Lord

My dear Blogger Friends. I am reaching out to you all to be in prayer for my sister Elizabeth Williams. Her husband went to be with the Lord this morning. We are all Praising God that Mike is in the Presence of the LORD however we beg for your prayers during this time in her life.

Thief in the Night

Last night Paul and I watched on YouTube the movie Thief in the Night.

While we were in Argentina this movie was used to evangelize. I have many memories that go along with this movie. Have you ever seen this movie?- If not -you should- It is quite outdated- I think it was filmed in the 70's so the hair and clothing is VERY 70's. It is a good movie though- and a great tool to witness to someone. It made me think carefully last night of how many people I know that need Christ as their personal Savior- and I got a sense of URGENCY- to witness to them.

Please pray with me as I SHARE the GOOD news with my unsaved friends- and pray that their hearts be open to JESUS.

New House Guest

Ana has moved out- and we spent a full week officially on our own. And then yesterday we had a new house guest- A SCORPION. This house guest is NOT welcome in our house. Paul found it in our garage and so graciously moved it to a mason jar. Talk about FREAKED out. I am not a huge fan of bugs especially ones that sting and cause harm. So for now NO MORE HOUSE GUESTS.

Paul and I have been enjoying the house to ourselves. I have to say that we enjoy blessing others and helping others out when there is a need but with that said- we also enjoy being alone.

I have been reorganizing the spare room (that has been used by guests for the past year) and trying to de-clutter my life. I know we have LOTS of "things" that we really don't use or need so I am going to be getting rid of clutter.

Work is going well for both of us. We continue to thank GOD for HIS provision with our jobs, health, house, etc... There is really nothing to complain about.

Ana, my assistant, has been on vacation for a week now and she has 3 more weeks to go. She is moving into her new house and spending quality time with her family since they have now returned from Mexico. I am happy that she is able to spend time with her family- even though she is missed at work.

Last, but not least- I am now on the countdown to my vacation. I am taking the week of labor day off to enjoy time with my parents and sister since they are coming out to visit. I have a lot to do before they arrive- but I am truly looking forward to it!

Ta ta for now... gotta run... Hope all my blogger friends are doing well.