A Dark Day

Yesterday was a very dark day in our community. The breaking news came in shortly after noon of another school shooting, this time it wasn't somewhere else, though, it was here; in a local high school. Fear and panic gripped the afternoon as reports of the gunman being at large surfaced, residents sheltered behind locked doors and frightened families rushed to pick up their students at a secure location. Sadly, late in the afternoon, it was announced that the victim had died after being rushed to the hospital. The suspect was apprehended late in the day after an intense search. Today, everyone who calls this community home is reeling. Please join me in prayer for all who are affected by this senseless act; pray for peace, for calm and for healing. Pray for all parents, grandparents and caregivers who send their children off to school every morning, pray for our students, teachers, administrators, security officers, law enforcement and first responders; lavish them them reassurance and gird them with strength that comes through faith in You.  Lord, have mercy. 

O blessed Jesus, give me stillness of soul in You. 

Let your mighty calmness reign in me. 

Rule me, O King of Gentleness, King of Peace.

I am reminded that even in the darkest of days,

Life is Good, 

because God is good, all the time.

Triathaletes

Our children competed in a triathalon today, all of them; we are so proud of their commitment! Our son and daughter (first two photos) combined on a relay team, our son-in-law (3rd photo) did the entire triathalon solo! This was the first annual event to raise money for children's causes locally, held in memory of a little boy whose smile was pure sunshine to everyone he met. His parents decided to turn the tragedy of his death into something positive; to celebrate his short life through generosity to others who desperately need it. With the loving support of their family and friends they did just that, and will continue to build on what they've begun each year from now on. A memorial playground will be built at our local chapter Ronald McDonald House with money raised from this event. Everyone pulled from deep inside to do their very best, I know that our children set their own goals and honored their personal commitments. I dare say that these three first-time triathaletes will be back to compete again in the years to come, it meant the world to them.

Go, Team AJ!
Life is Good!

WIGIAT?*

*Where Is God In All This?

I'm shaken beyond understanding regarding this senseless massacre at Va. Tech. Where are we safe? How could this happen in Blacksburg, VA? How could this happen anywhere? My 'mother's heart' is split wide open with sympathy for other mothers and yet their pain is so far apart from anything I can relate to or feel. I am left in shock and reeling from such profound, deep sadness. Where is God in all this? He's right where He's always been reminding me that there is good, there is God, everywhere; good triumphs over evil every time. The sunshine will break through the clouds, it's been there all along. It means more today than ever to know that "Life is Good", on days like this, though, my head needs to convince my heart all over again. Please join me in prayer for the families, for the school, for the Virginia Tech community in these next few days. I pray that God's sure and certain presence will be recognized, will break through, and provide merciful comfort and steady reassurance where it's needed the most.