Please pray for this family

I did not know this family until Sunday night. I did not know how much their story would touch my life. But, they are family to me. Because they are Faulkner grads, and they are members of the church. They are family to me.

Traveling home after visiting family over Thanksgiving, they were involved in a horrific car crash that claimed the life of their daughter, Helen. She would have turned 3 on Dec. 23rd. Brian had only minor injuries, but Kristy's back was broken in 4 places, and may never walk again.

It is numbing to me how quickly your life of normalcy can change. Right down to the very dynamics of your family. And, then the questions come - how could God allow this to happen?

Reason one: any tragedy, for me, goes back to the fact that we live in an imperfect world. From blown tires, to birds flying into airplanes, birth defects, cancer in the young (or anyone, for that). This world was perfect until Adam and Eve sinned, bringing imperfection and free will. Hence, the second reason:

God gave us free will. Free will to do whatever we choose. It is beyond our control what others choose to do. Like, drunk driving or taking a gun and killing innocent people, for instance. Sin will forever be a part of this world.

I guess in a very broad scheme, God's will is occurring here. But, I can't believe that God just took that baby from her family. But, yes, God allowed to happen. He never promised that any of us would be without pain. Yet, He does promise that He will faithfully strengthen those who follow Him.

It all comes down to trusting in God. Trusting that God doesn't make mistakes, but he does withhold. Trusting that God will strengthen you to get through the fire of your circumstances. Trusting that God loves you and will continually care for you. And, you may never know the "why" - but that you will trust in God despite that.

Let God use you to strengthen them! Brian and Kristy need your prayers. There is a link button on the right that goes to their facebook page. Donations are needed for funeral and hospital expenses. Finances need to be their last concern at this time. Even a small amount will go a long way - if everyone contributes.

Heaven got a little sweeter on Sunday...

Scanning pictures

Here is a picture of Nana that I just love. She had the prettiest teeth!

This is one of my faves of before Papa left for WWII.

This picture is how I always remember Nana. She and Papa were going on one of their bus tours.

Papa today with Sophia. There are more pictures of him to come...

Scanning fun...

Rick - Metro Way

Us at Grandmama's. Check out my jelly shoes. And, both Casey and I had perms...

Casey holding Garfield. Me holding Blackie.

Blackie as a kitten. He was the first cat that I just adored.

The coolest present!

Mom got a hand held scanner from QVC, and I spent the morning scanning pictures of our family. How wonderful to have them saved this way!

These are of my Papa. He came to Thanksgiving this year to be able to see Casey and her family.

Sitting in a bowl! Love it!

Papa with his mother, Alma

Making cookies

Aunt Casey is the best at making cookies. She always has been!

She suggested making cookies and the girls were all to glad to join in. They were good, too, Mimi! The lower left Sophia's masterpiece that she made for her Mama. Bet it was nice and crunchy! My type A self made the reindeer on the top right.

What a great Thanksgiving we had

All the cousins are old enough to really have fun playing with each other (except Will, that is). They had a ball, as did we watching them!

Busby funnies

Brooks told us this morning (after waking up at the crack of dawn): "Mama, my big ol' watch says it's time to get up."

Brooks told me tonight that his watch said "for me to pull up his underware", and made sure that I saw it say that on his watch.

Kate's new mix up word is: menember (remember)

The other day, Kate got mad at Brooks for talking. Actually, Brooks was just stuttering, and couldn't get his thought out. I felt badly for both.

The other day, Uncle Tommy remarked (after seeing Brooks wear a jogging suit) that "he'd never seen him dressed like a boy before"... Pu'lese - I've dressed him like a boy twice before... :)

Scott is returning to driving next week! We are thankful!