new layout!

My sister's recent blogging has inspired me to rework my blog and try to make it more active again. I enjoyed it so much at one time, and it is a great way to share what is going on in my life!

repost from 2006..Pain doesn't kill

I stole this blog post from myself...I wrote it almost 4 years ago. I was thinking about this book that I had read by Beth Moore. These quotes have stuck with me, and I have been thinking about them alot since Sully's death. I don't blog much anymore, Facebook makes communication soo easy that I get lazy about it. But sometimes, whether there are readers or not, I want to share what is going on in my life. As most of you know, our family has had a painful year so far. My sister's beautiful Sully went home to be Safe in the Arms on Jesus on January 11. We have been kind of shell shocked ever since. But I am thankful to say that God has been active and presently in charge of our lives and circumstances. I am so proud of my family, and how they have each reacted, held each other up, and pointed each other toward God. Especially my sister, she has dealt with this pain with such grace. These quotes from Beth Moore's book remind us that it is always good to have loved, even when we lose what we love.

Pain doesn't kill
I started reading "Feathers from My Nest" by Beth Moore. I love Beth Moore. I can always hear her southern accent speaking when I read her books, and it is soothing. I bought this book a few years ago when I attended a conference where she spoke. I am just starting it again, and I thought it would be a bit lighter that my last book. I guess not. I read this last night, when I was having a "painful moment." Thankfully, today hasn't been like that.

"I have learned that pain doesn't kill...I threw my hands over my heart and fought like a Trojan not to give way to it. God gently pulled my hands away and said, 'My child, go ahead and feel it. The pain will not kill you. It will be a reminder that you are very much alive, engaged, and that you loved with abandon. That was your primary assignment. Your present pain proved you did it.' It was at this moment God spoke a transforming truth into my life: The goal of life is not the absence of pain. It's the presence of glory. God's glory. And sometimes that comes most vividly with pain. Not only have I learned that pain doesn't kill; I have learned that I will never lose or be betrayed by the one thing with absolute power to destroy me-God Himself."