Ready or not...

We can not even begin to tell you what your prayers and support have meant to so many here these last two weeks.

God is so good to provide strength, support and comfort. Continue to pray for Bek's family as they continue to process and go through this time of grieving. Pray for those of us walking alongside them that we will have understanding, strength and wisdom.

The experience of losing Jeremy has brought so many realizations to the forefront of my mind and re-centered many of my perspectives.

My friendship with Bek- we have been friends for 24 years and often behave as siblings versus friends. We have grown so comfortable with one another- probably too comfortable at times. We often joke of being "friends of convenience"- but never before has our friendship been tested so much. For the first time- I truly could not "fix" her pain or offer any words that would change her circumstances. I felt completely helpless and could do nothing but hug her and listen. Our friendship has truly gone through the cycles of life. Beyond Jeremy's home going, what hurt even more was that someone who means so much to me was in agony and I could do nothing. Despite all that has happened in the past- the ups and downs of friendship- Bek has been a faithful friend and I am so thankful for her.

It is so important to say what needs to be said- not to let a moment go by without telling someone how much you love them- care for them- are proud of them. We had a teen activity the night after, and it was important to me to see each teen individually and tell them they are loved. God has entrusted people to my care and I need to make a point to communicate to them what I'm thinking/feeling instead of assuming they know.

Guarding my emotions is so important now more than ever. I am not a "temporary emotional person"- meaning I don't tend to get really excited - I'm pretty steady all the time. But what does happen, is that I'm susceptible to low lows. It's something I've always been aware of and have struggled with. After the initial four days, I was so spent, I could barely do anything. Slowly, I'm regaining momentum and vigor. Part of the solution for me is to allow myself the grace to go through the process. I've learned that I should not waste my emotions on things that really don't matter and reserve them for what I really care about- my family and friends.

School starts this week- Youth Group starts next week. My HOPE stack is calling my name. There is much to do. I'm praying getting into my routine once again will help motivate me to accomplish the tasks at hand.

Love to you all
Elisabeth

One passage has meant a lot since the 16th and I've been mediating on it. I hope it will give you some encouragement too....

Psalm 145
1 I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.

2 I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.

3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.

4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.

5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.

6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.

7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.

8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

9 The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.

10 All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you.

11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.

12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.

13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.

14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.

15 The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.

16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.

18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

19 He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.

20 The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.

21 I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.