As a mother, it’s a day like no other, the anniversary of a sweet, innocent daughter’s death. Even though Erika has been physically away from our family for three years now, her spirit definitely lives on in each of us. We see Erika in the sparkle within Ella’s eyes and her playful nature; in Evan, we hear her laughter and see her smile; and in Emma, we notice her nurturing nature and love for others as characteristics from her sister who loved people so deeply.   Read more

I am so thankful for the privilege of being a stay at home mom.  It’s the most physically and emotionally demanding job; but it’s also the most fulfilling job on earth.  I love the days that are filled with little voices calling, “Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!”, noses needing wiped, train tracks all over the floor, dollies needing cared for, baskets of books in every room, balls of every size rolling down the stairs . . . . .  I love the days where the demands of our time are light, and we can take a wagon ride to look at and feel the neighborhood flowers in bloom.

As the seasons change, and we begin to think about our days of summer, I wonder what our days will look like?  What will our summer schedule involve?  Will we fill each day with places to go and things to do?  Or will we allow the day to unfold as God would delight?  As I ponder these thoughts, I was reading in a devotional I received from a dear friend in Nashville.  The devotional is called “Jesus Calling”.  I’ve read many devotionals, but never one written from the voice of Jesus speaking to me.  It comforts my soul so warmly.  I hope it does for you as well.

“I AM YOUR LORD!  Seek Me as Friend and Lover of your soul, but remember that I am also King of kings- sovereign over all.  You can make some plans as you gaze into the day that stretches out before you.  But you need to hold those plans tentatively, anticipating that I may have other ideas.  The most important thing to determine is what to do right now.  Instead of scanning the horizon of your life, looking for things that need to be done, concentrate on the task before you and the One who never leaves your side.  Let everything else fade into the background.  This will unclutter your mind, allowing Me to occupy more and more of your consciousness.  Trust me to show you what to do when you have finished what you are doing now.  I will guide you step by step, as you bend your will to Mine.  Thus you stay close to Me on the path of Peace.”

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”  Proverbs 19:21

As the days draw near to June 14th, Erika’s earthly death, I feel the gentle whisper of God’s voice encouraging me to re-explore the world of blogging.  To be honest, I have mixed feelings about blogs; however, I think the creation of CarePages is fabulous and extremely purposeful.  I am also reminded that in this day and age, not everyone has the time to read or make phone calls, but most everyone has the ability to connect with others electronically.
Over the past 3 years, I have had a strong desire to immerse myself in gaining a deeper love and knowledge of God.  In that process, I have come to realize that not all people have that desire; it is a gift to me from the Creator.  As I continue to unwrap His gift, I feel prodded to share this gift with others who may feel very distant from God, discouraged by their circumstances, or maybe feel alone in their journey of brokenness.  I definitely don’t have answers for anyone, but I do feel led to share my personal experiences (with the living God), with those who are having a difficult time recognizing His significance, His presence or His voice in their lives.
Losing Erika has caused me to draw strength from God in most every way.  I am dependent upon His love, His Word, His promises and His strength to make it through each day.  Through my attempts to communicate with you in this way, it is my prayer that you will be able to discover a richer, more meaningful, walk through this journey called life.  It is my hope that God will speak to you in some small way through these blogs.  Nothing would bless us more than to know that Erika’s life and legacy have allowed others to draw near to the heart of our loving God.  I’m stepping out in boldness and asking others to join me; I hope you will too.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”  James 4:8

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.”  Proverbs 8:17

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him , even to His ears.  Psalm 18:6

As a child, I loved to listen to books on tape.  One of my favorites was called, “Blister Lamb”.  It was about a bold little lamb who gets caught in a thunderstorm on a rocky ledge.  The diligent and tenderhearted shepherd hears Blister’s cries and leaves his flock to rescue Blister.  It’s a touching story with a powerful message.

As I reflect on this precious story, I am amazed how much these story images have been forever etched into my memory.  It is one of those stories that creates so much emotion in me; most significantly a warm, fuzzy, comforting, gentle feeling.

I am reminded of the comparison between a shepherd and his sheep, to my relationship as a mother with my little flock.  I have learned that no one can care for my flock quite like I can. A hired hand cares for the sheep very differently.  It is a job.  The care is more shallow, less committed.  But a true shepherd cares for her flock wholeheartedly and with tenderness; she would give her own life for the life of her young.

So it is with our heavenly Father; He is the Good Shepherd and He has laid down His life for us, His sheep.  He has rescued us from the rocky ledge of hell and promised us that He is preparing an eternal home for us, if we claim Him as our Lord and Savior.

Do you live under the tender care of the Good Shepherd?  Do you recognize His gentle voice?  Will you allow Him to carry you and your children safely home?  There’s no better time than right now.

As it reads on Erika Kate’s grave stone, “ He tends his flock like a shepherd:  ‘He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart’; he gently leads those that have young”  Isaiah 40:11