Letting go - faith and moving forward ...

It's a cold snowy Tuesday in January - things have slowed down a bit as the holidays are over. I'm sitting here thinking about the past few months and the 'rush' it has been. (Slowing down does create time to reflect, think and process ...)

Our son joined the Marine Corps just days after turning 18 ... He was assigned to boot camp 6 months later.

Saying goodbye was really difficult. What would happen to him? Would he be able to handle the stress at boot camp? I said my prayers. I prayed for strength. I survived the good bye at the MEPS station. I watched him get into a van and drive away.

He was allowed to take his drivers licence, his social security card, 20 bucks and the clothes on his back.

Such a strange feeling. He had been ours for 18 years ... We made sure he had clothes and food and shelter and lots of love.

Would all that be provided by the military? (Welcome to lots of unknowns)

I finally just turned my fears over to the Lord and thanked Him for blessing us with such a good son. Again, I asked for added strength. And mostly, I prayed (and continue to pray for our son).

This experience has taught me a great deal about faith and the power of prayer and the unavoidable point in time when we as parents, must let go.

We are so proud of him. Go and DO son of ours. Go and DO.

Here's to getting stronger and chasing down dreams - especially the ones that are big, scary and not at all easy! I am truly thankful for his desire to serve our country and make a difference.

Together, we keep moving forward. We continue to trust God and believe in good things to come.

Thankful for the peace and comfort HE (a loving Heavenly Father) so graciously pours upon us all.

Happy 44th birthday – Travis!

It wasn't the digital era - I only have a few, precious photos of my brother ... However, I have a million memories locked in my mind (I visit them often) and I smile and remember a life that will always touch mine! Happy birthday big brother - I love you! ‪#‎Lich‬

Today is my brother’s birthday. He died when I was 15, it was the summer before my sophomore year. He was 17 – just about to enter his senior year of high school.

I’ll never forget the day he died. Time stood still. My world changed forever. I won’t lie and say that it was an easy time getting through the rest of my high school years. In fact, it was very challenging. I can attribute four things to pulling me through that time – the cross country team, my friends & family and a loving Heavenly Father who gave me hope and patience and a desire to keep ‘running’.

It’s been 28 years since he passed away. I find myself reflecting today, on his birthday, full of gratitude and love for the journey it’s been. I’m a different person today because of his life and death. I am stronger. I am filled with more faith. I have more love to share. I have empathy, understanding and a desire to live every single day with joy, enthusiasm and with a loving heart. I know the Lord has his purposes in all things.

My brother’s life was short but wonderful. His race was not long … but important.

We all have a race to run.

I thank Heavenly Father every day for blessing me with a big brother who made me laugh, try, reach and believe! 

And today I celebrate his life and the wonderful memories we shared!

Happy birthday Travis!

My black socks are on. I’m still ‘running’ forward and think of you often.

I love you,

Little Lich

hope.

noun

1.

the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will
turn out for the best:

HOPE ... it matters.

Where there is faith, miracles happen.

Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen.

A little Monday reminder ...

Let it go ....

When you bump into a wall

Mental strength ... it matters.

Don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it. Go through it. Or work around it.

Great reminders!

Go and DO.

Always believe ...

Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen.

 Love this quote!

I believe ... :)

He will bring you through it

Such a great reminder to trust in the Lord and let him guide us through ...
Happy Tuesday :)!

Doubt your doubts ...

Love this quote from Dieter F. Uchtdorf