Blessings in blogs..

Throughout life, we are continuously blessed....from family to friends...children...and even first homes....but how often do we take these things for granted? I can only speak for myself...but I'm guessing we all do and more than we'd like to admit.
Tonight, I've been reading a few of my friend's blogs. My heart rejoices with them when there is joy and hurts when there is sadness and pain. Here are 2 people that I admire for various reason (and they are both on my blog list...and both are a "must read"!):

Bonnie Culp: I met Bonnie while attending the U of A. We went to the same church and were both member of the Razorbacks For Christ. In January of 2009, Bonnie lost her husband in an automobile accident and was left raising her daughter, while her son was on his way into this world. Simply said....I love reading Bonnie's blog! She's very open and honest about her feelings! Its very refreshing! A part of me can easily sympathize with her having to raise her children on her own, but I can't fully grasp her situation, as I've never experienced losing a spouse. My head cant wrap around the concept....and a part of me never wants to! But let me just say how amazing Bonnie is! And I mean AMAZING! Bonnie has over come many obstacles...ans has 2 of the most precious children! Tonight I was reading her latest post (and I'm behind, so forgive me) about finding love again...truly amazing! Reading her blog, I felt like I ran through every emotion with her. I felt happiness and cried at the same time! Something as special as love....few of us are lucky to really find that! I was quick to be thankful for my husband and our marriage! It's hard to find that person you are meant to be with...and sometimes we have to swim through mud before the water gets clear again....and I've been there! Over the past couple of months, I have been reminded of how much I loved and love Steven. I saved letters he wrote to me and my diary that I wrote in often as a teen....and all of those memories are met with such warmth and happiness. This might sound strange to a few, but even at 16, I knew I loved him. I lost 10 years with him, but we were brought back together.....as Bonnie said...because God knew what I needed! I've had life with and without him....and life is much better with him!! So thank you, Bonnie, for reminding me just how much I love my husband....and how I never want to be without him!

Nancy Chandler: Well, I've known Nancy for as long as I can remember....at least since the age of 9...and I'm inclined to say 7, but I'm not exact when it comes to numbers! I babysat all 4 of her children, went to church with her, spent time in her home....I think you get the idea. In my opinion, knowing Nancy, is a blessing...knowing not only her, but her family! She's an incredible woman; a Godly woman, strong spirited, and witty!
This past summer, Nancy was diagnosed with ALS. Hearing this news, was truly heartbreaking....and not just for her, but for her husband, 4 children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends! I myself didn't know much about this disease, but have learned just how horrible it is. ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a motor neuron disease, where the nerves of the brain and spinal cord (which control voluntary muscle movements) are attacked. This eventually leads to the inability to move her limbs and body.....and slowly worsens. For this....there is no cure! I've had friends die of cancer, known people to lose their children or spouse in horrible accidents, and held a friend as she took her last breath.....yet Nancy stands out in my mind at the most! Here is another strong, Christian woman that has been tested with something for which she has no control over! I don't...no...I try not to question why such horrible things happen to such wonderful people, not why God allows it to happen. It's not my place to understand. Reading Nancy's blog has made me grateful for my health...and I say that because I couldn't endure what she's been faced with. But also in reading, I have been reminded of friendship, faith, and love! Sadly, our families have not kept close touch with one another over the years. Thanks to the wonderful world of technology, I've been able to catch up with her and her family via Facebook. Seeing how her children have grown has been a blessing...and in more ways than one! Remembering the time I spent with the Chandler family has brought many smiles to my face...and to my children as well! I think they enjoy my babysitting stories, but for me, its been more than that. I could try to explain this....but there are words for it. It's hard to explain how you've learned from others....but I can say that I've taken notes from a remarkable woman...and I've thought about what more she's had to say (the name of her blog for those of you that don't already know). So, to Nancy, I say thank you! Thank you not only for the wonderful memories, but thank you for opening my eyes, for being an example of someone I want to be! And in the off chance that you read this....I love you...and I think I can speak for my mom is saying that she loves you, too! Our thoughts and prayers are with you...always!