Sadness and Easter....

My focus today has been a mixture of sadness and Easter....
My day was filled with some time at home, some time with family,
trying to call someone to talk to, and now sadness, as I prepare
for the week ahead.

We have had a busy and productive weekend as a family.
Phone calls Friday and running to the bank... more Estate related
stuff, no surprise there.

Saturday night was majorly exciting. Attending our first Philadelphia Flyer's game as a family..... So cool. Chantel enjoyed it immensely!

In the middle of my writing this, I received the phone call, I needed.
Time to share with someone who truly cares. It seems like God is truly lining things up. We know some of the same people. Both of us come from similar church backgrounds and now go to the same church.

This week, I will be focused on the loss of our child, Blessing Schultz, 6 years ago, on April 20th, 2005. Our child would have been 6 years old this fall, and attending, Kindergarten. This really is a tough milestone for me to deal with right now.

The Memory Day, and working on the garden this week, seems like it's for more than just one of our children, Blessing, but for all 3 children: Blessing, Patience, and Joy Schultz, all in Heaven... Also, I bought a special flower (made of decorative painted metal) to go in the garden area for my parent's memory. We are even going to add some favorite veges that my parents enjoyed as well, to our garden. Praying for a great year, for our garden.

In the midst of this week, I'm still waiting for things to get done at my parents' house, for the township to do their final inspection (U and O). Ready for the next week, to drive to the settlement by myself, and sign over the papers, not sure how emotional that will be, but a relief, I'm sure.

Being Like Jesus.... Loving like Jesus...

I know the picture I have, you may have seen before, but it reminds me of the most recent events in our lives and Chantel's love and concern for others.

Yesterday, I was reading Chantel's journal, one that was given to her, by the leaders of the Children's department and church and a member of our Pastoral team. She was writing about how she loved Jesus and she loved Easter, since Jesus died for us.... Close to the true reflection... (Good Friday)... but she gets the joy of Easter.

Last night, before bed, she wrote more... Then, this morning... she said, when I grow up, I want to help people who are homeless..... Not the bad people- criminals, those who want to steal and hurt people. (Those who need a place to live and help to get them back on their feet.) She said, "I know I won't be able to help everybody, in every part of the world."

I felt so proud of her this morning, when I heard these words. This conversation happened, just after I finished combing and touching up her hair for the day. Precious moments.. Teachable moments.

Interesting too, since yesterday at church, we signed up for the IFHN, Inter Faith Hospitality Network... It serves people in the Souderton/Pennridge area, who are without a home, a job, childcare for their kids, etc. Mostly for single moms with children, but one time there was an entire family that I had met before, as a sub in schools. This year, as in the past, we are going to bring a meal to support the 3 families who are currently in the program...

Chantel has also had the opportunity to stay over night at church to help keep them safe, until they could leave in the morning. Well, she wants to again, so we need to look for a chance to sign up again, too, by next week, we hope.

In Sunday School yesterday, she wrote a book about My Story... How Jesus helps her in school, and in other ways. She is so amazing. I know I trusted Jesus at about the same age she did, but her faith seems so much stronger, deeper, and richer.
She's always praying for our child we support in Haiti and for the people of Japan, and for our safety as well...

When Jesus said to have the faith of a Child, that's such an amazing thing.. Chantel seems to really get how to love and be like Jesus, in so many small, yet important ways... I'm sooooo proud of her!