The Lake House

My father passed away in 1994 after a terrible bout with liver cancer. Though I knew he would not make it, I also knew where he was going...into the Saviors arms that he loved so much. I grieved my father's lack of presence here on earth for almost ten years.
I was devastated and prayed.
I was angry at God and prayed. 
God spoke to me and told me that HE had to take him because it was time for me to learn to lean on Him completely...and I prayed.
Then one night in the tenth year when I prayed out loud to get to see my father for just a few minutes, so I could hug him, see his smile and smell his presence again...God gave me a dream.

In that dream, I was wandering and searching for something in a desolate area unknown to me, until I came upon a house on a lake. The part of the house that faced the lake had a wall of windows and beyond those windows, tall pine trees and a beautiful lake that was shimmering like diamonds from the sunshine that was pouring down. I had to go outside on the balcony to see for myself.

As I stepped on to the balcony deck I saw people to my left standing by and leaning on the rail, gazing off longingly at the beautiful site off in the distance. Then I turned to the right and there...sitting in a pool of the brightest light was a person who was resting in a white Adirondack chair with his feet up, his head leaning back and his hands resting on his belly. The person slowly began to smile. I knew that smile...it was my Dad!!! I almost yelled out; "DAD!! DAD!! It's me Amy!." I immediately stopped myself, covering my mouth to ensure no sound would leak out that would disturb him. 

As I stood there looking at my father resting in the light, I realized the look and smile was one of pure peace, contentment...joy! How could I be so selfish after so many years to ask my father to come back to hug me for a split second when he indeed was in the presence of the one he so loved? I couldn't...I loved that man that much and I thanked God for giving me such a great father. 

I thanked God for being there throughout my grieving. 

I thanked God for giving me this gift...a peek into heaven...for answering my prayers. 

I drank in the sight...memorizing every aspect of it, knowing I would not see him again this way until I joined him there someday on that Lake House porch sitting in white Adirondack chairs basking in the Sonlight together!

I woke up and never wished my dad back again...I celebrate him because I know where he is...he is with the father AND he is with me. He visits with cardinal visits all the time. 

God is wonderful that way! 

Look for signs from your mother and from God. They will comfort you in this early time of grieving. Pray and if you can't sit and pray because your mind wanders from the sadness ...write your prayers. It is amazing how God will take the pen out of your hand and comfort your heart with His love and peace. 

Please know people are praying for you during this grieving time.

Remember there is no time limit on grieving the one's we love.

Sending hugs and love across the miles!

2 Things Your Children NEVER Want To Hear From YOU

These kids...they can knock the wind right outta ya...Now I know what I put my mother and father through...I apologize every day to them...through prayers. I hear my mother in heaven saying:

"Well, Amy, I told you, that you would find out when you had your own children...and now you are finding out."

She would say it with love though...we are both hard headed women and never afraid to say I told you so. I fear I have born some hard headed daughters and a son. 

I have thought and said, "I told you so" to each one, without fear...knowing I would be ignored...never gloating when the result was true. But I am sure my children, just like I thought my mother was gloating...think I am gloating about being right. 

She didn't want to be right, just like I don't...but...here it comes the dreaded sentence...

"It is what it is!"  

An "I told you so" said at an appropriate time, after keeping your mouth shut and watching a child repeatedly make mistakes and not learn...well, it can be a good thing...it reminds our children that wisdom is not a bad thing and we have gained it by not listening to our parents. The key to an excellent "I told you so" is to make sure they know that you are speaking from experience and that YOU didn't listen either. Your wisdom has come from failing, but trying again in a better way or even listening to  your mother father and father...finally! 

Mom and Dad weren't perfect either...none of us are...God made us that way on purpose, otherwise we would be Him. We are only made in His image, we are not God. God subtly says "I told you so " to us also...yet, He unconditionally loves us when we rebel against His guidance. He only wants the best for us...I believe that is what parents want also.

"This is the father of your children!"

When I was a little girl, God whispered in my ear that when the man that He had chosen for me came along, He (God) would whisper in my ear, "This is the father of your children!"

For many years I kept my ear attuned to hear that quiet voice. In my impatience to hear His voice I married another man who was an alcoholic and abused me...we got pregnant four times together, but not one child survived. I was even told by specialists I would never have children. I was devastated.

Then one day in Paradise, while stationed with the Navy in Hawaii and while my divorce was waiting to be finalized...a gorgeous man walked on to the elevator where I lived carrying a laundry basket...and I heard..."This is the father of your children." I am not sure if I said it out loud, but I certainly thought loudly..."WHAT...this guy?! He's hot!" I dropped my eyes and thought: "Are you sure?"

"This is the father of your children," God whispered again.

I was caught off guard and walked all the way out to my car and then decided I needed to go back in the building and check the father of my children out again. He was no where to be found...so I rushed back up to my room and told my roommate all about it. She knew exactly who I was talking about...she helped me cleverly meet this man.

Five children later and soon to be 26 years of marriage on August 8th, the man in the elevator and I have had our ups and downs...but God ALWAYS brings us back together. I love you to pieces Dave!

Don't ever question God when He has a plan for you OR a person picked out. He will let the man HE has picked cut in, as long as that man is HIS pick.