What a long time since the last post. Several great news briefs. I finished writing the drama for our Church and we will present it on Dec. 12th at 7 pm- Faith Community Church in Waynesville. "Jesus In Blue Jeans." Yes it is a nontraditional drama that is set in today's times. I have had an outpouring of support and this is awesome!
My brother has now been sober for 9 months~Glory to the King of Kings! Only He could have gotten him through all this.
Gratitude to all who are in my life and who make my life a better one. May all have a Happy Thanksgiving, and remember your blessings in life. We are a blessed people. What a privilege to have the freedom we have in our country.

Summer goes by so quickly. As a child, I remember waiting for the days of Summer to come so I could enjoy the warm weather and swim. I love the water, although have never been into water sports except paddling around in the calm waters or being at the beach with calm waters.

Next May will be a beach trip to Mexico as my daughter will marry her sweetheart of 5 years. They will be married on the beach and I am so excited for them as they begin their married life together. I was honored to be asked to witness the proposal on the Parkway in the Blue Ridge Mtns. in May.

I praise God for my family everyday. They are healthy, loving and care about others. Soon, I will have a new member to be thankful for- my future son-in-law. I am blessed beyond measure.

My brother has now received his 90 day chip. He is employed and doing great. I am so proud of him. I have a new great niece born May 6, 2009. This is little Madi's sister. The year anniversary of Madi's death was May 17th. My daughter will visit this weekend who also has a birthday on the same day as my brother's. I was able to go to the Women of Joy Conference in Charleston this past weekend with 7 beautiful ladies. I saw my favorite band, " Casting Crowns." God is so good to me.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2: 6, 7
did you read the part of OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS?

My brother has received his 60 day chip. If any of you are familiar with AA, you know what this means. I visited him Saturday in his new half way home which he shares with about 15 other men. He looked so good and his color was great. He has gained some weight, and now is looking like the brother I remember from our childhood days. He looks at least 10 years younger. I am so grateful to friends and family who have been praying for him. Our God is so awesome, cos I know my brother could not have done this on his own. My new prayer is now that he can find employment as he must get a job in order to stay in this protective residence. God can do the impossible, and this is proof to never give up.
Mat 21:22And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."

Yesterday was a good day as I heard from Doug. This was the first time I had heard his voice since he entered rehab. Then when I got home, there was a letter from him saying he was going to his AA meeting tonight to receive his 30 day chip for sobriety! I felt a surge of pride for him and secretly thought about going to the meeting to see him receive the chip. Then I realized how this was "his" journey and not mine. This is his gift. I wouldn't take that away from him for anything. He was also voted Peer Leader for a week. This is a privelege that the roommated vote on as to who shows leadership. They receive special perks and it is quite an honor. How proud and humbled he sounded by this.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (New International Version)
8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

What lessons my brother is teaching me.

This past week has been a difficult one for me. My brother relapsed and had some health concerns. His blood pressure and heart rate were very high, and he was unstable to go into detox. Detox was his decision. I stayed at the ER with him during the afternoon and into the early evening. He was released after being stabilized with fluids and medication. He presently is at a Detox center and I have spoken to him several times. However the environment there is controlled. If only he can give that chemical dependance to the Lord completely. I know that the best program is AA and I highly commend and recommend the program for ANYONE with an addiction. But .. God is the ultimate One who is in control in my humble opinion. If any of my Christian brothers and sisters out there wanna help, the best help is prayer. Prayer for cleansing, for strength, for humility, for a place to live, for pyhsical healing for my brother. The list goes on and on. Obviously, the present concern is for detoxification and a renewed spirit and drive to get and stay clean and sober.

Several good things happened this past week. There were 3 birthdays in our family... .. my husband turned 54 on Monday, my son and future son in law turned 22 and 27 respectively. Life is good. I need to see this more often.