I havent really lived an exciting life, yet the life i have been blessed with is amazing in my opinion. Ive grown up in church, my father has been in the ministry in all of my memories. I never really knew a life outside of being a pastors daughter, although I do know that I would not have traded it for the world. I am extremely close to my family (to the point we live less than 5 minutes from them, and lead worship at their church!) My fondest memories are of church trips- namely our Mexico Missions trip. To see all of those precious children so happy to do simple crafts and hear about Christ was really special to me. I became a christian when I was 10- my father baptized me the next Sunday. My faith wasnt really shaken until much later in life. I loved the Lord with all of my heart, but my trust in him would be tested in ways I never thought possible.
I graduated high school in 1993 and headed off to College. I have always been a very outgoing person, and being an only child I was ready to spread my wings. I was also determined to find my future husband and get my MRS. Degree! I met my husband at church on a Saturday night, our first “date” was the next weekend on my birthday and we have been together ever since. This past year marked our 11th anniversary- I wouldnt trade him for the world.
I had my first child when I was 21. She was a bit premature but boy was she strong. Since the day she was born my parents tell me she is the spitting image of me in looks and personality. We named her Easton, after Easton Pennsylvania where crayola crayons are made. Although we recently found out from her great grandfather that a relative way back had the first name of Easton, so she is pretty proud of that. Despite my every attempt, she is a tomboy- down to the true sense of the word! She loves the Lord passionately and was led to christ by her father whom she adores.
Elijah was born in 2000. He was as big as a fort and quiet as a mouse. That hasnt changed much 6 years later. He is just like his father in many ways, which has worked out in is favor! If you havent seen the pattern yet, all of my childrens names start with E’s. (Actually, Easton and Elijahs middle names also start with M’s- I was a bit obsessive compulsive when I was younger). Elijah has a speech problem that we have been working on for years- but honestly the way he talks warms my heart! He has the kindest soul, and will make a great husband one day- We pray for that little girl on a daily basis.
Emma Grace is our miracle baby. She was born in congestive heartfailure and received a heart transplant at the age of 5 months old. The first 5 months of her life were spent in ICU on life support. I have never been closer to God as I was during those 5 months- and still today knowing the odds of her future, I can honestly say that she has been firmly placed in the center of the palm of the Lord. You can read her full story here. Her originally chosen name was Emma Madeline (to follow my obsessive EMG theme) but once we found out in utero about her heart condition, we named her Emma Grace, because we believed Gods grace would be sufficient- no matter what we faced with her future. Today she is a 5 year old ball of energy who also happens to be Autistic, she loves her autism school almost as much as she loves Barney. She has taught our family more in her short life than most will ever learn.
I was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in April of 2007, and underwent surgery to remove the tumor in May 2007 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. The surgeon removed 99.9% of the tumor, which was later found to be an Anaplastic (Grade III) Astrocytoma. I am currently undergoing Radiation and Chemotherapy, (Temodar). I have come to depend on my Savior more in the last year than ever before. He never left His throne through all of this…
He simply brought me closer to it.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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