This spring I posted about traveling to Portland to say goodbye to my brother-in-law before he went to Iraq. It turns out, that was the trip where we said goodbye to Dan's grandma, as well--and it's the only memory my youngest will have of her. She passed away this weekend and will be burried next to her husband on Thursday. Here's a picture of her with my kids in front of her garden spot at the retirement home where she lived.

Dan got to go back and see her before she died. It was a healing time for his family--they were all in the hospital room and gave her a standing ovation as she stopped breathing. They CLAPPED her into heaven!!! His mom told me that she could see God's hand through the whole situation, and I've seen God answer prayers through this trip, as well.

My husband has been inspired spirutally. He said that at church on Sunday (before he flew home) he practically wrote his own sermon while listening to the pastor. And on his flight he started reading the book that I bought him months ago--A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART. He's been convicted to read his Bible more and last night in bed he asked me for five specific ways he can pray for me each week.

I'm so blessed. Everything I have is a gift from God. Even in the hard situations, God wants to bless our hearts.