It's a choice.

"Sometimes you have to Praise first and feel it later." ~Beth Moore


It's extremely difficult to Thank God when someone so dear to you is suffering. I have to do something with this heaviness so I thought I better start writing a list.

Dear Dave,

In case I never told you, I wanted to say:

Thank you...

For being such a loving, thoughtful brother.
For scrubbing the dishes with such enthusiasm when we were kids, without complaining when Chris made up every excuse to get out of helping.
For sitting next to Connie and Chris at your kids' sporting events, and for showing me what it looks like to forgive an ex-spouse in its truest meaning.
For teaching me wrestling moves and for making me so proud when I watched you.
For taking the blame in the "cutting of the yarn" incident when we were kids.
For teaching me how to cut grass diagonally and for your all around work ethic.
For acting like we gave you a million dollars when you took the junker BMW off of our hands.
For being such a great hands on Dad and Grandfather. You inspire me.
For being so good with Mom after Dad died.
For all you did with the boat store. (I can't believe it's just another thing on the list. It's huge!)
For enjoying all of those no bake cookies with us.
For storing all of mom and dad's stuff we couldn't get rid of.
For being so supportive and for coming to so many of John's lacrosse games at MSU.
For being Dad to Rebekkah.
For caring more about others than yourself.
And for so much more...


Dear God,

I'm thankful to You for giving me my brother, Dave. He has a heart like Yours. Please help him forgive himself for anything he did with his life that could have contributed to this awful thing called cancer. Help him understand that he does not deserve this and that you don't punish. Help him feel Your arms wrapped so tightly around him that there is no space for negativity. Please give him comfort so he can enjoy this time with his family. Thank you for sending so many generous people that have stepped up to support and pray for him and our family. Thank you for not taking him in a car accident so we can cherish this time together. Keep us all safe as we are a little distracted these days. Thank you for giving me the courage to not worry about what others think, by allowing me to write this so they might be reminded to give You Thanks in the midst of all of the chaos and confusion.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ~Romans 8:28



Help us to continue to see how Great You are!

In Jesus' name,
Amen