I’m Right There With Ya’
By Sylvia Basham
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
John 14:18 (KJV)
Devotion:
“I’m right there with ya’!” a mom of a three-year-old boy commiserated to another mom of a three-year-old boy. We were at an all-day volleyball tournament for our daughters and the little tikes (as well as the moms) had already had about as much excitement as they could take. We were all having a late-afternoon meltdown.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I overheard this exchange, and I thought, “I wish I was right there with ya’.” My son Jonathan, had he lived, would have been three also.
Before the trickle of tears could become a raging river, God’s truth proclaimed in my heart, “I AM right there with ya’!” I smiled through my tear-blurred vision and thanked God for His comfort, and for the hope I have in Him. I thanked Him for sustaining me through this journey of grief.
I am thankful that I can be content that I have Christ and He is all I need. As our key verse tells us, Jesus will not leave us comfortless. He will be there. It is a journey to get to that place of contentment in Him, and wanting more than anything else on this earth to be right there with Him. It is also a destination that can be reached if we don’t misplace our hope.
My experience has made me realize there are hurting people, especially as we approach special days during our holiday season, who will be grieving and missing a loved one. This grief may feel all-consuming at times, and they may forget that Christ is right there with them. They will have misplaced their hope. Just as mine had been misplaced in the past, their focus will be on what they don’t have instead of Who they do have. The temporary will displace the eternal, leaving them feeling empty.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 says, “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him” (NIV).
Having hope when others do not is a choice to believe that this scripture is true.
Now there’s where I really want to be. That’s what a life filled with hope As Isaiah 35:10b says, “Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” looks like.
It’s incredible how the grief still sneaks up on me sometimes – how moments like that one at the volleyball game make me feel so alone and how my heart is still so tender especially around those special dates. At those times, the journey continues as I draw closer to my true Hope. He is right there with me as I remain right there with Him.
Dear Lord, In times of grief, help me remember You are my Hope and You are right there with me. I pray You open my eyes and heart to others who are hurting and help me remind them of the Hope. Please give me boldness and compassion during this season to introduce the ultimate Hope to others in need of hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Flooding in Iowa
I am sure by now just about everyone has heard about the flooding in Iowa. 83 out 99 counties have been impacted by the floods. My parents and brother live in Lee County, specifically Montrose, IA(most of Montrose isn't going to be impacted by the flood. Most that will get flooded is down on the river front), just outside of Keokuk, IA. I also have friends that live in Alexandria, MO where there has been flooding. Levees are breaking causing the Mississippi River to come on in. It's just devastating :( My dad is the director for Emergency Management of Lee County and has been super busy! However this comes at a bad time: my mom had one of two hip replacement surgeries yesterday and unfortunately dad was unable to be there. He feels bad enough that he couldn't be there and mom was disappointed, but like she said: 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one'
I think it was actually Spock from Star Trek that said it....I feel bad that I can't be there either. In hindsight, I would have gone had I known it was going to flood.
Here are some links if you want to get updated on the whole ordeal. I am being a little selfish here and putting up some links of articles that my dad are in.
* www.flood2008.iowa.gov
* http://www.dailydem.com/articles/2008/06/11/news/news4.txt
* http://www.thehawkeye.com/Story/lee-flood-061608
* http://khqa.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=147038
you can also google it or check news websites!
I think it was actually Spock from Star Trek that said it....I feel bad that I can't be there either. In hindsight, I would have gone had I known it was going to flood.
Here are some links if you want to get updated on the whole ordeal. I am being a little selfish here and putting up some links of articles that my dad are in.
* www.flood2008.iowa.gov
* http://www.dailydem.com/articles/2008/06/11/news/news4.txt
* http://www.thehawkeye.com/Story/lee-flood-061608
* http://khqa.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=147038
you can also google it or check news websites!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Suspect Arrested
Suspect arrested
Current mood: blank
Suspect arrested in Ignatowski slaying
By SCOTT BRAND
Story created Jun 05, 2008 - 12:32:56 EDT.
SAULT STE. MARIE - Texas authorities have arrested one individual in the weekend slaying of a 27-year-old Sault Ste. Marie woman in her Corpus Christi apartment.
Capt. Todd Green of the Corpus Christi Police Department confirmed Micah Lee Spanutius, 21, was arrested by U.S. Marshals on a murder warrant stemming from a police investigation into the death of Amy Ignatowski.
Spanutius, according to an arrest affidavit cited by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, reportedly told another individual that he had killed a girl - "putting his hand over her mouth and squeezing her tight." Spanutius also indicated to that same individual that the incident occurred following an argument.
Capt. Green confirmed Spanutius had told a female friend he may have killed a woman by strangling her, providing Texas authorities with a good, solid lead. While authorities were investigating the death as a homicide from the onset, the initial reports indicated only that there were facial abrasions which did not appear serious enough to cause death.
"Nobody knew the manner of death," said Capt. Green as the information regarding neck wounds was withheld from the public and press. "They hadn't released anything on that."
*
That piece of information instantly made Spanutius the prime suspect in the Ignatowski murder even though the Nueces County Medical Examiner's Office has not officially listed the exact cause of death. Capt. Green said detectives noted marks and bruising on the deceased woman's neck consistent with manual asphyxiation or, in layman's terms, strangulation.
Authorities have been unable to determine Spanutius' motive for the murder, said Capt. Green: "He has refused to talk to investigators."
Ignatowski, a 1998 graduate of Sault High, had clearly touched many lives. Her MySpace page has become a focal point for grieving friends to share via the Internet.
"My heart hurts in a way I never thought it could," wrote Michelle.
"Rest in peace beautiful Amy," added Stephanie.
"I plan to wear a little pink everyday in honor of our sunshine girl," added Leigh, making reference to Amy's favorite color.
There were many more tributes from former college roommates, fellow members of the U.S. Coast Guard and others she had met along the way in her 27 years.
The daughter of Paul and Robin Ignatowski, Amy will be brought back to Sault Ste. Marie for burial. Visitation is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral.
Spanutius remained lodged in the Nueces County Jail on suspicion of murder, unable to post the $100,000 bond.
Current mood: blank
Suspect arrested in Ignatowski slaying
By SCOTT BRAND
Story created Jun 05, 2008 - 12:32:56 EDT.
SAULT STE. MARIE - Texas authorities have arrested one individual in the weekend slaying of a 27-year-old Sault Ste. Marie woman in her Corpus Christi apartment.
Capt. Todd Green of the Corpus Christi Police Department confirmed Micah Lee Spanutius, 21, was arrested by U.S. Marshals on a murder warrant stemming from a police investigation into the death of Amy Ignatowski.
Spanutius, according to an arrest affidavit cited by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, reportedly told another individual that he had killed a girl - "putting his hand over her mouth and squeezing her tight." Spanutius also indicated to that same individual that the incident occurred following an argument.
Capt. Green confirmed Spanutius had told a female friend he may have killed a woman by strangling her, providing Texas authorities with a good, solid lead. While authorities were investigating the death as a homicide from the onset, the initial reports indicated only that there were facial abrasions which did not appear serious enough to cause death.
"Nobody knew the manner of death," said Capt. Green as the information regarding neck wounds was withheld from the public and press. "They hadn't released anything on that."
*
That piece of information instantly made Spanutius the prime suspect in the Ignatowski murder even though the Nueces County Medical Examiner's Office has not officially listed the exact cause of death. Capt. Green said detectives noted marks and bruising on the deceased woman's neck consistent with manual asphyxiation or, in layman's terms, strangulation.
Authorities have been unable to determine Spanutius' motive for the murder, said Capt. Green: "He has refused to talk to investigators."
Ignatowski, a 1998 graduate of Sault High, had clearly touched many lives. Her MySpace page has become a focal point for grieving friends to share via the Internet.
"My heart hurts in a way I never thought it could," wrote Michelle.
"Rest in peace beautiful Amy," added Stephanie.
"I plan to wear a little pink everyday in honor of our sunshine girl," added Leigh, making reference to Amy's favorite color.
There were many more tributes from former college roommates, fellow members of the U.S. Coast Guard and others she had met along the way in her 27 years.
The daughter of Paul and Robin Ignatowski, Amy will be brought back to Sault Ste. Marie for burial. Visitation is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral.
Spanutius remained lodged in the Nueces County Jail on suspicion of murder, unable to post the $100,000 bond.
A friend from high school
This is about the death of a friend I went to high school with
Authorities Investigate Death of Sault Woman
Current mood: sad
Category: Life
Authorities investigate death of Sault woman
Story created Jun 04, 2008 - 12:29:51 EDT.
Police consider death of 27-year-old Amy Ignatowski a homicide
By SCOTT BRAND
SAULT STE. MARIE - Texas authorities are investigating the death of a Sault Ste. Marie resident after 27-year-old Amy Ignatowski was found dead in her Corpus Christi apartment.
According to reports published in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, police are investigating the weekend death as a homicide. Ignatowski, a petty officer 3rd class in the U.S. Coast Guard, had been out Friday evening celebrating with friends with the group breaking up around 2 a.m. Saturday. A friend taking care of Ignatowski's dog discovered her lifeless body at 4 p.m. Saturday.
The Corpus Christi Caller-Times also reports police have a strong indication as to the cause of death, but they are withholding that information because its release might jeopardize the investigation. The Nueces County Medical Examiner's Office has not ruled on a cause or manner of death in its preliminary report. Evidence in the form of facial abrasions on the deceased suggests the woman may have been beaten, but police do not believe the injuries appeared serious enough to cause her death.
The daughter of Paul and Robin Ignatowski, Amy graduated from Sault High in 1998. Principal Ken Sherman said he did not move to the high school until the year after Ignatowski graduated, but he did recall her from his days as an elementary physical education teacher.
"She was always very friendly," said Sherman. "Always quiet - very easy to work with."
Those who knew her later in life provided their own descriptions for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
"There wasn't a day she wasn't smiling, happy and thinking of the next adventure in her life to undertake," friend and former roommate Lindsay Weber told the Texas publication. "Even when things weren't great in her life or she was having a bad day she didn't let on."
Another friend and former roommate from Ignatowski's days at Grand Valley State University, Katie Kopelman, shared similar memories.
"She was a force of nature," said Kopelman. "There are just so many people whose lives will never be the same now... She touched everybody that she met. If she met somebody one time, they instantly fell in love with her."
Juan Carlos of the U.S. Coast Guard Sault Station said Ignatowski joined on Nov. 15, 2005 and, after completing basic training, was stationed on the Polar Sea out of Seattle. She went on to the Humboldt Bay Air Station before attending Aircraft Maintenance Technician school. After completing her training, she was stationed at Corpus Christi - working on airplanes and helicopters.
Funeral services will be handled by C.S. Mulder Funeral Home of Sault Ste. Marie. Visitation is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday with funeral services scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral.
Burial, complete with the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard, will follow the funeral at Oak Lawn Cemetery.
Authorities Investigate Death of Sault Woman
Current mood: sad
Category: Life
Authorities investigate death of Sault woman
Story created Jun 04, 2008 - 12:29:51 EDT.
Police consider death of 27-year-old Amy Ignatowski a homicide
By SCOTT BRAND
SAULT STE. MARIE - Texas authorities are investigating the death of a Sault Ste. Marie resident after 27-year-old Amy Ignatowski was found dead in her Corpus Christi apartment.
According to reports published in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, police are investigating the weekend death as a homicide. Ignatowski, a petty officer 3rd class in the U.S. Coast Guard, had been out Friday evening celebrating with friends with the group breaking up around 2 a.m. Saturday. A friend taking care of Ignatowski's dog discovered her lifeless body at 4 p.m. Saturday.
The Corpus Christi Caller-Times also reports police have a strong indication as to the cause of death, but they are withholding that information because its release might jeopardize the investigation. The Nueces County Medical Examiner's Office has not ruled on a cause or manner of death in its preliminary report. Evidence in the form of facial abrasions on the deceased suggests the woman may have been beaten, but police do not believe the injuries appeared serious enough to cause her death.
The daughter of Paul and Robin Ignatowski, Amy graduated from Sault High in 1998. Principal Ken Sherman said he did not move to the high school until the year after Ignatowski graduated, but he did recall her from his days as an elementary physical education teacher.
"She was always very friendly," said Sherman. "Always quiet - very easy to work with."
Those who knew her later in life provided their own descriptions for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
"There wasn't a day she wasn't smiling, happy and thinking of the next adventure in her life to undertake," friend and former roommate Lindsay Weber told the Texas publication. "Even when things weren't great in her life or she was having a bad day she didn't let on."
Another friend and former roommate from Ignatowski's days at Grand Valley State University, Katie Kopelman, shared similar memories.
"She was a force of nature," said Kopelman. "There are just so many people whose lives will never be the same now... She touched everybody that she met. If she met somebody one time, they instantly fell in love with her."
Juan Carlos of the U.S. Coast Guard Sault Station said Ignatowski joined on Nov. 15, 2005 and, after completing basic training, was stationed on the Polar Sea out of Seattle. She went on to the Humboldt Bay Air Station before attending Aircraft Maintenance Technician school. After completing her training, she was stationed at Corpus Christi - working on airplanes and helicopters.
Funeral services will be handled by C.S. Mulder Funeral Home of Sault Ste. Marie. Visitation is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday with funeral services scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral.
Burial, complete with the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard, will follow the funeral at Oak Lawn Cemetery.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
2 great songs!!
these 2 songs by Fireflight are fantastic! I'm not exactly sure why i like them. "Unbreakable" i think gives me some sort of power. Strength if u will...reminds me of Philippians 4:13.
The second one: "Forever" just describes how I have felt for the past few weeks. I know that God will watch over me no matter what =)
Here are the lyrics and you can decide if you like them :)
UNBREAKABLE
Where are the people that accused me?
The ones who beat me down and bruised me
They hide just out of sight
Can't face me in the light
They'll return but I'll be stronger
God, I want to dream again
Take me where I've never been
I want to go there
This time I'm not scared
Now I am unbreakable, it's unmistakable
No one can touch me
Nothing can stop me
Sometimes it's hard to just keep going
But faith is moving without knowing
Can I trust what I can't see
To reach my destiny
I want to take control but I know better
Forget the fear it's just a crutch
That tries to hold you back
And turn your dreams to dust
All you need to do is just trust
FOREVER
Sometimes I feel so cold
Like I'm waiting around all by myself
Loneliness gets so old
I'm in the lost and found sitting on the shelf
Been stuck for way too long
But I hear Your voice
You're who I'm counting on
Oh, tell me You're here
That You will watch over me forever
Oh, take hold of my heart
Show me You'll love me forever
I know that You can tell
When I start to let my hope fade away
I need to catch myself
Open my ears to hear You calling my name
Been fighting way too long
But I hear Your voice
You had me all along
When I'm starting to drown
You jump in to save me
When my world's upside down
Your hands, they shake me and wake me
The second one: "Forever" just describes how I have felt for the past few weeks. I know that God will watch over me no matter what =)
Here are the lyrics and you can decide if you like them :)
UNBREAKABLE
Where are the people that accused me?
The ones who beat me down and bruised me
They hide just out of sight
Can't face me in the light
They'll return but I'll be stronger
God, I want to dream again
Take me where I've never been
I want to go there
This time I'm not scared
Now I am unbreakable, it's unmistakable
No one can touch me
Nothing can stop me
Sometimes it's hard to just keep going
But faith is moving without knowing
Can I trust what I can't see
To reach my destiny
I want to take control but I know better
Forget the fear it's just a crutch
That tries to hold you back
And turn your dreams to dust
All you need to do is just trust
FOREVER
Sometimes I feel so cold
Like I'm waiting around all by myself
Loneliness gets so old
I'm in the lost and found sitting on the shelf
Been stuck for way too long
But I hear Your voice
You're who I'm counting on
Oh, tell me You're here
That You will watch over me forever
Oh, take hold of my heart
Show me You'll love me forever
I know that You can tell
When I start to let my hope fade away
I need to catch myself
Open my ears to hear You calling my name
Been fighting way too long
But I hear Your voice
You had me all along
When I'm starting to drown
You jump in to save me
When my world's upside down
Your hands, they shake me and wake me
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