I LOVE MY CHURCH!

It has been a week since the passing of Vanessa, and that realization hit me hard this morning when getting the girls up and ready for church.  I find it very fitting that Vanessa's last day on Earth was a Sunday.  It brings new purpose to each Sunday and will undoubtedly be a motivating factor to get out of bed and get my butt to church every Sunday I can.

I knew making it through church was going to be a struggle... especially with the music.  Vanessa would always make me cry when she raised her hands during worship.  It reminded me of my sister Kristy and her love for God and music.  Luckily, the church started with very upbeat and 'happy' songs.  I was worried though, we usually take it down a notch and get serious just before the sermon.  Wouldn't you know it... Hillsong's Oceans!?!?!  That song can get you if you focus in on the words, even if you aren't going through something...

I had a support mechanism on hand just for this case and was somewhat prepared.  Kevin Reese often records performances of his 'special renditions' of the coming week's music.  I tried to lean on the thought of his 'beautiful' voice to keep me from crying in front of the church.  You'll have to see what I mean:
https://www.facebook.com/kereesesr/videos/10210265369208270/

I fought it for as long as I could, but when Madison grabbed my hand, I was done.

Dave's message this morning was still focused in the book of Acts.  He spoke of the boldness of Peter and John in the face of adversity, and putting faith in Jesus in carrying them through. He ended the service with showing this picture of Vanessa, and spoke about her and her struggle with cancer.  He spoke about her faith, her love of God and never questioning his will through it all.

I am so proud to call Vanessa my wife and I am so happy that I stumbled upon the verse that best describes her time here on Earth... Romans 12:12

I ask that you listen to our church service if you are able.  The message on Vanessa will be found on the link below under the title "The Book of Acts - week 5" during the closing minutes of the podcast:
http://tworiverschurch.podbean.com/  It may take a few days before it is uploaded, but it will be there soon... please listen.

If you have a church, go and continue to seek God.  Don't take this life for granted... it can be gone in the blink of any eye.  If you don't have a church, I'd like to invite you to Two Rivers Church... the singing from Kevin Reese alone will make it worth your time :)

Lastly, I ask for prayers as we face the week ahead and try to return to a 'normal' schedule.  The girls will head back to school tomorrow.  I will try to head back to work.  I'm scared of how Madison and I will face each day.  Today I found myself wanting to breakdown in Food Lion while grocery shopping because of a song playing in the store.  Luckily, people know how cheap I am and how much money I have to spend on keeping my growing girls fed... me crying while grocery shopping is not an unusual sight :)