September 28, 2024

Hello Friends, Have you missed me? I’ve taken a little break from blogging. But here I am, back again, back from California where I had the awesome privilege of attending Joni Eareckson Tada’s retreat. If you don’t recognize that name, it’s likely because you are too young. In l967, Joni dove into the Chesapeake Bay into shallow water and broke her neck. She had just graduated from high school and had her whole life planned with what she wanted to do. God had other plans.

She has lived with quadriplegia in a wheelchair for almost sixty years! Part of the purpose of this retreat was to celebrate her seventy-fifth birthday and forty-five years of ministry. Joni started a ministry, Joni and Friends, to help disabled children. They have provided over 230,000 wheelchairs to the needy. But more importantly, Joni makes sure every person receives the good news that Jesus Christ loves them.

Joni is one of the most joyful people I know. She glows with joy despite being in constant pain. With God’s help, Joni has taken her “lemons and made sweet lemonade.”

You may think I digress from the purpose of my blog, (godinlifesmoments.com) But not really. Because the stories of our family include what everyone faces. Life is not always a “bed of roses.” Our challenges do not compare with Joni’s horrific ones, but everyone will experience hardships. Life is like that.

The dreaded D’s, Disease, Depression, Death, Doubt, Despair, and Disaster, are only a few. Kimberly deals with Lyme disease, Sierra with Crohns, Marla fought cancer, I experienced depression and the death of both parents. Our faith has carried us through. A relationship with Jesus is the answer.

Don’t despair dear ones,

God is with you and for you,

See you soon, Charlotte