Good evening all. We hope that everyone is having a restful and warm weekend. Not much going on around here. As you can see from the picture, Christie created our Christmas card, so I decided to scan it and post it to the web.
The boys are doing well and it is hectic around here. Houston's last day of exams is tomorrow and the
last day for school before Christmas is Thursday. Christie is also trying to wrap up things at school before the end of the week.
We are planning on going to visit my Dad and Stepmother in Florida at the end of the week. We need to get out of here and get our minds off of things...if it is possible. I doubt that our minds will be put at ease, but the change of scenery will be good for us as a family.
Although Christmas is quickly approaching, I can honestly say that the spirit of the season is largely overshadowed. It is difficult to know that we will not be able to see Zander's smiling little face as he tears into his first present or wear his Christmas outfit. We are truly thankful for what we have in terms of family and friends, but a huge void will always exist in our lives and in the lives of the people that Zander touched. In time, I hope and pray that understanding and peace will set in.
As our pastor spoke about this morning, Christmas is not about presents, food or any of the other festivities. It is about the one gift that we were all given some 2008 years ago when our Savior was born and laid in a manger. A gift that through faith assures me and Christie that we will see our beautiful baby boy once again.
We love you boys. Rest easy.
Struggling but still pursuing His grace,
Clancy
14 comments:
First of all, I am sorry that I have not been posting--I have found it difficult to return to the blog. I so looked forward to seeing the new pictures of the ZMan and hearing of the happenings in your lives....I decided to return tonight after a good friend of mine from church told me that she had read your posting tonight. I hope you all know that prayers continue to come your way and that not a day goes by that I don't think of you.
Much love,
Aunt Heidi
Clancy and Christie, Thanks for posting that Christmas Card. A couple of weeks ago, my pastor did a sermon that really got to me. God doesn't just hold us close to him, he holds us in his bosom. That makes all of us including Zander a part of him. You are very, very, right when you say you hope you will see him someday. That is one of God's promises. You don't just have to hope. You can definitely count on it. When you get through all of this, you will find that your faith has been refined with fire. It will be so strong that nothing will ever prevail against it. Your Grandmother Caramadre lost a child also. He was six years old and got hit by a truck in front of my dads house. She never, ever forgot him, and I don't believe we're suppose too. You see Zander is a part of all of us. That's what family is all about. I will never ever forget all of those that have passed. You see they played such an important part of who I am. That's what Love is all about. It is a gift from the manger for all of us. My family is a gift from God to me, but without Christ and HIS Love it would mean nothing. I pray that all of my family has a wonderful blessed Christmas this year and always with the Love of Christ in there hearts. I love you family. Love, Cele
c
Clancy and Christie,
Just wanted you to know that you and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that your family will have a wonderful Christmas, even though it will be hard.
Zander will be spending Christmas with the Real Reason For This Season. Front row at a Birthday Party. Zander was a gift, just like the Gift we celebrate with Christmas. Lets celebrate all the gifts the Father has given us this Christmas.
What a beautiful Christmas Card! Bless you, Brother, and Merry Christmas from my family to yours.
Dave Mullis
I can't even imagine how hard it must be for you to put one foot in front of the other some days, especially at this time of year. I'm still praying for each of you and your extended family and all the people who knew Zander.
Paul tells us in all things to give thanks. He doesn't say to give thanks for everything, but in everything. I have found that to be very hard, if not near impossible, at times in my life. I'm praying that God will make it possible for you and that He will give you peace and comfort.
A verse I turn to over and over is 2 Timothy 1:12, "...for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day." God's keeping each one of you and Zander too.
Another thing I have thought about is that God has experienced this Himself with Jesus' death. Even though He knew Jesus would be resurrected and open the way of salvation for us, I don't think that made His heart break less for His Son at that moment. I pray that He will touch the whole family in a way that only He can and bring you rest and peace.
God Bless,
Janet Tilley
I pray that God will wrap His arms around you even tighter through this holiday season.
love and prayers,
The Hildebrands
Christmas is always a time that makes us dwell on those who brought happiness to our lives. In time, I pray that God will make the hurt become less and less and that the precious memories will become more and more a fill for that void. That new void is part of who you are now but it is amazing how God can use a void for His purposes at times.
I know that doesn't help a lot now. But it will. And remember that which helps me through the rough days even still...
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23
As your heart laments over all that seems unjust and you feel the day will never end, remember His grace for you tomorrow is brand new and will be enough for each tomorrow. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. You are loved!
Hey! I love the Christmas card! We miss you guys so much! I think about your family daily. I tell the nurses here in Ohio about Ethans best friend/roomate Zander all the time. Email me your address if you would at AmberShea27@aol.com. Miss each of you!
My heart breaks for you yet again as I read the sadness in this post. I pray the God of all comfort will make Himself very real to your whole family this Christmas season and in the months to come. May you feel His very presence wrapping you in a cocoon of warmth, love, mercy and grace. I also pray His peace would literally envelope you at times you least expect it.
Many blessings,
Amy
Clancy and Christie, If you have a hymnal around look up the song "The Eye is on the Sparrow" and as you read the words let it minister to your hearts. That was one of Great Grandma Caramadre's favorite songs and it got her through a lot of trials and troubles. One of my favorite is "My God and I". The other one of Great Grandma's was "How Great Thou Art". Let this music minister to you. I have found that even listening to contemporary groups such as Casting Crowns, and Mercy Me two of my favorite modern day groups really is wonderful to listen to during troubled times or times of testing and trials. May the peace of the Lord be with you and yours. By the way, Linda's boss is the lead singer of Casting Crown's sister. She is married to a baptist preacher in Spartanburg and they have 3 adopted children Love to all, Cele
I visited the cemetary today..Christmas, what a beautiful day it was here in Chattanooga! Love to you all this holiday season.
i thought about ya'll yesterday..... hope Santa filled your tree with wonderful gifts. i am sure Zander filled ur hearts with tons of hugs/kisses from heaven.
Much love,
Jill
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
1 Thessalonians 3:16
I'm keeping y'all in my thoughts and prayers, hoping your new year is full of blessings and peace.
God Bless,
Janet Tilley
I hope the new year brings you peace.
Love,
Gretchen Lindsey
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