a day that will live in infamy

today is the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor invasion...an event that changed the world for forever. today is also the 9th birthday of my beautiful niece ashlyn. and today is exactly one year from the day my brother had his leg amputated.

i remember very clearly the emotions i was facing the night before his surgery. i was fearful but standing up in the face of that fear claiming spiritual truths, things i didn't really feel so much as believed. amazingly God allowed me a very peaceful sleep and i woke up refreshed and ready to tackle what ever the day might bring.

joining friends for prayer was the perfect way to start my day and then my friend and i head into the city hoping to be at the hospital by the time joel was out of surgery. we got lost, multiple times, couldn't find parking, encountered very unhelpful people and were winding our ways through a strange hospital when we rounded a corner and there were mom and dad! that day began a new year of so many new things, new trials, new joys, new experiences.

lucy eliene was born in januray and i was told that joel didn't let hobbling around on one leg slow him down. mom said he hopped around carrying the new born "just like any new dad would".

joel quickly began working towards his physical training to rejoin the fire force not even knowing if it would truly become a reality. involved in that was not only learning to be physical fit but to walk again. i can't imagine learning to walk again as an adult.

this picture to the right is joel at the top of the ladder post amputation, with a prosthetic, back at work!

i am at a loss to describe the wonder i have in the majesty and wonder of God's plan. to be present during this amazing journey has been something of a dream. i in no way want to trivialize the trials joel has faced, the struggle, the pain but it is overwhelming to know that Romans 8:28 remains just as true today as it did the day that the apostle paul penned the words.

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.