My heart.

I didn't do a post on Father's Day, because I simply did not know what to say.

Few years later and definitely still have those days where I'm speechless.

I adored my father and was a "daddy's girl"

4 years later, my sister Courtney was born and needless to say,

we both had him wrapped around our fingers. Fast forward to a few more years and our half-brother Will was born, giving my dad his first son and at that moment, his life was complete.

He was always there for us, always proud of us, always encouraging and

giving us unconditional love.

Today, he celebrates his second birthday in heaven. He would be 55 today.

The night of our Lawn & Garden Shower (which he attended - one month before our wedding in August 2008), he suddenly passed away from a massive heart attack. Never had many health problems and everyone joked that he had found the "fountain of youth", often acting as if he was 18 - living life to the fullest and loving every minute he spent with his family and friends.

Wow. Being someone who loves to be in control, God let me know real quick that day just WHO was in control and in the midst of heavy planning (planning a wedding, planning the remodeling of a house, planning our future...) God also shown us that He had his own plans.

I've always loved that quote "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans"

The Lord has taught me so much over the past two years. I've dealt with emotions and continue to deal with them, even though just as everyone said - yes, time certainly makes it a bit easier, slowly but surely. I've questioned God...but in the end I've trusted God. He's been my biggest source of strength, peace, and healing and I certainly have no idea how people deal with the loss of a loved one without knowing Jesus Christ as their personal savior and without the hope of knowing that you will see that loved one again.

"But I've trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.

My times are in thy hand."

- Psalm 31:14-15

He's certainly guarded my heart and mind and I'm thankful to have such peace knowing that I will spend eternity with my dad. If anyone out there is going through difficult times...

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous;

but the Lord delivereth him out of them all"

-Psalm 34:19

*thank you to all of my wonderful friends who continue to be my "support system". Emails, texts, cards, and calls - they all continue to mean so much to us. You continue to lift our chins when the load just gets too heavy. You know who you are and you will forever be a blessing in my life!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition; with thanksgiving represent your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds..."

-Phil 4:-6-7

PLEASE PRAY FOR

The family of Cohen Marshall

The family of Aaron Powell

The family of Alex Carver

Mike Jones