what's important.

I failed.

Really tried to catch up on the "31 Days" series this past Sunday and plan a few exciting posts, but then I heard the tragic news about a sweet blogger, Julee. Her husband was killed in a car wreck Saturday night leaving her and her TEN MONTH daughter behind.

Let's just take a minute to wrap our heads around that.

Unthinkable, right?

I have read her blog for years, followed their difficult journey of trying to conceive and eventually IVF. I related to her because around the same time Chad and I had dealt with a miscarriage and spent months trying again. When Julee announced she was pregnant I seriously was so excited, it was as if one of my good friends just told me...and I don't even know her! Crazy how the world of blogging is. People open up to you about their lives and it's as if you feel like she's your friend who lives up the street.

That's why Sunday my heart absolutely sank for her. I teared up. I couldn't help it. Again, I don't even personally know her but all of the sudden all of the emotions of death and grieving came back to me. I thought about Julee and the things she has probably had to do the past three days that NO ONE her age, raising a ten month old, should ever have to go through. I thought about what would happen if I were in her shoes. Right now, with an eight month old. Never could I EVER imagine losing the love of my life, my soulmate, my other half. I just can't fathom what she is going through. There are no words.

Beth did a great post today on perspective. Exactly how I feel. Once again the Lord has put things into perspective for me, reminding me to be grateful. Reminding me to focus on what's important. Reminding me to SLOW DOWN. Most days I get so caught up on my high horse of work, work, work...routine, routine, routine and then "what should I blog about?" or "what should we do this weekend?"..."What should I wear?" You know what? It does. not. matter.

All that matters in this oh-so-short life is that you know the Lord, his goodness and mercy, and you are saved by his redeeming grace. All that matters is that you give your heart completely to Him. All that matters is that you live a life of love and laughter. All that matters is that you enjoy those precious moments with your family and friends. All that matters is that you are here. In the present. Never regretting. Never worrying about the future.

Our time here is short. Life could change in a matter of seconds. Could Julee have ever imagined she would be with Matt one hour then never to see him the next?

PLEASE keep this family in your prayers. Tomorrow everyone is doing a "blogging day of silence" to remind us all to lift up this family in prayer, as well as other families who have lost loved ones recently. There's so many we can pray for.

 Never ever miss the chance to #1 thank the Lord for your blessings and #2 tell your family and friends that you love them. I've dealt with hugging a loved one, only to lose them forever a few hours later. Don't let the opportunity pass by. Time is short, but God is good.

Praying that Julee, and several others who have lost loved ones, will be comforted by HIS peace that passes all understanding.

PRAYING, PRAYING, PRAYING!!!!!

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Phil 4:7

To read more about Matt Turner and for info on a silent auction to benefit Julee & Preslee, check 

out Kelly's Korner post here.