June 29, 2013

Carried

It's happened twice ~ this feeling of being carried.
It's precious to belong to the Family of our Great God.
He sustains.  He carries.  He keeps.
It's all of Him.  He is so good and kind and gentle.
We are blessed beyond measure.

In the past four weeks we have seen the hand of God in our lives.

We have been encouraged by HIS grace.  HIS mercies.  HIS peace.
Oh, there have been moments of sheer terror at the thought
of going on without our precious Austin living here with us.
There have been tears like never before.
Deep anguish that seems like it will overtake.

But, God meets us in our pain.

He encourages through HIS Word and prayer.
And, He sends people to be His hands and feet to us.
We have been carried in so many ways.

I cannot begin to tell you how precious it is.

To belong to HIS wonderful family is overwhelmingly amazing.
We praise Him for His hand upon us in this fierce storm.
He truly does carry and keep and provide.
He does all things well.

I cannot help but think of all that Austin has gained.

He has seen his Saviour face to face.
He has been worshipping Him in perfection for nearly a month.
He does not struggle with self or sin or the evil one any longer.
He is free from pain and suffering.
And, he is rejoicing with the blood bought saints who have gone on before.
Spurgeon, Uncle Johnny, Abraham, Joseph and so many more ~
They all are there together praising our precious LORD.

What a thought!



What more could a Mama want for her child?

In my flesh, I want him here.  With me.  With us.

But, God in His wise purposes has chosen a different path.
And, we must see that it is best.  It is painful, but, it is best.
Only the LORD can give this perspective.
It does not come naturally.  Not at all.

And, it is not easy.


How are we handling these realities?

Moment by moment.  Step by step.  Day by day.
One foot in front of the other.  With HIM.
It's the only way.  There really is no other option.

I continually have to reign in my thoughts.

I am not to imagine the future without Austin here with us.
Because the future here is not mine yet.  I don't own it.
I don't own my next breath ~ God does.
But, in this moment.  There is grace.  There is strength.
It's found in Christ Alone.  Only in Him.

We as Christians are promised a future with our Great God.

Austin has just gone ahead of us.  He lives because HE lives!
As my brother in law said at the memorial service ~
Austin just has had a change of address.
We will go to him one day because we will go to our LORD.
And, we will be together forever worshipping our Great Saviour
for all eternity.  It's a glorious thought!



There are currently three *must have* books on my list for the Christian.

If you do not have these books, might I humbly suggest
that you get your hands on a copy of each one?
The first is the Bible.  The Word of God.  It's our food.  We starve without it.
The second is CH Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" ~ so rich.  So encouraging.

And, the third?  I've been reading it for the past year off and on.

It's the type of book you could read and read and read again.
So full of Truth and faith building words....really, it's a gem.
"Trusting God Even When Life Hurts" by Jerry Bridges is the book I'm speaking of.
Please get your hands on a copy.  Please read it and drink it in.
It will fortify your soul and encourage your heart.



We all have struggles and trials to face at one time or another.
It's the nature of this life here on this earth.
How can we use these things to the strengthening of our character
and the deepening of our walk with God?
We must go through the valley with Him ~ praying each step
of the way that we would learn what He is seeking to teach.
We must seek Him for strength and grace to trust
Him even when we don't understand and to glorify Him in the midst of it all.

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name;
thou art mine.  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour."
~ Isaiah 43;1b-3a ~

HE is Faithful.  HE will walk the path with us.
And, no...the waters will not overflow.  The flame will not kindle upon us.
It's His promise to His people.  I can testify that it is true.

Much Love,

Camille

15 comments:

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Good to hear from you again, dear friend. Thank you for sharing. I remember our pastor talking about wanting to go to heaven and see his dear wife and 2 children that died in a car accident. He really missed them but then remembered when he gets to heaven, it's not about them but about Jesus! They've been gone for 15 years, he still talks about how that impacted his life and how people came around him in that time of need, especially men, to protect him in his thoughts and spiritual walk. He's stronger today because of that. He has a dear wife and 4 children now, one a step daughter, precious family that we just love! Hold onto the promises and look forward to the day when there will be a reunion in heaven with Jesus,then Austin and family, in the sweet bye and bye.When we'll meet on that beautiful shore. Live life here well as you go each day, in the Lord. Hugs and prayers, continually for your family. I like your blog's new look.

You Can Call Me Jane said...

Oh, Camille. Thank you for being so honest, so vulnerable and so incredibly encouraging. You are a living testament to His strength, power and love! Praise be His Holy Name! You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, precious family.

Maryann said...

Moment by moment is all we can do sometimes, what a blessing it is to have him by our side at all times, carrying us when needed. Thankful that you have felt that kind of care. I couldn't agree more on the three books you have recommended. I have lost track of how many times I have read Trusting God (Sometimes I may only read a chapter or two) It is always so helpful. What a glorious day it will be when we all will be rejoicing before the throne forever...no more pain, no more tears. Continuing to pray for you my friend.
Much love
Maryann

Heather said...

My precious friend, how I ache for you and yet, how thrilled I am for your son. Your words bring tears and yet I smile. I'm sure it's just like your own waves of emotions. I believe your boy's life and passing will be a means to set so many people free and to teach others of God's great love. What a beautiful example you are.
Lifting you up in prayer at this very moment.

OurCrazyFarm said...

You have been in my prayers these past few weeks since I read about your precious Austin's home-going. Our family has been walking this hard road of grief for over two years since our twelve year old son left us for heaven. Yes, God is the only one who sustains. What a joy it is to hear your praise and trust in Jesus!

Jill said...

Camille,

good to hear from you and such wise words and great advice. I have been thinking and praying about you and your family every day and shed quite a few tears as well. How very blessed Austin was to be in your family and to know the Lord. Sending big hugs to you all and know I'm here for you.

Many blessings,
Jill

Patty said...

Camille, I am so, so glad to see you post again. You have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be so. Blessings to each!

Angela said...

Dear Camille, How wonderful to see you on your blog and I love the new design. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. God is so good for providing you and your family with the comfort of His family around you and more importantly through His Word. God is faithful and his mercy endures through all generations. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Farmgirl Cyn said...

Dearest friend,
i cannot imagine how your heart aches.
But I do know that what you speak is truth.
He sustains.
And that is enough.

In CHRIST alone,
Cindy

Cinnamon said...

{{hugs}} big big {{hugs}}

Thinking of you and praying for you. Your words have encouraged me this morning and the books look like rich ones.

So thankful our great GOD is carrying you and keeping you daily under His wings.

~Cinnamon

Camille said...

Dear Becky ~ Thank you for your kind friendship and for your words of encouragement. I appreciate you! The LORD is Good. HE sustains. HE gives grace and strength. HE is Faithful. You are right...it's all about HIM! :)

Dear Jane ~ Thank you for your prayers and your friendship. I am thankful for you. It will be wonderful when we all get to Heaven and will worship our Great Saviour together...won't it? HE is so gracious with us, isn't HE? Hugs to you. :)

Dear Maryann ~ We ARE kindred spirits! I could read and re-read Trusting God for the rest of my days...I am sure I will. Thank you for being there for me in this most recent trial my friend. I am thankful for you. :)

Dear Heather ~ You are a sweet friend in this blog world. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. You bless my heart. Yes, it is true...the waves of emotions can be conflicting at times. But, our Wonderful LORD is with each of us as we go through them all. Isn't HE just so very good? Hugs. :)

Our Crazy Farm ~ Welcome here! Thank you so much for praying for us!! It certainly is a blessing to belong to the Great Family of our Wonderful LORD! I am sorry you have been walking this path of grief, but, I thank you for using it to bless others. May God be glorified each step of the way. Blessings to you! :)

Dear Jill ~ You are a sweet blessing to my heart. Thank you for your kind friendship. I appreciate you. Hugs to you! :)

Dear Patty ~ Thank you so much my sweet friend. I so appreciate your prayers. God is Good! Hugs. :)

Dear Angela ~ Yes, truly...blessed be HIS Name! How precious it is to belong to HIS Wonderful Family. It's lovely to *know* you. I appreciate your kind and thoughtful ways. Hugs to you. :)

Dear Cindy ~ Yes, my sweet friend...it is enough. HE is SO Good. Always. May HE continue to be your portion in these days as well. Much Love to you! :)

Dear Cinnamon ~ HE alone is worthy of all our praise. How precious it is to belong to HIM. Thank you for your kind friendship and sweet words. I SO appreciate your prayers. Hugs to you. :)

With Much Love to you each one!
Camille XO

Dianna said...

Dearest Camille,

Truly I am humbled at the way God puts people in our paths and I'm so grateful to Him for the way He has allowed it to be so in our lives. My life has been deeply enriched in coming to know you and your precious family.

Our grandson came to visit shortly after receiving your e-mail and I apologize for not taking the time to reply then. Your notes have been precious to me.

There is no doubt where your strength and peace are coming from during this time in your life. You and the family continue to be in my prayers.

Love to you, Camille,
Dianna

Marmee's Pantry said...

When our Jessica passed away, this became my life's verse & has proven itself true. In time, it will prove true in your life, as well.

II Cor. 1:3-4

Blessings from Ohio, Kim

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

I'm so glad you were able to write this post. The amazing truths that God continues to teach us through your painful journey are so precious to me. You are truly standing on the Rock! All other ground is sinking sand, but you and your family hold firm to what is real and true, the promise and hope of our Savior. I love you friend and continue to pray for you and your sweet family.

Camille said...

Dear Dianna ~ Thank you so much for lifting us up in prayer my sweet friend. We only walk forward because HE enables us to. How precious our Saviour is! Hugs to you, with thanks for your kind words of encouragement. :)

Welcome Kim ~ It's lovely to *meet* you. Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words...they are precious. Yes, God's Word is such a blessing and comfort to us...I know you are right. God's ways are best. I appreciated visiting with you at *your place*...your story blessed my heart. Hugs to you! :)

Dear Jackie ~ Oh, it is true...HE is the Rock and all other ground does sink!! Your sweet friendship encourages my heart. Thank you SO much for lifting us up in prayer. God is Good. Hugs. :)

With Love,
Camille