January 2, 2015

On the Other Side

We were almost too busy to think.  It was a mercy, really.
However, the tears still came.  At random and sometimes inconvenient times.
But, those tears were good.  And, it was good.  All of it.

And now?  We are on the other side.


We survived our first Christmas at home without our Austin.
And, yet...we weren't without him.  We aren't without him.

He still lives.  Just not here.  

It's a comfort to remind ourselves of this truth.
He remains part of the fabric of who we are as a family.
Who we are as individuals.  He is missed and always will be.

Until the day we are called Home to Heaven.

The Lord graciously allowed us times of quiet in the midst of
the busyness of it all.  We were alone on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Things were different and things were the same.

We kept many of the old traditions.  But, some things were altered
or eliminated completely.  Some things were added in.

It was necessary and it was good.


Through it all, we were conscious of the prayers of God's people.
The Lord carried us through and gave us His comfort and peace.
Sorrow and joy were mingled together.  I imagine that is how it always will be.
From here on out.  And, we are settled with that.  It feels right.

It's a blessing to know that we don't walk this path alone.


I was reminded recently (by a lovely friend) of the fact that we all 
carry sorrows of one type or another.  Each one of us has grief to bear.
True, the vehicle by which it comes to us may be different,
but, the pain is real just the same.  It is deeply felt.

What do we do with it?  How do we cope?

Either it will drive us away from the Lord or to Him.
The key is to look to the Right Source for our comfort.
To dig deeply into His Word for the answers.
To fill our hearts and minds with His Truth.

Truly, it is the only way forward.


The only way to find lasting comfort and peace.
The only way to keep from crumbling completely.
The only way to rejoice in the midst of sorrow.

The only way.

May the peace of the Lord flood your souls
now and always.  May He be your everything.
Always and forever.

With love, Camille

15 comments:

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

Amen, Camille. you are shining your light so brightly. Thank you. We need hope in this hard, hard world. Jacob my seven year old was having a hard time understanding the story of Job. That choice that Job had, curse God and die, or praise God and life through it with the hope of blessing on the other side. You can speak hope to those in the darkest places because you have the credibility of surviving with God's help. You are making it through this. God bless you, Sweet Sister.

Patty said...

Yes, the Lord will see you through day by day with His love - with mercies new everyday!

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Stephanie said...

Dearest Camille, I have no words... I know your sorrow is deep and great yet you continue to press forward with the help and strength of Jesus Christ - you are such an inspiration.

You continue to be in my prayers, dear friend, and may you continue to find comfort in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Love to you!

Pam said...

May you be Blessed Camille, as you continue through this journey. What a beautiful testimony and light that you shine. It is true that we all have pain and sorrow. You are shining the light in the darkness and others can see it and it helps them get through as well.

Barbara said...

One day at a time, and may the peace that passeth all understanding be yours...God bless you.

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

The peace you have can only come from trusting in a good God...hugs to you. xox (And I love the embroidery...so cute. Did you make it?)

Esther said...

Peace that passes understanding. That's what you have. My tears flow when I read your words and yet those same words speak of Truth and Grace. Thank you for continually pointing us back to the Lord as your source of strength. Hugs my Friend! Wish it could be in person! XOXO

Camille said...

Dear Stacie ~ Thank you for your sweet and encouraging words...you bless my heart! How wonderful our Great God is!! He alone is worthy of all our praise. I know you know this first hand, too. Hugs. :)

Dear Patty ~ Truly...the most wonderful blessing of all! The Lord never leaves His people. You bless my heart my friend. Hugs to you. :)

Dear Stephanie ~ Thank you for your kind words and for your prayers...what a blessing you are! Hugs. :)

Dear Pam ~ I so appreciate your sweet encouragement my friend...thank you! Hugs to you! :)

Dear Barbara ~ Thank you so much for your kind words. Truly, the Lord is so very, very good! :)

Dear Michelle ~ Yes, only because of HIM! And, no...I didn't make the embroidery...it was a Christmas gift from our sweet aunt. :)

Dear Esther ~ In person? Yes, please. When are you coming?? Soon, I hope. :)

With love,
Camille

Donna said...

Camille ... Bless you and your family. I thought about you several times throughout the holidays. I haven't had time to look at my blog in weeks so I just read your post. I'm so glad each year when Christmas is over.
Sending BIG HUGS!
Donna

Linda said...

Dear Camille,
I have just read your post. May God bless you. Your post brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet and inspirational lady you are. Thank you for your encouraging post and the reminder God is in control always and He never forsakes us. I thank The Lord for you. You are a sweet blessing and a shining light to so many!
Love and hugs.

Katy said...

Sending love to you and your family Camille!

Nadine said...

Wishing you and your family a blessed New Year!

((hugs))

Camille said...

Dear Donna ~ I can completely relate to your sentiments about being glad the holidays are behind us. Interesting, isn't it? But, what a blessing to consider what our loved ones are experiencing in their eternal home! It won't be long and the Lord will call us there too. Thank you for your prayers my friend...they mean so much. Hugs! :)

Dear Linda ~ You are a sweet blessing to me...thank you for your kind friendship through this means. Hugs to you! :)

Dear Katy ~ Thank you so much! Sending love to you, too! :)

Dear Nadine ~ And to you, as well. Hugs to you! :)

With love,
Camille

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

I thought and prayed for you family many times over the holidays, knowing it going to be a painful time. I praise God He got you through as I knew He would. Love all your decorations :) May your New Year be a good one!

Camille said...

Dear Jackie ~ How wonderful to know that you were praying for us my friend. You are a blessing to my heart. Thank you so much for your kind friendship. May the Lord bless you and yours richly in this coming year. Hugs, Camille