Joan...........

[pamela]

Joan,

I didn't know that...I guess i thought that our children could "help" us if we needed then. I mean I know they aren't at our beck and call and I didn't ask Michael to help the team win just give them courage to win. I know they had the talent to win.

I guess sitting here...I am in a little shock...I have always thought that Michael would be able to watch over Bryan and Michelle and keep them safe...are you saying that he can't? I have always felt a little better when they were both out, that Michael would keep them safe. I guess now I am feeling very shaken that he can't and I won't have that comfort anymore.

You know that I am clueless about all of this and I do appreciate your gentle guidance...just feeling confused, sad and disappointed right now.

Love pam

[joan]

Dear, dear Pam

I have so many thoughts in response to your response. First of all I am so sorry that you are "confused, sad and disappointed" right now.

My peace is from Jesus, who promised in John 14:27 -
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

It is a gift from Him and comes from knowing that God is in control of my life and my loved ones. I believe that He could have prevented Gordie's death but choose not to. Why, I don't know. He also promises to made good things from bad things and I have seen that happen. He is sovereign and cares about us, even knowing the number of the very hairs on our head.

Matthew 10: 29 - 36.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And {yet} not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. "So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. "For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.

I have included those next verses as I know that you well understand how a person's enemies are the very members of their household.

God's concern and purpose is not our comfort or even preserving our earthly lives, but preserving our eternal lives with Him in heaven. This is based on our belief in Jesus Christ, as His Son, who died for us on the cross at Calvary - and such is my belief, and, as I understand it, was Michaels belief.

God knows everything we do, every thought we have. I have confidence in leaving my remaining children in His hands, as I did Gordie even, the morning that he was assaulted. I know that I don't know the "big picture". He does. Each of our days are numbered, we all will die one day, and He knows the number of our days.

Psalm 39:4
"LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away.

I know that you feel that God has let you down on many occasions. However, He is God and all powerful, the creator of the universe and none of us, here on earth or in heaven, have that power.

Pam, I pray that God reveal His truth to you, and His assurance that He is good,,and that He loves you and I also pray that He grant you his peace,

Much love and praying for His blessings upon you

Joan