I ♥ Autumn, Yet it is the hardest season

colors, sun, and a chill in the air....

leaves changing and leaves falling

hay rides, pumpkins, trick or treat, happy turkey day,

cheering, jeering, celebrating, losing,

notre dame v. navy, hospital, death...

Four years later and I miss him more than ever...

"Dear Dad:

Thanks, for whispering an idea in Abby's ear today to start 'mud ball' game with her sister.

Did you laugh when you saw Madi covered in mud?

Or did you laugh more when Rebecca asked Abby

'How come your sister is covered in mud and you are not?'

I am sure that you whispered her answer: "mom, i can throw farther than she can"

I am sure you heard the laughs and giggles come from my girls

and I know it brought a smile to your face... Thanks!

I wish they could feel your strong hands wrap them up the way you used to with me.

I am trying to be loving, strong, caring, and all that you stood for in front of my girls.

I will never understand why you aren't here, but thanks for reaching out today...

In case I haven't said in a while... I love you and miss you!

Hope to see you soon!!!"

PLEASE ENJOY THESE PHOTOS!

"Handsome smiles wearing handsome shoes,

Too young to say, though I swear he knew,

And I hear him singing while he sits there in his chair,

Now these autumn leaves float around everywhere."
(Autumn by Paolo Nutini)

3 years

Many people use the 1st of January to mark a new year. Practicing Jews will use the Rosh Hashanah to mark their new year. January 26, 2009 was the Chinese New Year. Well my mark for a new year would be November 21. Three years ago, my life was changed in a dramatic way. My father passed away very suddenly, and ever since I am learning more and more about what it means to be a father.

I have felt God invade my life and draw me closer to Him. He has showed me that I need to be more like a Son in order to be a better father. The more I allow myself to be controlled/ruled by His will, the better father I will be to my children. This past year I have learned that God's grace is sufficient for me in all situations. I don't believe in the statement "He doesn't give us more than we can handle" because we can handle ALL things through his Grace!

I believe that He gives us things that push us towards Him. He allows situations in our life that only He will gain Glory through. I believe that God allows situations to happen to us that we can only survive through His grace. So I can say that I "survived" another year, and I look forward to God's grace in the coming year. I pray that He shines into your life, in ALL your situations!
I think Jason Upton puts it best by saying...

"In the company of Jesus there are no experts there's are only beginners and necessary followers. Because in the company of Jesus no body knows where they are going"
~Jason Upton

Thanks for Reading
~Justin