For those traveling on the road to Emmaus . . .

Although suffering and grief may seem like odd subjects to blog about during the holiday season, I have never known death to check the calendar for a convenient time to visit. So with respect to friends and family who have suffered loss recently (and those who are walking with them) I dedicate this post to you . . . But We Had Hoped

Team Joey

Two years ago, I introduced to many of you young Joey and his parents, our friends, Nick and Elizabeth Keller. Doctors had just diagnosed 7 year old Joey with Medulloblastoma and since then countless numbers have joined Team Joey by praying for him and sending words of encouragement from all over the globe.

This past Sunday, November 18, Joey died after a valiant battle with cancer. Joey's spunky personality, love for life, and passionate concern for others has touched the hearts of so many and yet he has the potential to touch thousands more.

The Heroes Foundation is a charitable organization that exists to serve the cancer community through a variety of means. When Vince Todd, founder of the Heroes Foundation, visited Joey, Joey shared his love for Legos and his desire to see every child on the cancer ward with a gift of Legos. So now the Heroes Foundation, through Team Joey will make this happen.

Tomorrow, as many of you will venture out to shop, Joey's friends and family will gather together to celebrate his life. May I be so bold to ask that before you attend the Black Friday sales, please put someone else on your Christmas list; a child in the pediatric cancer ward. Go to the Heroes Foundation website, view the premise behind Team Joey, and then make a Donation to this worthy cause. 

One more request before I go. Today, as you join with loved ones to give thanks to God for his mercies, draw your family a little closer, hug your children a little tighter, and give thanks for the precious life that was Joey Keller.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Please take the time to visit and like Team Joey, A Heroes Foundation Facebook page

The Day of the Dead (is not a Tim Burton Film)

Rather it is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico on the 1st and 2nd of November.

While visiting the mall the other day we came across this display for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

The Last Enemy

My hand rests upon the white coverlet of my brother’s over-sized bed in the cramped room. My mother glances towards me and says, “Wendy, get your brother some water, please.” I search the unfamiliar house to complete my task . . . 

Read the rest of the story on Tortilla Press.