Lori and I began, in the heat of a record-breaking summer, to plan a return trip to Oregon - not for a month, but for six months. As I type, this plan is still moving forward - although shortened to 4 and half months. Like the past trip, the money-making ideas I planned seemed to waver. Yet the Lord has been so faithful to provide for us!

In early August, I was offered a position photographing high school sport events for Lifetouch Photography, a company that provides schools with gallery photos of their students, senior photos, and provides some yearbook images, as well.

The income from this easily made up for the income that my plans did not provide.

This first football game of the year gave me plenty of time to consider all the ways we had been blessed.

It had been a good summer, with the exception of the heat. Through our church, its family, through Jim and Becky, through my wife's love and service, I felt I was continuing to grow in grace and mercy. I was quite proud of my willingness to avoid tedious political and theological arguments. I was able to start a small Bible discussion group that met regularly, and several of us have grown quite close in our friendships with each other. Lori and I were blessed with a larger car that came with its own lessons in patience and forbearance. Lori's sister, Kelli, was expecting their first child in late August. We had just had a wonderful visit by Lori's sister, Debbi, her husband and their eight children (yes, eight). We met the youngest child (Elijah) for the first time. I mostly remember a smile that started on the right and gained momentum 'til it ended on the let side of his face, and eyes that sparkled with amazement and wonder at everything they gathered in.

Yes, that summer afternoon as I walked into the parking lot ahead of the crowd which would soon break loose, life was as comfortable and assured as the shirt-sleeve weather and the sight of the sun making its daily trek in the sky.

The phone rang. I scarcely heard it at first, and when I answered it was Lori. I knew it was Lori because the Caller ID said it was Lori, but I could not understand what she was saying. It was evident that something had happened, something...bad.

It took me several minutes to comprehend that our youngest nephew, Elijah, who we had just seen packed into the family car a few days ago, had died. Drowned in a tragic accident at their Missouri home.

The sun would rise in the morning, but Elijah was with the Lord. Tears, prayers, hugs, phone calls - the next few days a blur... So much grief poured into those days. The family buoyed by faith in God's sovereign grace, struggled to be sure with this great sadness.

A few days later, Elijah was laid to rest; the same day, Kelli gave birth to Naomi Faith, our youngest niece.

Out of great joy, great sadness; out of sadness, great hope.

Psalm 65:8: The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.

It's November now. Naomi Faith is three months old. Debbie is expecting a child. Lori and I are planning our trip to Oregon, with a side trip to San Francisco. Elijah's smile is a precious memory.

The sun moves daily from East to West. Each day we are closer to His return!

The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. But HIS great mercy endures forever!