been a while...

[smoker]

hey, been a while since ive really been here. i started a new job in july and thats going very well, but also we recently found out my oldest daughter who also has downs syndrome has been diagnosed with leukemia. early results are good with lots of praying and giving my child to God because he can cure her and i cant. but she has a long road ahead of her and shes been through a lot in her life already. her spirits are great though. so anyway, when your talkin to the lord, mention Brittany...

[Chris from Washington]

It's nice to hear from you Smoker, I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter tho. She is in my prayers.

[NorthQuad]

I will keep you all in my thoughts Smoker.

[MobileAudio219]

That sucks to hear. Keep positive and everything will work out ok.

[Ryan from Ohio]

Glad to hear the job is going well.

Sorry to hear about your oldest Daughter.

[joeyc]

Hey bud, long time no see! I've kinda missed hearing from ya! Sorry to hear about your daughter, I will keep her in my prayers.

[Bwcad1]

Damn dude if you need anything give me a call... Seriously anything ive struggled with this with love ones and i know how hard it can be. Shit dude even if you want me to come down and we can grab a beer one night im up for it.

[smoker]

thanks guys. i have popped in a time or two over the last month with no real time to say anything important. i know i tend to be a smartass from time to time but a few of the guys here i talk to know that im a bit more grounded than i may seem. joe, bill, mike, tim, joey......probably a few more that ive spent a little time on the phone or met in person. anyway its easy to know that anything and everything that happens to you passes through Gods hands first, its another to live it and keep your faith. you just have to know that those negative thoughts and concerns are nothing but Satan pulling you down challenging your faith. you have to know that God didnt allow this to happen without first seeing that some good would come of it. our time on earth is short, and salvation of ourself and our brothers and sisters is first on His priority list. how many times in your life have you been hurt in anyway and you got down and asked God to help you...he did, maybe not the way you wanted but in some way you were helped. He hears you. but if you got down and begged Him for help and then drifted away when you were done with him, what will he put you through to get you to stay with Him? remember eternity is a long time and our time here is short and everytime he gets your attention and you stray you might be setting yourself up for something that will keep your attention. it may not be bad, it might be you praying for a winning lottery ticket and getting it. then again he may let you get a glimpse of deaths doors to get your attention.

all i know is that the price has been paid. that price is a price i couldnt have paid. if the salvation of the world relied on me allowing, and really approving of, the killing of my child, you would all be in hell. i dont mean to be preachy but im willing to bet some of you dont know how important this is.

[OnYrMrk]

Terry, Done. I will continue to keep Brittany in my prayers.

You my brother, you are the King and Priest of your home. You have to be strong for them, yet humble before God. I see that you are well on your way. Anything I can do for you brother, just ask. I am going to pm you my phone number. If you need a brother to talk to, pray with, or just listen, I am here for you. Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you!

Brothers In Christ,

Joe

[smoker]

you might have been doing that as i was clearing out my inbox....i literally just cleared it because it had been full for so long....


you are absolutely right about being strong for your family and humble before God.....never, ever test God unless you are ready to do what you are called to do. dont bargain with him dont make deals. it wont work, but one thing ive found, at the foot of the cross, everyone is on equal ground