The journey of a lifetime.
Welcome. The following posts are inspired by the life events of the first half of 2016. We began documenting the birth, progress, and passing of our infant son, Jacob, on CaringBridge. We now aim to share with you how God’s grace, and the love of our friends and family, have set a wonderful thing in motion.
We encourage you to first begin by reading the CaringBridge posts. Then, we would love to have you remain with us along this journey by signing up for e-mail notices.
This week I found myself saying a prayer of thanks for the experiences we faced with Jacob. Continue reading “Thanks-for-giving”
Still one of my favorite moments… and blog entries.
(Original appeared April 11, 2016)
Sorry for that title but I couldn’t resist a bit of humor tonight. And I should also begin by adding that I, Rob, have been making these entries so far for Deb since she’s been a bit busy doing mommy things. So, for now when you read these journal entries, just know that Rob has likely written them. Be sure not to give Deb a hard time for any errors or awkward moments =)
Tonight after work, I was able to spend some time with Deb and Jacob in the NICU. We were able to watch as the nurse took just a drop of breastmilk and swabbed his tiny mouth. Almost immediately, Jacob latched on to the swab and began suckling; he just would not let go. What a neat thing to see his reflexes kick in already.
Soon after, the nurse asked if I…
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Happy Easter!
We rejoice together this Easter day! It is true! Christ is risen. He has triumphed over sin, death and the power of the devil once and for all! In faith, we live our life knowing how it will end, in victory! The security of our future is not in the things of this world: a good bank account, stable job, a solid 401(k) and retirement plan. Today we celebrate the only security that is forever. In Christ, we have glorious heavenly victory. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. He is risen! He is risen, indeed Halleluiah! YES!
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:19-26 ESV
I pray that today you feel the comfort with Easter light to all who mourn, dry your tears of sadness, and be brought to renewed peace and joy in Christ Jesus!
Now, tell all the world that Christ is risen and make it known He has done this!
God’s richest blessings to you and your family this day and always!
– Deb
(Above are certain exerps from SBLC bulletin from today’s Easter service)
Today marks 3 years since little Jacob made a huge splash in our world. The sunrise this morning was glorious, so much so that God continues to reminds us of his love each and every new day!
Today is a great day to remember and celebrate our little guy as well as all of our family, friends and all the nurses, RTs and doctors that have provided prayers, support and watchful eyes over Jacob during his life here on earth.
We celebrate that Jacob is enjoying eternal glory in heaven this day with our Lord and Saviour.
For Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corintians 4:16-18
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is etermal.”
We pray that you will take the time today to hug your children and grandchildren or your friend’s children (no matter what age they are) and tell them that you love them! But don’t stop there! Tell the about Jesus! Tell them about His love and grace for all of us! Be sure to tell them you want to see them in heaven one day! We encourage you to continue to nurture and grow your faith (and theirs) in Christ. You are their role model and they are watching you closely (no matter what age they are!)
Our family thanks you all for the thoughts and prayers of today! We continue to rejoice in God’s boundless mercy and love for us and for Jacob!
May God bless your day and the lives you touch! For this world is temporary but heaven is eternal!
All my love to you in Christ,
-Deb
Landmark days, such as birthdays, can be the toughest to handle when you’ve lost a love one. For us, today marks what would have been Jacob’s third birthday. Such moments are bittersweet reminders of what was, but also what could have been. On the one hand, we might have been getting ready to enroll him in pre-school for next Fall. On the other hand, we learned the importance of faith in the circumstances and caring for one another even when it isn’t easy.
We rejoice in the knowledge of God’s saving grace. The fact that Jacob’s birthday falls during the season of Lent and Easter is a perfect reminder of that grace in the midst of an imperfect world.
Happy birthday, little guy. We miss you.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1 Continue reading “God is Ever-Present”
…Let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24)
And what a beautiful day we had for the 5th annual “Walk to Remember” in honor of our little angel(s) with our friends and families. Continue reading “This is the day the Lord has made…”
Whether you feel that you’ve been dealt a rotten hand, you’ve been slighted by someone, or you’ve been extraordinarily blessed, how will you answer the question: “So what?” Continue reading “Have you answered the question “So What?””
(Original appeared June 8, 2016)
“The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:7-8
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I hope this re-post touches you as much as it did for me this morning. I need these occasional reminders when sorrow tends to creep back in.
(Original appeared June 7, 2016)
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” Psalm 30:11-12
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Jacobs Ripples 