Jeff and I are sitting here, quietly, watching Lo sleep, and thinking through the last two weeks. We could never have dreamed up what happened a little over two weeks ago. We were just “living life”. And bam….life changed in an instant.
It’s amazing how fast it can take a different turn. Don’t forget that. Most of us take life so for granted, don’t we? We focus on all the wrong stuff, huh? I know we do.
As we sit here tonight, we feel God’s gentle hand moving us along….carrying us as a family, and carrying Lo extra carefully. He has big plans for her, and she knows it. She can’t wait to see what they are. She loves Jesus with all of her heart……What else could a parent ask for?
The best present we have received this Christmas is her life. And we are again reminded of another gift we received in 1999 of God restoring our marriage and family. We are humbled by His Hand and His Providence.
We are blessed……and we praise you Jesus.
This Christmas, think deeply about what matters in life; get serious about Jesus, love others, keep your marriage healthy and whole, appreciate family, friends, parents & grandparents. Refrain from judging, just love. Give an extra hug to someone. Tell someone you love them.
Don’t focus on the things that don’t matter. It’s not worth it.










Praying for your family. God will continue to show himself faithful. Love and hope to you at Christmas.
Cheryl,
Those words hit home this morning. Thank you. Praying for Lauren’s recovery and strength for you, Jeff and Brtrney.
Debi Clark
Thank you, Amen and praise God!
Beautfully said. Thank you for sharing your intimate thoughts and family struggles with us. Sometimes we just think it’s us going through rough times and that we must have done something to “deserve it”. Looking at it through the eyes of the Lord and knowing it is all a part of his plan gives each of us hope. Please tell Lo that her she has already begun his plan. Her strength, only 2 weeks after such a life changing event, is amazing! As parents, you must be so proud. When I first heard of this tragedy, the first thing that came to mind was how God restored your marriage so that you could be here for eachother through this. You are all such an inspiration!
Dears parents of Lo,
I am blessing the Lord today for the way you are facing this situation. I don’t see any anger toward god in your life, comments, texts, articles. It is obvious to me that you are very mature believers and you have been through many trials in your life BUT you also saw God healing you a lot too, including the restoration of your marriage which is a great blessing and great encouragement for me. THANK YOU for showing to all of us now in this episode of your life you are facing the immense love you have for Adonai, Abba Father. According to Ps 19, He knows what He does. your testimony tells me that I don’t want to live life but rather live his life in me so that I can also be pre-pared for everything that might come into my life. Merci beaucoup. Thank you so much. richard Le Duc, Vancouver Bc CANADA
Jeff & Cheryl,
Just want to send love and prayers from Ohio. What an amazing daughter you have. Being a parent, I know life changes and we do the best we can for our children. God always has a plan to use us for His glory. We have been praying fervently for all of you. It is a true blessing to have met you Cheryl and seeing the both of your strength leads me to be stronger. God Bless…
Jim
Beautiful blog, Cheryl and so true. I have been following the news regarding your daughter. I was stunned and so sorry to see the news but so thankful that her life was spared by the gracious hand of God. What a precious gift–and what a wonderful witness you all have been! Sometimes I wonder if God does not allow bad things to happen to those children of His whom He knows will give Him glory; those who will proclaim His Name to the world rather than profane it. He must trust your daughter immensely with His Name. We are praying for you and for the sustaining power of God to lift you and carry you in the days, weeks ahead. Christmas Blessings, Lyndell
We’ve been in the background consistently praying for all of you, with an obvious focus on Lauren’s healing. I appreciate the fact that the Lord has placed people like yourselve’s in our life as road signs to His grace. Thank you for submitting to the Lord’s will in your life and continuing to praise our sweet savior for His goodness, even amidst the storm.
Greetings from North Carolina and your brothers and sisters in Christ. The news, miracles and testimonials have reached far and wide proclaiming the good news of our Lord and Savior. While snowboarding and skiing with the family in the NC mountains the news of Lauren and the miracles of her survival and healing have impacted many lives for the glory of our Lord. We purchased lift tickets and the lady selling the tickets mentioned Lauren and we had a great opportunity to share your testimonial of marriage and the Lord’s work in your lives. One of many testimonials. God Bless from Campe’s
We love you guys and are continuing to pray for you and Lauren! May God bless you richly this Christmas! Look forward to seeing you and giving you a hug!
We are praying for your family. Our 4year old daughter just recovered from her 11th surgery, and our hearts and love go out to you all. It was your iamsecond story that gave us hope.