BOOK REPORT #1 conclusion--THE CHECKLIST

So as you can see, I got a lot out of the book, What To Do on the Worst Day of Your Life.   I haven't even commented on the actual ten chapters of the book and I've already written two entries.  So I'm creating a checklist from the actual ten chapters of the book.

• Weep--okay, been there--still doing it;
• Don't get bitter--I'm not.  I'm just sad;
• Encourage Yourself in God--I'm trying;
• Get a Word from God--I'm listening;
• Reorient your Vision--I have to...too much of our life was organized around him;
• Regain your Passion--First I have to think about what my passion is.  I'll get back to you on that one;
• Attack--did that...I'll tell you the story of the basement soon;
• Recover all--seems a little hard since my son is gone. However, "I believe I will recover all because God raised his Son to life again."  It is a faith thing, I need to remind myself;
• Celebrate Recovery--Psalm 30:11-12 "You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance;  You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers.  I'm about to burst with song;  I can't keep quiet about you.  God, my God, I can't thank you enough."  I know this is true because I know my redeemer lives.  Again, it is a faith thing.   Note to self:  Don't underestimate God's grace!
• Give to Others--Share God's grace and one's faith.  Share our money and our time.  Share...share...share;
• A Tapestry of Grace--"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  Think about what the back of a tapestry looks like.  It is messy.  So is my life without Andrew.  However, that is my present moment.  My one moment in this journey called life.  The front of the tapestry will be my completed story.  I have the power to make it beautiful or ugly.  I hope I always turn to God to give me the tools to make it beautiful.

That is it in a nutshell.  It is a small book with powerful words.  But remember, God's words are powerful.  God's words are healing.  God is love.  I love God and I know He loves me.  Thank God!

~Andrew's Mom