IN MEMORY OF STEPHEN 1982-1983

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. II Corinthians 1:3-4

January 18th, 2004 a tiny baby weighing just 1 pound 12 ounces was born into the world.

His name is STEPHEN.

Charlie’s first born child….a son.

Named in memory of his twin brother, Stephen.

Born at just 26 weeks…his dad and mom would endure a trial of daily prayer and hope…that this child will survive.

Today…Stephen is a sweet little guy full of energy, and very smart.

He also has “twin” sisters! They too, born only 1 pound 15 ounces and survivors!

Home in less than a month.

And he also…as his dad…has a sibling in heaven.

…only this child was stillborn.

She also was born very early in the pregnancy, weighing just 1 pound 13 ounces. She is spoken of in the post “A Lone Butterfly of Comfort.”

Two in heaven….Kaitlyn and Stephen hold a very sobering remembrance in our hearts.

The realities of life…

…there is going to be sorrow…and pain and suffering. These are all common to mankind. Yet, God has promised us Grace and strength in time of need. He promises that he is with us always.

A song written by a man who lost his dear wife says it all:

God’s way is the best way…though I cannot understand what lies ahead…I know he’s in control…for he watches o’re my soul..
God’s way is the best way…it’s the only way for me.

And he has promised us HOPE…

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:1-3

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are you ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:8-11

In reading this story of Hope’s Journey…I sincerely pray that you
leave with a cup of refreshing that has given you hope for each day that lies ahead in your life.

That you have tasted that the LORD is good...he is our strength and shining shield. Our all in all...our help in time of need...our sure deliverer and our comfort.

He is faithful.

I pray most of all that you, my readers, know the LORD Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour.

Now the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

I invite you today…

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ.
This is the true God, and eternal life.
I John 5:20


It is with my sincerest appreciation to all my readers for the comments left as I shared this story of Hope.

Thank you for the encouragement and refreshing you were to me and the new friendships I have found in you.

Always remember.... It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!!

NOTE: I'm sorry that this story of faith comes from the end back to the beginning. If anyone knows how to reverse it please let me know. Thank you.