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Joy and Peace

After I had my third child–Sean James, I experienced postpartum depression.  It was bad.  I remember going to a woman’s gathering, and telling my best friend, (Becki Crain), how depressed I was.  Our conversation was overheard by another woman, who proceeded to tell me that if I trusted in Jesus, I would not be depressed. …

by katiesencouragementforyou

15 thoughts on “Home”

  2. Katie my dear historical friend… I cry when I read about the day your son Sean was hurt, and then God took him into his arms. By the time I’m done reading that heartbreaking story, yet the calm you moved with, I have more faith, a stronger pull to want to trust God without any doubt! When my dear sister attempted suicide 4 years ago at my home in Boyne—I was so anger with God!! And so angry about her circumstances at the time… You known my youngest sister, that beautiful woman, Christian, home schooled her 3 beautiful kiddos until high school, but life was too much for her no matter what I did. Plus I was so angry at myself! I thought, my God how can I be a psychologist and this happen? (That’s odd an awful selfish pride.) But as I sat in the ER, two dialysis machines being hooked up (she drank anti-freeze), the nephrologists looked at me and said, “We have never treated an anti-freeze overdose.” He was on the phone with the CDC, they were baffled, it took awhile to research an antidote, which is just not even stocked at ERs. I felt the worst panic. Then I had the oddest thought, our grandpa at the farm in Laingsburg always was so strict about NEVER touching the ant-freeze when young. Anti-freeze at the time was real sweet tasting but very harmful. (Now anti-freeze has a horrible taste.) And then I just felt lost and alone. Sadly our family has had too many problems, my one source of strength, my wonderful dad, had been gone for 12 years. But I just started talking to him, my dad. Then I could hear him saying it will be ok, it will be all right. It calmed me for the moment. But I’m so stubborn, I wanted a guarantee my baby sister was going to be ok. The same sister I grew up protecting from all harm! I stepped in front or between many physical harms my whole childhood to protect her. And NOW anti-freeze was going to do what? Leave her blind, damaged kidney’s, and possible death? The priest would come in, I kinda laugh now, he would pray over my sister, and I’d try to be in the spirit, he thought she was Catholic because I was, not knowing I was a convert but grew up in the 1st Congregational church, and my sister was a Protestant. 😂 On the 3rd night in ICU with her, I never went home, I just couldn’t leave her, I started to sob. I truly had to admit to myself, I believe in God, I firmly believe Christ suffered and does suffer all my sins so I can live in self-forgiveness, I hands-down believe in the Holy Spirit, but I didn’t TRUST God. Also I realized and had to admit, that I was so afraid that some family members would blame me for what happened, and they did. Again that very odd selfish concern, I had failed big time! When I read about your experience, that God carried you, wrapped you in calm, a calm strength, I remind myself, I never was really protecting and carrying my sister for her 52 years at the time, but God was carrying her, protecting her. And I am reminded each time I read your writings, that trusting God is what it is all about. I love you so much Katie! Ever picture I see of your son, Sean, I just see that pure energy in motion! A charisma that just poured into the world and hearts of anyone around him. Peace be with you and keep writing!

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  3. Thank you for sharing your heart and your journey along with all the ups and downs of living without your Shaun.
    Learning to accept the mysteries of God is what trust is all about. Trusting Him no matter outcome. You do that well, Katie.
    Praying for you as you approach another anniversary.

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    1. Thank you so much dear Mary—learning to accept the mysteries of God IS what trust is all about. Amen!! Seems like it has taken me a long time to learn that, and I’ve only learned this because first, I’ve come to trust in God’s love. Love you!! Thank you for all your prayers–I am praying for you and yours!!

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  4. Time after time Bill Sweeney’s blog posts ministered encouragement, inspiration, and joy to my spirit. If he didn’t mention once in awhile that he suffered from ALS, his readers would never have known. He remained positive and faith-filled until Jesus finally took him home. Meanwhile, who knows how many thousands of lives he touched through his computer, which he controlled with eye movements. Imagine that. Much praise is also due Mary, his wife, who cared for him and remained his strong and loving support throughout their ordeal. I will never forget them!

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  5. Nancy–thank you so, so much for this encouraging comment! I am going to copy and paste it under one of Mary’s comment–letting her know you wrote it, as these are the types of comments that give so much encouragement to those who are left still one this earth, after a loved one has “graduated to their eternal home”. (Mary used this wording of Bill.) My friend sent me this quote and I think it so applies to Bill and Mary’s ministry:  Marshall Segal, who writes for DesiringGod.org wrote…”Few things fortify the soul against Satan’s deception like watching another Christian suffer with persevering faith.  When we watch others walk through the valley of the shadow of death with purpose and joy in God, through ups and downs, their faithfulness and endurance inspire fresh hopefulness and vigilance.”  This is what Bill and Mary’s lives do for me and for thousands of other people. Won’t it be wonderful to worship our Savior with them in heaven!! 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much. The lyrics to Come Jesus Come are amazing, and many days, represent my heart’s song to the Lord–and I’m sure many many peoples’ heart desire. God’s timing is perfect, His wisdom and will beyond our understanding. Thank you again for your encouragement!

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  9. I remember, very well, the first time I saw my wife.

    After corresponding for a full year, I was finally able to take a two-week excursion to the Philippines and meet the young woman who would become my wife, along with many of my soon-to-be in-laws. I had never been to a foreign country. Some nagging questions still lingered. Were my papers in order, passport, and visa? Would I have problems going through customs? Would I recognize her? And most importantly, would she be as I hoped? After an hour through customs, I entered the waiting area, and recognized my Maribeth immediately: that big, beautiful smile gave her away. At 4 feet 10 inches and 98 pounds, my first thought, She’s so tiny. But I soon learned, though small in stature, she was no meek lamb, but an intelligent, feisty, take-charge kind of lady. She was a godly woman, who, on our wedding night, was still a virgin. Not many women can present that exemplary gift to their husbands.

    The age difference was never a problem. In fact, she had a hard time keeping up with me! As for us speaking the same language, now, that was a whole different story! I will share a bit about that in Ask the Right Question.

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