Monday, March 19, 2012

Heaven's Gain, An Earthly Loss and A Great Reminder!!

One month ago today Heaven gained a little angel. Her name is Azlynn Cretzman. I am sure that many of you have heard the story. Azlynn and her family were on the deputation trail. They had been at a meeting in North Carolina and were headed out on the morning of February 20, 2012. As they headed out the frosty morning they traveled down the highway and over a bridge. The van they were in spun out of control and slammed into a highway sign post. Azlynn's mom, Lana, was injured. Azlynn's little sister, Maddie, and her dad, Matt were ok with just bumps and bruises but the force of the impact was right were Azlynn was sitting in the van. She went to heaven at the scene in the arms of her father. I do not know this family personally. I do know friends of theirs and Azlynn's great grandfather and great grandmother.


You see, Azlynn had just turned 3 years old in December. Lindsey is 3 and 3/4's. She will be four years old in June. As I heard the news of this acident on that morning my mind went right to Lindsey and Lauren. You see, we were headed out on that same frosty morning to attend the President's Day Tournament that our Christian School plays in. I had to take a deep breath and trust the Lord that even though we don't understand what He is doing that He is good all of the time and that His ways are better than our ways. These truths were impressed upon my heart as I began to follow the Cretzman Family and see the beginning of their journey that they never thought would be part of their lives. As we began to learn about dear little Azlynn, Jake and I were struck with the similarities between Azlynn and Lindsey. Just a few were their love for being a princess, animals, and that the last verse they were teaching Azlynn was Psalm 23:1. Lindsey's Sunday School class just started a curriculum based on Psalm 23 and we have been working on these verses. Even more I have been learning to trust the Lord with the details of life that I cannot control. Maybe that's because control is my issue and trusting the Lord tends to be a hard thing for me.

I am posting a few verses and the video of Celebration of Azlynn's Life in honor of Azlynn and her family and the wonderful testimony that they have had. To find out more about the Cretzman family and there ministry go to http://www.cretzmantocuba.com/. Please continue to pray for them even though you may not know them. They need it even more now and every day!!!!

Isaiah 55:9 - "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Psalm 23 - "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."


Azlynn's Video:



Lauren Is Walking!!!

Just thought I would share this video of Lauren walking. She is holding on with one hand in this video but later this evening she walked about 5 steps with out holding on. This is the most I have seen her take. Anyway, today we officially have a toddler. She is growing so fast. Thanks for stopping by!!! Have a wonderful day!!!