For the All About Me challenge #4, Miranda asked us to scrap a turning point in our lives. She writes: I think everyone has had a turning point in their life. A moment your life changed, even if you didn't realize it at the moment. It can be something small, a big event, a choice you made, that influenced your life and had a huge impact. Of course it can be a happy turning point, but it may be a sad one too. So... what was a turning point in your life??
Although it's a painful post, I am grateful today to be able to move through the ashes of pain and forward to brighter days. For me, that turning point was 10 years ago - *that day* was in July 1999. Although these pictures are current, the events that happened in just a few weeks time have really been a milestone change in my life that has shaped me into the person that I am today. Those events were the catalyst that have changed the life I knew, shook my confidence as a person and parent to my core, and will live with me for the rest of my life. A snipet from my journaling card reads: "In just a few weeks time, life sent my way the pain of my parents announcing their divorce after 36 years of marriage. Only days later, I sat diligently by my baby daughter's hospital bedside crib for over a week as she fought for her life after a near-fatal accident, begging God to take me instead of her, even though I had two baby daughters still at home that needed me, too. The pain and anguish and guilt proved to be the winner and I lost the baby I was carrying - what would have been our 4th child - to a painful miscarriage. I was fortunate to have a supportive husband and friends - no one blamed me, but I carried enough guilt and blame to last a lifetime. But through that pain and darkness, my faith never faltered and I always kept my eyes and heart on Him, and know to this day that His greatness & love for me has helped me move forward ...... and it's that support and unconditional love that brought me full circle to Finding My Way Back. I leave you today with Isaiah 41:13, one that I carried with me for a long, long time as I reminded myself that He will always be there to help carry the burden :) TFL and blessings!
Deets: Bazzil Vanilla cardstock and Summer Sun from SU; DSP = K & Co; clock stamp from Heidi Grace Designs; misc embellishments, journaling paper Paper Crush & from Mary Engelbreit
Wow, what a painful story. Amazing testimony to God's faithfulness!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story! I, too, have a turning point where my life took it's own direction and things really changed. I haven't been brave enough to journal about it yet. My daughter was born at 24 weeks weighing 1 lb. 2 oz. Spent 10 months in the hospital fighting for her life...and that was just the beginning! I prayed that same prayer you did. It wasn't until I finally "let go and let Him" before things started turning around.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you're managing to find your way back after such a tough time. Your layout is both brave and beautiful. Thank you so much for joining in our challenge at AAM x
ReplyDeleteKelly,thank you for sharing this testimony. You are such an awesome woman! Through your pain you are helping so many to see the unconditional love of God. I admire you, I salute you and we will give God the glory and praise!! Many blessings, my friend, and may your creativity continue to blossom!
ReplyDeleteKelly thank you for sharing this! Isn't our God an amazing God?? So full of strength, love, power and able to grant us so much peace! I'm so glad you participate with us at AAM!!!
ReplyDeleteKelly, hugs to you.. I am proud of you for finding the courage to tell this story. Thanks for joining us at AAM>
ReplyDeleteoooohhhh, i don't know what to say - - i think i want to cry!!!!
ReplyDeletethanks so much for sharing your story and joining us at aam!!! i super genuinely {heart} your layout!!!!
Kelly thank you so much for sharing your story. Your scrapbook page has perfect elements in to detail that time in your life. {{{hugs}}}
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