Where’s the Hope?

Posted by Karilee on Jan 25, 2012 in Be Encouraged | 2 comments

Where does one find encouragement and strength when confronted daily with disappointment and heartache? How do parents keep from falling into despair or bitterness as their beloved child spirals deeper and deeper into the world’s devilish snares? Oftentimes feelings of helplessness rule the day. “How long, O Lord, how long?” anguished hearts cry out to God. Perhaps the cries are even laced with (gulp!) tinges of anger.

Yet, rest assured, dear parent. God is not sleeping. He does see the whole picture. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He knows exactly what you’re going through. He knows precisely what is needed in your child’s circumstance.

But have you considered this? Perhaps He wants to not only reach your loved one; perhaps He wants to do a “growth” work in your life . . . in your family’s life. The Savior desires for each of His children to be drawn into an intimate relationship and reliance upon Him. He longs to demonstrate His immense love to every one of us individually—to show us His beauty in a personal, satisfying way—to take away energy-draining fear and replace it with satisfying assurance. An assurance so deep that we will say with confidence, “I know all my problems are under Your control, dear Lord. I will wait for You to work things out for Your good . . . to Your glory . . . in Your timing. With gratitude and thanks I choose to rest in You, completely.”

Fall 2011 Update

Posted by Karilee on Oct 29, 2011 in Be Encouraged | 0 comments

The busy days of summer are behind us and crisp air has arrived, both in Michigan (Wendi’s home) and yes . . . even Florida (Karilee’s abode). We are so blessed by your prayers, support, and love as we continue to minister to hurting families.

HIGHLIGHTS:

WCM parents’ retreat—a wonderful, relaxing time, as hurting parents came together Sept. 9-11 for encouragement and fellowship. The excellent accommodations and superb homemade food at Oak Forest Center in Frederic, Wisconsin set an uplifting tone as attendees enjoyed music by Josh Calhoun, a former “wild child” himself. Dan and Wendi each taught sessions and Karilee joined in for Q & A. Look for another retreat: Fall 2012

The Illustration of the Kite

Posted by Karilee on Jul 17, 2011 in Be Encouraged | 0 comments

In the 20-year journey of waiting for our prodigal daughter to return home to the Savior, many times I found myself totally spent of energy, exhausted and discouraged from the myriad challenges of Wendi’s deteriorating life. “How long, oh Lord, how long?”

A glimmer of hope triggered by any small, positive action or word by Wendi would send my spirit soaring, like a kite, to the heavens—only to be cruelly dashed to the ground a short time later as the grip of sin drew her into even deeper snares.