Dear Donna

Today has been about memories. I've known you for so long - since our children were preschool age. Since your funeral today, I've been thinking about what an amazing woman of God you were and the example you set for me. You never lived a moment without basking in the glory of the Father. You've battled the health issues and the disease tirelessly and with hope that glorifying God. No matter what, you praised Jehovah.

I remember all the hours you volunteered at the school. I can still see you setting up the Christmas Shop in the Fireside room so all the elementary kids could shop for presents for their parents and family. You made it fun for everybody and you never complained about all the hours involved.

I loved the Spaghetti dinners you set up as a fund raiser for the school. It was wonderful that you used the opportunity to invite the public to honor the fire department and police department after 9/11. It certainly brought a tear to the eyes of those big guys. By the way, it was the first time I'd had baked spaghetti. I've made it several times since then

You were there tirelessly ministering to and praying for the families of the school who experienced unimaginable loss - Kristie's family, Gail's family, Matt's family. You never let them give up hope and you always reminded them (and me) that God was in control.

It was such a privilege for my family to drive your daughter to school every morning. I only hope it helped you out by relieving you of some responsibility in the mornings. It was such a joy to get to spend time with her and get to know her as she was growing up. And now she is such a beautiful woman with a baby of her own. You did a great job as a mother and as a wife.

I can just see you now, running around the throne of God praising the name of Jesus and shouting hallelujah with the angels. I'll catch up with you later, my friend. Good bye - just for now.

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

You and I were created to make a difference. Although no one can do everything, every one can do something. As common everyday Christians, we are called to volunteer and share in order to help a hurting neighbor or community.

The world is full of  hunger and suffering. Many have no access to clean drinking water. The question this book poses is whether or not you and I will live our lives in a clam shell and hide from the pain of mankind or will we do something - anything?

Pastor Max Lucado walks the reader through the teachings of the book of Acts and the examples set by the early followers of Christ regarding compassion and action. Each scripture passage is woven with a retelling of the story in current day terms and then highlighted with real life examples of people who are making a difference.

This is a book that will surely stir your heart to action, as it did mine. As a bonus, a study and action guide is included in the back that can be used for small group discussions.

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The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

Have you ever felt as if your life did not matter? Have you ever felt as if you are just one grain of sand on a vast beach? What about feeling like you are just one drop of water in the ocean? Well, actually you are. The good news is that even though you are just one person, your life and your actions affect the entire world in ways that you may never know. God has woven each of our lives into an eternal tapestry.

Andy Andrews has illustrated this point through a magnificent telling of how one action of one person affected another, who affected another, and so on. Just like the fluttering of butterfly wings moves the molecules of air which moves more air and continues across the planet, our lives and decisions begin a wave of consequences - both good and bad - that impact the world. The reader of this small book will feel empowered and recognize that his own life has meaning and purpose.

I personally believe this book should be required reading of all teenagers and adults. As parents, we need to read this book to our children in order to teach them that their lives are valuable. I am sure you will treasure this book as much as I do!