This is probably the 5th time I have started a blog over the past 12 months... each time I, for some reason, can't hit the publish button. I don't know why.. it just didn't feel right?!? I am still amazed at how God took our son Hogan and used his 16 day life and made a difference in so many lives.... especially mine! God is good. I wanted to let those of you who were so good to us and prayed for us during Hogan's journey and still today that we are doing ok! We currently have a lot going on with Noah and Lily 5 and 3 now... they are constant entertainment! I still go into their rooms and make sure they are breathing ok... and thank God for each day with them. I might have done this before Hogan but I know it's constant now. I could blog all day about all of the things I thankful. I have been so blessed in my life and continue to be...
I started this blog about 2 years ago and it's amazing how things change over such a short time. Angie is currently in a bible study at FUMC here in Athens and a women's mentoring group that she loves, I am currently in a mentoring group (God knows I need it :-) with a few guys from NE Georgia with Regi Campbell. It has been a blessing ( http://www.radicalmentoring.com ) It's helped me to understand even more the importance of trying to be an amazing husband to my wife and to help give me tools to be a better father to our children and also pay it forward!
I am very excited about the www.remembertheone.org website that is about to be out of beta phase!! It is actually able to be used now but there are just a few more changes that are going to take place over the next week. If someone happens to stumble on this blog, please check it out and pass it along to someone that you think might could get help from it! It is a way to journal, post quick updates, use your own calendar to schedule events etc. etc. etc. I believe that God might use this website in a mighty way but... if it only helps one person, it's done it's job! We are all on our own journey and everyone has a story to share. It is easy for some people to think they life doesn't mean anything but if you are reading this blog... I have no doubt that you are important to someone and someone is looking up to you!
Please pray for the website... and for us as we try and figure out what God wants for us now! Pray for my wife and children.... Noah is actually going to get some counseling soon because we want to make sure he is "ok" with losing his younger brother. He still makes comments that almost bring us to our knees at times... sweet, innocent but it has let us know that we need to make sure he is processing Hogan's loss in a good way for him.
I loved seeing all of the posts on Facebook today...or yesterday... its early in the morning on the 15th now as I type but I couldn't help but think what families would be like if we treated our wives like it was Valentine's Day every day.... I think I am talking to myself as I type.... I know it's not always easy but it's what God says we should do.... Ephesians 5:23 says... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. I have no doubt that our country would be better off if guys took this verse to heart! What an awesome thing for sons and daughters to see how their mother should be treated which in turn would show the son how to treat a woman and the daughter how she should be treated! If we could somehow give a glimpse to our children of how our Heavenly Father loves us!
Good Stuff.
My wife is an amazing woman. I know as a father what the loss of Hogan feels like but I still can't grasp how she feels. My heart goes out to all of the friends and strangers over the past year that have lost a loved one or that might have become a "1".
One more thing.... Hogan, my hero (this blog) is being turned into a book. Please pray that the book will honor God and honor Hogan and that lives will be touched by God through it.
In His Love,
Kip
