September 11, 2008

Wow, I cannot believe it has been 7 years since September 11, 2001. I know this day has special meaning for me, as I am sure it does for all of you. I thought this morning about how beautiful and sunny it is today, just like 7 years ago. It was a gorgeous morning that day - and then everything changed. I know over the past few years I have tried to make a special point to make the most of this day. Everyday is a gift, but most days we have a hard time remembering that whether it be because we are too busy, too stressed, too tired, etc. We all have things to be grateful for, and for me this is a perfect day to remember them. So give your kids any extra hug, read them an extra book, hug your loved ones, and know that I am grateful to have each of you in my life!!

On another note, many of you know that our friend, Ryan, has been away for sometime and we have missed him very much. We are extremely grateful that he will be coming home on October 1st!!! One month earlier than expected, and we couldn't be happier. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Ryan over the past 6 years. Please continue to pray for him and he begins this new journey.

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'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when

you heard the news On September 11, 2001.

Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.'

I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed

breakfast to their children. I held her up as she

tried to understand his words and as she realized

he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a

woman cried out to Me for help.

'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!'

I said.

'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest

ministering to the injured and devastated souls.

I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven.

He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,

with every prayer. I was with the crew as they

were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the

believers there, comforting and assuring them that their

faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .

I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.

Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew

every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me

for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.

Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the

smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take

my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.

But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You

may not know why, but I do. However, if you were

there in that explosive moment in time, would you have

reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey

for you. But someday your journey will end. And I

will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may

be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are

'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments. - God