Peace in the Valley

Isaiah 55:8-9
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.



Sometimes our plans that we have for our lives don't match up to what God has in store for us. In those times, it's really hard to find peace and to be positive - especially when our plans are such strong desires of our hearts.

This month was not the month for our miracle. God sees the whole picture and knows that there is a better time for this to happen - that right now we need to take the time to seek Him, grow closer to Him, and find His will for our life. We are trusting in Him - and in Him alone - to show us exactly what He has for us. We know that He has plans to prosper us (Jeremiah 29:11) and that we can rejoice in the Lord always!

Thank you for your prayers - we are going to take a break for a while and just focus on our marriage - and our relationships with the Lord.

July 4th and more!

We had a great 4th this year ... the 4th was really special to us last year because it was our last holiday that we were able to spend together before his deployment. I am really looking forward to the rest of the holidays this year so that we can make memories TOGETHER! :)

This was us on the 4th last year!



We had a great time at a cookout that our friend's throw every year. I actually taught their son last year and just adore his entire family. They have a big cookout and even bigger fireworks! We were up close and personal - had the debris from the fireworks falling on our heads from the sky! It was great - and I got to see some of my kiddos from last year! :)

This has been a VERY busy week. We went in on Wednesday for Daniel's surgery. There were about 10 people there to surround Daniel and lift him up in prayer before the procedure - family, friends, people from church. It was such a powerful moment and we claimed that the Lord was in control and would do great things. We were expecting surgery to last until around 5pm ... but at 2:30 the NP came out to tell me that they did not have to do the rods once they got in there. She said, "We didn't think that Daniel had healed this much ... but once we did the CT scan and got in there we realized we could just do the bone cement and avoid the rods and screws!" PRAISE JESUS! That was such a blessing and relief for us!

We stayed one night (Versus the five that we were prepared for) and by noon on Thursday we were back home with our doggies! He was so excited to be able to get home and see them - and I was relieved that we didn't have to camp out at the hospital again. He is still in some pain - mostly from his incisions. We go back on Thursday to have his staples removed and we are hoping that this will be the only thing they have to do!

On Friday - our sister-in-law was scheduled to be induced! She had another week or so until her due date but her back was giving her a lot of trouble so they scheduled her induction. We were so excited to become Aunt and Uncle again - for the third summer in a row!


Meet Bailee Grace Peal!

Here is Daniel - in his brace and on his pain meds - but he couldn't keep his hands off of her! :)



Here I am - just as excited as can be!





So we have had a very eventful and busy week! I am thankful because it helped the first half of the 2ww to fly by! I know this week will be a different story. My parents are coming down for the day from Ocean Isle - so that will be a nice treat. As for this week - we really don't have anything planned other than his staples coming out on Thursday. By Thursday - I'm sure that I will have broken down and POAS. We will see - Please continue to pray for God's miracles and blessings ... If you are reading our story - please leave us a message/comment of encouragement. It's always encouraging to hear from others that have walked in our shoes or in the midst of the same storm!

While I'm Waiting ...

It's been a LONG four days - I have been trying my best to keep my mind off of everything but MAN it's been tough. I'm hoping that the second week of the wait will go by much quicker and easier - since I will be busy taking care of Dano.

We had a WONDERFUL day on the water yesterday. We went fishing in the Charleston Harbor and took our dear friends, The Gleasons, with us. They have the most precious children in the world - and they are such an encouragement to us! It was so nice to get away from the everyday routines (laundry, dogs, etc.) and just spend the day on the water ... admiring God's amazing creations!

Here's a picture of Daniel and Lisa - with our first shark of the day!



Here's a picture of me with
one of their girls!





Here's a view of the Cooper River Bridge from the boat!


It was a wonderful day! I am so thankful to be able to live in such a beautiful place - and to stand in awe over my Lord and Savior and all that He has created!










I'm waiting
I'm waiting on you Lord
and I am hopeful
I'm waiting on you Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently I will wait

Day of Silence for Baby Cohen