My next oldest brother is doing well in a worldly sense, unchanged (that any of us can see in a spiritual sense, but of course God is working in ways we can't imagine. Brother #2 recently had God work a miracle of healing on his beloved dog, when the vets had been unable to figure out what was wrong with him, and he was failing fast. He's outwardly unchanged, but I know you can't go through an experience like that completely untouched.
I think about your brothers often, and I wonder. My prayers are that they will return to their faith. The only downside to that is that God sometimes needs to get our attention before he can work with us. His methods can seem harsh, but I think he uses the lest intrusive method that he can use that will still work.
My kids are all in school, ordinary troubles and no more. They're in grades 10, 9, and 5 now. Neaksis' oldest is over 18 now and on his own. Not exactly a roaring success, but he hasn't gone to prison yet. Val is in a residential treatment program after making accusations against Neaksis of abuse. It wasn't long before official people considered Neaksis completely exonerated. Val is making progress with her treatment, and visits are going well. The youngest has been out of treatment for a while, maybe 8-9 months. He's doing well overall. Small bad behaviors, lying and stealing sometimes, but not violent. For which we rejoice!
I have not worried much about your children. There are potential worries there, but it always feels like they are OK.
There have been some worries about Neaksis, and her family, but the feelings are that they will come out the other end in fine shape too. A scripture comes to mind (though I can't remember the reference) "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of Man the blessings that God has prepared for those that love him." I don't think I got it exact, but you know the one. I believe neaksis and family will be on the receiving end of that one. I am sure of it.
AJ, after a long hard summer in which we had some real trials with his business, now has more work than he knows what to do with for the next 6 weeks. The company who contracted with him has more work they'd like him to do, beyond what he's already scheduled for. We're very blessed!
Please tell us as much as you're able about what you, Mrs. SS, and all the family have been up to.
I am glad AJ is doing well. I do not know him as well as the rest of you, because as you know he doesn't post much. We learn a lot from what people write. However, I admire him for making a comeback. He may not be "there" yet, but he seems to be making the journey. I guess it's a moving target anyway. I am not "there" yet either.
I pray for AJ from time to time, and for your parents. (All of you, but I make mention of them for a reason.)
You are kind to ask about us. We struggle along like every one else.
The twins finished their first year of college. They struggle with part time jobs and school, and still having a life. Both have partial scholarships, but the have to keep their grades up to keep them, and it takes a lot of time.
Our six oldest children are all married and all have at least one child. On lives in AZ, one in CA, one in NV, and the other three locally. One is a wild lands firefighter. I see your children took a firefighting class - I should send some video of actual fires. They would probably get a kick out of it.
Mrs SS and I are in love, and we like it. MB has been good for us. When the 4 rules are applied, and when we meet each others needs as we should, things are wonderful in our marriage. I keep getting the feeling that some big change is coming, but I don't know what it is. In the mean time, the adversary has been leaning on me pretty heavy. Of course God is always there, and we get help, but the pressure makes one tired. You know of what I speak, for you felt it during the time you were here fighting for your marriage.
I don't know the reason for this at this time in my life, but the reasons always exist. We usually learn them after the fact.
I am probably closer to God, and making fewer mistakes from day to day than at any time in my life, but it's still hard to cope with the pressure.
The bottom line is that God is still in Heaven directing his work here, and he will continue to help all who call upon him in faith. We just need to hang on tight and keep working our end the best we can.
This I know.
SS
