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It's been a while since my last entry.  I think I will have to remedy this  and be more informativei in future days! 

The foregoing long, quiet period of time, has been basically focused on our family.  Yes, the restoration continues, and with every round, God digs deeper.  And guess what? For restoration to exist, something must be broken, beat up or in a state of deterioration. 

Think of an old, antique couch, worn, faded, cushions sagging, protruding springs, broken frame.  Then comes the re-upholsterer- the restorer.  First the fabric comes off, then the old, lumpy padding gets pulled out.  If the springs have come untied or are broken, they have to be fixed.  When the piece is stripped down to the frame, if it is broken, or cracked or needs nails and screws, that is the first step in the restoration process.  When that process is finished,  the old couch is better than new. 

It seems that there is always something in our lives that is in need of restoration- we will never "arrive" this side of eternity!  These past months have been a family-time of learning and un-learning, pain and joy, devastation and healing, allowing the great Restorer to go several layers deeper in all of us. 

Its always somewhat of a shock to realize that "Uh-oh!  There is more restoration needed here!" God sure knows just how to work on the "happily ever after" syndrome that can so easily creep into my writing, no matter how I fight it! 

At the same time, I never want to forget the truths we've learned and the restoration we have experienced in the Bittersweet story.  I rejoice in the fact that God is in the business of offering beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness.  He is so faithful to continue to do just that.

Laurie  and I are excited to be interviewed tonight on primetime TV in Augusta, Georgia.  We will be on 49 WBPI TV, on Club 36 from 8:00-10;00 pm EST, and then re-broadcast tomorrow from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm EST  If you think of us, please pray for us.  All we want is to share the things we have learned that might help others and in that to show-case our Great Restorer!  More later.