Paiges Petals

Spartans Win First Playoff Game!

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:48:00 +0000

The Spartans won their first playoff game tonight against Kennedale 64 to 59! Whew! What a great game that was exciting, explosive and just plain fun! Garrett did a great job as well as all of the other guys. Garrett's smile was absolutely priceless as he came up into the stands to give us all a hug. His Aunt Kelly and Uncle Brian arrived just in time for the game from OKC and drove back afterwards....so touching. It was wonderful having my Mom, Aunt Dianne, our life group friends, David and Tracie and all of our fellow friends and fans! It was loud in that gym!

This morning as I was about to leave for work, I was on my knees just thanking God for the many blessings He has given me. In my conversation with Him, I asked him specifically for a win tonight because I know that He loves to bless us. I told him that this Mom is asking for a win for her son to help the pain he feels in missing his dad. I know that Garrett misses his biggest cheerleader in those stands. We have been experiencing so many of our "firsts" and I asked that this particular first would bring Garrett and all of us joy. It did, and we say thank you, Lord.

Today has been full of emotion as the staff at church celebrated birthdays and my send off. I was given a beautiful card and a Brighton bracelet that has engraved "Embrace The Journey". I found myself in tears most of the morning as I anticipate my last day on Thursday as my friends mean so much to me. I also was sad knowing that Pat would have loved watching Garrett play basketball in his first playoff. I don't know what goes on in that heavenly place, but I do hope that Pat gets to see glimpses of our joy.

Ready for the next game this Friday against Abilene, but I do not know the details just yet!

Hugs!

xoxo

Shattered Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:38:00 +0000

God is always working to make His children aware of a dream that remains alive beneath the rubble of every shattered dream, a new dream that when we realized will release a new song sung with tears til God wipes them away and we sing with nothing but joy in our hearts~~Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb

In my mailbox was a package from my friend, Martha Hadley. She mailed me a copy of a book she thought would minister to me when I was ready. The book is Shattered Dreams, God's Unexpected Pathway to Joy. I have been reading one chapter every morning, but it is so good that I can hardly stop after one chapter. But, I need to soak in the words and the truth about shattered dreams. I could relate to the title immediately as I have experienced shattered dreams. "Shattered dreams are the truest blessings; they help us discover our true hope. But it can take a long, dark time to discover it. We must identify a hope that has the power to do something truly wonderful when the dark night descends and we see nothing but pain and disappointment in this life, a hope that does exactly the same thing when the sky is sunny."

Joy amidst the pain is such a true gift. Through my suffering I have known such joy. The very first time I ever recognized it was in 2008 when Pat was lying in the hospital just days after a major surgery. They had removed two inches of his stomach and three to four inches of his esophagus in order to remove the stage one cancer. The ten day stay at Harris Hospital was a long one and a very painful one. But I remember sitting in his room while he was sleeping and I felt this indescribable joy. I remember whispering to God, "so this is what joy feels like amidst the pain". Pat had physical pain as well as emotional not knowing what was ahead of him in the days to come.

Through my pain I have the strongest desire to know God more deeply by soaking up His word and His presence. I have never known truer worship than I have experienced these past days..He is all I have.

Spartan Playoff Basketball

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:14:00 +0000

Boy was last week crazy and my brain was in overload. America's Best Choice is a dealership and we have a corporate office that support us. Two of the guys were here from Atlanta last week to help me with some dealership training as well as getting me ready for the busy season. They were here Tuesday through Friday and I had to get my other job at church done also.

This week America's Best Choice had a home show in Allen and it was one of the best shows we have ever participated in. Matt received an invoice for the home show two weeks ago and I remember Matt calling me and telling me that Dad left us surprise....we are in the Collin County Home Show. We had no idea, but ended up being a good thing! Next week we will be at the Fort Worth Home and Garden Show. Thanks to John, Troy and Matt for all of their hard work.

Taelor with #23 on her mind and on her shirt!

Big game Tuesday night for Spartan boys basketball as they are headed to the playoffs for the first time since the school has been open which is only two years. The opponent will be Kennedale and the game will be played at Mansfield Legacy. I am excited for Garrett and the rest of the team and can't wait!

This will be my last week at the church and it makes me sad. I knew it was coming, but actually walking away and beginning a new adventure is here. Yes, I will continue to be involved in my church, but it will not be the same as being around these great people on a daily basis.

Spartan Mascot with John Carter

I just returned from Life group about an hour ago and I can't tell you how thankful I am to have this group in my life. Sundays are hard for me, but I always look forward to being with my LG pals.

I pray that you have a great week and you will have God's blessings and His favor on upon you and your family.

Spartans Win and Playoffs Tuesay!

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:54:00 +0000

Looked in the paper and saw Mr. G'a picture. Nice shot! They play Kennedale on Tues. Location hasn't been announced. Go Spartans!!

Sweethearts

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:36:00 +0000

A repost from Valentines last year. Sweethearts were mine and Pat's favorite candy. I don't enjoy them too much now. But, my boys knew they were our favorite and made sure I had a few boxes for Valentines this year. Feb 20, 2011 10:26 PM Sunday is my favorite day and today has been a good one! Pat and I went to church this morning and it felt so great to be there as we have missed several Sundays. Pat and I are feeling like empty nesters this weekend as the kids are not here because of the long weekend. The boys report that they are catching fish and having fun in Hico. Elizabeth is spending the weekend with her old college roommate. Pat has felt good today, but he had a lot of back pain earlier this morning. I received the Purpose Driven Life devotional each day via email. It is written by Rick Warren from Saddleback Church. I read in today's devotion Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:29-30 (MSG) . Jesus calls us to a level of intimacy that can only be sustained by his constant presence in our lives. When I read that it reminded me of a cute story and what I call another God hug. A week ago Friday I was driving back from Madill. We had gone there so Pat could measure some windows. Earlier in that week we had some hard days and on Thursday night I was crying and I asked God to show me His presence. It was late at night. I needed Him and I asked him for a God hug the next day. Every Valentines Day I love buying the Sweethearts candy. You know the hearts that have words written on them and they are in a pink and white box. Well, I got Pat addicted too. We went to CVS last year after Valentines Day to buy out all of the rest the Sweethearts on the shelf. Okay, back to the story. While I was driving I remembered I had brought us a box to share. Pat was sleeping and I was getting a little sleepy myself, so I thought I would eat half of the box and save the rest for him. I find myself praying all day most days...just conversation with God. Below is a conversation I had as I was opening the box and started eating the candy. The conversation in my head went like this: God : "Read the first one". I picked up an orange one and it was blank. Me: "It is blank." God: "I know. Read the next one." I picked out a pink one and it read: Love You. That made me smile. I continued eating them of course. God: "Read the next one". I picked another one. It read: Forever His message to me: Love You Forever Now fast forward two days. I shared with my Life Group girls the story about the Sweethearts candy. On Monday, my friend, Brenda who is in our life group, called me. I was unable to answer her call but this is what she left on my voice mail: "Hey Paige! I wanted you to know that I had to try those Sweethearts you talked about last night. They tasted okay, but I thought I would eat one and see if God had a message for me. So I ate one and mine said "Hot Babe". She was laughing her head off when she hung up the phone. When I read the last candy that said "Forever", it made me tear up because God knows me intimately. Just as the writer said above "Jesus calls us to a level of intimacy that can only be sustained by his constant presence in our lives." You can say it is coincidence and that is okay, but I don't believe it was. It is just like God to use my favorite candy to tell me that He hears me and He loves me.

Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:50:00 +0000

The attached picture was of
Garrett in the Aledo Community paper. The Spartans participated in a tournament over the Christmas break. My friend, Lisa, was searching on their website for an article or picture of her niece and she saw G's pic. Love it!

Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:52:00 +0000

Untitled from Paige Easterling on Vimeo.

It is 7:00 PM and I am still in my pajamas, but that is okay because I can be very productive in my pj's. My goal today was to stay home and work in my office. I seem to be drowning in paper work as I am working on the requirements from the court on Pat's probate and tax season. In order to do that I have to be organized. While getting organized I ran across the DVD of Pat's memory video and realized that I had not seen the finished video. Maybe you didn't see it either or would like to watch it again. It made me smile and cry at the same time. I miss him so much.

Some days are tougher than others. Sometimes your day is going along just fine and boom the pain of grief just covers you. It may be a picture, a song, a memory, or the words I read in his journal. Two nights ago I was having a hard night and picked up his journal. The entry was April 9, 2010.."Dear God thank you for today! Thank you for Paige. She is my best friend and the love of my life. I love her as you do and pray that she continues to be healthy.....thank you Lord for my many blessings." What a God hug. The biggest gift gift I could receive next to hearing it from him.

I can't hear Pat, but I can hear the Lord whisper to me. He encourages me and gives me hope. On February 8th in Streams In The Desert I read:

"Surely I am with you always. (Matthew 28:20) Never look ahead to the changes and challenges of this life in fear. Instead, as they arise look at them with the full assurance that God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. Hasn't He kept you safe up to now? So hold His loving hand tightly, and He will lead you safely through all things. And when you cannot stand, He will carry you in His arms. Do not look ahead to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who care for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you His unwavering strength that you may bear it. Be at peace, then, and set aside all anxious thoughts and worries. Francis de Sales." Whatever our faith says God is, He will be.

You see, I read this last year and yes, he carried me a lot. I will trust Him.

Hugs!

xoxo

Marketing!

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:33:00 +0000


Like?

We are thinking a lot about windows around here. I have officially resigned from the church and my last day will be February 23rd. I am truly sad to end my job there, but I know that ABC needs me more. God has continued to confirm to me that I have made the right decision, although scary. Managing this business while working at another full time job has been a bit stressful these past few days. "Residential Window Replacement" business is picking up and the busy season is about to begin. We will be participating in the Home and Garden Show in Fort Worth February 24-26, so please stop by our booth to say hello. If you know of anyone who might could use some new windows, doors or siding, please give them our name.

The past few weeks have been the most difficult for me as I am missing Pat so much. I miss his smile, his voice, his touch and just him. He never leaves my mind and I have so much I want to say to him. Even though it is so painful to be away from him, I am so thankful that God blessed me with such a loving and wonderful husband. When I think of our marriage, many times I think of this quote from the movie, Steel Magnolias: "I'd rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special." It was definitely wonderful.

I will definitely feel a bit older tomorrow when Elizabeth turns 25 tomorrow and Matt turns 22 on Monday. Now, that is hard to believe that I have children that old. So, so, proud of these two young adults....their daddy is too.

We watched some great basketball Tuesday night when the Spartans played Lake Worth here. Our guys won in double OT 97 to 92! It was a close game all the way to the end. G made the paper yesterday and thanks to my friend, Lawanda, who sent me a copy before I saw it in the paper! They are now 4 - 2 in their district. Tomorrow night will be an important game against Mineral Wells. Go Spartans!

Hugs!

Paige

xoxo

Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:17:00 +0000

It has been a Wednesday full of rainfall and we are thankful! I have been going to Grief Share for the past two weeks which are on Wednesday nights, but I didn't go tonight because we had to put Hank in the crate due to the rain, and I wasn't sure if Garrett would be coming home directly from basketball. I meant to go, but after getting home, I didn't want to get out again and drive to Fort Worth. I have found that Grief Share has been very helpful and the facilitators at Christ Church are just wonderful people. This program is a video series that walks you through all of the steps of grief. I have learned simple things such as it takes six to nine months to accept the fact that your loved one is gone and they are not coming back. I still have a ways to ago as I find myself shaking my head thinking this can't be true.

A lot of things don't feel true. I was sharing today with my friend that it has been hard to accept the fact that I am leaving my job at First Baptist and when I was typing up my job description to put into the worship folder, it made my stomach turn. Without a doubt I know I have been guided to do this, but it doesn't make it any easier as I truly love all of the staff that I work with every single day.

Elizabeth came home last night for Garrett's game and it was so good to see her. She is loving her new apartment and I think her place will be the place to get away. As I am typing this I just got a text from her, "I got a DVR!! Yuh!!!! And I have the sweetest room ever." She is has a great closet too! Love you Sissy-girl!

My eyes are closing and early to rise in the morning. Blessings!

More Change

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:35:00 +0000

I have missed journaling and would like to be more disciplined, but the rhythm of my house is much different now. I use to spend a lot of time on this couch as Pat sat in his chair, and I don't do much sitting now. As I sit now, Garrett is watching Alaska State Trooper while chasing Hank around and Cash is trying to get right in the middle of it all.

My sweet little birdy, Elizabeth, flew the nest this weekend and I am excited for her. After she graduated from college in August of 2010, she was only going to make a short stop at home and then begin her new life, but there was another plan. She put her dreams on hold to take care of her family. Here is a picture of moving day!

This was quite the site as we packed up and then delivered her goods to downtown Dallas! I don't think Mr. G is working very hard!

Still more change. I will be leaving my job at First Baptist as I resigned Thursday afternoon in order to run the window business full time. This possibility was lurking, but God showed me clearly on Thursday that it was time. I have been reading Priscilla Shirer's new book, Resolution. She was talking about timing and referring to Haggai, Chapter 1. "Now was the season to focus on the house of God, to pare down their list and concentrate primarily on what God was telling them to do today. So, yes, it meant that something which brought them pleasure would need to be put on the shelf for now, but certainly not forever. They were to focus on today's task, pushing others to the side temporarily, while being assured that the time would come for them to prioritize another thing later on. Sometimes this realization can be a hard one. As you're able to determine what your current priorities should be, and as you're obedient in setting other things aside for the time being, don't fret that you'll never again have the opportunity to spend time pursuing them. The next years, perhaps even the next few months, will bring with them a recalibration of what's most pressing and important. Then some of these activities that you're needed to shutter for a time may be ready again to emerge into active duty."

She was referencing all of the above to the book of Haggai, chapters 1 & 2. So, I thought I would turn to these chapters. I read these chapters on December 20th. Chapter 2, verse 4, "Be strong all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. My Spirit remains strong among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid." vs. 19: "I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn. You have not yet harvested your grain, and your grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not yet produced their crops. But from this day onward I will bless you."

I immediately knew. The focus now is on our window business, but my pleasure has been working at FBC. A place that has carried me and a place that I can now heal. I wasn't ready to make any kind of decision about leaving, but God showed me very clearly to make this pressing and important decision. So, I am now trusting God to go before me.

Sure missing my Pat...

Sunday Morning Testimony

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:15:00 +0000

I have missed journaling nightly and missing my connection with you. We are doing pretty good, and I believe that we are doing much better than we thought we would. I do know that I am missing Pat more and more and when those waves of grief come, they hurt. I just want to touch him and squeeze his precious face. I am attending Grief Share each week and look forward to the healing.

Working at the church and learning more about the window business is keeping me busy as well as watching Garrett play some great basketball. District games started Tuesday and we had a tough loss by three points, but it was exciting!

Yesterday morning, I was asked to give a short testimony in our church services on what Life Group means to me and my family. If you have followed us very long, you know how much Pat and I love our Life Group. Our walk has been precious with these friends and their faithfulness to our family has been a testament in itself. It would have truly been a lonely road without them these past 15 months and I am still clinging to them as we move forward with life without Pat. We love you, David & Tracie, Andy & Brenda, Greg & Alison, John & Jennifer, Jeff & Kelli, Troy & Lisa and Craig.

If you have the opportunity to join a life group, I strongly encourage you to find people who can live authentic lives with you. I know Pat and I were changed by sharing our lives with our precious friends.

Hugs!
xoxo

Hello!

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:51:00 +0000

I survived a week of my new routine and it wasn't too bad. People have always said that grief comes in waves and it does. Just a thought, a picture or a memory brings a huge heartache when you least expect it. This afternoon I was looking in my messy desk at work and there was a note from Pat that he had placed on my desk very early one morning just after he had his Wednesday Bible study. It read, "Have a blessed day! I love you!! What a God hug!

Christmas Eve night we spent it with Pat's family. Pat's brother, Richard, and his wife, Becky, gave me a calendar of the Psalms as a gift. I opened it and I automatically flipped over to April, the month of my birthday, and the photo at the top was covered in purple. My thought was, "wow, Lord...thank you!" We miss Pat terribly and it is still so hard to believe that he is gone. But, these little gifts from above remind us that God loves us and He cares about us. I still keep wondering what Pat is doing each day.

Tonight my mom, Pat, is in the hospital in Ardmore, Oklahoma with blood clots in her leg and both of her lungs. I ask that you please pray for the clots to dissolve and that they will not be a continual problem. It is hard being here and not with her tonight. I love you, Mom!

Hank, Garrett's new boxer, now nine weeks old, is keeping us all on our toes, but he brings us a lot of joy along with his much bigger play buddy, Cash.

Thank you for your continued prayers, cards, and messages. It is so comforting to know that you are thinking of us.

Hugs!

xoxo

Meet Hank! Our New Love!

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:39:00 +0000

Back To Work For Paige

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:08:00 +0000

I survived the first of a few new today....new year, new work routine, new responsibilities at the church, new computer at the church, leaving new puppy at home, and the saddest of all was coming home from work and Pat wasn't home waiting for me. I was glad to see all my friends today.

Today Matt had a CAT scan on his neck due to his neck pain. We think it triggers his migraines. I just wanted to have him checked out and his results were what we knew and that is that his neck that curves the wrong way. Please keep him in your prayers as it is painful and frustrating.

Did I share with you my special Christmas present from my kids? They gave me a necklace with Pat's thumb print. On the back they had engraved "I love you Mom" -Dad xoxo. It is so precious to me and I wear it often. If you see me, I would like to show it off, so ask to see my necklace.

I am so proud of my kids and thankful we are all home together!

Blessings!
Paige
Xoxo

Happy Birthday Pat!

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:21:00 +0000

Happy Birthday Dad!

December 31st....the end of 2011, the last day of my Jesus Calling devotional, the last day of my devotional, Streams in the Desert, and the last day of the scripture in my 365 day Bible. Just this week I wrote in the last page of my journal that I began in August of this year.

As I finished reading the last chapter of my Bible, Revelations this morning, I came upon my summary of the year which I wrote on the blank page beside the scripture. This is what I read:

2008: What a year 2008 was. Lord, it was hard, but you changed us. Pat's cancer was a gift although a difficult journey! May we grow closer to you even more in 2009. Your presence has been felt and your blessings abundant. Thank you for enriching my faith and blessing me by knowing you better. Teach me more, Lord. Teach me to trust you more! I love you. John 13:7

2009: Pat resigned from Kinro on a leap of faith just after you placed me at FBC after 16 years of being a SAHM (stay at home mom). You taught us how to trust and extend our faith. We opened Clear Choice, a huge puzzle piece coming together.

2010: A year of surprise and change. Clear Choice one year old. Pat diagnosed with pancreatic cancer stage IV. A life that now causes to see what we can't so we see you Father. Living on faith.

So, this is what I added for 2011: A year that unfolded with God's grace, faithfulness, goodness and provisions. A year I saw my husband fight with everything he had until November 26th and you took him home and said "Well done my good and faithful servant". I trust you even more now as face a year of unknown. But, I love you, trust you and surrender it all to you.

On August 25th I opened my bright yellow journal covered in purple, green and pink flowers and made my first entry..."Fresh book, fresh page, fresh new day. I have so much to praise you for. You are everything to me and I am devoted and desire to surrender all of me. I just think of what these pages will hold in the next months. We will see a lot of you, Lord!

On December 20th, I opened my journal and had only one page left to write in. It had been four months of prayer and life written on those yellow pages. I started to cry as I knew that when I wrote in that last page and closed the journal, my new journal will not have my Pat within it's pages. As I looked at that blank page, I was thinking what would the Lord have me to write. I started reading my Bible and devotionals to find out. He led me to Haggai 1:1 - 2:23. This is what I read and wrote in my journal on the 20th: "I am with you says the Lord. vs 2:4 Be strong all you people still left in the land. Now get to work for I am with you says the Lord of Heaven's armies. My spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid. The future glory of this Temple will be greater than it's past glory. And in this place I will bring peace. I the Lord of Heaven's Armies, has spoken. Haggai 2:19, "I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn. You have not yet harvested your grain, and your grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates and olive trees have not yet produced their crops. But from this day onward I will bless you." The last sentence was written up the side of my page. Through my tears I sat in awe of these intimate words.

I was instantly reminded of Exodus 14:13 (Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.) that he gave me on October 5, 2010 and the verse Habakkuk 3:17 that the Lord had given me months ago that covered me with His peace. Fast forward to my daily reading on December 25th. Zechariah 8:11, "For I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you. The grapevines will be heavy with fruit. The earth will produce its crops, and the heavens will release the dew."

This was a lot to absorb in one week. I felt His Words were for me. I always question myself? Who am I that the Lord would speak to me?

On December 29th I read the following from my Streams in the Desert: "We need to have appropriating faith when it comes to God's promises and should make His Word our own personal possession. A child was once asked what appropriating faith was, and he answered, "It is taking a pencil and underlining every 'me', 'my' and 'mine' in the Bible." Pick any word you want that He has spoken and say, 'That word is my word.' Put your finger on a promise and say, 'It is mine.' The last sentence was, "When faith goes to the market, it always takes a basket."

Happy Birthday my sweet Pat! I am hoping you are enjoying some fabulous chocolate pie....your favorite! I know that all things in Heaven are beyond anything I could ever imagine....save me a place right beside you."

Happy New Year!
xoxo

PS I will be moving my journal to my personal blog www.paigespetals.blogspot.com in the days to come. I will put a link on CB for awhile in case you want to catch up with us. I have been blessed by you more than you will ever know.

Pat Easterling's Celebration of Life, November 30, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 03:39:00 +0000

Pat Easterling's Celebration of Life from Paige Easterling on Vimeo.

From Matt

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:59:00 +0000

I can't thank my friends and family enough! It has been one month today that my dad went to be with the Lord at 6:39pm. To be honest this month in my head has been a living nightmare without my old man around. But when all of these thoughts of my dad randomly pop in my head, I can't help but think of what comfort God has given me. He hasn't just dumped all of the grief on me at once, but instead he's given me no more then I can bare. People have asked how I've been since all of this and I haven't really shared my true answer because it's very hard to not get emotional....

When God told me to get up on stage at dad's funeral, I didn't think I could do it. I prayed and prayed for comfort through this entire journey. And when I got up there I received it. It was as if when I was up there I had someone pointing out who to look at. The only people I could see we're people who have mentored me in my walk with Christ. That is when I knew I wasn't alone! People say Dad is watching over me, but honestly I believe he can see me but I also believe he is having to much fun in heaven to care as much as he did while he was here on earth. I struggle the most when I think I can call dad just to ask for some advice or share something really cool. God can I just at least send a text message to him? Lol.

To everyone who has walked this journey with my family and I, THANK YOU! Please continue to be by our sides! But to those watching this journey and seen the man my dad was, I ask that you just please give Jesus Christ a chance to be your Savior as my dad did. An intimate relationship with him will amaze you!! As the Bible says in Revelations 3:20 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Jesus is at the door of your heart and is waiting on you to open the door and experience a relationship with him!

I pray God has blessed y'all with a good Christmas and Happy New Year!

Matt

You Are Not Reading This By Accident

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 15:26:00 +0000

You're Not Reading This by Accident
by Rick Warren

“By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus.” (Romans 5:1 MSG)

You’re not reading this by accident.

No, God knew before you were born that you would be here in this moment. He planned to get your attention for just a few seconds so he could say this to you: “I’ve seen every hurt in your life, and I’ve never stopped loving you. You matter to me. I love you more than you will ever know. I made you to love you, and I’ve been waiting for you to love me back.”

God is saying, “I want the rest of your life to be the best of your life. I’m with you, and I’m for you. I want to save you from your past. I want to save you for the purpose for which I made you. And I want to save you by my grace. If you’ll let me do that, I will give you peace with me, peace of me, and peace with other people. But you have to open the door and receive the Christmas gift.”

If you gave me a Christmas gift and I never opened it, you would be disappointed. And it would be a worthless gift, because I don’t receive the benefit of a gift I never opened.

Jesus Christ is God’s Christmas gift to you. Yet some of us have gone Christmas after Christmas and never opened the best gift of all: God’s gift of salvation. Why even celebrate Christmas if you’re not going to open the biggest gift? It doesn’t make sense to leave unwrapped the gift of your past forgiven, a purpose for living, and a home in Heaven.

Jesus Christ says to you, “I can replace the frustration in your heart with peace. I can replace the guilt, resentment, shame, and grudges with forgiveness. I can replace the worry and anxiety with confidence and faith. I can replace depression or despair with hope. I can replace emptiness with meaning and purpose. I can replace confusion with clarity. But I’m not going to break down the door of your heart. You have to invite me in.

“It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from. If you want me and you are ready to do as I say, the door is open.”

It doesn’t matter what your religious background is – Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, Buddhist, Baptist, Hindu, or no religion. This is not about religion. God didn’t send Jesus to give you religion. He sent him so you could have a personal relationship with God. It’s all about relationship.

Below is a prayer I prayed years ago when I stepped across the line and became a friend of God’s. It’s a pretty simple prayer. If these words express the desire in your heart, read them as if you are talking to God.

Prayer:

Dear God, I’m scared, but I want to get to know you. I don’t understand it all, but I thank you that you love me. I thank you that you were with me even when I didn’t recognize it. I thank you that you are for me, that you didn’t send Jesus to condemn me but to save me.

I admit I never even realized I needed a Savior, but today I want to receive the Christmas gift of your Son. I ask you to save me from my past, my regrets, my mistakes, my sins, my habits, my hurts, and my hang-ups. Save me from myself.

I ask you to save me for your purpose. I want to know why you put me on this planet. And I want to fulfill what you made me to do. I want to learn to love you and trust you and have a relationship with you.

I need peace with you, God, and I need you to put your peace in my heart. I need you to take away the stress and fill me with your love. Help me be a peacemaker and help others find peace with you and each other. In your name I pray, amen.

(from Purpose Driven Life Devotional)

Merry Christmas!

Love and miss you, Dad
Xoxo

Christmas Eve Gift!

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 23:45:00 +0000

Christmas Eve Gift! My grandmother McNatt made sure she said it first each Christmas Eve. Now my cousins and I try to say it first. I beat them all this year...Tanya and David, haven't heard from you!

We had a good time at Kelly and Brian's. We had great laughs playing Catch Phrase late last night.

Hank is adjusting pretty well. Garrett says he is exhausted!! Kelly has two boxers, so that was fun to watch them interact.

We are headed to the Easterling Christmas now and will be there by dinner.

We are missing dad. I keep thinking he is in the other room. We love you and miss you.

Headed to Oklahoma

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:10:00 +0000

We four are on the road headed to Oklahoma to spend a couple of days with my sis and family. The car is packed to the roof. Thank you to my house sitter and Cash sitter.

We have a new addition to the family and that is Hank. Hank is Garrett's new boxer that his sweet, maybe crazy, mom gave him for Christmas. He is going to be spoiled rotten. Cash is still checking him out and Loco loves his new pal.

I love, love, love my Christmas cards and get so excited when I get them. Your sympathy cards have touched me and have been such an encouragement. Thank you.

What a birthday party they must have on the 25th in celebrating Jesus' birth. I wonder if Pat gets a party favor for his first party? Wow!

Missing you my big guy!
Hugs!

Pat's CaringBridge Post on February 17, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:27:00 +0000

I wanted to hear from Pat this morning and I did in his CB post dated February 17, 2011. I thought you would too. Oh, the first part is mushy, but I need that right now. What a reminder of what we had together and what his family and friends meant to him.

My prayer for you is that you be reminded today how precious life is, but most of all how life is so much sweeter when you know Jesus Christ as your Savior! Do you?

Pat February 17, 2011

Howdy! Ya, it's me...... She has finally got me to write. I gotta tell ya though, it's hard to do. I have to be focused in the evening, when in the evening my mind is mush! I don't know how she does it every night. Oh, wait a minute! Yes I do! I am married to the most remarkable woman in the world! She can do anything! I got to be honest though. When I married her in 1984, I had no ideal what I was in for. I not only have 3 of the greatest kids but more importantly she introduced me to my Lord and Savior. I owe her everything. She has loved me through some of the best days and some of the worst days. I did not deserve her then and I do not deserve her now. She is my best friend and I love her with all my heart. In 2008, when I was battling my first bout with cancer, I had to spend 2 weeks in the hospital. When I closed my eyes to go to sleep, she was the last thing I saw and when I woke up, she was the first thing I saw. It was for the entire two weeks, she never left my side. This thing we are going through now, there have been days when I am miserable and very agitated. She's always there for me. I have expressed that due to financial reasons, she may not be able to go to Tulsa with me when I go for treatment every time. Well, you can imagine the response. I can tell you, other than Christ, I never knew you could love someone more than the day before but you can. Paige, I love you and cannot imagine my life without you. Thank you for tolerating me........ I'm sorry for the length of this but I've had nothing to say until now.........As for my L D Bell classmates, it so good to hear from you. You all mean so much and I do hope we can have another get together soon. Phil, thank you for the 8th grade basketball DVD. Great memories! I do hope there are more. I did hear from my favorite basketball coach a couple of weeks ago. Rolf Kuhlow, who lives in Louisiana. I always thought he was related to all time great coach John Wooden from UCLA. Great hearing from him and I hope to see him soon.......It's always good to hear from my friends from Kinro, where I worked for so long. We were all a part of building a very good company for so long. It's sad to see what we worked so hard to build, to see it all go away. I miss you guys very much......I also want to take this opportunity to tell everyone how thankful we are for your love and prayers. It's very humbling to me, to know so many care for us.......Thanks to my extended family in Hico for all that you do for us. A big thanks to Brian and Lecia. They would give you the shirt off their back. We love you guys! ............EY and LaNette, your cards and phone calls mean so much! We love you........To our life group, you were the first at the hospital, almost the minute I was diagnosed. We love you guys! My favorite two pictures are one, with us in a circle praying in my hospital room, and the other is all of us in my front yard. You guys are the best and I'm enjoying doing life with you...... Again, I'm sorry for the length..........(just about done) Let me also take this opportunity to remind my kids how proud we are of them. You continue to be very tolerant of me. You continue to do outstanding in school! My favorite daughter graduated from UNT! Kids even when the cards were dealt, your faith never wavered. WE ARE SO PROUD! Every day I wake up, I'm so thankful that I have a Father that loves me, no matter what! Kids, my love for you compares to the love Christ has for all of us. His love does not discriminate and is constant..........In closing to all this rambling, I would like to say thanks to all of you and God bless to all of you. I am so thankful for you in our lives and I do pray your lives are as fulfilling as mine. I thank God every day. As for me my days are sometimes good and sometimes bad, but mostly good. I have felt really good since Sunday and then all of a sudden today my back started hurting so I came home and soaked in the tub filled with epson salt. So each day is a different day. One thing I think about often is that there are so many people that are inflicted with this disease and that is pretty overwhelming when you think about how many. Cancer does not discriminate. I appreciate the prayers, but there are so many other folks who are suffering and need your prayers also. We need a cure. I know that Paige gave you an update on a bill that we are encouraging our congressmen to support, Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act, which was introduced Wednesday in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Thank you to those who have taken the time to write. This disease needs a higher priority.

Until next time,
Pat
Ephesians 3:20-21

Wisdom, please

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:36:00 +0000

I was just taking my make-up off and listening to KLTY radio. Andrea, the night-time DJ asked, "If you could have anything for Christmas that didn't cost a thing, what would it be?" I thought for a moment and my first thought isn't possible and that is an easy one to guess. So, my answer would be that I would like the gift of wisdom right now. I have God's peace and joy, but I need wisdom. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." I am wearing Him out.

"When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me. Speak to Me candidly; pour out your heart. Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results. When your requests come to mind again, continue to thank Me for the answers that are on the way. If you keep on stating your concerns to Me, you will live in a state of tension. When you thank Me for how I am answering your prayers, your mind-set becomes much more positive. " ~Jesus Calling

The past few days have been very busy for all four of us as we are trying to wrap up Christmas shopping, Christmas plans, basketball games (tonight and tomorrow), and work. Matt and I are really busy at ABC (America's Best Choice Windows) trying to familiarize ourselves with operations and create a business plan for 2012. I have been submerged in a new world and trying to get a game plan together before I return to work at the church on January 3rd. I guess it is official now since I have my business card that says Paige Easterling, Owner. Yikes! This is why I am praying for wisdom.

Many of you have asked me if I am going to continue to update CaringBridge. I plan to transition to my personal blog after the first of the year as I feel that our CB Journal was to be written around Pat and his daily battle against pancreatic cancer. Our personal life, trials, victories and happenings naturally were woven together these past 14 months, but I feel I need to phase out CB because this site was created for the purpose of those who are facing a significant health challenge. I created www.paigespetals.blogspot.com in 2007 and have been updating it simultaneously with CaringBridge. In 2008 when Pat was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, my blog was used then as CB is being used now.

We are missing Pat so much and some days are easier than others. Thank you for continuing to walk alongside us as we greet the Christmas season and Pat's birthday, New Year's Eve.

Blessings,
Paige
xoxo

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:43:00 +0000

Rainy Day

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 04:51:00 +0000

Rainy day. We need the rain, but I am missing the sunshine.

Today my sweet friend, Brenda Ashlock, had neck surgery, so I stopped by the hospital this morning and stayed with her a couple of hours tonight. She is in the Plaza Medical hospital but I don't think she is going to stay there long enough to earn the Plaza points as Pat did. I went to the 6th floor to say hello to our sweet nurses, but only one I knew was working. Walking into the hospital was hard and I was flooded with memories, but I want to remember the great nurses and staff.

I went to the mall to Christmas shop, but I wasn't very successful. I did buy one gift. Christmas shopping is one my favorite things to do to get in the Christmas spirit, but I don't think that will work this year. I am not trying to be ba-hum-bug, but I wish we could skip the holidays this year. We will get through it thanks to family and friends.

Garrett's arm is healing nicely, so I am relieved. He has a game this weekend in Frisco. Watching basketball makes me happy!

Thank you for sending us your sweet cards, messages and texts. We read every single one of them and they give us great comfort.

Hugs!
Paige
xoxo

His Encouragement

noreply@blogger.com (Paige's Petals) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:27:00 +0000

God has been so faithful to encourage me every morning. This is what I read yesterday: "I am taking care of you. Feel the warmth and security of being enveloped in My loving Presence. Every detail of your life is under My control. Submerged beneath the surface of the invisible world are mysteries too vast for you to comprehend. If you could only see how close I am to you and how constantly I work on your behalf, you would never again doubt that I am wonderfully caring for you. This is why you must live by faith, not by sight; trusting in My mysterious, majestic Presence." ~Jesus Calling

This morning I read, "Sometimes the darkness in our lives is worse, because we cannot even see the web we are weaving or understand what we are doing. Therefore, we are unable to see any beauty and or possible good arising from our experience. Yet if we are faithful to forge ahead and 'if we do not give up' (Gal 6:9), someday we will know that the most exquisite work of our lives was done during those days when it was the darkest. He is watching and will bring goodness and beauty from all of your pain and tears." ~Streams in the Desert

These are promises in which I cling to so that I can trust Him to get me through each day. I am asking God each morning to wrap His loving arms around my kids as they continue to go about their daily routines. Elizabeth and Matt have to concentrate on work and Garrett has school. The past few days have been rough on them emotionally as well as physically. We covet your prayers.

We are In His Grip,