Everyday is a new beginning, a fresh start, another attempt, God's Gift.

So I wondered what I could offer you all. My mother has wisdom, my sister Mindi a journey, what can I offer? How about a story and walk of faith. I think that I am a living example of how God can work in a person's life.

So let's start today. Life has not been easy for me. Seems like I have always has something to over come. Whether is was the divorce of my parents, or each of them remarrying. Maybe it was the treatment from my stepfather for 13 years, moving out on my own when I was 18, buying a house at 20, losing the business we worked so hard to build, losing jobs, losing weight, not getting pregnant, getting pregnant, almost losing my son, losing my Grandfather Horn, losing both our jobs, losing our home, losing our way.............

It wasn't until February that I started to understand a little, then it wasn't until recently that I understood even more. I made an agreement with Roger (my husband) when our oldest was born. I wanted him to be baptized. Then our youngest came along 22 months later, and I again said, I want the boys to be baptized in 6 months. Well here I was planning to celebrate the 2nd and 4th birthdays of my boys, and that's when something just snapped. We ARE going to church, and we ARE being baptized. Then I thought since the boys were doing it, what a gift to be able to do that with them.

I had received my calling and I took every step to make sure that we followed the path that God had planned for us. I can tell you we have only missed one day of church, and that was due to H1N1 in the house. I love going to church. The boys love it too. It's nice for the 3 of us to do that together and I am hoping one day that the husband will understand why he goes from time to time.

You know God is kind of like a disease. You may not be infected with him, but he lies dormant waiting for you. Just because you do not think he is in your life doesn't mean that he has gone. It is when you finally see that he takes his form. When you begin to talk to him he then starts to guide you, things may not always get better, but the do get more clear.

Just remember to ask for help, then remember to listen for the answer.

MINDI: Stay strong, God is with Garrett, you, Chris, & Jonathan. He is working hard in the doctors and nurses that surround you. When you feel like you are losing it all, go somewhere and talk to God, just talk to him. You don't have to ask for anything, you just tell him how you feel. Then lift it up to him, let him carry the burden. If you are anything like me, not having control is the hardest thing for me. Giving up control of my life scares me, until I realize, I have never been in control. I know that for a worried mother this is easier said than done. Look at how far Garrett has come. He is a FIGHTER. He will not be the 1 in 5, he will be the 1 OF the 4!! Stay strong mommy, this will make you stronger, and we learn a new appreciation for our children, and also for the love that our parents feel for us. I love you Mindi. You are a great mommy, sister, and woman.