Funny title to start with huh? But it is true, the funeral service today for Lance McKenzie is the best I have been to. We worshiped, celebrated and honored a man who adored Jesus and in his last breaths held a guitar and sang to God. Someone said at the funeral today.... cancer didn't win because he lifted up and praised God through the whole thing... never angry or feeling betrayed by the Lord. He believed for the miracle and at the same time said, "God, my life is yours and I will praise you." He got it.
I had been struggling with the fact that Lance didn't get the earthly miracle so many had prayed for and a sweet friend of mine said to me this week....
"Over the past 2 years, the Lord has showed me that there is another layer to our relationship with Him that only comes from walking with Him through prayers that are answered differently than we prayed. The outcome of the circumstance we are praying for is secondary to the bond we create with Him through the act of praying itself. His purposes are much more complex and perfect than what we could ever dream of praying for. When we hold more tightly to what we want to happen after the prayer than the intimacy we gain with our creator through the act of praying and listening to Him in the process we may be missing the sweetest gift."
I don't want to miss the sweetest gift. Lance, you lived a life of passionate worship for the Lord. Dedicating your life to His ways and His plans, in sweet sweet surrender. You believed for your miracle and fought the fight but kept the smile and the joy of the Lord before you. You are now in Heaven with beauty surrounding you and a new heavenly mansion and body. I celebrate you today and your example. There is nothing more important to me than walking with my Savior and showing Him to the world. Thank you for reminding me today that through it all the God who made me, who made you is holding us in the palm of His hand and wants to go deeper. May I embrace a new level of intimacy with you Lord and live a life that draws others closer to you.
Grateful for another day.... love and hugs from our home to yours!
Look at my handsome guy! I can't believe he will be 5 in October! What a joy it is to be his mom!
The little boys and I were able to join my parents at their place in Show Low for a couple of days. A new addition... C swang a ton.
Fun brothers! They are starting to play more and I love it! 
Bud so proud of a fort he made at Grandma Shelley and Papa Murf's house. He is such a fun, sweet, active, social and God loving boy. Thank you Jesus for Caeden Marcus Murphy!
Is that fun or what? Caeden laid in the chair and got to watch a movie the whole time. He LOVED it! 
Here is our cutie patootie getting his x-rays. Smiling before the pictures, not so much after. At our house we brush our teeth multiple times a day, eat pretty healthy and don't drink a whole lot other than water and rice milk, so I haven't taken him to the dentist before. He started to complain that a tooth was hurting so I got him in. Bad news... this poor kiddo needs 4 filings, a baby root canal and a crown!!! Oh my goodness, I couldn't believe it. We will be going for one appointment (they think they will tackle this in 2 separate appointments) on the morning of August 3rd. Mommy and bud are both a little worked up, please pray for us. :)
Our friends the Tuckers have a movie theater you can rent out at their complex and we brought Kung Fu Panda and had a great time!
The splash pad by our house is always a hit to stay cool and have fun in the summer!
C loves to tattoo himself. I think a big reason is because Uncle Dutch has so many tattoos. Dutch is still in South Korea and I think it makes Caeden feel connected to him. 
Aunt Cora and Uncle Nick have a new puppy Boss that came for a visit and C fell in love with him.
