May 1. Wow, how did that happen?! As an update we have spent the last few days rummaging through the house, digging through soot and ash and water to find things that could still be salvaged. Ed had done a bunch of his laundry the night before and many of those clothes were downstairs suffering only smoke and water damage that we think can be removed. Clothes that were in dresser drawers have been hit or miss, but some of the precious things - like the outfit Elijah was dedicated in - remained unburned and just smokey and sooty. I'm told we can "clean that right up!"

We did not suffer a total loss of our things and it's been such a blessing to see what has been able to be recovered, and with some washing and cleaning, will most likely be salvageable. As dresser drawers were coming out, I asked where my dresser drawers were...and that's when we realized it was at the entry point of the fire. I kept perfume in the top drawers and - KABOOM - it must have exploded because my dresser isn't even there. Praise the Lord, the second thing Ed brought out of the house (the first was the dog) was my jewelry box that had been on top of the dresser! That was certainly a precious thing to me!

We've been absolutely overwhelmed by your generosity. The calls, texts, messages, people stopping by, the deliveries, the cards, and the prayers. I've spent the evening going through the boxes and bags of donations and am certain Elijah will never go without clothes or toys! THANK YOU!!!

There's still so much to share but one thing for sure, I'm so simply humbled by the outpouring. When I think about our loss compared to the blessings we've received, it seems to pale in comparison. People we don't even know. People I've only "met" through Facebook. I am brought to tears at the thought of it all.

I've had my moments of tears over other things as well. Yesterday, Michelle and her beautiful children brought us a picture for our new home that reads "God's Promises for New Beginnings." Such a reminder! Last night I got upset remembering the pictures of E from preschool that were to be framed and given as mother's day gifts to his grandmas & Nana. I get sick to my stomach every time I think about Christmas and having to buy all new ornaments, knowing how much each one of my collection means to me. But that's not what matters.

As Shari Falwell shared with me over the phone, they recently buried two church members - young people - who lost their lives in that apartment f

ire. To think of the tragic outcome their families suffered, it doesn't even compare. Here's the last thing I'll say for now. We meet with the insurance adjuster at 10 a.m. Monday, 5/2. PLEASE EARNESTLY PRAY for God's favor in hopes of them declaring our house a total loss. Between the structural damage to the attic & top floor from fire, and the water damage to the bottom level, we are hoping for a total loss so that it can be demolished and the slate wiped clean to start over.

As I entered the house today, the smell of smoke was overwhelming. It reminded me of the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednago in Daniel 3:27: "They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them."We know fire refines us. It can be painful, but it doesn't mean we are burned. I'm confident He's going to see us through without a hair singed, without scorching, and without the least little smell of smoke! Thank you, friends! We love you all!