Note from Penny: Today at 4:18pm marks the one year anniversary of Buddy’s death. I am grateful for this day and the wealth of memories from this past year. I can testify to the truth that separation from Buddy is a hard reality but our great God is sufficient for that test. He continues to fill the great void left in my life by Buddy’s homegoing with the sweet fellowship of His Presence.

The past year has been filled with many blessings and hardships. Recently our two children have made statements that capture well our journeys of grief. "I miss Dad so very much; but I don’t miss the great heaviness I had in my heart when he was suffering with cancer." And, "When Dad was alive, I knew that I could always go to him with my questions about faith. Now I search them out for myself." As a family we sense that God is answering Buddy’s prayer for us by being our Steward in his absence. Often He seems to be saying, "See, I have not forgotten you. I have you in the palm of My hand."

I use the same principles of faith to face life without Buddy that he used to face his terminal disease. I cling to God’s word; it is my life preserver. I choose the high ground of using this experience for God’s glory. And, it is my goal to be thankful in all things as God’s word commands. It feels good to have a thankful heart.

Buddy Wood was a great man by my standards. He wouldn’t want the attention focused on him but I must pay tribute to him. Many of you knew him well and miss him as our family does. I pray that you will remember the Source of his great wisdom, strength, and sense of humor. (Review his 74 "Glimpses from the Garrison" on this Caringbridge site.) Find the treasure that Buddy found. "Every morning is Christmas when you study God’s word!" I still remember him crawling out of bed most mornings at 4:30 to begin his time of study and devotion. As one last tribute to him, consider joining our family in reading through "The Daily Walk Bible". We have found the NLT version is an easy read. Our kids are beginning their 3rd year and I’m beginning my 4th. Each year we are discovering new truths and enjoy spending time with God in His word.

Thank you for loving and supporting my family and me with your prayers and acts of kindness. I pray that you may "be anxious for nuttin", see the "evidences of His grace" in your life, experience His "just-in-time grace" as you live "in the seam" between living and dying grace, and have that "Christmas morning feeling" as you study God’s word.

Grace Parade: God's mercies are new every morning; a new grandson Brady Brooks born Nov. 20, 2008; my sister Lee Lea's visit for the past week; a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered today from Immanuel Bible Church's Music & Worship Ministry; prayers and phone calls from relatives and friends.