We are finally legal!!

     Learning Perseverance and Patience has been a journey!!  Never Let Go Ministries has now obtained our 501C3 non-profit status!!
     Last Thursday, June 12, '14, I had called the IRS to check on our application that we had turned in to file for becoming a 501C3 non-profit organization.  I had checked the website and found out they were still working on last August's applications!  I was rather disappointed in thinking that we would have still yet a long wait.  I spoke with a man who said that you just have to wait your turn.  Then when I went out to get the mail, I saw an envelope from the IRS, and automatically thought maybe we were getting it back unapproved for some reason, but as I opened it and started to read it, I realized it was the letter to say that were now an official operating non-profit.  I cried like a baby.
     Later that night as I was sitting on our couch trying to comprehend what this was going to mean for us, I became so emotional realizing what my son's death has lead to.  God has used the most tragic and sorrowful time in my entire life, and was using it to make good.  I wrote in my journal that evening:
     "After a long and tiring journey, filled with sorrow, tears, heartache and uncertainty, I see the light that is coming from my son's death, and although I still miss him more than I can EVER find words for, I feel in my heart as though he has just been reborn.  His memory will live on forever, and he and Christ together up there, are going to save lives here, and even more importantly, SOULS!  Tears fall rapidly as I can picture him in Heaven saying "Go Mom go!"  I love you Marjoe, and I love You my Lord and Savior!  Thank you!"
     I don;t know what the Lord has planned now for this ministry, and I will admit I am scared, but I do know I have learned a lot since my son's death four years ago, and I now know that I will trust the Lord to use everything I have learned to give Him glory for the beauty that will come from the darkness.
     My words today are to tell each one of you to never give up!!!!  Continue to pray, persevere, hope and don;t ever think that you can't do something, because as long as you have God at your side, He can make it happen.  Another door of this journey closes, as another one opens..................................Dear Lord, guide us where You need us!!!!!!!!!!

I walk with Mary, our Blessed Mother, today on Good Friday.

We send our love to the Heavens

     Today, on Good Friday, I walk the sorrowful journey with Mary, our blessed Mother.  My waking moment this morning reminded me that four years ago today I hugged my son's lifeless body for the last time in an ER room filled with pain,sorrow and disbelief.  For those of you who have never experienced the extreme and excruciating pain of losing a child, be thankful.  That morning on April 18, 2010, in the hospital, I saw my hopes and dreams for my 31 year old son, shatter in front of my eyes.  I saw my entire families lives change forever.  For those of you who think that "partying" is no big deal, then you are so wrong, because it does kill.  My son lost his life.  There are no words in any dictionary that could possibly describe the stabbing pain in my heart that some days nearly consume me. Yet, our God has been faithful, and He has carried our family when we did not have the strength to go on.  I cannot begin to imagine the sorrow that Mary went through watching her Son suffer and die for us.  But today, just as in that ER room four years ago, I know she and her Son are with me.

     I remember so vividly leaving the hospital and seeing all of the new life in Spring start to bloom, yet I knew that my son's life was over, and nothing could change it.  I watch the sun set tonight and I wonder how you are my son, and I send all of our love to the Heavens.  May you rest in the loving arms of Jesus, and may you be at peace, my son.  I am doing my best to spread your word, and to help others on this road of addiction.  I truly believe in the depths of my heart, that your death has saved lives, and I want to make you proud of the work we are doing for you, and that I have become a "mother on a mission", and I am now your voice.  To hear your voice, to feel your hugs, or to see your smile again, would be a gift from Heaven, yet I know that I can't now, and I have to accept that.  I will never quit loving you, or missing you.  Your entire family still cries from the pain and the questions of the past.  My only comfort is knowing that you gave your life back to the Lord, and that you were actually smiling again.  The months in rehab gave you new life, and a new spirit, and for that, this mother's heart will be forever thankful to all of those who helped you on the road to recovery.  I only wish you would have stayed closer to the people who truly loved you.  I hope your  35th birthday in Heaven on Wed. was filled with Peace and Joy.  As I always said each night at bedtime when you were growing up, "Goodnight, Mommy loves you, God bless you, see you ??? I use to say tomorrow, but now I have to say someday."  Love & Prayers Always, Mom

     Thank You Jesus, for dying for us, so that my son , and all of us, could have eternal life with You someday!!

Hi everyone!  It has been forever since I wrote something.  It has been so busy!  This month of April comes in with sadness and anxiety building in my heart.  The only people who could understand my feelings would be another parent who has buried a child because of drugs.  My son's 4th anniversary date is coming, and I am already trying to prepare for the day, but I believe that no matter what I do, my heart will feel the pain all over again, as the moments of that day come crashing into the private parts of my memory.  Sometimes, I wonder if the pain will ever end.  Sometimes I wonder why people keep partying when they know my son died from drugs.  As the rain falls outside my window, my tears fall upon my cheeks as I relive memories of the past, still wondering after nearly four years.....................what else could I have done???????????????????????????  I love you, my son, and I can only pray that your death has somehow, saved a life somewhere.  I will never quit missing you!!!!!

A Bend In The Road

A Bend In The Road Is Not The End Of The Road

Unless You Fail To Make The Turn

Anonymous

Hello Everyone,

     It has been way too long since I have written a message.  You are not getting a picture this time, although I tried for a LONG time to put one on this page, but with no success.  Guess it has been too long since I have done it.

     This saying above was in one of my devotionals that my Godson got me for Christmas.  I thought it was a really good thought!!  I actually sent it to my friend Shawn and the AA guys in New York, hoping that it would encourage them to make the turn at all times.  Too many times when we are behind the wheel and trying to do everything ourselves, we fail to plan ahead, and end up going completely off the path that we were on.  I have done it myself at times.  So remember this important message, and allow yourself to try to see far enough ahead to know there is a bend coming, and ask God to help you make the turn.  He will do that! Listen for His voice, and He will tell you where to go.  

     Isaiah 30:21 While from behind, a voice shall sound in you ears:  "This is the way;walk in it," when you would turn to the right or to the left."

     OK, forget the second sentence, cause I just did it---not sure how, but I guess God wanted a picture after all.  (???)  

A Blessed and Peaceful New Year

  I write this on New Year's Eve in prayerful thought that you will all have a very blessed and peaceful New Year's Eve.  I will share my thoughts about this coming year..... a few things that we might do in order to have a stronger and more blessed year.     

May you have a blessed and safe New Year!

 Things to do for the New Year:

 Read scripture daily!

Do not beat yourself up for the past!

 Stay positive and focused!

Look at tomorrow only! (One day at a time!)

 Don’t worry about the future—God is already there!

 Enjoy the dream of tomorrow!

 Breathe in Peace and exhale fear and doubt!

 Pray, Pray, Pray, and Pray some more!

 Forgive yourself, forgive others, ask forgiveness!

Remind yourself daily:

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME        Phil 4:13

A Christmas of HOPE

Reflections by Mary—The Edgerton Earth

By Mary C. Juarez

December 17, 2013

     Hello everyone!  The celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world, is almost here.  Christmas is the time of year when we anticipate beautiful experiences to happen, and we eagerly await this blessed event.  Sometimes, in this secular world, we tend to lose the true meaning of Christmas.  Deep down I yearn for the Christmases of long ago that my parents spoke of, when families went to church together, shared their love with one homemade present, (if they were fortunate enough to be able to do that), and to rejoice that Christ had been born to bring Salvation into the world.  I believe the greatest gift we could ask for right now is the gift of Hope.  If our hearts have no Hope, there are no gifts in the world that can bring happiness and peace.

     This year, I pray for all hearts to be filled with the precious free gift of Hope.

     …For the couple who is sitting in a hospital waiting room, awaiting positive news from their doctor about the diagnosis of their child’s disease, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE of positive results.

     …For the couple who have been yearning to become parents, that either a pregnancy or an adoption will become a prayer answered, and that their hearts will be filled with HOPE that they will be able to hold a child in their arms to love.  And for the young woman who thought abortion was her only choice, that she too, would someday find HOPE.

     …For the soldiers fighting overseas, who will be spending this Christmas season without their loved ones, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE that their next Christmas will be spent with family.

     …For the people who have undergone the most devastating natural disasters ever, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE, that somehow, their lives will be rebuilt and they will become richer in spirit than they ever imagined.

     …For the alcoholics and addicts who have lost their way and feel only desperation and despair, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE, that they will have the strength and courage to ask God to heal them,  so that they may begin  a new life filled with  forgiveness, peace and contentment.

     …For the youth who are in trouble, lonely, suicidal, and cannot find the right path, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE, that someone will guide them with the light of Christ, which will replace the darkness in their lives.

     …For the prisoners whose lives feel meaningless, that someday, their hearts will be filled with HOPE, that forgiveness and mercy will come to them someday.

     …For the people fighting cancer, or any disease, who are losing all strength and will, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE, that somehow God will heal them of their suffering, either in this world, or to be rewarded in Heaven for eternity.

     …For the parents who are waiting on their prodigal child to return home, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE, that someday, they will run to greet that child who has come home to be reunited with his family and with Christ.

     …For the couple who is contemplating divorce, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE, that their marriage will be saved, and their love will become stronger than ever before.

     …For those struggling financially who see no end to their problems, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE, that someday, they will find security.

     …For the women and children who have lived with abuse and fear, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE, that somehow they will find happiness and healing.

     …For the people who are crying a million tears as they walk the journey of grief, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE, that someday, the sun will shine a little brighter and the sorrow will be a little lighter.

     …For the schools that have undergone tragedy, and for the youth who are troubled and acting out in violence, that their hearts will be filled with HOPE, that someday, our nation will invite Christ back into our schools, and that fear will never again linger in the hallways.

     …For our nation, workplaces, government, homes, & families, that all hearts will be filled with HOPE, that someday, we will all live in the peace and unity of Christ, and that war and hatred will only exist in the chapters of an old dusty history book.

     …From my heart to your heart, may we have HOPE this Christmas season, that everyday can hold the possibility of a miracle because our Savior, the giver of HOPE has been born!     May you have a blessed and HOPEFUL Christmas!!

      Romans 15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing , so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit.

       Until we meet again, may God’s rainbow fill your hearts with the promise of His peace.         

Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reflections by Mary—The Edgerton Earth

By Mary C. Juarez

December 1, 2013

     Hello everyone!  I hope you had a thankful and beautiful Thanksgiving.  Victor and I spent  Thanksgiving in Buffalo, NY with my daughter Christie and her family, and her friends.  We had a wonderful time at their friends, Amy and Ricky’s house for Thanksgiving dinner.  It almost felt like home when they gathered in a circle and everyone said something they were thankful for.   Even though Thanksgiving has passed, I am still thankful for many things:

     Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.  Before you were born I dedicated you.  I was not born into an ideal situation, for the woman who was carrying me in her womb was a young single woman who was not ready to become a mother, but I find comfort in knowing that the Lord said to her, “I will help you in this situation.”

     Jeremiah 29:11 For I know well the plans I have in mind for you says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe!  plans to give you a future full of hope.  God had plans for my life, and He had it all figured out even before I was born, and He took a difficult situation and He made good of it.

     Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he shall not depart from it.  God chose my parents for me, Virginia and Hinie Cape, because He knew they would love me as their own and would raise me with His love and guidance.  They planted that seed of faith the day they brought me home from Cleveland when I was seven months old.  That seed is now the center of who I am today.

     Matthew 19:19 Honor your father and your mother. My parents gave me so much growing up.  It wasn’t the material things in life that children find important today. It was the compassion and respect that they unselfishly poured upon me that gave me the desire to honor them in everything they did. 

     Psalm 8:4 When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place.

     Genesis 9:13 I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.     Growing up in the country gave me a real sense of God’s presence in my life.  I still remember the feeling in my heart when I would see the sun setting across the corn fields, or witness an indescribable rainbow hand painted across the sky after a storm. God’s nature has been a priceless gift to me in my life.

     Ecclesiastes 4:10 Two are better than one, if the one falls, the other will lift up his companion. God sent me precious friends during my grade school years at St. Mary’s, and also in high school years who are still close to me today.  He sent me the right friends at the right times in my life. Those friends laughed and cried with me, and picked me up at times when I fell.  Some friends walked with me on some journeys that I didn’t want to travel, but they helped me stay focused at times when the road ahead was blurry with tears.

     Matthew 6:30 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, o you of little faith.  Throughout my life there have been times when I would wonder how I would pay the next bill, but somehow God would always come through and provide. It would leave me wondering why I had ever worried.

     Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”  I cannot comprehend the unselfish love that God has for me that He would send His only Son to die upon a cross for my sins.  I am a sinner, but I am forgiven.

     Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.  God brought me comfort at the times I fell to my knees in sorrow with a broken heart. When I thought I could not go on, He held me.

     1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written:  What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those for those who love him.  I cannot imagine anything more magnificent than the rising sun in the stillness of the morning, or the majestic purple and orange sky as the sun begins to play hide and seek as it sets in the horizon.  Yet, Heaven will be more beautiful than all of His creations on earth.

     Psalm 30:5 Sing praise to the Lord, you faithful; give thanks to God’s holy name.  I thank Him for all that He has given me. 

     Until we meet again, may God’s rainbow fill your hearts with the promise of His peace.