October is always a difficult month for me. My mom would have been 67 years old on October 5.

Last month our church celebrated the Grand Opening of our brand new facility. We'd been praying for this day for a very long time. In fact, when my mom's health started to steeply decline, she told our pastor that she was so sad that she wouldn't get to see the new building. Pastor smiled and said confidently, "You will, Teri, you will."

Three years ago, breast cancer claimed my mom on September 20. Our church celebrated its Grand Opening service this year on the exact same date. Coincidence? I think not.

My sister-in-law said, "God has given you an excuse to remember His goodness on an otherwise sad day. Just another testimony of how He can bring good out of what we see as bad." Isn't He awesome?

It was such a great day. You can read the article in the local newspaper HERE.

My oldest daughter Sammi sang "We Preach Christ" in the mixed ensemble at the Grand Opening service and the choir sang two songs, one of which was my mom's favorite ("Made Me Free") which was also sung at her funeral. It was such an amazing day.

God is good, all the time.

I didn't realize that April would be such a depressing month.

Recently, we reconnected with my husband's friend, Alan, who had relocated several years ago to Georgia. Al was diagnosed with cancer a while ago and was steadily declining. He was one of the most optimistic, upbeat people I have ever met. He never complained. Ever. He always talked about cancer in terms of it being a challenge and not a disease that was sucking the life out of him. Even the week before he died he was sending Sammi messages on Twitter that he hoped she would get well soon from her cold virus. I was floored when my husband got the call that he had died. I hate cancer!!

Last Saturday my husband and Sammi took Tiggy to the Animal Rescue League in Pittsburgh. We just couldn't handle her non-litterbox ways. So every single day I've been wondering/hoping that someone will adopt her. I really think she would be fine in a house with no other pets (and possibly no children because I think she kinda hates people - she's a one-person pet - she bonds with one person and the rest of the people she pretty much ignores.) Anyway. I got home from work today and was told there was a message for me on the answering machine. It was the Animal Rescue League and when I called back, the lady who called me was gone for the day. So now I have to wait until tomorrow to see what she wanted. I'm so anxious. I am praying it is good news.

Then on Sunday, the girls talked me into watching "Bridge to Terabithia." What was I thinking?! I can't handle a movie like that! I cried so hard my nose bled!

SHE DIES!

Well, that's all for now. I'll post some happy stuff tomorrow!