A Praise Celebration!

Today marks one year since that horrible day Amanda walked out of our home in a sleepwalking state. She was missing for nine agonizing hours. You can read more about what happened to her/us by searching the blog or clicking the sleepwalking link below this post. It is still very difficult for us to think about it or discuss it. The ending is what matters and it was joy filled!

While I can never fully understand God's design for Amanda's two traumatic sleepwalking episodes, I do firmly believe He intended it for her good. It is part of her testimony and she can use it to help others find their way out of darkness. Amanda writes songs and poems and draws inspirational pictures. Her strong faith can be seen in her creativity. Sleepwalking has given her a personal experience of God's protection and provision. Twice, she has cried out to Him in the midst of the darkness and He has delivered her.

Our entire family scrutinizes Amanda's sleep and alertness level. If we think she is at risk of sleepwalking, Clint and I send her to bed early. The fear of it happening again keeps her from uttering one word of complaint. She is diligent about keeping her GPS on her and frequently checks to ascertain it is working. Clint logs into the tracking service at work to check on her whereabouts during the day. Our lives have changed a little, but she's here.

Yesterday, we had a praise breakfast to thank the Lord for Amanda's safe return. We celebrated God's goodness to our family through the ordeal. The experience has made our family closer and has increased our faith. We also remain thankful for the help, prayers and friendship shown to us during that awful day. God is good and an ever present help in times of trouble!

Helpful Links

((Hi to "Lily!"))

http://www.calendarlabs.com/calendars/free-custom-calendar.php free customizable, printable calendar



http://www.themathpage.com/ARITH/arithmetic.htm complete math course online with table of contents


http://www.chemicool.com/ This has a printable Periodic Table of Elements with info at the bottom.



http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple-Machines/ A fun, interactive website that teaches about every day examples of simple machines we use in our home.


http://www.webqc.org/balance.php balancing equations tool


http://www.purplemath.com/modules/ordering.htm "Helping students gain understanding
and self-confidence in algebra," has forums where you can seek help, Beginning Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Advanced Algebra, Beginnings of Trig


http://www.math.com/ Basic Math, Everyday Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Trignometry, Statistics, Calculus, etc. Has a guide for choosing a math tutor.


http://www.aaamath.com/ "features a comprehensive set of interactive arithmetic lessons. Unlimited practice is available on each topic which allows thorough mastery of the concepts. A wide range of lessons (Kindergarten through Eighth grade level) enables learning or review to occur at each individual's current level.Immediate feedback prevents practicing and learning incorrect methods, which is a common result of traditional homework and worksheets. Practice can continue as long as desired in a non-threatening format which helps build self-esteem and confidence."