Lucy: Day 1 – The Fire; Day 2 – Our Graham; Day 3 – Our Sweet Lucy

Lucy – about 2 weeks ago – those are the things Elijah had tossed at him…..Many of you who have been a friend at A Place Called Simplicity for awhile and you have heard some of the stories of our furry or feathery friends. We have a horse named Daisy, (Mistletoe is gone -she’s the one that kicked me this summer), two chickens (DC and Chicken), a rooster named Ezekiel (every morning he proclaims the favorable year of the Lord), a bunch of barn cats (Gimbya, Junior, Bailey, Bruster) and two dogs – Nelly (a Schnauzer) and Lucy (a Black Lab mix).
Lucy is 2 years old and she joined the family from the pound. She was loved by all. When we were in the midst of the kitchen remodel one of the guys working on our house told us, “If you ever decide you don’t want Lucy, I will take her. She is just the sweetest dog.” Of course we loved her to pieces and wouldn’t even ever think of giving her to anyone – fire or not!! She was gentle and kind to Elizabeth and Elijah and Isaiah. Infact, not long after coming home Elijah, who was getting more comfortable with Lucy, was tossing toys at her. She just laid there and looked at him as if to say, “whatever little buddy, whatever.” A few weeks ago Lucy was chasing one of our cats (she loved this game – the cats? Well, ummm, yeah, not so much!). But in the process of chasing the cat she got injured when she fell in the backyard. To make a long story short, the vet put her on some meds. When that didn’t help he decided he would have to open her up. He did this. She did well with the surgery. But when he went to check on her in the morning she was dead. Dw just came up to the hospital where I am still with Graham and told me that Lucy has died. Lucy – our beloved friend, companion and guardian. Lucy was part of our family and we are grieving the loss of our treasured friend.

“Though He slay us, yet will we serve Him.”

99 thoughts on “Lucy: Day 1 – The Fire; Day 2 – Our Graham; Day 3 – Our Sweet Lucy

  1. Oh hon-I’m too sorry about your dear Lucy. Words escape me. Just remember who is closer to you than your brother-He will never leave you nor forsake you.. Tears for you and the loss of Lucy

  2. My first thought is Oh my, how much more can a family take? But then I remember, the lord does not give you more then you can handle.
    I’m lifting you up in prayer.

  3. Oh my goodness!! I am at a loss for words! When it rains, it pours! Your family is a testament to God’s love and grace, and it is evident that you are under attack! I pray your sorrows will soon turn to joy in the morning!

    Sending more love and hugs,
    ellie

  4. Know that you are loved, both by God and by those who read this and fall in love with your precious family.

    Your faithfulness in the midst of joy and struggle is an inspiration!

    But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
    Job 23:10

  5. Oh Linn, not more. I am so sorry. I wish I could say more, but words fail me right now. I know how much sweet Lucy meant to all of you. We are grieving with you, and will continue praying for peace in the midst of the storm.

  6. I don’t know what else to say except that I am praying for many things for your family and one of them again today is “Please Lord, NO MORE!! Turn their mourning into dancing and heap on them blessings, too many to count.”
    His peace be with you all!!
    Julie

  7. Oh Linn, I am so sorry for all that your family is going through. I pray the Lord gives you peace during these trials. I pray for Graham’s swift healing (and praise that it was caught early on) and for the hearts of your sweet children who are facing so many losses and changes in their short lives. May God give you the strength to make it through this difficult time in your life.

  8. Oh dear. 3 VERY difficult days you’ve had to face. How sad to loose your faithful pet so suddenly. 3 years ago I had to say good-bye to my child-hood dog (19 years old!!) – even though she lived a long, full life, it was still hard on all of us.
    Praying that the days ahead are calm and that HE grants you peace.
    ~Rachel

  9. Oh Lord our Father- how much more! We know that everything goes thru your hands before it reaches us. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose! And Oh father how we know that this sweet family LOVES you! Dear Father in heaven please- we lift up this family to you and ask that you comfort them and place a hedge of protection around all of them!
    2 years ago I lost my knight in furry armor- they truely are a member of your family! I feel your loss and I am praying for you all!

    Stacie

  10. I am sooo sorry. I am praying that God will turn the tide and clear the clouds. He must have something absolutely A-MAZING in store for you! May the Lord restore you and your family tenfold!! Sheri

  11. For the third day in a row, I am sitting at my computer with tears in my eyes! I cannot believe all that has happen to you and your wonderful family. My heart goes out to you all and I am continuing to pray for you.

  12. What an amazing family you are. I can’t even imagine what you are going through with all of these things happening to you at once. I just found your blog through 3 Peanuts. I want you to know that I am praying for you and your family. God is great and prayer is powerful. Hang in there!

  13. Satan just wont quit will he!! I am on my knees pleading with God to stop him from hurting your family anymore. I keep thinking, “Why this family, God? WHY!” Theres no doubt in my mind that Satan made a mistake in choosing to pick on your family because doing so has caused a huge outpouring of prayers. He WILL be defeated. I’m right there with you guys praying, hang in there ya’ll.

    In Christ,
    Brittne

  14. Oh Linny—-I am WEEPING with you. There just are NO words. Oh Father in heaven—bring your comfort! I wish I were there to just give you a HUGE hug. What a Job experience this is turning out to be. Soon Linny, very soon—JOY is coming.
    We’re praying for you friends. Continuing to lift up your arms and trust with you. None of this has taken the father by surprise. None of it.
    Love and blessings
    Adeye

  15. That’s it! I’m mad. I cannot take anymore of this for you guys. My heart breaks so much for all of you that I cannot even imagine what you are all going through. I am so sorry Linn for all that you are enduring. This is not fair, it is not fun, yet I feel privileged. Privileged that openly share with all of us, privileged to lift your family up in prayer but I will be even more privileged to rejoice with you on the other side of these attacks. Please know how much your family is loved by all. Much peace friend, Lisa C.

  16. Saw you over on another blog. Praying for your entire family!!! May God supply you with everything you need. I just know he will come through for you as he always does!

  17. My heart aches for the losses your family has endured this week…your home, personal treasures and your beloved dog Lucy. My prayers are with your amazing family during this time of unbelievable struggle.

    Alison

  18. Okay, you’ve met it all – fire, flood, sorrow – you can stop now!

    Lord, I pray rest for my sweet friends today. Let there be peace. Quiet in their hearts. Envelope them in you arms, Father.

  19. I’ve been thinking about that verse a lot lately. I’ve been of course praying and thinking about you, and also about sweet Abby from the Riggs’ family blog, that is going through so much with her cancer treatment right now. It makes you sit and ponder how you would handle these kinds of things if they happened to you, and it has all helped to steel me in my faith. “Though He slay me, yet will I serve Him.” I love that verse. It is all about Him, and not about me. It’s about there, and not about here. Praise His name.

  20. I’m so sorry for your losses. Know that I’m praying for you -and have shared your story with all of our Bible Study and they are all praying for you.
    By His Grace-
    Jeanette

  21. Enough is enough and I am calling on my friends to help you fighht this battle against Satan. I know it is hard for your family to understand any of theis craziness but I believe that Satan is scared to death of you guys, you are a HUGE threat to him.

    Linny, right before all this you had just posted about giving which I’m sure just made God smile. You are filling your home with precious orphans, you are such an encouragement to people and the BIG thing is that I think you have a lot of people wanting so save some babies in Uganda. Satan has reason to be scared of you.

    Dwight, Linny and all you precious children, we are here to help you fight this battle and don’t let Satan stop you from the amazing work you do. We love you guys even though we have never physically met. You are an amazing family and I am proud to know you even if it’s only through blogger world.

    If I had the money I would be on a plane today to just come hug all of you but more than that just to help you take care of things. I know you have a church that loves you very much though and I know God will use them to take care of you.

    I’m praying that these attacks stop and that you all can have just some peace. Hugs from Indiana and lots and lots of prayers. I’m so sorry you guys!

  22. Your grief and pain of loosing Lucy is being felt in our house. As she crossed the ‘Rainbow Road’, prayers of continued compassion and comfort are being said through out the day and week-end.
    Love,
    Barbara Lyman
    Marysville, WA

  23. Our dogs are truly members of the family. I’m so sorry. One more sad event to a very troubling week. It gives me comfort to know that our Lord created these wonderful creatures. I know He cares for them, and I can’t help but believe there is a plan for them too.

    Sending my love,
    Linda from Northern Colorado

  24. I am so sorry for the death of your beloved friend! My dog of 14 years died in November and I know what a heartache that is. We are praying earnestly for your family. You have gone through so much these past few days!

  25. Dear Linn,

    How much more can your tender heart take? My heart is just aching for you…

    I don’t understand why things happen the way they do, but I will never forget Steven Curtis Chapman’s interview, after the accident with their beloved Maria. He was talking to Larry King and said, “Yes, we have questions, but faith means you go in spite of the questions.”

    Job…The Chapman Family…The Saunders Family… You are a shining light to all of us!

  26. My heart just breaks for all that you and your family are having to go through. I know that all of this has to be in HIS plan, but it sure is taking its toll on all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

    And… the ironic thing is… I just found your blog this week as a link on somebody else’s blog and I put you on my reader. I think that maybe He knew you needed another prayer warrior to stand beside you during this difficult time.

    As a single mom of 3 (one of whom was adopted)… I admire your strength, love for your children and faithfulness to God.

  27. It is evident you know this but I feel led to remind you – keep your eyes on HIM above. Though the world around us crumble – we will fix our gaze on HIM!
    I can not imagine how emotionally drained you must be at this point. Please know I am praying for you and yours – strength to stand with HIM, a peace from HIM that passes understanding, and HOPE for tomorrow.
    Stand on the truths you know. I will pray for the people physically around you to be there – lifting you up, verbally speaking TRUTH to you, and just listening and holding you and yours!!

  28. Ohmigosh! How much can one family go through?! Blessings on sweet Lucy and all of you as you go through yet another loss! We will be having lab puppies in a few months – you are first on our list for a puppy!

    Love from the Hays family in Kansas

  29. We want you to know that we are praying. Lifting your arms up. Sending you (((hugs))). We are standing shoulder to shoulder with you in prayer.
    Elaine in MD

  30. Sometimes there just aren’t enough tears… Know that you are in my thoughts and constant prayers. Although it does not ease your pain, I can see Lucy romping in heaven and basking in the presence of our loving God.

  31. There are no words to say. We just want you all to know that we are praying for all of you and lifting you up each day.

    We know that Satan is atttacking you because you are a threat to him. You are such a strong family of faith and power and will continue to fight. God will get you through and remember the world is praying for you.

    Lisa from Ohio

  32. Linn!!! Oh My Goodness!!! There is just nothing to say!!! My stomach hurts for you!!! Seriously, I am not kidding, my stomach is just in knots!!!! I keep hoping and PRAYING to come to your blog and read something that lets me know you are feeling some peace. Please, please take care of yourselves through all this pain and loss and grief. XOXO.

  33. Oh Linny,

    Like everyone else, I’m at a loss . . . but I so want to share something, so from your music that plays as I read of your sorrows . . .

    You are God alone
    From before time began
    You were on Your throne
    Your are God alone
    And right now
    In the good times and bad
    You are on Your throne
    You are God alone

    Unchangeable . . . Unshakable . . . Unstoppable . . . That’s what You are.

    He’s bigger than all of this, and He’s Unchangable! And while I’m wondering, “Why Lord?” I do know ONE thing, He WILL carry you through. And you will testify to His goodness again and again . . . okay, that was two things. I love you friend, and once again I am so sorry for your loss.

    Praying in Texas ~

    Tina

  34. It’s amazing to me how God throws us troubles all at once and then shows us little miracles afterwords. We will certainly keep your family in our prayers for a new happy house and good memories of Lucy.

  35. I am so sorry that Lucy has gone to the Rainbow Bridge, and please know that your family is in my prayers. My lab-mix Lucky will be heading there soon – the two of them will romp like puppies again. We know God will provide you with all you need.

  36. I’ve shed so many tears for your family these last couple of days Linn. I can hardly take it, yet can’t even put my arms around the fact that your really living this nightmare. I’m so sorry.

    Praying for you, and yes Satan is grabbing anything and everything he can, but he’s losing and will be defeated. Stay Strong.

    Love you,
    Leslie and Family

  37. Oh Linn, not Lucy too?!

    So many times I have reached to dial your number, Linn, but I won’t. I am so fearful to intrude. I just so hope that you realize how very sorry we are for all that you are going through. We are heartbroken for you. And yet, we KNOW in our hearts that better days, beautiful blessings will follow this storm that defies understanding. Know that we are here, that we will not stop praying, and that you can call on us at anytime.

    Love you, Linn.
    Amy and Family

  38. Oh Linn, I am a loss for words. My heart continues to cry out for you. I am so sorry to hear about Lucy…ALL God’s creatures, great or small, are indeed a part of our families. Satan is low……….he is grasping for anything right now! Just remember…….. When God takes something from your grasp, He’s not punishing you,
    but merely opening your hands to receive something better.
    The will of God will never take you where the Grace
    of God will not protect you.

  39. Oh my goodness!! I too am at a loss for words. The prayers keep coming, and we are praying for you night and day. God bless you and those sweet kids of yours who must try to understand all that is happening around them. May God raise you up, keep you together, and give you a break, really. You are deserving of all the good that is on its way to you. We love you and respect you, though we don’t even know you. God bless you all!

    All the best,
    Nicole A. (and the whole family, dogs included) in OH

  40. Wow, Satan must truly fear for the influence you are having on those following your life; for the good you and Dw are doing~~he does not seem to want to relent on his attacks on your family. But…he WILL NOT succeed. YOU will not sacrifice your love and trust in God Almighty no matter what he throws your way!

    Praying still for your family. May Satan tire soon!!!

    In Christian love,
    Tammy

  41. I am so sorry! I know how it feels to lose a pet, now a house and then a son in surgery not so much!! I hope things get better in your family soon!! I will keep praying all the way from Arizona.

  42. PRAYING for you in Eden Prairie, MN!
    I am so sorry for these trials that keep coming! I will pray for peace beyond ALL understanding! What a blessing that you are all safe and together!!!

    Lifting you up!
    Diana

  43. I read a quote from Mother Teresa that said (paraphrased): I know the Lord will not give me more than I can handle, I just wish He didn’t trust me so much. Our family continues to pray for yours.

  44. Hi Linn, My name is Meghan Slagle. I worked with Abby at Moose’s. I got the chance to meet you on one of your visits. I read Abby’s blog today and found out about your Log home Fire. I clicked on the link to your blog and spent the next few hours reading through your blog. I am so sorry about everything that you and your family have gone through these past days. I also am so happy for you, that you have been blessed with such an amazing family and caring friends in your life. I sent an email to my family with links to yours and Abby’s Blog, for them read and pray. As I sit here typing this I start to tear up all over again, Thank you so much for your sharing and honesty. I will continue to follow and pray for you family.

  45. I will spend tonight before the throne, praying for the attacks to stop. May God continue to protect your precious family.

    I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3

    sherri in alabama

  46. Oh Linn – I am so so sorry. Now this too!? I’m just weeping for your family. I keep thinking of Job – not a good correlation I know, but I’m still thinking about it. My prayer is that God will restore to your family one hundred fold what has been taken.
    I also notice how he is keeping your family safe and protected – the enemy has not been allowed to touch you in a way to physically harm any of you. I know Graham just had surgery but he is ok. I will continue to bathe your family in prayer. Praying that His hands will continue to be Faithful, Merciful, Gracious – Your refuge in a day of Disaster, Your strength and Hope in the midst of the storm.
    Much love – wishing I was there, Chelsea

  47. Linn,
    I keep checking your blog, hoping for good news… I’m so sad to hear about another loss. We continue to pray for peace in the midst of unbelievable circumstances.

    On a lighter note… I hope it’s ok to have a lighter note at a time like this… but I have been wondering what you finally named your rooster ever since you decided NOT to name him Elijah! Maybe I missed the announcement somewhere along the way, but I loved the choice of Ezekiel. What a great name!

    Praying in Williamsburg,
    Lyn

  48. Isn’t it amazing how the Lord knew how many prayer warriors you would need during this time? It seems so many of us have just become new blogging buddies, yet it seems like we have known one another for so long. It is quite often easy to tell who is on fire for the Lord, because Satan just has a hayday with them. I can tell that he is really testing your family, but it is obvious he will not win. God is going to get so much glory because of your faith. I wish we could do more personally, but know that we will continue to lift you up in prayer as we pray for your peace, strength and healing.

  49. Oh my goodness… you all are like modern day Jobs!! I am so so so so so sorry to hear about the fire, and now your dog. I have three dogs (and someday we’ll have horses and barn cats and things like that too), and I know I would be absolutely devastated if anything should happen to any of them. I will be praying for you all.

  50. I find it strange, this blogging thing, because of how I feel about a family I really do not know, yet know so much about. Make sense? I just want you to know that there is a large group of us here in the Northwest that is praying for your beautiful family. You are never far from my mind and I can not wait to see this “winter season” pass for you all!

  51. My grandmother use to say bad things come in three’s so you are officially done! I’m so sorry about your sweet Lucy. Losing a faithful companion is like losing a member of your family. Still praying for you all and hoping tomorrow is brighter!
    Kim

  52. I am another “came from somewhere else” poster who just needed to say that I have been praying for you and your family. I came over the day of the fire. I was coming back tonight to see how the family was faring only to have my heart broken again and again.

    God loves you. He must feel that your works are so much more than your losses. I pray that He has seen all that he needs to and brings light and happiness back into your life.

    On a side note, I have become more aware of my surroundings, more aware of our alarms, more aware of what is where, and should it be somewhere else “just in case”?

    Thank God for foresight, and for your persistence. If not for the faith you had in yourself, we may be reading a different story completely.

    Take care, God Bless, and many many prayers for you and your family!

  53. We have a sweet and gentle Lucy also — a brittany spaniel — who’s about to turn 12. I am so sorry for all that’s surrounding your family this week. Continue to rest in the palm of God’s hand.
    With prayers, Mary

  54. From one MoM to another. I am so sorry that your family has been attacked like this. What a horrible week. I am praying for you and your family for protection from this Satanic attack. Your faith and courage is unbelievable. Thank you for the inspiration you provide us all.

    In His peace – Cindy
    MoM(Mom of Many)

  55. “No Words” yet again. Your faith and perseverance is truly an example to us all!!! What a faithful way to live your life I only hope one day I have half the faith you have. On the up side, I visited Abigail’s site. She is truly a gifted photographer. What beautiful pieces of ART she creates!! Still praying that soon the storm will pass.
    Sheri Keys

  56. I am so sorry for all of your losses. No one should have to go through all of that, especially so close together.
    I am praying for you and your family.

  57. I am truly so very sorry for the loss of this special pet. Having been there with the loss of special pets I can’t imagine what you are going through after everything else. We do cling to the throne and when are arms are weary ask HIM to lift them. I know beyond any doubt you are doing exactly this. May God grant you an abundant Peace only He can give. Love in our Precious Christ,
    Susan.

  58. Linn and family,
    I am a friend of Waitingfaithfully here in Texas, and she has led me to your blog. Your faith and courage is an inspiration to me. Although I do not know you personally, I am crying for your loss. I am praying for you; for comfort for you and your children, and for a sense of God’s overwhelming presence in all of this chaos.
    I pray that you will feel Him daily holding you all in the palm of His hands.

    Love,
    Alycia

  59. Praying for all of you as you grieve for all that you have lost and for continued peace, strength and protection. You guys know that I have been through the midst of a storm myself. But GOD….. Satan knows that he’s losing (YEAH GOD!!!) We love guys – Cecelia, Jes, Cody and Brett

  60. Oh I love that verse!!!.. Thou He slay us yet we will serve.. Such a powerful verse! Very comforting despite of all this events. Continually praying for you and your family.
    Love,

    Toni

  61. I am so sorry Linny. We too have a dog name Lucy who is almost 16. We left her with a dear friend to come to China. We told the friend that if anything happened while we were gone we did not want to know until we got home. I fear that she is not doing well. We haven’t heard anything at all. She is so close to us that I fear that our leaving has made her not want to eat. I fear that when we get home she will not be there.WE both had dogs named Lucy. That doesn’t surprise me. Your poor children, they have been through so much. I wish I could wrap you all in a hug!!!!
    Love Kathie

  62. I was laying in bed early this morning about 4 am my time and I saw in my minds eye that Satan had come to exchange your beauty for ashes, as we know he comes to steal, kill, and destroy, he tried to start the fire late in the night when no one would awaken, but the Angel of the Lord was there keeping the wood too wet to burn, Satan wanted to take you all, but the Angel of the Lord said no, you can have the house, you can have Lucy, and you can take Graham thru the valley of the shadow of death, but NO, you can not have them. You are doubly blessed in all this, for you have not only been able to assemble the family God gave you a vision for, but God allowed you to carry them all out of dangers grasp. This was your Exodus exerience, your family has walked right past the grim reaper and survived. This is a time of rejoicing. Of all the outcomes that could have been, this is the one you would have chosen. Julie and I have wept with you and we rejoice with you in life.

    Blessings,
    Your Big Brother in Texas

  63. Hi Linn,
    A friend of mine who read my blog and read about your fire nominated you for a giveaway called pennies from heaven where JC Penny gives items to families (clothes, furniture, Tv’s computers…whatever they need. I was going to post about it and ask people to show support by going to the site and leaving more nominations for you but I wanted to check with you first to see if it is okay with you. I know you are so overwhelmed but I respect your privacy and your wishes and I do not want to get the ball rolling on something without your okay. You can e-mail me at khswales@comcast.net if you would like to let me know. I will get the word out to all the bloggers I know and I get about 1400 hits a day so maybe we can make something happen.

    I am praying for your family and I am so sorry for the death of Lucy. Stay faithful and He will see you through this time—I know you already know that though;)

    Kim

  64. I’m speechless, I’m so sorry about Lucy. I am a hugh animal lover (10 pets in our household)
    and I know how hard it is to lose a faithful furry friend. They’re part of the family.

    I’m praying for you guys everyday, things WILL get better.

    Julie French
    Troy, IL

  65. Just a reader who popped over from MckMama’s blog…
    I read the story of your fire to my family the other night. We all cried and stopped to pray for your family. Your loss is tremendous, and now to have lost a dear furry friend. I’m so sorry. We will continue to keep your family in our prayers. These are the times that God carries us. I hope you can find rest in His arms.

    love to your family from ours,
    Karina

  66. you are living the song "praise you in this storm" by casting crowns. i thank God for your inspiration & stories. your family is in my prayers and i know God will continue to carry you through this…
    love in Christ, Jensine
    Knapp, WI

  67. Linny,
    I am sitting here crying. I decided this morning to start reading your blog from the beginning. I have to tell you that it is better than any book I have ever read. A few things have really, really just grabbed me but this really stood out. Last summer after DW and Emma got home from Uganda on the day you posted about your new prayer email for adoption this is what you wrote.

    “Wouldn’t it be totally cool if eventually thousands of kids were placed in homes as a direct result of our gathering to pray for the homes for the orphan?”

    Linny a few days ago I checked your blog meter and it was at around 45,000. I just checked your meter again and it was at 62,690.
    Satan has tried to destroy you guys this week. As many other people have said little did he know who he was messing with but Linny thousands of people this week have been witnessed to by your blog and know your heart for these kids. Your dream may just come true someday that thousands of kids have homes because of your prayers and your ministry through your site.

  68. i found your blog a few days ago (via another blog) and read your post on the fire…and wept and rejoiced at the same time. wept for the hurt and grief yet rejoiced that everyone was safe. i cannot comprehend. and then having your child go into surgery. again, i cannot comprehend. but our story of our Mollie is almost identical to your Lucy. and i can comprehend. i understand when a dog is a family member. i understand having a dog who puts up with anything your child might do to it. and i understand feeling secure at night because you have the best earthly guard money could buy…a dog. we are praying for your sweet family: that God will continue to give you the strength to rebuild, that everyone can be at peace and sleep, and that God will provide for each of your needs. thank you for sharing your heart with us and being a witness for our God.

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