I had not ever heard of Stephanie Nielson of NieNie Dialogues until I read THIS post on Kelly McCaleb's blog a couple of weeks ago. I was curious, so I clicked on the link to find out THIS news about the private plane crash Stephanie (nie), her husband, and a flight instructor had been involved in. My heart ached for them, for their families, and all the people that know them and love them. Reading her sister's blog and design mom, I found the outpouring of love and support for Stephanie and Christian to be just amazing! I started to read in the NieNie Dialogues archives to get a glimpse the life of someone who has seemingly touched so many. As I read, I began to see why she had so many supporters- her outlook on life, love, children, the gospel, and the way she put it all into action every day touched me. She shares great ideas, recipes, and her enthusiasm for life through her posts- I love, love, love this idea and plan to create a similar tradition in our family in honor of Nie! I am sure I will find many other wonderful ideas as I continue to search back in the NieNie archives. I know her influence has touched many others-several people I know (the blogging world is a VERY small one). Read Cheryl's tribute HERE, Kelly's HERE and April's HERE. I am so incredibly inspired by the way that everyone- family, friends, loyal blog readers, and strangers alike are rallying around Nie and her family.
My own testimony of Heavenly Father's love for each of us and His wonderful plan is strengthened as I read more about Stephanie, Christian, and how their family is responding to this trial (or opportunity for growth as they see it). I love THIS post by her sister that gives amazing perspective to this situation. Similarly, I have been amazed at strength, love, understanding, and hope displayed by the Leach/Dean family after their son/brother Jay was involved in a serious car accident. I am continually awed by the strength and comfort that Heavenly Father endows us with when we need it most. I am thankful.
The Nielson family has been (and will continue to be) in my prayers, in my thoughts, and I will definitely be participating this weekend in one (or more) of the MANY silent auctions listed HERE that will all benefit Stephanie and Christian's recovery fund. Kelly will be auctioning off some of her handmade goodies today as part of this effort- that is where I will be headed first! Then maybe over to Jenn Kirk's blog where she is auctioning off adorable custom notecards!
