• "Life" Books,  Grief,  Memories,  Mommy,  My Little

    Reminders that She was Here

    Somedays I see her in every moment. And then somedays I must search, as though she is playing hide and seek, just like I would imagine her as a five year old would be doing. The arrival of Lucy was long-awaited. The running into Jesus’ arms was fast! The in-between was everything I could have ever hoped for and more! I can’t say “gone too soon,” because I know and firmly believe that Jesus doesn’t do things “too soon.” Arrivals and departures are in His hands. In my human nature, yes I have times of questioning and frustration. But the only thing that brings me peace: His promises and laying…

  • "Life" Books,  Jesus,  Let's be Real

    Choosing to See a Beautiful Day

    "I don't wanna act too high and mighty, cause tomorrow, I may fall on my face. Thank you for sunshine Thank you for rain Thank you for joy Thank you for pain It's a beautiful day." (Song: Beautiful Day, Trinix, Rashawn & Jermaine Edwards) I have got to be honest with those of you reading today. I had a really hard time rolling out of bed this morning. I opened my eyes to see Lucy’s picture on the pillow right beside me, (I have her pictures on a pillow case because of my horrible eye sight- otherwise I cannot see her pictures during the night/when I don’t have my glasses…

  • "Life" Books,  Grief,  Memories,  Mommy,  My Little

    When Time Stands Still

    1825+ days. Praying, advocating, fighting, trusting, tearful begging, consumed with papers and books and research. And then the moment comes… I finally scoop up a beautiful and precious baby girl up and out of her NICU bed and into my arms. Her eyes meet mine. Time stands still. The noise around us goes completely silent. It is just me and her, and in that instant, we are a family. Every ache and pain, all the paperwork, every tear, every single prayer prayed… in that moment becomes absolutely priceless. I would do it all over again for this moment, and the many moments to come. As much as I wanted more…

  • "Life" Books,  Let's be Real

    Somedays…

    Today is a someday that I must admit, I’ve got nothing. September and October have been a juggling circus of attempting to stay healthy as possible in my family. “Healthy as possible,” means managing chronic illnesses and attempting to avoid any viral or bacterial infections that could escalate any of those illnesses. Somedays, some weeks, and some months this is harder than others. And that’s where I land today. I just got to be honest and say, I have nothing to give today. EXCEPT I boldly say to you: if you are in a “I have nothing” place today, I encourage you to: sit still with me. And if you…

  • "Life" Books,  Children,  Grief,  Jesus,  Memories,  My Little,  Pass it On...

    Unrepeatable!

    Do you ever just take a minute at look at the palm of your hand? Do you realize that absolutely no one else will ever make the exact same handprint that you are looking at? All of the handprint art that children make, are 100% one of a kind! Unrepeatable! In the adoption process your fingerprints especially become an essential part of your home study. Unless they just can’t retrieve your fingerprints, which is possible! One of the first things they do when you are born is make handprints and footprints to document who you are, who you belong to, and all the important information about your birth. I, personally,…

  • "Life" Books,  Jesus,  Pass it On...

    Stronger than Darkness

    “Praise the Lord, His mercy is more. Stronger than darkness, new every morn. Our sins they are many, His mercy is more.” His Mercy is More, by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa ( Album: Getty Kids Hymnal: Family Hymn Sing) “When the cacophony (a chaotic mixture) of universal distress unsettles us, remind us that we are but small and finite creatures… justice and mercy, healing and redemption, are your great labors.” Daily Liturgy from “For Those Flooded by Too Much Information” (Every Moment Holy, Rabbit Room Press) What a week it has been! Devastation. Disorder. Many times this week I have sat completely still, not being able to move, just…

  • "Life" Books,  Jesus,  Let's be Real

    What Will Today Teach Us?

    Do you believe that births, deaths, sickness, crisis, tragedies, life-altering moments, life-giving moments have something in common? Would you agree with me that when you experience any one of these life moments, there are opportunities to learn at least one new thing? I don’t know how you feel or think about trying to glean a lesson or a life skill from life experiences and events, but maybe you can give me a few minutes to provide you with what I am trying to write today. Before I start, I want to make it clear that these life events for me have not always immediately dropped the lesson or new perspective…

  • "Life" Books,  Aunt-ing,  Children,  Family,  Friends & Neighbors,  GRANDparents

    Who Knows What the Children May Become?

    If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to have confidence. If a child lives with praise, he learns appreciation. If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance…

  • "Life" Books,  Children,  Grief,  Jesus,  Memories,  Mommy,  My Little

    Three Million New Blood Cells

    ” Have you ever watched them (children) watch? Their mouths may hang open; they’re not, like adults, aware of themselves- they’re only aware of what they’re watching… And your child is in process, as a person. Every eight days he gets a new layer of skin. Every eight years every cell in his body has become new. Look at that child right now: since this time yesterday he has three million new blood cells.” Children are Wet Cement, Anne Ortlund If the above quote doesn’t stir something inside of you, then my words today may not make sense either. When it comes to babies and children, I am a firm…