Having someone to love is FAMILY. Having somewhere to go is HOME. Having both is a BLESSING.
We ARE SO BLESSED!
We ARE SO BLESSED!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Treasured Traditions!
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Samantha Selebrates!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Reminder That God Sees the Whole Picture!
A man from Norfolk, VA called a local radio station to share this on September 11, 2003, TWO YEARS after the tragedies of 9/11/2001. His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:
"A few weeks before Sept.11, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the aiport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. We were very upset. We drove home. Soon, I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can just sit by for. I have to do something.'
I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'Take good care of my grandchild.' Those were the last words I ever heard my father say. He died while helping in the rescue effort.
My joy over the safety of my wife began to turn into anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say goodbye.
Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and son when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.'
He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been buried under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, 'There is something else you need to know.'
His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to heaven, my father WILL be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves.
When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live."
May we be reminded that God is ALWAYS in control. We may never know this side of heaven the reason behind things, but God is ALWAYS in control. And remember that from Jake's side of this, God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD. HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tiny Toes, Tears and Twinkling Stars
Baby boy was born on April 3. Since birth mother insisted that she could keep him, "they" had to let her try. A meeting was held today and this was when we were informed. "They" did not call and announce the birth because of birth mother's decision although I think that it would have been courteous in the least, to do so anyway since we were on "standby."
Amazing, just how sad I find myself. Amazing just how much my heart hurts. I have never seen this little man and yet somehow, his tiny toes tripped across my heart and left big puddles of tears where my eyes keep leaking.
Amazing, just how sad I find myself. Amazing just how much my heart hurts. I have never seen this little man and yet somehow, his tiny toes tripped across my heart and left big puddles of tears where my eyes keep leaking.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star - How I wonder where you are.
In a place I cannot see. I pray God love and care for thee.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star - How I wonder where you are.
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Sometimes we have to let life shake us up-side-down,
So that we can learn how to live right-side-up.
TDJ
In a place I cannot see. I pray God love and care for thee.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star - How I wonder where you are.
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Sometimes we have to let life shake us up-side-down,
So that we can learn how to live right-side-up.
TDJ
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Happy 38th Birthday, Babe!
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Doc said that he blew it this time and so yesterday, Doctor Patch fixed him up. Hopefully for good this time. And the day was made so much easier "thanks" to a couple special guys who were a great comfort and big help. "Thank you, Butch and Steve, until you're better paid!
We appreciate your care so much!"
Monday, April 6, 2009
Baby?
"Has the baby been born yet?" Some have been telling me that they are checking the blog every day for an announcement. Maybe you are one of these. So --- this post is just for you! NO! He is not here yet. At the last doctor's visit, the doctor believed he had reason to change the due date and so instead of April 1, the due date is now April 10. (Mark's birthday is April 8!) There have also been some changes from the birth mother's end and we don't know yet how this will play out or what it will mean for us. Birth mom has stated that she has changed her mind and that she wants to keep the baby. "They" don't think that she will be able and there are many variables within this equation that have caused "them" to keep us on "standby." At this news, my heart hurt! I cried silently from inside. I prayed constantly. I have prepared for this baby. I have put much time, money, energy, love and care into those preparations. And in my desparate praying, I discovered that my prayers were all about me. I was praying with a selfish heart. I spent, I love, I care -- I, I, I. What about the baby? What about what's best for him? And so I stand corrected and thank God for the reminder that this isn't about me. I am asking you to help me pray for the best regarding this innocent little child. And if God chooses to grant us guardianship of another treasure, I will be humbly grateful for another opportunity to share God's love in this way. So help me God.
A Child Shall Lead Them
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I will keep praying about Nevaeh and the baby for the reason that I have learned in a new way since Nevaeh's arrival blessed our home. I will keep praying because when I pray, it changes ME. It keeps my heart tender to God. It keeps my attitudes what they should be, and it keeps my heart surrendered to the will of a loving Heavenly Father. I will keep praying and when I do, I'll thank God for the gift of a little man willing to do his part and then trust God to do His!
First Flight
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