I think I’ve discovered the one of the missing gospels. Although I can not be sure, it seems to have come to us, through Madelyn, from you. I want to share just some of the words of encouragement that we have received over the past days. Each day I head to the hospital with your words, and we read them out loud to each other. Every single one has not only caused us to pause and think about Madelyn, but brings back a story or thought about you. These are the words and prayers and blessings we have received from you, and another time I will give you some insight into some other surprising things happening in our lives (so if you left that delicious pot of soup at our door when we were gone, identify yourself, keeper of the gospel!). I digress, but here is a brief snapshot from different emails we have received...how can we not be optimistic after these words!
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." May you feel Christ's peace today in a real and powerful way.
The pictures of Madelyn really are amazing. We sure are odd that way as creatures aren't we. Born into the world so helpless. I wonder if that is supposed to teach us something about dependence and trust for later on. Not that we have been able to learn it that well.
As you try to balance this all out, know that God has his hand around the shoulders of all your precious children as he leads and cares for them through this exciting and yet difficult time. I hope they and you will be strengthened to know each smile and sadness is carried and shared, and each tear is even caught by His hand. He can do for them all that you wish and desire and be with them when you cannot.
Growing, crying, sleeping, kicking, pooping and peeing - AWESOME. She and you our in my prayers of thanks and pleas for continued grace and protection. You are all in God's loving and capable hands.
Psalm 138, 1-5.
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple, and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness.
For you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
When I called, you answered me, you made me bold and stouthearted."
May all the kings of the earth praise you, O Lord, when they hear the words of your mouth.
May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great!"
... the telling of this chapter in your lives, the journey with Madelyn and the rest of you is a most fervent re-telling of the gospel... because I’ve look at your pics of this latest princess in your life several times as I’ve prayed for her...and found myself late last evening putting down the book a bit and asking our Lord to help this new creation, Madelyn, to really live, thrive...and not be looked at. THEN...whoa!...came your email about your intense look at her yesterday. Look some more...’cause she’ll be changing fast. :) Here’s the sentence from p. 137...Jesus shows us that the creation is something to be lived, not just looked at, and the way he did it becomes the way we do it.
I don't have anything wise to say, no words of wisdom I am just one mother praying for another
I'm stunned. Not sure what to say. A reserved congratulations and another set of prayer warriors. Bev, I pray for healing. For both I'm praying for your energy as you travel back and forth to the hospital and balance the needs of your other daughters. Its weird how I'm both so happy for you and so worried at the same time.
Praise be to God! The birth of any child is beyond understanding and yet we often take it for granted. Madeline is a reminder that God is all-powerful. Her feisty spirit is an inspiration
We'll pray for God's continued watch over your little treasure.
Hug for Bev and also for you. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.
Congratulations to you and Bev! Madeline is a precious bundle and so beautiful. Praise God your family is well and our prayers are with each of you as Madeline continues to improve—and no breathing tube for a 3 pound baby is indeed answered prayer.
All the way to work yesterday and this morning and afternoon I prayed for God to protect Bev and the baby (and you too, of course, Matt, and Anneke, Corina and Emma), not knowing today that you already had another baby girl.
May the Lord bless her and may she grow into a beautiful little girl/young woman/middle aged woman/ and finally old woman!
Christmas baby does sure make things more poignant doesn't it. Madeleine L'Engle says it like this
After Annunciation
This is the irrational season
when love blooms bright and wild.
Had Mary been filled with reason
there'd have been no room for the child.
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