A Heaven-Day fit for a Princess

It's hard to believe that it's been three years since I last held My Little Girl in my arms - three long years since I last smelled her hair, kissed her mouth, touched those dimples in her hands.  I can't believe we've made it this far - that we have survived THREE years without Ellie Kate.  There were many times when I didn't think that was possible!  Gratefully (and ONLY by God's grace), we are still here . . . and we are okay; better than okay, really.  We are GOOD.  Even though there are very bad times and very bad days, even when my heart feels like it will physically burst over the loss of Ellie Kate, God has allowed me to be happy and joyful.  

Thank you for the many ways you supported us this week.  The pictures and videos you've sent us of your balloon releases in Ellie's honor have lifted our spirits, just as those beautiful pink balloons flew up to the sky.  Thanking you is just not enough for me and for Mike, so we are asking the Holy Spirit to come close to each of you, allowing you to taste our great love, respect and deep gratefulness over the many ways you've honored Our Daughter this week.

Balloons were let go all over the world, including this last bunch, sent from Spain! 

One last thing we wanted to leave you with tonight - Our friend, Rose Michael wrote a book called, "The Secret Place". God gave Rose this special picture of Ellie Kate in the "Secret Place" of Heaven, very shortly after her death.  The first time I read it, it was breath-taking to me and I am eternally grateful for the peace God has brought me through the message of this little chapter of the book.  I hope you enjoy the words and the pictures God places in your mind as you read this excerpt:


"THE PRINCESS"
by Rose Michael

We passed by many walls of testimony and I was so surprised to see so many names I was familiar with in the Bible next to a mother believing for a lost child or a young man trusting God for provision for his family.  They all had one common thread, their faith in God.  The wall of testimonies was the Hall of Faith.  Just like in Hebrews eleven all were there by faith.  

 As we were standing in front of a large stone wall, I saw a beautiful little girl dancing and twirling and laughing in the center of the room.  She looked like a little princess.  When she saw the Lord, she ran up to Him and jumped into His arms.  He began dancing with her, singing a song to her as they danced.  She was delighted to have His full attention and nothing seem to matter but the two of them.  I watched as the Lord carried her in His arms holding her tightly as they danced, telling her how much He loved her.  I had sat down on the bench waiting for them and read the name Ellie Kate written on the wall in front of me.  Just then they walked over to me and the Lord said " Let Me introduce you to My special friend, Ellie Kate."   Before I could say anything she reached up to me and hugged me tight and kissed me on my cheek.  Then off she went skipping and singing, ready for her next adventure.  
 "She is one of My favorites",  He said with a twinkle in His eyes.  I knew He truly meant it.   I started to ask why her name was written down on the wall of testimony but He spoke before I could ask,  "Let's read her story together".

 "My darling daughter Ellie Kate was born December 4, 2005 and graced us with 7 years of life before returning home to the Lord.  She was born with a rare and terminal genetic disorder that prevented her from walking or talking or even eating as we do.  But that did not prevent Ellie Kate from lighting up a room and touching everyone's lives that she came in contact with.  She had a special relationship with Jesus and drew people to Him.

I am constantly reminded of how close to the heart of God she really was on this earth and how she is experiencing His presence in a way I can only dream of.  Through our little girl's life God has given my husband Mike and I our calling in life - to reach out to families with disabilities. So many doors of opportunity have opened up to us because of our precious Ellie.  It is not something we would have chosen for ourselves or for our daughter, but nonetheless we have allowed the Lord to use for His purpose and His glory.

 She touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with, anyone who saw her picture, even anyone who heard her name.  All without a word ever spoken!  What an honor and privilege it has been to be Ellie Kate's mother.  Through the heartache and  happiness and sorrow and complete joy of this journey, I stand in awe of the beautiful tapestry woven by God."


I could feel the love the Lord had for this little girl and her family.  I could not speak, but waited on Him.  He cupped my face with His hands and looked deep into my heart and spoke, "My perfection was completed in little Ellie Kate".  No more was said. I understood.  He inhabited her completely.  Her body may have not worked as we think it should, but her spirit was perfect and pure and whole.  No wonder people were drawn to her.  He dwelled in her with nothing interfering with His holiness.  Only a little princess made to praise the Lord!"

 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, For they are the rejoicing of my heart.

 (Psalms 119:111 NKJV)

He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 

(John 3:33 NKJV)