Oh, My Friends! We have been so very blessed by the outpouring of reckless love shown over the last few days! I am PROUD to say, ALL of the needs AND wants of our adopted Hope Link Families have been fulfilled this Christmas!
It brings me overwhelming peace knowing collectively, we've loved these families so well. You've even given us the privilege of playing, "Santa" and with each gift I've placed into their grateful hands, I have most truly thought of each you who've given, donated and supported us in these efforts.
"Ellie Kate's Wish" by NKH Crusaders,
is the last major act of
Reckless Love for this month.
There are just a couple of wishes to cover,
those making wishes are extremely dear to our hearts.
those making wishes are extremely dear to our hearts.
These people are part of our NKH Family,
and the gifts requested will be delivered directly to their homes.
Both of these friends have the most severe form of NKH -
they are unable to move around like Lucy,
and also suffer more seizures and other ailments.
*Each family was chosen because of the degree of need and the level of which the needs and wants are well-deserved, especially for their Sweet Children.
*Each family was chosen because of the degree of need and the level of which the needs and wants are well-deserved, especially for their Sweet Children.
If you've wanted to purchase gifts, but haven't been able to until now, would you consider fulfilling one of these "Ellie Kate's Wishes" for our NKH Friends (to see their needs, simply click on the links below in PURPLE).
Ellie Kate's Wish - NKH Family 2
Ellie Kate's Wish - NKH Family 3 (Extra Special!)
****************************************
Ellie Kate's Wish - NKH Family 3 (Extra Special!)
****************************************
If you are looking for end-of-year giving or ways to receive those all-important tax write-offs, we would love for you to consider giving to the following:
**************************************
As for our family, we are surviving this difficult Season and truthfully, I'm sad it's going by so quickly . . . I truly enjoy focusing on Our Ellie Kate for an entire month, knowing her name is being said, that it's being typed out, that shes' being remembered and thought of. It's something a Mother longs for - her child's life and legacy to live on and for their name to be remembered and said, especially out loud. Thank you for doing all of those things this Holiday Season.
We've had some very sweet and even fun times as a family - Toby Keith and his sweet Wife came over to spend time with Lucy, and she just ate up the attention. It was incredibly kind of Mr. Keith to do this during his "downtime", even though he is still oh-so-busy.
We' were even able to meet Santa as a family, along with our Hope Link friends, which ended up being a precious experience for Lucy. She stayed awake the entire time, which was HUGE for her and on the way home, she giggled and giggled as we talked about Santa and how he knows her name and knows her friends; how he made a special trip to Evan's house just to see them! It's been precious, but we also know, after meeting with doctors, our days with Lucy are short and at this point, she's mostly sleeping.
Lucy tremors and seizes in her sleep; I often wonder if her thoughts and dreams are full of fear or of peace. I pray and hope the Father has sent Angels to minister to her during this time. I know He did for Ellie Kate and I believe that for Lucy too. When Lucy IS awake, there are many times of pain, especially as we try to feed her and keep her hydrated. Full Comfort Care is on the horizon, but we want one more Christmas, which we didn't have with Sister.
Mike and I have always sought "quality of life" for both Ellie Kate and now for Lucy Belle. We've always told both Girls that we will fight for them, and fight HARD, in every way - we will do this for Lucy as long as she shows us she's still in the fight and still wills to live, just as we did with Ellie Kate. For us, God was good in that once the hospice decision was made for Ellie, she was with Him in a mere three days, so it was blatantly clear her precious body was finished fighting here on earth and she was truly ready for her new life in Heaven! Rest assured, as Lucy's parents, we are doing what we feel is best for her and we are doing what we feel the Holy Spirit is leading us to do. We will continue to do this, always.
There are so many people around us struggling, suffering, many even pleading for the lives of their children because of accidents and disease. I encourage you this Christmas, to rise above the temptation to feel "down" or weary because of worries - wearies which likely pale in comparison to true struggles to most around the world.
Leave behind the temptation to get upset because you couldn't find that "perfect gift", or temptation to "freak" because your caterer is just too booked to help with your Christmas desserts or meal. Leave behind the temptation to pout or sulk over gifts which may not arrive on time from Amazon, J.Crew, etc.
Leave behind the temptation to get upset because you couldn't find that "perfect gift", or temptation to "freak" because your caterer is just too booked to help with your Christmas desserts or meal. Leave behind the temptation to pout or sulk over gifts which may not arrive on time from Amazon, J.Crew, etc.
Rise above. Think of others. Focus on others.
PRAY for others - not only for families like ours but for others around the world who are hurting and suffering.
DO something tangible, practical - RECKLESSLY LOVE the world around you by giving and serving with your body and mind,
with your talents and finances.
I PROMISE - you will NOT be disappointed in sacrificially giving and serving, offering hope and love this Christmas Season.
with your talents and finances.
I PROMISE - you will NOT be disappointed in sacrificially giving and serving, offering hope and love this Christmas Season.
After all, this Holiday Season exists because of Jesus Christ,
the Savior of the World, who came to us as a tiny, human babe.
Jesus left riches and His perfectly royal, heavenly home,
all because He LOVES US -
all because He LOVES US -
He loves EACH and every person living on this earth,
equally and entirely, no matter what!
equally and entirely, no matter what!
God created each person for His glory;
He longs for hearts to come to Him, completely and entirely.
Truly, the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of people,
drawing them to Jesus Christ and God the Father,
BUT it's through OUR LOVE,
OUR EXAMPLE, OUR Sacrifice and RECKLESS LOVE -
the same Reckless Love God lavishly pours out upon us individually -
where which the Precious Souls of this world are drawn to HIM.
where which the Precious Souls of this world are drawn to HIM.
The MOST BEAUTIFUL thing Believers can do this Christmas is to Recklessly Love the world around them,
bringing the HOPE of Christ to everyone they encounter,
bringing the HOPE of Christ to everyone they encounter,
introducing them to God's unconditional love, showing them the
Innocent, Perfect Babe lying in a manger that first Christmas.
What could be more reckless or loving,
then to introduce others to the HOLY Baby,
the KING who CHOSE to come to this broken earth,
then to introduce others to the HOLY Baby,
the KING who CHOSE to come to this broken earth,
choosing to experience every heartache himself;
this God-Man, who dedicated His life,
this God-Man, who dedicated His life,
who GAVE His life in the most literal way,
in order for every human to be united with Him in body, mind and spirit.
May we follow the example of our Father-God, sacrificing His most prized, precious possession on our behalf - Jesus, His Only Son.
May we follow the example of Jesus,
giving all that we have and all that we are;
sacrificing in this life so that others may have what they need so that others will feel loved,
cherished and at peace.
May we boldly proclaim the sane Reckless Love
Our Father, Son and Spirit long to show every person on this earth.
May WE be the ONES - the Bearers of that Reckless Love, all for His Glory.
For, THIS; This is the Human Beauty of the Season.
With Love and the Human Beauty of this Season,
Ryan
No comments:
Post a Comment