A Thrill of Hope!

There have been some difficulties with my blog over the last two months; for some reason, only those who subscribe to it are able to actually see it in it's entirety.  I sincerely apologize for this and want you to know, I am working to find a remedy.  For now, I will keep blogging and sharing the link to the blog.  You can, "follow" me officially on Blogger.com and receive the updates directly in your inbox.  I will also cut and paste each post to my Facebook account, in hopes others will be able to see it there.  You've so faithfully loved and followed us since December 2005, and we want that to continue for as long as the Lord sees fit.  
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Gorgeous views on Bowen's Birthday, reminding me of Ellie in Heaven!

The Holiday Season is coming to an end.  Twinkling lights, vibrant colors and stunning Christmas carols surrounding us as we are out and about, are all being put away.  It makes me sad.  I want to hold on to this Season just a bit longer.   It's Ellie Kate's Season, the time of her birth and her death, and all of the lights, colors and music remind me of my Precious Daughter.  I miss her.  I miss everything about her.  


It's been six years since Ellie Kate took her last breath on earth - writing that even brings a heaviness to my chest.  Some would think I would be much more "over it" by now, but I assure you, I will never be "over" my Daughter's earthly death.  I will always miss the sound of her voice, although she did not speak.  I will always miss the way she entered a room, although she did not walk.  I will always miss the way she miraculously breastfed as a baby, then ate by mouth for a year before needing a feeding tube; to this day, it is difficult to set and gather around our dinner table because the obviousness that Ellie isn't there.  In our Family, someone is always missing.  

“If a mother is mourning not for what she has lost but for what her dead child has lost, it is a comfort to believe that the child has not lost the end for which it was created. And it is a comfort to believe that she herself, in losing her chief or only natural happiness, has not lost a greater thing, that she may still hope to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever." A comfort to the God-aimed, eternal spirit within her. But not to her motherhood. The specifically maternal happiness must be written off. Never, in any place or time, will she have her son on her knees, or bathe him, or tell him a story, or plan for his future, or see her grandchild.” 
― C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

I've come to see the last six years very much as I see the Advent song, "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel" (which has been my very favorite Christmas song for as long as I can remember).  I feel the longing in the lyrics. The melodies groan within me as a people groan for freedom and redemption.  I see myself as a Hebrew, waiting for God to deliver me from Egypt. I see myself as a Hebrew, waiting for God to deliver me from the Wilderness.  I see myself as a Hebrew, waiting for God to bring my Savior.  My Savior HAS come to Earth and I relish in that incredible, undeserving Gift.  I've accepted His gift of Eternal Life and yet as Believers, we still call upon Emmanuel - we still long for Him to move in our lives.  For me personally, I've longed for Him to move us out of certain Seasons (seasons of death, seasons of constant need, seasons of fear, etc).  I've been in this waiting period for a very long time.  In fact, I vividly remember singing this song when Ellie was first on the ventilator, just a few days old.  It's a desperate cry to the Almighty and I know that cry very well.  

“Knock and it shall be opened.' But does knocking mean hammering and kicking the door like a maniac?” 
― C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

“For in grief nothing "stays put." One keeps on emerging from a phase, but it always recurs. Round and round. Everything repeats. Am I going in circles, or dare I hope I am on a spiral?
But if a spiral, am I going up or down it?
How often -- will it be for always? -- how often will the vast emptiness astonish me like a complete novelty and make me say, "I never realized my loss till this moment"? The same leg is cut off time after time.” 
― C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

This year, for some reason, God has changed my heart-song for this season.  I'm in awe of this change really, and wondered what God might be doing by changing my heart, moving it on from, "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel" to, "Oh Holy Night".  A Dear Friend of mine has also been moved by this glorious hymn over Christmas, although the Lord has used in to move us both in very different, beautiful ways.  He's good and creative like that.  

 "A Thrill of Hope . . . " these are the words which God has sweetly placed in my Soul this Season and as we begin 2019.  I jump in excitedly, EXPECTANTLY, now not only for my Emmanuel to come, to step in, to deliver and make things right - but because I am HOPEFUL and thrilled for all God WILL DO through our weary hearts, minds and bodies.  

"A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

Chorus

Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!

O night divine! O night when Christ was born.

O night, O holy night, O night divine". . . 

HOPE - for what is to come, because of what has been. 

A GLORIOUS new dawn is seen on the horizon.

The Divine Movement of Father, Son and Spirit 

is worth falling on our knees for!

HOPE.  I speak of it often, mostly in reference to Hope Link.  What does it mean to me today, in this Season, in the now?  HOPE - to me, for this New Year, it means NEW LIFE, goodness, joy; the thick, loving and happy presence of God.  HOPE means GOD is moving me (us) on, moving forward, out of the marsh and muck and onto solid ground.  I see it as a season of safety and light. Merriam Webster definition of HOPE

Job 8:11-13 (NLB), "those who forget God have no hope. They are like rushes without any mire to grow in; or grass without water to keep it alive. Suddenly it begins to wither, even before it is cut".

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Seeing this Christmas Season through, "A Thrill of Hope has been fragile, but sweet.  Sometimes, it's hard to let yourself "hope"; I'm sure many of you know what I am talking about.  This Christmas, as in the last six, I've clung to Jesus like my toddler clings to her daddy when she's really scared, crying-out for him, even in her sleep.  He IS faithful.  He IS true.  HE is the ONLY way I make it through this life of unexpected things, and HE wants to be there with you, too.  

Jesus is God's gift to us, fully-God and fully-Man, He lived in human form, experiencing everything we do - hunger, thirst, anger, fear; He longed for friends on earth and called out to His own Father, clinging to Him when He needed Divine wisdom and help.  He lived a perfect life, for you and for me.  He gave His life, for you and for me. He died a criminal's death, a horrific death and torture, then was buried, as a human.  His earthly body died.  God the Father breathed new life into Jesus, and He came alive again, proving forever and always that God Our Father has POWER over DEATH!  

Romans 1:17 Living Bible (TLB)

17 This Good News tells us that God makes us ready for heaven—makes us right in God’s sight—when we put our faith and trust in Christ to save us. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith.[a] As the Scripture says it, “The man who finds life will find it through trusting God.”*

Precious Friend,  I want you to know about this New Life offered through Jesus Christ - Abundant Life here on earth and Eternal Life after death!  Your life can count for eternity.  When you accept Him as Savior, He promises to never leave you nor forsake you.  You will NEVER be alone, on your own.  He doesn't promise a life without problems, without loss, but He DOES promise to be with you, every step of the way.  I personally couldn't possibly get through one day of NKH, one day of PANDAS, one day of child-loss without having Jesus Christ to carry my burden.   Because of Him, I have HOPE.  He placed Hope within me, an expectant joy for how He will move in and through me.  And, because of my personal relationship with Christ, I have the assurance that I will be with Ellie Kate for eternity!  I want you to have that assurance, especially going into the New Year.  You can start 2019 off being REDEEMED, renewed and restored - there are no magic words or prayers to pray; just share your heart and give Him your everything.  



With a Thrill of Hope,
Ryan

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Oh, Father!  I am yours. Everything I have, everything I love, I lay before you.  I give you all of my dreams, my desires, my wants.  I give you my thoughts and longings, my fears and failures.  Truly, I am nothing without you.  

YOU, Emmanuel, the Great I AM, God With Us.  YOU are EVERYTHING, you've created all things for your glory and for some reason, you were thinking of us when you created it all!  For OUR good and for YOUR glory - why are you so overwhelmingly generous?!?   I am so unworthy of the blessings and redemption you've bestowed. 

You have rescued me from the Valley of the Shadow of Death.  You continue to rescue and relieve me from despair.  You carry my burden and provide for my needs, above and beyond what I could ever hope or imagine!  

THANK YOU for giving me a new song, literally.  A THRILL OF HOPE - I am entering this New Year with thrill and excitement, knowing you are with me; you light my path.  Oh, Father!  I need you for every breath, every thought, every decision.  

I choose to put my trust and hope in you, Creator of All Things, the Protector of my Soul.  Everything I have is yours - my marriage, my children, my talents, my gifts, my earthly possessions; use it for your glory in 2019, Blessed Lord.  I lay it at your feet.  

The Human Beauty of Our Christmas Season (UPDATED X2)

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.  

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.  

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 1

Ellie Kate's Wish - NKH Family 2

Ellie Kate's Wish - NKH Family 3 (Extra Special!)

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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: 

• OKC Hope Link
• McLaughlin Medical Fund 
• NKH Crusaders 

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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. 

 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.  

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 - 

He loves EACH and every person living on this earth, 
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.  

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, 

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, 

choosing to experience every heartache himself;  
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

When You See His Hands and Feet

2017 - A New Year is upon us, and it hardly seems possible.  I think I say that every year, but I genuinely feel that each and every time the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, when Ellie Kate's "Month of Reckless Love" comes to an end.  I hate seeing it go - December, that is. 

This year, it was hard for me to jump into Ellie Kate's month, hard for me to get things organized, hard for me to put out our requests.  I think part of it is because we have been sharing with all of you for eleven years now.  That's a long time to be an "open book" and it's a long time to be vulnerable, opening yourself up and admitting your needs, weaknesses and troubles of this world.  This is, however what God has called us to do, to continue to do, sharing the ups and downs of people who love Jesus and also go through extreme difficulties.  Thank you all for your patience with us as we changed things up this year in celebration of Ellie's life, while also preparing our  hearts for adoption.  

Even though it felt chaotic to us, I know God has been in control.  We know this because we've literally sat back and watched God at work, forming relationships and working things out so that this little baby girl could come to be part of our family.  Not only that, He CLEARLY worked out the details for the outpouring of service during Ellie Kate's Month of Reckless Love, and more detailed items were given and shared than ever before!  Having a specific family to donate to, to provide for, has been such a joy for us to witness and I am just thrilled to fill you in on it all! 

Mike and I do so want to protect this sweet family which God has led us to "adopt" for Christmas and for Ellie Kate's Month of Reckless Love this year, so with that in mind we'll continue to keep their details private. However, I absolutely want you to know just how incredible and detailed your gifts have been and how deeply they have touched this particular family and ours as well!  I am THRILLED to tell you, because of YOU and your generosity, the following has been donated during this season (both new and used items): 

• New mattresses for mom and three children
• New bedding for mom and children
• New sheets for mom and children
• New mattress pads for all four, which is important bc they've dealt with bed bugs in their apartment complex before
• Furniture for their apartment, including a kitchen table, which they've never had before AND a gorgeous couch!
• Beautiful bed for Mom and eldest daughter (the kids have been sleeping on the floor)
• Floor lamp, rugs and home accessories
• New crock-pot
• Gift cards for groceries, clothing, restraunts, shoes, household items
• An entire Pantry-full of food and dry-goods was given including detergent
• Feminine products
• New, soft blankets for each member of the family (something they needed)
• Socks, gloves, coats, and hats for each member of the family
• Shoes for several members of the family
• Clothing was donated
• Warm Robe for mom
• Monetary gifts allowed bills to be paid, including electric bills, so that heat could stay on!  Basic needs could be taken care of because of one large financial gift. 
• A new laptop for the teenage daughter, which she can use now in high school and can take with her to college (they've had no computer access except when they go to the library)
• Games for the family to play together
• A camera and video camera for mom, which was her main wish.
• Pajamas for all family members, soaps and shampoos, razors, etc
• A few toys for the 8yo son and teenage toys for the girls, including make-up and nail polish
• Hair services for mom and daughter (they've never had this before)

More importantly, we have friends trying to help Mom get a job there in Shawnee and  we've contacted a few precious churches so that the family will be followed-up with on a regular basis. 

Our prayer is that the family will continue to see the Love of Christ in Action, through His Body, there in their town.
 Our desire is that Jesus' reckless love would capture their hearts and minds so greatly that their lives will never be the same after this "Reckless Love" experience!  

Equally as important to us has been the giving spirit you've shown towards our fellow NKH Families, in honor of our Daughter.  Each and everyone of the gifts we listed were purchased and given to the families!  Not only that, a precious Sunday School class further adopted one of the NKH families and provided incredible gifts and needs for this family who is dear to us.  

How in the world do we even BEGIN to thank those of you 

who've given to these two projects?  

How do you pour out your heart and express your thankfulness for 

something done in your dead Daughter's name, in her honor?  

There are SO many people to thank and many of them would be embarrassed at me mentioning their names. These blessed, giving hearts - many of whom have sacrificed in order to give in honor of Ellie Kate, in order to take care of the basic needs of people they don't and haven't even met!  What love and compassion must lie in the hearts of those who have given!  There are many of you who have wanted to give but just weren't financially able to.  You've come along beside us anyway, encouraging us and reaching out.  Most importantly, so many of you have prayed intensely, interceding on behalf of those God has laid on our hearts this season.  

When Mike and I married, our friend Laura Ramey sang "How Beautiful" at our wedding, which describes the Body of Christ being the hands and feet of Christ.  It was truly a prayer we shared because we wanted our marriage to be a picture of just that.  God has been gracious and because of our story and because of what we've been through, because of Ellie Kate, others have been inspired to love others with reckless abandon, giving and serving without expecting anything in return.  

I was reminded of this sweet song and although it most definitely IS "Old School", I ask that you take the time to listen to it.  I think the Lord will touch your heart, reminding you of what Jesus did for you while He was here on earth, fully in human form.  I hope it will remind you of the beauty of YOUR hands and YOUR feet as you continue to love without expectation.  

 "How Beautiful" - you tube version

A Prayer for You this New Year . . . 

We thank you for involvement in this past month in which we honor Ellie Kate!  We thank you for your continued encouragement as this time of year still has a deep sting and frosty bite.  We pray that the Father would bless you so richly this year, this 2017 - that you would know Jesus more deeply, that he would capture your heart in incredible ways; we pray that you would see, feel and hear him (even literally) in this New Year and that He alone would be glorified in that!  We pray too that this coming year will be full of sweet moments and memories with friends and family and also sweet memories with the Lord, as you open your heart to hear from Him.  

With Hope and Thanksgiving, 

Mike and Ryan

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Adoption - thank you for your precious words and encouragement as we continue the adoption journey with our Bowen Jane!  We have NO doubt that God has chosen her to be our daughter, esp after being born on Ellie's exact Heaven-Day.  There is just so much more involved within this process than we ever knew, more than I especially ever knew or understood and it's taken it's toll on us emotionally and physically.  We covet your prayers for a safe continuation of the adoption process and that all will fall into place quickly and easily.  As in times past, we will CHOOSE to trust that God has this under His control.  

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How Beautiful, Lyrics

Twila Paris

How beautiful the hands that served
the wine and the bread
and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful the feet that walked
the long dusty roads
and the hills to the cross.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of Christ.
How beautiful the heart that bled
that took all my sin
and bore it instead.
How beautiful the tender eyes
that chose to forgive
and never despise.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of Christ.
And as He laid down His life
we offer this sacrifice
that we will live just as he died:
willing to pay the price
willing to pay the price.
How beautiful the radient Bride
who waits for her Groom
with His light in her eyes.
How beautiful when humble hearts give
the fruit of pure lives
so that others may live.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of Christ.
How beautiful the feet that bring
the sound of good news
and the love of the King.
How beautiful the hands that serve
the wine and the bread
and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of

"For Unto Us a Child is Born"

WARNING: This Post is one of my longest one's to date.  However, I PROMISE that it is rich, meaningful and has some VERY exciting surprises along the way!  So, read it all at once, read it in small bits, or only read the parts that interest you (I've labeled each section for easier reading).  Also, a big "thank you" to everyone for their patience and understanding as I've been without a working phone and without a working computer at home - yippee (sarcasm)!  

For those reading via phone or tablet - Blogger has seen fit to change the format of this post with extra highlights and confusing paragraph changes; for that, I sincerely apologize.  Hopefully all will be able to read this in it's entirety and hopefully, it will all make some sort of sense (despite the grammatical "differences"). In all seriousness and with all of my heart, I wish you the Merriest of Christmases!

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"For Onto Us a Child is Born"

Miss Ellie Kate starring as an Angel 

in the Church Christmas Program 2009

Christmas Songs. They fill our homes, our cars, our churches, and even our shopping malls. I remember one Christmas Season, when Charlie Hall was our Worship Pastor at Bridgeway Church,  he brought to our attention something uniquely special about this season:  Christmas - it's the ONLY season, the only time on earth, where Christ's name is proudly proclaimed out in the public arena, within our communities, throughout the airwaves,  and seemingly everywhere you go. How incredible is it that Our Lord's Name is being sung and proclaimed, even by those who do not know Him?! Do you ever sit back and fully take in the words of these beloved Christmas Carols, understanding the truth coming through the lyrics and rhymes?

Take this popular one, a favorite for many:

Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt it's worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn . . . 

Fall On Your Knees!

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease!
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name!


And one of my VERY favorites, which clearly shows the longing of Advent . . . one I can relate to, with mourning and yearning for My Savior to meet me - not only for Salvation, but for daily life, hope and peace . . . 

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.



Advent - many of us celebrate it in our churches and with our families, but what does it truly mean?  The dictionary tells us that "advent" means "waiting or anticipating the arrival of something".  We celebrate Advent in the days leading up to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. It's a holy remembrance of the history of Our People, as Christ-Followers.  It's the marked anticipation our forefathers once knew and so vividly tasted as they lived in a world without a Savior, without the Holy Spirit.  

Man was so sinful - lost and without hope.  Can you imagine - NO light, NO true peace, NO true hope?  They knew He was coming because the Father told them so and spoke to them for generations through the Prophets, as we see in the Bible.  They knew God the Father would bring a King - a King to set them FREE!  They no longer would be slaves or oppressed, as they had been for generation upon generation.

This short video from our church gives an excellent description
of Advent and: The Coming King

The Father fulfilled His promises with the birth of the Baby King. He delivered, quite literally, in fact.  Jesus was born miraculously, from the womb of a humble teenage girl and her partner who was also surrendered to the Father's Will.  Jesus wasn't born in a palace, but in a manger.  You know the story, of course.  It's just so easy to forget the reasoning of it all - Jesus was purposefully born to unknown, unimportant, lowly parents for a reason.  He was born in a lowly town, in a shed with filth and animals all around, without anything that would resemble royalty.  Jesus came to us in the lowliest of earthly forms because He is Us.  Jesus, the King of Heaven and Earth, lowered Himself and became the lowliest of men on that Christmas night. 

Let us not miss the meaning of Jesus's lowly earthly birth and the circumstances around it. 

It's in this spirit which I share what God has so dearly pressed on my heart this Christmas . . . 

• Jesus was fully God and fully man
• THE King, lowered Himself for me, willing to become human on my behalf
• He left His heavenly kingdom and comforts to be a helpless baby in the arms of an imperfect mother and father, to grow in a broken world, just like the one I live in.
• Jesus chose to live in an imperfect world with hurts - physical, emotional, mental and everything in between.  He chose that because of His great love for ME.
• The Father fulfilled ALL of His promises in Christ Jesus!  Even though He came in a different way, and even looked differently, acted and lead  differently than what they thought He would - God's plan was BETTER.  His way was PERFECT, even when it didn't seem that way.  Even when their Long-Awaited, Promised, King and Salvation came in the form of a lowly, poor baby boy without a crown - God was Good and had Good in store for His people, just like He does today.  

Here's something AMAZINGLY EXCITING: For Believers in Jesus Christ, Advent is also the waiting and anticipation of the second coming of Christ. We continue to live in a season of Advent because we know He is once again coming for us, defeating evil, death, and this broken earth once and for all - His Kingdom Come! 

THIS is the reason I have HOPE through My Daughter's death!  Oh, Friend, What else could bring me hope? How else could I go on?  How can one hold their dying child in their arms, kissing her mouth as she takes her last, agonizing breaths?  

There is only one reason why I can keep going; only one reason I have hope: I have hope because I know Jesus came to earth as a precious baby in a broken, human body - leaving His riches and the comforts of Heaven to live on earth among men; living to willingly give Himself as THE sacrifice for all mankind.  

Jesus was born.  Jesus lived.  Jesus died.  Jesus rose from the dead.  

Jesus ascended into heaven.  

JESUS IS COMING AGAIN, reclaiming His  Own, 

and we will live with Him for eternity!

Friends, Death does not bring "eternal sleep".

We won't just "cease to exist" once our hearts stop beating.  

For those who've made Jesus Lord of their life, who have asked forgiveness for their failures and depravity, we can celebrate, continuing a holy state of advent as we await our Precious Savior's return!

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A Very Special Delivery

Advent takes on an even more beautiful meaning for the McLaughlin Family this year. You see, the Father, in His most infinite wisdom,  in His most perfect design, has created a little life that will soon join Our Clan.  He has fulfilled His promises to us in more ways than we could have possibly imagined!

This December, this Month of Reckless Love; Our Ellie Kate's month of life and death - it is in this VERY month, where which God has so graciously decided to bless us with a beautiful, newborn Daughter.  

This incredible gift is one we did not seek out, although we did very much hope for it.  God brought her to us and He did it through Ellie Kate.  There are so many intricate details, exciting twists and turns, all gloriously and

completely from the Lord!  We cannot wait to share it with you, when the time is right and when this Little One is finally home and in our arms.  We gleefully expect her arrival any day.

Who but GOD could orchestrate such a thrilling gift?!  

Who but GOD could cause all of these things to fall into order,

at this very time and place?!  

• As we celebrate this Advent, we celebrate the marvelous life of our eldest daughter, Elizabeth Kathleen ('Ellie Kate') McLaughlin, our "Pure and Consecrated" Princess, whom we miss more than the stars in the infinite sky. 

• This Advent Season, we look back on Ellie's last days; on those severely painful, final moments of her precious, earthly life.  Our words fail, and often times so do our bodies, as we continue to face the reality of it all.  Even in joy, even in Advent, a part of us will always mourn.

• This Advent Season, we also celebrate Jesus as the "Giver of All Good Things"!  While no one could ever replace our most cherished, green-eyed, curly-haired little girl; the One born in December, who loved to "hop" around her world, "pat-pat" the ones she loved and dance to any and every beat which filled the air . . . God has given us the gift of LIFE in the form of another Little Soul, and the hope of her is a healing balm to us all.  

• This Advent Season, we celebrate that Christ has come to earth and that Christ will come again!  And in between those miraculous things, we can walk in full assurance that He is FOR us, that He is WITH us, Emmanuel.  

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Month of Reckless Love

This year we adopted the Williams family, made up of mom, daughter (14) and son (8).  Dad is currently in prison and has been for several years.  I had to force the family to choose "wants" and wishes for the Amazon List,as all they really wanted to put down were things such as shoes, socks and underwear.  This family is humble and precious, and they've become very dear to our hearts. Oh, what a joy it has been to see the wishes, needs and wants of this adopted family fulfilled!

IMPORTANT ADDITION:  We've recently  added one teenage girl to the family Wish List. "K" is a 16 year old girl now living with the Williams family, as her father was recently released from prison and is currently unable to assist in any way.  "K"s biological mother is currently unwilling and unable to care for several of her children, including K (who is the eldest). 

 " K" was given the role of raising her younger brothers and sisters while in her mother's home, and she misses her siblings terribly.  Although she doesn't ever want to live in that household again,   "K" does long to talk to her siblings and check on their well-being. Because of this, her Christmas wish consists of a flip phone, or a type of phone she can easily and cheaply communicate with.  "K" doesn't have a job because she is in school full-time and that is tough enough doing on your own, especially without any support from your family.

This Sweet Teen needs clothes mostly, and undergarments and other personal items that a teenage girl might need and want.  Gift cards are the best present for "K" or you can CLICK HERE for her Amazon Wish List.  

Even though the Amazon Wish Lists are almost complete, you can still send gifts to our address - gift cards to grocery stores, gift cards to the mall (the ladies need bras and undergarments), even monetary gifts and pantry items are welcome!  All donations will go directly to the family and to their physical needs.  So far, we've had a couch donated, as well as new mattresses for every one in the family (they currently sleep on the floor or on an old mattress on the floor).  A beautiful bed frame has also been donated and we hope to have new bedding for the family as well, including sheets!  

Can you believe how amazing God is - to move in the hearts of YOU on behalf of this family?!  Because of YOU, they are seeing the Body of Christ, the Love of Christ, the acceptance of Christ, the provision of Christ, and SO MUCH MORE!  

*Please, if you have any questions at all concerning our adopted family this year, or if you have items you might like to donate, feel free to contact me via Facebook or email: tullyryan@hotmail.com.

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"Ellie Kate's Wish"

(Ellie Kate's Helping Hands through NKH Crusaders)

This special fund through NKH Crusaders has been a tremendous blessing to people all over the United States! Several families were nominated by their fellow NKH families and as of this moment,  all but ONE gift has been purchased AND delivered!   From medical needs, such as a bath chair and a special humidifier, to basic toys - all items were things the nominated family  struggled to provide for various reasons. Because of YOU and your generosity, these needs and wants have been fulfilled.  

Click HERE to see last NKH gift left to fill

In addition to needs being met, a very giving Sunday School class at Emmaus Baptist Church of Moore, most generously blessed one of our dearest NKH Families, providing both needs  AND  wants! I wish we could all see the look on that little girl's face when she opens 

that American Girl Doll on Christmas morning - the doll that looks like HER; the doll she's wanted for years, but all her family's extra funds are needed for her brothers, both of whom have NKH.

*If you still feel led to give to an NKH Family this Christmas or to NKH Crusaders on behalf of Ellie Kate or Lucy, please glance at the information included at the end of this incredibly long post;).

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THANK YOU

OHMYGOODNESS, my heart dances at the thought of all the JOY and HAPPINESS brought about by so many of you, and all in Ellie Kate's honor! 

Friends, We are truly, eternally grateful!

 I have NO doubt Miss Ellie Kate's green eyes are sparkling  as that dazzling, sly grin sweeps across her face, those luxurious brown curls, bouncing up and down, as her deep giggle radiates throughout the heavens - her heart full of delight, peace and cheer; her soul so full of gratitude that it shines from her perfect, heavenly Being.  

And one day - One day, Ellie Kate will 

thank you for recklessly loving the World in her honor. 

One day, you will hear her voice,

as she so merrily dances and shouts in gratitude,

for all that you have done to serve, to sacrifice, to honor, 

to recklessly love, 

. . . the Least of These.  

Matthew 25:40

New International Version
"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

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Many sweet friends have asked about end-of-year giving, so with that in mind, we share the following information (simply click on the links below):

• NKH Crusaders - Supporting Research - funds donated go solely toward NKH research at the University of Colorado and Denver Children's Hospital, or the research efforts at Notre Dame University, and/or the new research efforts at Boston Children's Hospital
• OKC Hope Link - the 501c3 God led us to start in 2007,  ministering to families whose children suffer from rare, serious and undiagnosed disorders / outreach to families who have lost children due to disease or illness
• McLaughlin Family Medical Fund - through Helping Hands Ministries, a 501c3 which pays medical bills directly or reiumburses via medical receipt (seen under 'Ellie Kate Memorial Fund').