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

"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').

Grateful Hearts and a God who is Faithful and True

Precious Friends, December is now upon us, and it hardly seems possible that Ellie Kate's ELEVENTH birthday is this Sunday!  It is now officially, "Ellie Kate's Month of Reckless Love" and in honor of our "reckless love" efforts this month, we invite you to change your Facebook profile to one of the pictures below to help us spread the word!

First off, I want to thank you for the many ways you've already loved and served the specific families God has led us to focus on this year. It's just the beginning of December and already, we've had packages come to our door, "In Honor of Ellie Kate"!  I will never tire of seeing her name on the packages YOU have provided for others.  Our entire family giggles and jumps up and down when we open the packages each night, looking to see what the Lord has brought to the families we're collectively giving to!  I could never fully convey our gratefulness, but please know that you honor us and honor Ellie Kate when you give, serve, provide for, and pray for these particular families.  

Christmas Gifts for Families!

Secondly, I want to apologize for my tone in the last blog entry.  Friends, you got to see the real and raw feelings of a mourning momma, that's for sure.  Here's the thing though, in those moments, in that situation, I wasn't giving this all up to the Lord.  I wasn't giving HIM control of this all-important-month and because of that, I was more down and defeated than I needed to be!  When I last wrote, it wasn't yet December and I was already worried that gifts wouldn't be purchased and that these families would be left without their needs or wishes granted . .  . Oh ME of little faith! God told us to dedicate the month of December in this way and this year, He has once again shown us what and who to focus the "Reckless Love" upon.  Oh, Friends!  THE most important thing I have learned in these (almost) four years since losing Ellie Kate from this life, is that GOD IS FAITHFUL AND TRUE.  We are following His direction and He will see it through - no matter how many participate, HE will provide and HE will get the glory.  That's what this life is all about.


A little Scriptural Truth to show God's Character as Faithful and True 

Psalm 78:35
And they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer.
Proverbs 23:11
For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case . . . 
Psalm 33:4
For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does.
Revelation 19:11
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.

  

Reckless Love (the Mike and Ryan definition): 

Reckless Love is taking intentional action in order to benefit the life of another 

without worrying about the consequences. 

Through this roller-coaster ride has allowed our family to be enveloped by the special needs world, along with the world of child-loss, and those who are medically fragile.  God has taught us so many precious things.  After all, He does not cause or allow things to happen without a purpose.  Through Sweet Ellie Kate's life and all we've lived through, all we've experienced; through the intimate ways the Body of Christ has surrounded us, we have learned more about reckless love than we ever knew was possible!  In the past four years specifically, we've learned more about ourselves, our marriage, our living children; we've learned more about the beautiful Body of Christ, at work in their own giftings, even when hasn't been convenient, even when it's meant sacrificing, even when we've let them down . . . The Body has stayed with us through the eleven years of this journey, all because of the reckless love of Christ.  It's simply the only explanation of why someone, who brought us meals in December 2005, still brings us meals in December 2016 - It's because of the works of Father, Son and Holy Spirit within the hearts of man, not because of anything good man has done, but solely because God created us and loves us! 

We long for the world around us to see, taste and feel this same reckless love, and the month of December, the month of Ellie's birth and the month of her death, is the time we've dedicated and invited those around us to participate in acts of service, sacrifice and love.  Specifically, we ask that you take part in providing for the following families which the Lord has laid on our hearts.  You can do just that by clicking on one of the following lists in BLUE, by providing something that is listed, or even something God has laid on your heart to give. 

Christmas Family Adoption 2016

 The Williams Family, whom we've adopted this year for Christmas is in great need of almost everything, as they hardly have any possessions of their own. They are in need of everything from jeans to blankets, from home decorations to pantry items.

Our Adoption Family is made up of Mom, her teenage daughter (14), a son (8), 
as well as a 16 yo girl who is living with them, due to abandonment.  The Amazon gifts will be mailed to our home and we will get them to the family in time for Christmas (mom wants to wrap some gifts herself so we are providing wrapping materials as well).  

 Remember, both the Amazon Wish List and Wish List for 16 yo Girl give you great ideas, but you do NOT have to order only from Amazon.  You can purchase these items, or even similar items! 
We ask only that you get all items to us by December 18th, 
in order for them to be wrapped and delivered in time for Christmas Morning.

Feel free to spread the word about this specific Christmas Adoption -
You never know what the Lord might lead an individual or Community Group, Life Group,  Sunday School class, or even one individual to give this Christmas season!!! 

SIZES:

Mom - Shirt L, Pants/Jeans 10-12 long, Shoes 9

Daughter 14yo - Shirt L, Pants/Jeans 14 long, Shoes 9

Son 8yo - Shirt - kids M, Pants/Jeans M (size 8-10), Shoes 3.5

Teen Girl (16yo teen who lives with the family/father is in prison and mom has essentially abandoned her) - Shirt S/M, Pants/Jeans 0-3, Shoes 6.5; Favorite Color - Red
*This sweet girl needs new underwear, socks, bras, clothes (new and used), coat (new or used), toiletries, and her main wish: a cell phone to stay in contact with her brothers and sisters.  Wish List for 16 yo Girl

GIFT IDEAS: 

Laundry detergent, quarters for laundry (at their apartments), Walmart gift cards for groceries and necessities, JC Penney gift cards for clothes (mom and daughter need new bras), pantry items.  The Williams Family is also in great need of a car (they currently do not have one). 

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"Ellie's Wish" for fellow NKH Families from around the World

As part of the Ellie Kate Wish Fund through NKH Crusaders (which is the main organization supporting NKH families as well as NKH research around the world), these special Amazon Wish Lists were created specifically by individual NKH families.  These particular families were chosen because of their involvement within the NKH Community and because of the needs 
of their special needs/medically fragile children and other "typical/healthy" children as well 
(siblings often feel left out as so much attention has to be given to the child who is sick).

Gifts include items not covered by insurance as well as 
special Christmas gifts for NKH children and their siblings.  

Would you please consider purchasing an item off one of our NKH Family's Wish Lists (click on the link below to see each Amazon Wish List)?  
Each item will be directly mailed to the proper family.  

NKH Family 1
NKH Family1 (cont'd)

NKH Family 2

NKH Family 3

NKH Family 4

God is so good to change my heart and perspective over the last few days.  That doesn't mean I am not hurting physically, mentally and emotionally.  It doesn't mean we are pretending that all is okay, ignoring our feelings and thoughts of Ellie Kate's birthdays and parties in the past.  It just means for now, in this moment, I've been able to give it all to the Father.  He gives me immense joy in knowing other people will be greatly blessed in His name and in Ellie's honor this year.  

If you are holding tight to heartache or bitterness like I was in my last post; if you are struggling in only seeing the bad or can't seem to stop wallowing in your current situations, try sincerely praying and giving it all to the Father.  There are no magic words or rhymes - just a humble spirit, crying out to God for help.  He hears you.  He knows you.  He loves you (no matter what, always and forever).  God IS faithful and true and He can unveil that truth to you now.  Believe me - even if it's a constant struggle to continue to give it over to God and to put it in His hands, it's worth it.  Leaving your problems in HIS hands and out of YOURS brings supernatural, sweet freedom and I am hoping you can find that even now!  

Sweet Freedom!