Sweet 16

Today marks two years since sweet Gabriel was healed in heaven by our creator, our good good God. Two years … and the last week I’ve been extremely emotional. But as my Heavenly Daddy always does, He gave me peace today. Tears, sure, but also peace, and a ton of love. Love from family, friends, our phenomenal real estate office – everywhere we looked we were met with love. I didn’t leave the house today but God showered us with love right at our doorstep.

We received a framed print of Gabriel’s day gown and bonnet – both made by dear friends. I literally had to cover my face with both hands I was crying so hard.  Beneath it reads my favorite scripture for Gabriel: “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” – 1^st Corinthians 13:12.

Dorothy also made today sweet. Early this morning she “went bang” – a fairly common occurrence during these wobbly wayward pre-toddler days – but this time even though she was being comforted by Kevin, she looked at me and cried out, “Mama! Mama!”  Those were the first words I heard this morning, and it framed my day with joy and gratitude. (She’s babbled it before but not with a sense of purpose and direction about it. Precious, cherished timing.)

I am actually Mama to three babies. Kevin and I are pregnant again – due August 30. Nine weeks is too soon to tell people, of course, so here I am saying it anyway and asking for your prayers for a healthy baby and gentle pregnancy. Dorothy is a middle child now even though she won’t meet her big brother until she arrives in heaven one day – Lord willing. She’ll be a Sweet 16 months apart from her younger sibling. We pray our third baby is healthy and has a heart for our Heavenly Daddy. We pray that every one we know grows to love our Lord and seek Him first. I also pray for Jesus to come back right now – this moment – and right every wrong in an instant.

We praise Him for this day. This January 25, 2016. This moment. This family of five with three on earth, one in heaven and one in a womb with a fresh heart beat, beat, beating. We are a family yearn, yearn, yearning. Meanwhile, friends get cancer; other babies die; marriages struggle; and entitlement abounds in our selfish, sinful hearts. People try to cling to everything within their own power – refusing to cry out to the one entity with all power, all truth, all light. And He’s standing there. Standing at your bedroom door hoping you’ll shout – just once – “Daddy! Daddy! Fix it.” Please cry out to Him when you “go bang.” He longs to hear you call Him by name – with intention. He’ll wrap you in His eternal care if only you cry out.

 “And he said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.’” – Revelation 21:6