Promises from our King

The Lord showed me this scripture a couple months ago, 

and it has been such encouragement to me for my little girls growing inside me.

"The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing."

[Zephaniah 3:17]

It's going on the wall in our twinsies' room.

Lord, may my daughters know you are with them and for them from an early age. 

May they understand your delight in them and the depth of your love for them. 

May you be the Love of their lives.

Give J and I wisdom to demonstrate this to them, 

and may we not get in the way of your mighty hand.

Amen.

[our twinsies at our last ultrasound... little A above... little B below]

Divine cups of coffee

A few weeks ago, my sister and I decided to take our pups on a cousin walk. This is a newer thing we've been doing to try to warm Baker up to the thought of having to share his auntie with a cute little rambunctious Ava. ;) So far... well, each day is another step.

Regardless...

We decided to walk so we would pass Starbucks close to the end of our walk. We decided we would pick up a few drinks to go.

But once we got there, we said to each other, "should we stay or go? ehh... let's just sit for a few minutes."

As we discussed something related to the amount of cream vs sweetener vs extra pumps required to make our iced coffees just right, a young woman walked up to us from her car. She said, "can I pet your dogs?" "Of course!" we said. She sat down at our table with us and we introduced the animals.

As I said "and this is Emma... she's really shy..." I watched my sensitive intuitive puppy walk right up to this girl and sit quietly in front of her. And she just stayed and let this girl pet her.

After a few minutes of petting her and talking about how much she loves animals, she told us she lost her kitty the week prior. Then she told us she was on her way to spread her dad's ashes. He had died in the hospital about a month prior. She talked about how she had to speak and was having a hard time, and about her kids and how they were coping with the loss of grandpa. And she said how much she has missed having a pet since her kitty ran away. She said, "I pulled up and saw your dogs and I said to my husband, 'I have to pet those dogs.' And he said, 'I know.'"

We spent about 10 minutes listening to her share her story. We shed tears together and we talked about life. And the whole time, my skiddish Emma sat faithfully and let this woman pet her. Finally, she said she should probably go get her coffee and head to the ceremony. As she got up, I caught a glimpse of the tattoo on her arm with scripture on it.

After she walked inside, Carly and I looked at each other in amazement. I said we should have prayed for her. Carly said she was thinking the same exact thing. We decided we still needed to. I told her about the verse on her arm.

A few moments later, the woman walked out with her husband and we stopped her. "Are you a Christian?" "yes" she said. "We are too. Can we pray for you?" "YES! please! oh you want to?! thank you!" and she sat down so quickly. Emma quickly walked back to her and sat down. And we prayed for this young girl. For her heart. For her words. For wisdom and comfort and peace. For healing. For protection. For her children. For her family.

At the end, we looked up with tears in our eyes and all gave each other hugs. "I'm Jamie" she said. "I feel connected now!" she said. We said goodbye.

As we watched Jamie and her husband drive off to her dad's service, we again looked at each other amazingly.

1. we were not even going to sit. we sat for a few minutes just on a whim.
2. emma never sits that still with strangers. she's always so skiddish. but she's also the most perceptive animal i've ever known and she knew something was going on and Jamie needed her.
3. we both knew we needed to pray. and Jamie knew she needed to be prayed for.
4. we all took leaps of faith. and God made Himself SO real, so present, so loving, so true.

We slowly made the walk back home. But we were different. We watched a little miracle happen. In all of our hearts.

This is the evidence of God at work.

Power in Love

God is faithful to daily remind me of His multidimensional character.

Today, I am reminded of His power.

God fights for His people.

Because He loves His people.

He works daily unique miracles for His people.

God is For His people.

{At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, 

and he said in the sight of Israel,

"Sun, stand still at Gibeon,

and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon."

And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped.

until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.

Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? 

The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. 

There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, 

for the Lord fought for Israel.}

Joshua 10:12-14

As I read this, a familiar Kari Jobe song came on that has become an anthem for my life.

And I prayed this prayer to the God of Heaven and Earth:

Lord, you are so faithful, so constant, so loving and so true.

You are so powerful in all you do.

You are so patient, so gracious, so merciful and true.

You are wonderful in all you do.

You fill me, you see me, you know my every move.

And you love for me to sing to you.

I know that you are FOR me,

and I know that you will never forsake me in my weakness.

I know that you have come now, even if to write upon my heart to remind me who you are.

A thankful heart: The Little Things

Today, as I checked out at Petsmart with a huge bag of dog food and bird food in hand,

I noticed the signature for my credit card was no longer paper, but electronic.

I asked the woman working when they got electronic signing pads.

She stopped, looked at me, and grinning ear to ear, said

"We just got them this week. It is new.

I think you are the first customer to notice!"

I didn't think much of it at first.

I mean, J and I frequent Petsmart at least monthly.
And it's technology for goodness sake. ;-)

But then I realized that was the point.

That it was a little thing. 

And that God gave me eyes to notice the little things.

One example:

J driving during our entire vacation last week,

smiling and calming me down when I gave the wrong directions

and we got stuck waiting for the train for ten minutes.

One more example: 

A cloudy fall sky. 

And the moon peaking out behind the sun, peaking out behind the clouds

on my way home from work today.

I'm so thankful for eyes to see the little things.

God, may I never miss the little blessings from you.

Show me every glimpse of your power, glory, and faithfulness.

Thank you for the {seemingly} little things and the {not-so} little things.

Thank you for little bits of kingdom eyes here in this life.

You are a good good God.

May I never forget.

Power in prayer

For the last two years, I have been a part of two amazing ladies bible studies.

First, a group of friends led by my dear friend Katie from November 2009 to November 2010.

Then, ladies from church led my my sweet friend Jennifer from November 2010 to tonight.

And I'm thinking a few things.

Honestly, it is so cool to get ten women in a room that pour over God's Word together, 

sharing insights and encouragement. 

What a humbling, challenging, and rewarding experience.

And it is so amazing to be reminded of who I worship.

I worship the God of the universe. 

The God who created fellowship. 

The God of the Bible. 

The God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

The God who hears my prayers, no matter how big or small, 

and counts them all worthy to be heard. 

The God who knows my heart. 

The God who calls me His child.

We just finished a study on the power of prayer.

It is such an honor to have the opportunity to pray for my husband.

My husband is a righteous man who loves and fears the Lord.

I am proud to be His wife.

Praying for him renews my love for him.

God is so amazing to create such a gift like marriage.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

I'm going to miss weekly ladies study. 

Jesus speaks on the "end of the world"

 "But concerning that day or that hour, 

no one knows, 

not even the angels in heaven,

nor the Son,

but only the Father. 

Be on guard, keep awake. 

For you do not know when the time will come."

Mark 13:31-33

Lord, 

May my eyes be focused on you always.

Make me one to trust your timing and your perfect plan.

Give me strength to be on guard,

and tune my ears to hear you when you speak.

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? 

The Lord is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;

his understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the faint,
   and to him who has no might he increases strength."

Isaiah 40:28-29

Lead me to the Cross

Today on Good Friday, 

I remember.

[Jess-we had the same idea :)]

PS: please pray for my Poppa today. He is in the ICU after a heart attack last night.

Eternal pleasures

Tonight at Bible study, one of my friends offered Psalm 16:8 to our conversation.

As I read through the rest of the chapter, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with 

God's goodness,

my weakness,

and the Lord's grace, strength, and provision.

 ² I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; 

   apart from you I have no good thing."

 ⁵ LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
   you make my lot secure.
⁷ I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
   even at night my heart instructs me.
⁸ I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
   With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

 ⁹ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
   my body also will rest secure,
¹¹ You make known to me the path of life;
   you will fill me with joy in your presence,
   with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

Psalm 16:2, 5, 7-9, 11

Thank you, Lord, for the eternal perspective I find in you.

Thank you for the purpose I find in you.

Thank you for every good thing.

Thank you for your counsel and your instruction.

Thank you for your security and your protection.

Thank you for standing with me.

Thank you for your joy.

And thank you for friends who remind me of your promises.

Braving the journey

Sometimes I am encouraged by the testimony of another.

Sometimes I am convicted by the testimony of another.

Sometimes I am motivated by the testimony of another.

And sometimes, I am a combination of these, when hearing the testimony of another.

A few weeks ago, our church held what was called a ministry fair, where all of the different ministries of the church got to share what they offer and how God is working in their individual ministries. 

While walking through, I had the opportunity to meet Brooks, a missionary in Papua New Guinea.

His story is incredible. 

He and his beautiful wife, Nina, grew up in America and Brooks worked in Corporate America for years. 

They lived with their son, Beau, and were content with life 

until they began to feel that God had bigger plans for them. 

A few months later, they found themselves on a tiny plane headed to Papua New Guinea where they would live as missionaries and members of a tribe of people, learning their language and loving the people as Jesus loves them. 

Brooks shared the story of their very first journey into the tribe at church a few weeks ago. 

It was a journey of complete and total trust in the Lord.

Their plane landed in the middle of a forest-y area, 

and they canoed and hiked for the next few days to get to the tribe. 

Through swamps and brush, encountering all types of creatures.

And then they arrived.

They didn't know if the tribe would welcome them or try to kill them.

They were prepared to lose their lives for the sake of the gospel.

That was in 2004. 

I met them last month, after they had been a part of this culture for over 6 years.

They have 'family' there, and they are a part of the Yembi Yembi tribe.

They have killed crocodiles and 17 foot boa constrictors.

They have survived malaria.

They have underwent all types of criticism, hardship, grief, and physical challenges.

Through it all, they have lived in the name of Jesus Christ.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Philippians 1:20-21

The faith of Brooks and Nina encourages me.

It convicts me.

It motivates me.

It is real. Truly genuine. Raw. And beautiful.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 

These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—

may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

1 Peter 1:6-9

God, I desire to have faith that is proved genuine 

and brings praise, glory and honor to you.

Give me boldness with every step I take.

And may every step and every thought be according to your will.

I praise you for your strength, your love, and your promises.

Help me to find joy in braving the journey.

This is my friend, Brooks.
(see that amazingly constructed table with a covering behind us? yah... he built that)

Please keep he and Nina and Beau in your prayers as they love these people and live amongst them.

Pray for Kate

I've been following Kate's story and praying for her and her sweet family for over a year now. 

I love this family. Aaron and Holly love their three kids so very much, and they treasure their little girl, Kate. 

In summary, Kate was diagnosed with brain cancer June 29, 2009 at the age of five. 

A year later, after multiple surgeries, chemo treatments, and radiation, her brain scans came back clean. 

She continued to have scans every three months to check for any new growth. 

She's a little miracle.

Last week, she had another MRI.

This one came back with two new spots.

This week, Kate's neurologist and medical team shared with the family that the spots are cancer.

This seven year old little girl needs our prayers more than ever.

Please pray for her parents, Aaron and Holly.

Pray for her little brother Will, and her big sister Olivia.

 [source for all photos] 

Isaiah 43:1-2

"But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.""

Desiring clean hands

My hands have been so dry lately. 

And that drives. me. crazy. 

(the period. thing. also drives me crazy, but for lack of a better way to emphasize, there. ya. go.)

I feel like I always need to wash them and put lotion on... to make them clean and soft and fresh again.

I've always loved to wash my hands.

[I'm also addicted to lotion... 

my sweet husband who doesn't like smelly things tolerates my addiction so well...

but this is a side note].

I love how, in just a minute or less, my hands go from feeling warm and not-so-clean to cool, soft, and fresh.

New.

It's amazing that the simple process of washing my hands makes me feel totally clean.

And yet, it makes sense.

Because my hands are so representative of me.

Where are my hands all day? What do they do? And what does that say about me?

One of my favorite passages and worship songs talks about clean hands.

"Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
   And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
   who does not lift up his soul to what is false
   and does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the LORD
   and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
   who seek the face of the God of Jacob."

[Psalm 24:3-6]

I don't always have clean hands. Or a pure heart. 

In fact, I often don't have either.

But I have these verses posted on my bathroom mirrors.

And every time I wash my hands, I pray this.

God, my desire is to have clean hands and a pure heart, 

to be a girl that lifts her soul to what is true, 

and to be one who is true.

Lord, continue to cleanse me, little by little, into who You have made me to be.

I give you my hands.

And my heart.

Search me... Lead me

My prayer this evening...

this month...

this year...

 

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! 

Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me, 

and lead me in the way everlasting!"

Psalm 139:23-24

Tonight's prayer

I've been reading Ephesians and was awed by the eloquence and authenticity 
of Paul's letter for the Ephesians. 

I think he would pray the same for us today.

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you 

with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. 

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 

may have power, together with all the saints, 

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, 

according to his power that is at work within us, 

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus 

throughout all generations, for ever and ever! 

Amen."

Ephesians 3:16-21

I like the sound of Nashville...

I'm a blog stalker. I admit it. I follow complete strangers' thoughts, photos, twitters, and lives. And I talk about them like we're friends.

Like Layla. Layla's mom started a foundation, I'm so proud of her.

And Daisy. Prayers are working for this little girl, let me tell you.

And Matt. It's his wife's birthday today. Happy birthday Sarah! They just had a little boy with a congenital heart problem, so they are spending a lot of time in the hospital.

And Calee and Kristina. I totally get them. Cutest sisters ever. (not including my sister and I of course).

And Stephanie. 80% of her body was burned in a bad plane crash two years ago. But she keeps going!

 And Carly. Oh wait... I actually DO know her. She's the sister mentioned above. :)

And Jasmine. She seriously is one of the funniest and inspiring people I 'know'.

And Jasmine's twin sister, Bianca. Who just got married. To Matt. Who I follow also.

And lots of others... but I think this is enough for now.

Anyways... Bianca's blog today resonated with me.

She talks about praying before meals. Which I love, and we do. And how sometimes people give her the 'funny' look here in LA (or in my case, San Diego... although I honestly don't think people pay any attention most of the time). But she's in Nashville right now, and apparently, everyone prays before they eat there!

I think I wanna make a visit to Nashville.
To see what that type of community is like.

Although I'd be lying if I didn't say a huge perk would be the singers.
I love me some country.
After all, the Keith Urban concert was my first date with John. [at least, officially] :)

Happy Thursday!

Picking up the pieces

Well, Friday is the day.
I've been studying a lot this week.
And I know, oh, maybe half of the stuff I need to know.
Like, I get 50-60% on every practice test I take.

I know I said I wasn't stressed
- and I've done pretty well -
but I am getting a bit overwhelmed
when I realize how much I need to know
to pass this test
and to be a great nurse.

I trust that God will give me wisdom in my work
and will protect my future patients
from any mistakes I may make.
At least, this is my prayer.

But when I think about the fact that my ability to take care of people
rests on a single "computer adaptive exam"
and my ability to differentiate between
"the NCLEX world" and "the real world,"
(literally they say this!)
I start to get a little overwhelmed.

It didn't help when I left Em and Bakes alone for a couple hours today
to find my bedspread ripped
and my room looking like it had snowed from all the stuffing
that was supposed to be so neatly tucked away inside
but was instead floating around my room.

That's kinda how my brain feels.
Tired, confused, and fragmented.
The stuff that should be so neatly compartmentalized
in its protective covering, or, head
is instead splattered all over the place
in no apparent order.

But God showed me His grace and His faithfulness
tonight in my elderly neighbor
whom I took a walk with
and who told me she would try to remember to pray for me on Friday.

and last night in two encouraging scriptures from my sister:

one from the book of Isaiah -
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." 
Isaiah 41:10

and the other from the mouth of Jesus -
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." 
John 14:27

And in an email from my mom to tell me she's proud of me
before I even pass the darn thing.
Because, it's not really about passing.
But it would be nice if that was a result :)

And so, time continues to move forward
and I pray God will help me make sense of the stuffing scattered about
to answer each question wisely and accurately.

Regardless of the outcome on Friday,
I will trust in the Lord.
For He is worthy to be praised.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 
2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Nursing school reflections: Preceptorship

As nursing school is quickly coming to an end, I have had many thoughts. Some contradictory, most positive. The thoughts that follow occurred in the past 72 hours as I completed my preceptorship - the last of my clinicals in nursing school.

I worked Saturday and Sunday nights, and went straight to school Monday morning for a 12 hour day. Needless to say, it was pretty exhausting. But I learned a few things.

I love oncology. Like, really love it. Not the cancer part. But the part about getting to know your patients, and walking with them through a difficult period. Supporting them and caring for them and with them. Loving them. And taking care of them after the battle is complete. One way or another.

I really like working nights. As much as I am not a night person. I am a "J can we go to bed" at 9pm kind of a person. Not so much of a "party til 3am" kind of a person. Sleeping in the day is pretty tough (although Sunday, I had Benadryl to thank), and I think J misses me at bedtime. :) But I sorta like being awake in the wee hours of the morning. When patients finally fall asleep and the floor is quiet. It's like your kids finally fell asleep. It's a sigh of relief and accomplishment, for them mostly. And you get to really talk to your patients. I got to know them. And their families. And we were there when they were sick at 0300. That is a humbling thing.

I love the nurses on the oncology floor. They have such hearts for their patients. They love their job. And they love each other. They are friends. And they welcomed me into their little night group of nurses so quickly. One girl told me about "NOTY Moments" (pronounced 'naughty moments'). Nurse Of The Year. AKA - when you screw up. She was a new grad RN. Since January. And she encouraged me (in a funny way) by telling me some of her NOTY moments. She made me laugh countless times. And my preceptor. She was and is an incredible nurse. Thank you Jeanne for the greatest experience in such a fast 60 hours.

I can't believe the next time I will take care of patients in my scrubs will be when I am a nurse (Lord-willing). When it's me that's taking care of them. That is terrifying and exciting, overwhelming and humbling all at the same time. The terrifying part comes through most frequently at this point. But once I'm there, how often I am humbled by my patients and nurses.

I thought about these things as I drove to the hospital and prayed that God would keep my hands safe, and my patients safe, and that He would bless each night and each relationship encounter I had, and that I would learn and grow and be humbled and encouraged by encouraging others.

And today, as I put my house back together (thanks for not letting it fall too apart, hun) and played with my pups and layed outside a bit and enjoyed my Jamba Juice my sweet husband brought me for lunch (thank you babe. I love you so much), I continued to contemplate these things. 

And I realized, I am so incredibly blessed to be doing what I am doing.
To be in the position where people allow me to take their lives in my hands. That is a truly humbling thing.
To be healthy and able to work, when so many aren't.
To be young enough to be able to stay awake for 24 hours at a time (although not ideal) without too much of a headache. And then sleep for 8 hours and get back to life. 

On that note, it is time for me to get ready and head to school for my final class of nursing school.

Desiring Wisdom

I'm usually not one to pray prayers written by someone else (not because there's anything wrong with them, but because it doesn't seem genuine for me), but this particular prayer by Carole Mayhall that I read in the book we've been going though in bible study caught my eye these past few days. Because I can honestly pray this.

Lord, open my eyes.

So much of what I read in your word speaks of the importance of hearing.

Wisdom demands it;

Righteousness requires it;

Understanding necessitates it.

I see so much of selective hearing.

Am I a selective listener?

Do I only hear what I want to?

Oh Father!

You know I long to be wise; understanding; discerning.

Teach me to hear from people, experiences, expressions, tones of life...

With an openness of mind,

a totality of heart,

and an abandonment of my own preconceived ideas.

Help me to learn.

Teach me to open my eyes and really hear.

So often, we 'desire to be wise.' And there's a checklist of things to do in order to 'be wise.'
At least, it looks that way.
And that bothers me.
That attaining wisdom would be something I think I can accomplish. On my own.

When really, Wisdom just IS.
And when I spend time with Jesus,
chatting and listening to what he has to say,
I think maybe he says, 'this is what it's about, my child. You and me, spending time together. Let me teach you how to BE.'

It is less about doing, and more about being.
Those that I think are wise aren't those that walk around in a circle of perfection and great choices.
Those that I think are wise are those that just ARE. Wisdom is a part of their character. Like it is a part of God's character.
And if wisdom is God's character, I can't have wisdom without God and his character.

So God, please allow your character to come alive in me. 
Bit by bit. Day by day.
And teach me to BE.
And thank you for being patient with me, as I learn things again. And again.

Breakfast, coffee and desert in one

I had the pleasure of having coffee with my grandma this morning. We had coffee and breakfast, and then 'dessert' as she said. :) All in one.

My grandma always reminds me of the joy in life. I love spending time with her.

She also went with me to the dry cleaners, when we found out they were going to charge $45 to... not dry clean... stick it in their big washer. We both said, forget it. I will find my own large washer. :) And Grandma offered to clean it for me. She's always offering herself.

I got her on my "pray for a nursing job" prayer committee. I am excited. I am praying too. But when my Grandma prays, things happen. Watch out, world.

She's simply the best!!

In the arms of Jesus

Sweet Layla Grace went to be with Jesus this morning.

Remember her?

Her website is down, probably because of the traffic, so a few other places to read about her are here or here or here.

What an awful thing to die from cancer. And to die so young. I don't really understand it all. But I know Layla has touched more lives in her 27 months I think I can touch in my lifetime. I am so thankful for her little life and her huge testimony.

God, I pray for your perfect peace and love to fill the Marsh home. To fill Ryan and Shanna's hearts, and the hearts of their little girls, Jenna and Claire. I pray that they would cling to each other and to you in this time of heartache and confusion. Remind them why they can trust you.

Pray for Layla Grace

I recently started following this blog about a family of five. Mom, dad, Jenna - age 9 (today), Claire, and Layla Grace - age 2. Layla has stage 4 neuroblastoma. Cancer. She has about a day or two left. You can follow her on twitter here to get updates. Tonight, her big sisters said goodbye and are going to stay with their grandma. Layla is at home with her mom and dad.

Layla Grace needs God's peace. Her family knows the peace and love of Jesus. Pray that there would be an outpouring of His grace and peace and love on this family tonight. In this moment.

This is Layla when she got a puppy a few weeks back. The puppy hasn't left her side.

I am truly humbled at the faith of this family. They trust God completely. Even though they don't understand. They understand His love. God loves this family and God loves Layla Grace.

Just as much as God loves me and you.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

Kutless - What Faith Can Do