Reese's Name Gallery #12

Sunday in worship we took part in the LORD's Supper, and as a church body did something I have never seen before. A little background...Jason and I were running late yesterday, so we sat in the balcony. I think we have been up there a total of three times in seven years, but we wanted to slip in unnoticed.

Fifteen banners were set up all over the sanctuary with names of GOD such as Messiah, Friend, Faithful and True, etc. Each person or family was to go to the banner that GOD had been to them this past year and take part of the elements.

Jason and I are living through the hardest year of our lives (or really the past eight months), so as I read through all of the names and descriptions of GOD in our program my eyes fell to Majesty on High: "GOD has been sovereign with all the events in our life even though we may not have understood them."

I then looked up and guess what banner was right in front of us? Majesty on High. We were already right where we needed to be. Wow. Coincidence? Not a chance.

A new friend of mine who has a little girl in Heaven recently wrote in an email, "The ache is deeper than I thought possible and yet Christ is more real." Perfectly said!

Since Reese went to Heaven I have cried out time and time again, "LORD, can't I be this close to You without all of the pain and heartache? Can't I know Your presence this deeply, feel Your comfort this closely, and see You work in amazing ways with Reese in my arms?" Obviously His answer to me concerning Reese is "No." I love feeling GOD so close to my heart during this time, but the pain is great and the tears seem endless.

He knows how difficult it is for me to see Christmas card pictures of happy families with one little boy and one little girl. It's what our Christmas card would have looked like this year with Reese. GOD knows I desperately need His faithfulness and embrace. His grace is endless.

I'm so thankful for GOD's constant affirmation in my life. That He loves Jason, me, and Zach. That He is always here. He sees my vulnerable places. He is not letting us go.

Bless your hearts for reading my blog. I know it's your choice to be with me on this crazy roller coaster of emotions, and I am amazed at the constant love and support we receive.

More pictures of Reese's beautiful name...I wanted to share her Christmas pictures while it's the season, so if you haven't seen yours yet, don't worry. I love sharing Reese's name gallery pictures and will show each one in time!

Sweet ornament

Ornament hooks

Dove ornament

Christmas bloomers

Red food dye in the snow...this reminds me of when I was a little girl. My mom, sister, and I would make "snow ice cream" with snow, sugar, milk, vanilla, and food dye. I still love it!

Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Luke 13:35

Santa Baby

Zach loves Christmas lights. He says, "More ights more ights!" without the "l." It's cute. Jason and I took him this past week to see the lights and all the excitement on the square. It was a perfect night.

Riding a pony

Jason and Z on a camel

Walking along...

Cutie pie

This is the best we could do. I know I know, Santa looks kind of scary, but he was so nice! He looked great in person. ; )

A few "Cook & Conquer" answers ~

1. Elli divided up the meals into three groups...five chicken dishes, five beef, and five "other" dishes which was a lot of pasta. Yum!

2. If we had any preferences we let her know before she chose the meals. For example, Jason does not like onions. You can't always please everyone, but we didn't have a problem and you can always add things later if you want.

3. Each recipe tells how much of each ingredient you must have to meet your group's needs (cooking for three families, six families, nine families, etc.).

4. I will be happy to post my three recipes, but I'll also include the names of the the recipe books they came from. They are full of great freezer recipes. I just need to get it all together. ; )

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I'm all about this idea...not worrying about cooking each night, trying fifteen new meals, having healthy food choices, and saving money, too!

This picture of Reese with Jason looking at her melts my heart. I hope we have another daughter who looks just like her! She's perfect.

God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true.

Psalm 18:30

Cook & Conquer

Four friends and I got together to "cook and conquer." We were feeling in a rut with organizing meals and cooking for our families every week, so Elli came up a plan for us. We each cooked three different freezer meals for five families (including ourselves). We then switched and have fifteen meals ready to go!

All of my food and ingredients. My "assignments" were lasagna, Rio Grande taco meat, and honey pecan chicken. I spent about $12 per meal! Each meal feeds 4 - 5 people.

Lasagna

Lasagna ready to go

Rio Grande taco meat

I cooked for six hours one day, but it is so worth not worrying about dinner each night. I am so excited about this. ; ) These meals will last us a long time, and I will definitely do it again.

But my God shall supply all your need according to His
riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

Reese's Ornaments

I have been wanting something specific to grasp onto this Christmas season because honestly I can't wait for it to be over. I'm so thankful Jesus sees into my heart and knows me so well. He gave me an answer through a friend's prayer for us. She is praying we will know Emmanuel, GOD with us this Christmas, and now this is my prayer, too.

Several people have given us ornaments for Reese, and I have to share them. ; )

Restore us, O God Almighty; make Your face shine upon us...

Psalm 80:7

Laughter

Jason and I had a wonderful time at our small group Christmas party last night. I cried I laughed so hard during our "gag or good" gift exchange. It's always classic. Usually a few of the same gifts show up to get passed on until next year.

A few of the girls brought their little babies, and I kept thinking how two years ago Jason and I brought Z to the same party when he was six weeks old. I remember that night like it was yesterday because I loved getting out with him and being with our friends. It was a big deal as new parents!

Rachel, Shannon, me, & Sarah

Abby & Michele

A few of the guys...Pat, Jason, Cody, & Mark

Sweet friends

Jason & me (I'm laughing at my hand) ; )

I will always remember how this group of friends was at the hospital constantly when Reese was born. I think they filled the waiting room before I was even released from recovery. The image of them surrounding us in my hospital room will never leave my memory. Some of them would come to the hospital just to sit in the lobby, but I knew they were there. I was so overwhelmed but at peace, too.

GOD surrounded us with amazing friends and family when Reese arrived and continues to bring people across our paths who are changing our lives. We will never be the same. Sweet Reese, only GOD could have known the impact you would make on your Daddy, me, and so many others.

A cheerful heart is good medicine...

Proverbs 17:22

Love Me

A few people sent this poem to us, and I think it was written for Reese. ; )

Once upon a special day in Heaven up above, the tiniest souls sat at God's feet, surrounded by His love. ‘The time is coming, very soon’, God said, ‘Do not be scared. Your family awaits your arrival, now let us get prepared’.

And so God looked upon these souls, in mute consideration. He knew the life each one would live, He weighed each situation.

The souls chatted amongst themselves, and wondered who they'd be. They knew the day grew closer; soon, they'd meet their family.

‘How would you like to change the world?’ God asked each soul in fun. The chance to change a soul, a heart, is held by only one.

‘I'm going to make the world laugh’, one soul said with a smile, ‘for laughter heals a broken heart, and helps us through each trial’.

‘Then take with you the brightest smile, and share your laughter well’. The soul thanked God immensely, and down to earth he fell.

‘And I'll remind the world to sing’, a sweet little soul told the Lord. ‘I have the gift of a beautiful voice; I can hit every note and every chord’.

‘You’ll have the gift of music then, a voice, lovely and strong. Share your gift with others, and let them hear your song’.

‘I will show compassion’, the next little soul raised her hand. ‘Some people only need a friend, someone to understand’.

‘Compassion is a good thing’, God said with much delight. ‘To you, I will give mercy. You'll perceive wrong from right’.

And so each soul shared every thought, their plans, their hopes, their dreams. And God explained that life, it is, much harder than it seems.

And as each soul began to leave in a scurry of laughter and fun, Heaven became quiet and still, for left was only one.

‘Come sit with Me my little child’, God said with just a sigh. ‘Do you know how many you will touch, in a world left wondering why? Before your life comes to an end, you will know much strife, but you'll teach those who know you, to cherish the smallest things in life.

'And some may only know you through a simple photograph, they'll never hold you in their arms, or memorize your laugh. Some may only know you through the words they read each day, but you'll do something wonderful, you'll make them stop and pray’.

The tiniest soul raised her head up, to touch God's firm, strong hand. ‘Father, I am ready for the life that you have planned. And I will do the best I can without a word or deed. For you Lord, are the planter, and I will be Your seed’.

She could already hear many praying, and although they had not seen her face, they were praying for her safe arrival, they were asking for mercy and grace.

‘What talent do I leave with Lord? What gift do You impart?’

‘All that you will need’, God said, ‘I've placed within your heart’. And so God kissed this tiny child, knowing all that she would be, and whispered as He watched her go...'You'll teach them . . . to love Me'.

Reese, you were born four months ago today. Wow, I really can't believe such a huge piece of my heart is already in Heaven. We love you. Thank you for showing me how to love Jesus more than I ever thought I could.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

Reese's Name Gallery #11

A woman saw me with Z after Bible study and asked if I had any other children. I said, "Yes, I have a daughter (loving hearing this on my lips but praying she wouldn't ask the next question of how old Reese is)." The lady said, "Oh, that's nice" and walked away. I breathed a sigh of relief. It was so nice to say this! To answer her with the truth but not have to go into anything deeper. I don't know if questions like this will ever be normal to me...just a part of our new life.

More pictures of Reese's beautiful name...thank you! We love each and every one.

Candy & chocolate

Dominoes

Snow on a trampoline

Adorable pillow

Reese's first ornament

And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psalm 9:10