In Loving Memory of Baby A

You may remember my mention of a family whose baby was dying of a genetic disease. Baby A entered the presence of Jesus and will not have to experience the pain and suffering this world brings.

Baby A was perfect, despite the weakness of his disease. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Baby A was precious. “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

Baby A had purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

I watched his mom from a distance and also at the funeral. Her beautiful acceptance and peaceful countenance were a testimony of God’s grace flowing through her life.

Losing your baby is a mother’s worst nightmare. Everyone’s lives go on, but you’re the one who carried your baby, who cuddled and loved your baby and now weeps with empty arms.

Those who have lost a baby know the deep pain and anguish of your soul. When you have another child, you feel so blessed, yet none can replace the child you lost. You have to work through your fears and learn to rest.

This is just a post to say we care, we love you, and we hurt with you.

Baby A, you have one amazing mom. She loved you like no one else could, and we’re praying for her as she now walks a new road.

I know Baby A’s mom would be very blessed if any of you left her a comment below.

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and
wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works;
and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14

Random Life, Grateful for God’s LovingKindness

These past 6 weeks have flown by since our last Random Life. It feels hard to quantify all that has transpired. But even through the challenging times, God has been so gracious. We are grateful for His everlasting lovingkindness.

We’re thankful for the addition of new life. Dad and Mom also had a wonderful trip to Alabama where Dad preached for two churches. The ministry is still our heartbeat, and it’s exciting to see the newest project launch: Buying a House Debt-Free, the unabridged audiobook. Watch for more on the horizon. I experienced some delays with making progress on my book but hope to finish the outline soon and be onto writing the first draft.

We’re excited to welcome home Anna and Mary this week. It’s been a long time, and they’ve experienced many challenges. God has answered prayer after prayer and used them mightily.

Love,
Sarah

Dad pitted a lot of cherries.
Deborah’s first appearance at church on Father’s Day
Miss Calia and her mommy have done an incredible job with their garden.
A blog reader sent me a game that I could enjoy playing with my nieces and nephews as we miss the aunts.
Dad grinding out a large stump
So neat when the cousins do things together.
Nathan and we girls like to go for runs, and we have missed Anna and Mary this summer. On Independence Day, we went for a long run, and Tina accompanied us on her bike.
Our Independence Day group
When one’s pigtails come out, this is the result.
Bible Bee Summer study which the Nathan and Christopher Maxwells are doing.
An activity afterward
Reading time with Grandma
Fishing time with Daddy
Joshua caught a fish.
Andrew’s birthday dinner with Grandpa and Grandma
Dairy Queen date while Gigi sat with the kids
A friend sent a care package for Ellie (and me :)). It’s been a rough month!
Sweet fellowship with friends for a few hours
Taking Danny home after his birthday dinner
Loved this picture of Anna Marie and all her kiddos coming over. We watched the children so Christopher and Anna Marie could go out for dinner to celebrate their engagement anniversary.
9 years later (see this original engagement post)
Sunday fellowship
Adorable
Mom, Dad, and I compiled ChorePack Kits with the Chores book Saturday
This Sunday group was just too cute not to take a picture.

“Because thy lovingkindness is better than life,
my lips shall praise thee.”
Psalm 63:3

Ellie’s Recovery

Thank you for your kind words and love during Ellie’s illness and surgery. Ellie’s her spunky self again; she bounced back very quickly beginning Monday. Praise the Lord.

Although puppies for Ellie is no longer a possibility, and I am disappointed, that is nothing compared to dear friends going through enormous difficulties. One friend has been diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. Another friend is losing her baby because of a genetic disease. How our hearts go out to them and how we pray for them.

Love,
Sarah

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 

Announcing the Unabridged Audiobook of Buying a House Debt-Free

It’s here. The Unabridged Audiobook Download of Buying a House Debt-Free.

Few families can afford to give their children homes as wedding gifts, but you CAN give them what’s next best—motivation and direction toward a debt-free home before marriage. All five of our sons have purchased homes debt-free and yours can too. 

I think every family should read this book, and I encourage you to catch the vision for your sons.” Jim Bob Duggar

With the book now in audio format, even busy dads will benefit. 

Owning a home debt-free before marriage is much more attainable then after marriage with increasing financial obligations. That is why being debt-free is only a dream for many families. We plead with you, even if you can’t personally attain a debt-free home, you can give the gift of that vision to your children. “Read” Buying a House Debt-Free it in the car while you are driving and make windshield time beneficial. 

Dad loved recording this book. It’s like Preparing Sons Part 2, 3, and 4. There is also solid information about college, managing finances, and gaining practical skills. Dads, if you are too busy, ask your wife to get it and listen to it. Whether your children are young or late teens, your children will bless you for investing in them.

We’re offering a special price through July 31st of $9.99 for the Unabridged Audiobook Download.

“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another:
for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
Romans 13:8

Steve’s Health Update

On March 6th, Steve had a heart catheterization that resulted in two stents in coronary arteries, one with 99% and another with 90% blockage and the knowledge that another artery is 76% blocked. Since then he has made tremendous health progress.

After we shared about Steve’s heart event via Titus2, we were blessed through the blog comments and Seriously responses with the names of several doctors’ resources to study regarding the possibility of reversing heart disease. We read a lot of their resources and implemented some massive—to us—dietary changes.

As a result, Steve has lost 24 pounds so far. His blood pressure, that was high but unmedicated, is now normal. His overall cholesterol has dropped 91 points, and LDL cholesterol went down 66 points, without being on a statin drug.

Steve feels great and looks great too! More to come on exactly what changes we made and other important things we learned.

Trusting Jesus,
Teri

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple
of the Holy Ghost
which is in you, which ye have
of God, and ye are not your own?”
1 Corinthians 6:19