I came across this video, above, on the site, Every Life is Beautiful and wanted to share it with you.  It makes me happy and I hope it makes you happy too.

Next Sunday, we are celebrating life.  Of course life should always be celebrated, but this Sunday is a specific day set aside to do so. The
elderly, those with special needs, and babies are some of the cherished
people groups that we are celebrating.  Unfortunately, these three
groups are often disrespected, disregarded, or even discarded.  This is
not okay.  It is wrong.  It is sin.  Next Sunday we are asking for forgiveness, on behalf of ourselves and our nation.  Next Sunday we are rejoicing in the lives of those around us.  Next Sunday we acknowledge the Author of life and thank Him for life.

Photo credit:  Darling Daughter

As you probably know, I have a brother with Down Syndrome.  I love him
to pieces.  Sure he drives me nuts sometimes, don’t all brothers?  If
you haven’t yet, you can read all about him here.  Isn’t he handsome?!

Next Sunday, I am celebrating Brian.  A life, made by God; one-of-a-kind and
wonderful. He lights up the world around him…with his own kind of
humor, offering timely bible verses, extending unconditional love and
chasing his niece and nephews ’round the house with glee.  

If you haven’t read this article by the lovely Cindy, please do.  She honestly shares about
her
sweet daughter Jillie and how God prepared them for her.  If you have,
or are expecting, a child with special needs, I just want to say- you
are prayed for today.  With God’s help you can do this.  Don’t give up,
don’t lose heart.  God has formed that child and He knows all about the
valleys and mountains before you.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 
Tell others what you need.  Seek the Lord and His Word for strength and wisdom and
join a support group to help you through.  Hats off to you- thank you
for valuing life. 

As you know, I am a big fan of the movie, October Baby.  If you haven’t watched it, please do, and let me know what you think!  This movie addresses so many important themes.  Adoption is one of them.  If you have been around here for any length of time, you know that adoption is near and dear to our hearts.

There are many other captivating videos on the site Every Life is Beautiful,
from abortion survivors, to women that have aborted, to adoptees, to advocates for
life.  Take some time to check out the videos and hear compelling
stories of forgiveness, joy, restoration, and gratitude.

As I have said before, if you know of anyone who is considering abortion, would you please contact us?  We, and a handful of other families that we know, would gladly adopt, or help find a family to adopt, that baby (or babies).  If you have had abortion, checkout these resources…you are loved- there is forgiveness in Christ.  He is ready and waiting to help you through the pain.

Photo credit:  Alyssa Wagner Photography

Her name was Marie.  She was 97 years old and was a feisty little thing.  She still had people do her nails and would candidly tell you whether she liked your latest hairstyle or not.  She did stretches in the morning to keep herself flexible.  She gave good kitchen tips and gave me one of her floral oil paintings.  I helped her around the house, but she was really the one who gave to me- friendship, laughter at her antics, unfiltered honesty, companionship, and joy.

Marie’s husband had died in his 60’s- she had lived about 30 years without him.  Most of her friends were 20 to 30 years younger than she was.  Those her age had either died or were not thriving in health like she was.  She had seen so many changes in her life- politics, technology, moral shifts, etc.  She had wisdom to impart, from teaching Kindergarten for 30 years, but also just because she had been alive for so long.  I miss Marie.  She died the day after our first child was born, on a
Thursday in the Spring of 2004.  I did not go to her funeral since I
had just had a baby and was wiped out and overwhelmed. I wish I would
have gone.  To say thank you and good-bye one final time. Her life was precious.

Elderly people deserve our respect, our dignity, our support. In this country, regard for the eldery is going out the window, to our shame.

Photo of Hubby’s Grandma- our kids Great Grandma

Next Sunday we celebrate life.  All life.  But especially the life of unborn children, those with special needs and the elderly.  Won’t you join us?  Consider sharing in the comments below how you are celebrating life next weekend.

Deep Breaths:

1.  Take a few minutes to think about life…about the miracle of the human body…about our Creator…thank Him for His handiwork.

2.  Visit the Every Life Is Beautiful site.  Watch a few of the videos and explore the site.  Ask God what He might have you do in response.

3.  What does God’s Word have to say about life?  Check out this link to explore it.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out Extension 26 and consider giving to Amazima this month- exciting news about who we are giving to in February coming soon!