My Necklace and Lies Women Believe Study Info.

While stopping by the post office this afternoon to mail some much delayed Sufficient Grace shipments, I was finally able to check our P.O. Box for the first time since the Christmas Marathon of 2010 ensued. And, waiting for me was a lovely gift from Sue (My Forever Child). A couple months ago, I won a $100 gift certificate on her blog, and chose to get a necklace with the names of my children engraved on the front and their birthdays on the back. I have waited years to have a piece of jewelry in memory of my sweet babies in heaven, as well as to honor my boys who are with me. The necklace is absolutely beautiful and perfect. My sad photography skills do not do it justice, but I so wanted to show it off here. And also wanted to thank Sue for all that she does for grieving families. Her jewelry is beautiful...the service she provides is amazing...and she is generous to so many. In addition to the gorgeous necklace now adorning my neck, she also donated many charms to be added to our Dreams of You baskets. Thank you, thank you, thank you Sue...you are amazing!

I've shared in the past that I'm not a big New Year's Resolution maker. That being said, it seems that I do find myself reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to a fresh start in 2011, especially with regard to some of the areas in my life where I am weak. I won't be making any grand promises this year. But, I would like to work toward improvements in the areas where I fall short. The difference is, I will rely on the strength and daily measure of sufficient grace granted me by my heavenly Father rather than on my own will power (which is quite minuscule, I can assure you!).

One commitment I would like to make is to focus more time and consistency on my devotion and prayer time. I have felt for awhile that God is really calling me to "cast off the shackles" and let go of the "weight of sin that so easily ensnares" me...to be truly free...letting go of the things holding me back from being the woman I am called to be in Him.

That is why...even though bible studies have not had the best response on the blog...as we often begin with enthusiasm and then fizzle out when the demands of our days seep in...I have decided to re-read one of my favorite women's bible study books by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and share/reflect about it here on our blog every Monday beginning January 3rd.

We will be doing the book, Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free. Oh, how I am longing to delve into some truth and allow it to soak in, dispel the deception, and set me free. And, I am hoping at least a few of you will join me. You can order the book at CBD, or check it out at your local library. Or, if you need a copy and sincerely wish to join us, let me know and Sufficient Grace will send you one. We want to encourage all women...not just those who are grieving the loss of a child. So...all are welcome to join us. I'm not sure if I will just post and then we can discuss it here...or if we should post a Linky and then you can post on your blog and link here. What do you think? I want to keep it as simple as possible so that many can participate.

Praying that you will have a blessed New Year as we look forward to what the Lord has in store for us in 2011...

Christmas 2010

It has been a truly blessed celebration of our Savior's birth the past few weeks. We began the festivities with our church Christmas play last week. James played the part of Joseph, Mary's betrothed.

I doubt it was an issue when Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem on that Holy night years ago, but this Mary and Joseph are fans of opposing football teams. Sweet "Mary" is a Steelers fan and "Joseph" cheers for the Browns! They put their differences aside for the sake of the message, and both did a lovely job playing the role of our Savior's earthly parents.

Then, on Christmas Eve, we enjoyed a lovely time with our church family. It was a quiet, gentle celebration as Tim played his guitar and we lifted our voices to sing Christmas hymns. A message of hope and truth was delivered, the scriptures telling the amazing story of our King's humble birth in a lowly stable to a peasant couple while the good news was delivered to some shepherds watching their silent flock by night were read, and the candles were lit. The people joined in a circle, and by the light of the candles alone, Tim strummed his guitar and I lifted my voice to sing Silent Night as the voices of the congregation blended along in sweet harmony. I closed my eyes and allowed the music to lift me to a place at my Savior's feet, thankful for the voices surrounding me, thankful for the beauty of the night, and thankful that Jesus came for me...for us.

We followed up the church service with a Christmas celebration at my mother-in-law's house. There was much laughter, yummy food, and a plethora of presents as we enjoyed the fellowship of one another.

Yay! I am now the proud owner of a Bernie Kosar jersey!! The Browns never seem to hold on to the players that I fall in love with, and I'm growing weary of buying a new jersey every year (not to mention the fact that they are expensive!!). So, it seemed a better choice to pick a player who used to play for the Browns back in the day. I chose Bernie Kosar since he was the quarter back in the 80's when I first started watching my beloved Brownies.

We read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

There may or may not have been a kiss under the mistletoe...

With this guy...

Received a Browns Snuggie from Timothy...

Laughed hysterically with these beautiful people...

                                                                  Adored this sight...

                               Soaked in the sweet bliss of this moment with sweet baby Max...

It was a Marathon of Christmas celebrations indeed....a beautiful, laughter-filled marathon. So grateful and hoping you had some times of joy and sweet reflection this Christmas, as well. I have much on my heart for the coming year, and look forward to the next step on this adventure....

Blessings to all...

Merry Christmas! Featuring Some Live Recorded Christmas Music from One Way

And...so this is Christmas.

I thought I'd do a little collage of photos from Sufficient Grace Ministries and our family from 2010. I know many of you (o.k....maybe two of you!) would like to hear music from our band, One Way. So, I set the slide show to a couple Christmas songs performed by One Way. This is a live recording with no "touch ups" so give us some grace, please! You know, mama likes grace! =)

For some reason, the music volume is much lower than the slide show originally played on my computer. Something happened in the process of downloading it to blogger....so you may have to crank up the volume to hear it! Or...maybe it's better turned waaaaayyyyy down! ;)

Either way....praying you all have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Christmas Tour of Homes 2010

Baby....it's cold outside!

Come on in and get some hot chocolate and yummy treats from Gerken Baking Day! (We especially like the Buckeyes here in Ohio! Go Bucks!)

Take a few minutes to warm up in front of the tree. I believe every Christmas tree should tell a story. Ours tells the story of our family...of little boys who've grown bigger, leaving a trail of Christmas project ornaments along the way...of three sweet babies, dearly loved and greatly missed who will celebrate another Christmas in heaven this year, in the arms of our Savior, along with their grandmother, who spent her time on this earth making beauty with her hands...a woman who celebrated Christmas in handmade ornament themes throughout the years...themes that now adorn my tree.

Most of all, it tells the story of a family grateful for the daily dose of sufficient grace we are given each morning, a family who will once again celebrate the miracle that Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost...on that silent, holy night so many years ago.

                                        


                                                 My Coffee Filter Wreath attempt...


                                           

I was so excited about the coffee filter wreath we made (inspired by the Nester!) that I didn't realize until all the pictures were uploaded and I was working on this post that my candle was off center in the picture. Oh, well...we are supposed to come as we are...imperfections and all, right? Speaking of imperfections, I am totally not crafty, so I'm really proud of my wreath, even if it's not as pretty as the Nester's. My mama had all the good crafty genes! (Also....my nine-year-old son James was a huge help, using his very own glue gun for the first time.)

The Willow Tree Nativity set is so precious to me. It is the last Christmas gift my mother gave to me.

The Christmas Card Tree has become our new tradition, inspired a couple years ago by our beloved BooMama on a former Christmas Tour of Homes. We haven't received very many cards yet this year! Most of my friends are as busy and last minute as I am! =)

Well...thanks so much for stopping by, and visiting our humble home for a bit. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! Stop back anytime!

To link up and join in the Christmas Tour of Homes, stop by the Nester's amazing blog and link up! You can also link your Christmas Tour to Kelly's Korner.

P.S....Happy Birthday to my husband, Tim today! So grateful I get to walk through this life with you. Love ya!

Winners of the SGM Christmas Extravaganza 2010!!

Edited: I made a big goof! We'll call it the Tale of Two Karens! I meant to give this Karen the CD and this Karen the BBQ sauce, but I mixed up the links when I originally posted the winners to this giveaway. So, the Karens received a surprise when they opened a different prize in the mail than they were expecting! I am so sorry for the mix up and we are currently trying to get it sorted out! I did change the links below to list the corrected winners. Please forgive my goof, sweet Karens!
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I'm just going to cut right to the chase. Here are the winners of the SGM Christmas Extravaganza 2010...If you are a winner, please email me your shipping address ASAP so I can send your goodies! =)

Everyone who requested a Dreams of You Memory Package will receive one. Please email your shipping address to: sgm.shipping at gmail (dot) com

Dreams of You Packages:
Trena
Melissa
Kathryn - Comfort Bear
Tina
Caroline
Mommy 2 Alexander
Mommy Ivy
Bethany

(If you requested one, and you do not see your name listed, email your address  to us, and we will send you one. I'm still a little loopy from the cold medicine and may have missed it! And, if you are a bereaved parent and new to this blog, or haven't requested one and would like one....just email us, and we will send one to you!)

Choosing to See/Beauty Will Rise Combo
The Dortenzos

JJ Heller CDs
Painted Red - Tina
When I'm With You - Karen

Lies Women Believe
Mattie
Jennifer

Mission Kitchen BBQ Sauce
Karen
Kathryn

Unlocked
Prairiemaid

And....drum roll, please...

The winner of the $50 My Forever Child Gift Certificate is...
Lost For Words

Congratulations to all...and thank you to everyone who participated. Hope you are having a blessed Christmas season! Now, I have to get my house decorated so that I can join in the Christmas Tour of Homes tomorrow with the Nester! Stop back to see my humble decor!

SGM Christmas Extravaganza Giveaway 2010 ~ Huge Finale Featuring Some of My Favorite Things

I am so excited, even though I'm coming to you live from my nice warm bed, while nursing a nasty cold. James and I have been quite under the weather the past couple days, so we will be home resting today.

Anyway...back to the reason I'm doing this post...

My mother loved Christmas. She loved to give special gifts to those she loved. No matter what, we always had Christmas. No matter what. And, believe me there were some years when the "no matter what" was no small thing. The picture below shows one of the happiest mom had. It was a Christmas before her cancer diagnosis. She looked at me and said, "I'm just so happy this year....so happy." I believe God gave her that gift.

 Christmas isn't about material things...gifts. It is about the miracle that Jesus came for us. That miracle never gets old. I pray that you will be blessed by that miracle this season, and every Christmas...and frankly every day of the year. But...just for fun, and in memory of my mother...who would completely love this idea...we at Sufficient Grace Ministries would also like to spread some fun and Christmas joy by blessing some of you this Christmas with a few of my favorite things. I'm certainly no Oprah, with my handful of readers...but without further adieu, I give you...

Kelly's Favorite Things 2010

Sponsored by Sufficient Grace Ministries

I absolutely loved Choosing to See, by Mary Beth Chapman...and Steven Curtis Chapman's CD, Beauty Will Rise. One winner will get both!

                             

J.J. Heller and her husband touch my soul with their words and style of music. The CD Painted Red features the song, In Your Hands. I haven't listened to the When I'm With You CD, but I have no doubt that it will be beautiful, touching, and God-honoring as well.

For several years, the book pictured above has been on of my favorite Women's Bible Study books. It brings to light many of the lies we battle as women...many of the lies the enemy uses to cripple us spiritually, rendering us weary and ineffective. It really pierces the heart and helps reveal the truth that sets us free as women. I am considering beginning this book again in January...and blogging about it, too. I would love if some of you would join in. I am giving away two copies on this post.

This BBQ sauce from Mission Kitchen is my very favorite...and I would love to share a bottle of it's sweet goodness with one of you!

I just finished reading the book Unlocked, by Karen Kingsbury and plan to order it for one of you as soon as I finish posting this. If you have read here for very long, you know that I love me some Karen Kingsbury. I have never met a Karen Kingsbury book I haven't liked, but as someone who works in Special Needs Education, I would like to say that I believe every middle school student, high school student, teacher or staff member of any age, and even parents should read this book. This book needs to be on the required reading list in my opinion, replacing some of the low quality books currently on our school's list. It is an amazing, touching, inspiring, and informative story. Also...not sure if you know this...but if you work for a high school or middle school and request a copy of the book for your school, Karen will send a free copy. She is truly an amazing woman of God, and I'm so grateful for her continued willingness to share her gift with others.

Some of you may not know that Sufficient Grace Ministries actually gives away bereavement support materials all year round. We are a non-profit organization supported through the donations of individuals, churches, participating hospitals, and funeral homes. We do not require parents to pay for our products or services. Our Dreams of You Shop features materials to create a lasting tangible memory for parents who miss their precious little ones. If you haven't received a Comfort Bear and a Dreams of You Memory Book, and you have lost a baby or young child, please leave a comment on this post, saying you would like one. ANYONE WHO LEAVES A COMMENT REQUESTING A DREAMS OF YOU PACKAGE WILL RECEIVE ONE!

And....last but not least...because I know how much you love My Forever Child...and because I love them too...

We are offering a $50 Gift Certificate to My Forever Child

to one of you!

Soooo....

How do you enter, you ask....

Well, you start by leaving a comment on this post, telling which items you are interested in. You may list as many as you want.

Facebook or Twitter or blog about this giveaway.

Please remember to leave a comment for each thing you do...if you facebook, blog, twitter, etc. to help us spread the word and spread the joy.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night...day, whatever!

We will announce the winners next weekend.

Also...don't forget to scroll down to the post below to find out the winners of the Reunion Necklace giveaway and to read some words of encouragement for those who face disappointment and unanswered prayers.

Winners, Unanswered Prayers, One Way News and More SGM Christmas Extravaganza Coming Soon!

WWY Remembering at Christmas Ornament Winners Announced here. Congrats to the winners!

And, now the winner of the Reunion Necklace:

heathermohr from In this Storm

And....

The Winner of the Reunion Key Ring:

The Blue Sparrow

Please email me your address and I will get those right out to you this week!
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In other news, I have been doing some thinking about unanswered prayers....or prayers answered differently than we expected. About life's disappointments and all of the goodbyes along the way.

These verses from Habakuk 3 mean so much to me as I reflect on the days in the past I spent waiting on the Lord...and some of the prayers of my heart currently awaiting answers.

Though the fig tree may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—


Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.

I think of the years I saw little fruit in my marriage...the years we spent unequally yoked...the years I spent claiming these promises, allowing them to wash over me. What was the promise? Did I know all those years ago that one day I would stand on a stage beside my husband and join my voice with his in worship to our Savior? Did I know that when I sat alone in the church pew?

No....I didn't.
The fig trees did not blossom and there appeared to be no fruit on our vines in the early years of our marriage as we muddled through the best we could. Trusting in what we couldn't see, clinging to Him despite what we saw with our human eyes.

Did I know when I stood over the grave of my daughters on that cold November morning that one day their lives would be used to offer comfort and hope to hundreds....and soon thousands of families? Did I know that their lives would serve to create a tenderness in our hearts...that they would be part of the beautiful tapestry of this family...a piece of the puzzle that both shattered us, left us broken, and yet was essential to our healing all at the same time?

Did I know when I heard the words incompatible with life in regards to our Thomas on that rainy day? Did I know when we lept off the cliff in the fog and carried our sweet boy, praying for a miracle while planning a funeral? Did I know that His sufficient grace was carrying me those days, weeks, and months... and that He was waiting to fill me with the sweetest joy and comfort in what should have been the darkest moment of my life?

No...I didn't.

The fields yielded no food...the sheep were cut off from the fold...and there was no herd in the stall.

But the prayer of my heart remained...

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.

There were disappointments... incredible losses...prayers that weren't answered the way I hoped. And, there still are some...in this life. But, looking back on those days...seeing what I couldn't see then. Knowing the faithfulness of my God...sometimes, it's good to look back and see what He has brought us through...to see how what once seemed hopeless has blossomed into hope...what once was a pile of ashes has turned to beauty.

If you are still in that place...still waiting for an answer or trying to make sense of an answer you never wanted...keep clinging...keep trusting in Him. Keep trusting...even when you don't see. For, He is good...even when life is bad. He is faithful...even when we are faithless. He has a plan and purpose...even when we don't understand. He is working long after we have given up.

When all you see is emptiness...

When it seems all hope is gone...

When you stand in front of the ruins broken and weary...

Remember this promise from Joel 2...

Fear not, O land;

Be glad and rejoice,
For the LORD has done marvelous things!
Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field;
For the open pastures are springing up,


And the tree bears its fruit;
The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.
Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the LORD your God;


For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you—
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month.


The threshing floors shall be full of wheat,
And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil.
“ So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
The crawling locust,
The consuming locust,
And the chewing locust,
My great army which I sent among you.

You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
And praise the name of the LORD your God,
Who has dealt wondrously with you;
And My people shall never be put to shame.


Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel:


I am the LORD your God
And there is no other.
My people shall never be put to shame.


Keep waiting and trusting for His restoration...for He sees all that has been stolen, all the years the locusts have eaten...He will restore them...and His restoration is a beautiful thing to behold.

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Speaking of restoration, our band, One Way, had the opportunity to share worship music and our family/ministry testimony last Sunday at Holgate United Methodist Church. Thank you so much for your prayers. The day was a blessing, and we were so grateful for the kindness and welcoming spirit offered to us by Pastor Susan and the congregation.

No matter how we struggle through our days, how Satan attacks with doubt, how the locusts seem to feast on our lives, and even when the fig tree doesn't bloom....

God is faithful to meet us there...and to carry us through...and to restore all that is broken.

Tim and I singing Days of Elijah...

Sharing our family and SGM testimony...

I didn't know this sign was up there until I saw theses pics! Holgate UM made it, and I noticed they mentioned our church home. I probably would have said we were there to represent Sufficient Grace... although we are proud to say we are from Harvest...so  hopefully our church doesn't mind claiming us! =)

God's grace and faithfulness bring me to my knees. Our boys sat in the audience, as we worshipped together. And, I closed my eyes, remembering that once fruitless tree...now blossoming and growing in abundance. Sweet grace...washing over me...

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P.S. Tune in tomorrow for the BIGGEST giveaway in Sufficient Grace history!!! This is the finale of the SGM Christmas Extravaganza 2010...and it is going to be so much fun!!! It will include several of my favorite things! I hope you will join us.

Ornament Winners Announced

UPDATED: Holly has decided to pass on her ornament to another mama, and we chose Trena as the winner of the Sleep in Heavenly Peace ornament. We will be giving her two in memory of her twin boys, Bryston and Colton. Congrats, Trena...and thank you, sweet Holly!

It was such a blessing reading all of your entries on this year's WWY Remembering at Christmas posts. I hope if you have not linked up, you will still take the time to do so. I found some new ideas to remember loved ones at Christmas by reading your posts. I especially like Michelle's footprint/handprint angel ornament. What a beautiful way to remember our sweet babies!

And, now without further adieu, the winners of this year's SGM Christmas Extravaganza Ornament Giveaway 2010 (I love a big overindulgent name! =)

Holly (Carleigh and Jordan's mama) Sleep in Heavenly Peace Ornament

Michelle (Janie's mama) Always Remembered Ornament

Heather (Mama to Allie, Brooklyn, and Chloe) Payton's Precious Memories Ornament
Heather...I have no way of contacting you, so please email me ASAP! =)
Caroline (Who shared ways she remembers her sweet babies and other loved ones in heaven) Always Remembered Ornament

Heather...I couldn't get to your profile, so please email me your shipping information at:
sufficientgraceministries at gmail dot com.

Congrats to the winners and stay tuned to the Sufficient Grace blog for the biggest giveaway in the history of SGM giveaways coming up on Monday!! =)

SGM Christmas Extravaganza Giveaway Number 2 - Reunion Heart Pendant!!

Pictures from http://www.cbd.com/ (my favorite place to order books, cds, and other items! I am so excited about the SGM Christmas Extravaganza, that I just can't wait to announce the next item on our list of giveaway goodies!!  Actually, I am announcing two more items, in addition to the choices of several beautiful memorial ornaments we are giving away on the Walking With You page. I absolutely LOVE the necklace above...so much, that I wish I could enter my own giveaway!! What I love about this necklace is that it comes with a message of hope...not the idea of wallowing in our grief, but of looking ahead to the hope we have of a forever reunion one day, because of Jesus. It comes with a poem that ends with the words:                                                                                                                                                   God lets this tender hole remain



Reminding me we'll meet again,


And one day all the pain will cease


When he restores this missing piece.


He'll turn to joy my every tear


And when I wear this necklace near


It will become my special way


To treasure our reunion day


And the beautiful reference to this comforting promise in scripture, He will turn every tear to joy on the keyring also pictured above. Anyone is welcome to participate in this giveaway.  And...it's easy. I will choose one winner for the necklace and one for the keychain from those who comment on this post. You can get extra entries by writing a Remembering at Christmas Post on your blog and linking to the WWY page (because I'd really like to see more people joining in on that special post ...plus you could also enter for a special remembrance ornament on that page...two for the price of one!). You can also receive additional entries for Facebooking  or Twittering about the SGM Christmas Extravaganza. Please just leave a comment here for each thing that you do. Help us spread the word...and some Christmas joy...to those who are missing someone this Christmas!!!

Comments Closed...a winner has been chosen! =)

Remembering at Christmas and SGM Christmas Extravaganza 2010 (Giveaway)

Last year we shared the ways we remember our loved ones who are no longer with us at Christmas. I would like to the same this year. And, in memory of my mother...who loved Christmas so much that in her healthy years her decorations rivaled the lights of Vegas...Sufficient Grace Ministries is hosting a plethora of giveaways for those who participate. It's sort of like Oprah's My Favorite Things Show (Is that even what she calls it? I'm not sure.)...not that I endorse or aspire to be Oprah. But, this will sort of be Kelly's Favorite Things. Every year, no matter how difficult things in our family had been financially or otherwise, my mother made Christmas special. She took great delight in giving us the perfect present. I can still see that child-like twinkle in her eyes on Christmas morning.

We will be doing the  Remembering at Christmas post  to link to this week on the Walking With You page. This first round of giveaways will be for a special ornament to remember your loved one at Christmas. We are giving one baby boy Hallmark ornament, two Hallmark Always Remembered Ornaments (a porcelain clam with a pearl in it that says, "Every life leaves something beautiful behind.") And, one person will win a very special ornament hand painted by my friend Deanna who creates beautiful ornaments in memory of loved ones who have gone home to heaven as found on her site: Payton's Precious Memories (in memory of her daughter, Payton Rose). Deanna is donating an ornament for this giveaway...thanks so much, Dee!

Please click on this link to the Walking With You Page to find out how to enter, and stay tuned. This is the first of many Christmas goodies we are offering on the SGM Christmas Extravaganza 2010!

Remembering at Christmas 2010 ~ SGM Christmas Extravaganza

     
Contest now closed winners announced. You may still link your post and leave a comment, but they will not count toward the contest entry. Thank you so much and God bless you this Christmas season and in the coming year.
If you are missing someone you love this Christmas, someone of ANY age who is spending Christmas with Jesus this year, I hope you will join us on this very special Walking With You. We are sharing our Christmas memories and the ways that we remember our loved ones who have gone home to heaven at Christmas time. If you do not have a blog or do not wish to link a post, you may leave your Christmas memories in the comments below. If you do a post on your blog, come back and link up on the Linky following this post.

We will also be offering several beautiful ornaments to bless a few who participate.

This first round of giveaways will be for a special ornament to remember your loved one at Christmas. We are giving one baby boy Hallmark ornament (pictured later in this post), two Hallmark Always Remembered Ornaments (a porcelain clam with a pearl in it that says, "Every life leaves something beautiful behind.") And, one person will win a very special ornament hand painted by my friend Deanna who creates beautiful ornaments in memory of loved ones who have gone home to heaven as found on her site: Payton's Precious Memories (in memory of her daughter, Payton Rose). Deanna is donating an ornament for this giveaway...thanks so much, Dee!

How to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Participate by linking a post about how you remember your loved one at Christmas. (this gives an additional entry). Please put the Walking With You button in your post on your blog, or put a link to WWY in your blog post.
3. An additional entry will be given for every comment left on the posts that link up on our Linky.(I will be visiting the blogs who link with this post and tallying comments left. You must comment here to enter first, though so I know you would like to be included.)


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How do we remember our babies (Faith, Grace, and Thomas) who are in heaven?

Each year, we fill three shoeboxes with gifts for Operation Christmas Child, which we then donate to the pile of boxes collected by our church for their annual donation. We fill two little girl boxes in memory of Faith and Grace and one little boy box in memory of our Thomas. It is a small thing, but it blesses me to be able to buy some little gifts in their memory and give them to another child in hopes that it will bring some joy. It is something tangible we can do to remember them every year.

A Christmas tree should tell a family's story. Each year, the memories come flooding back as we take out the ornaments and remember all the milestones our children have achieved, the sweet hand made ornaments adorned with school pictures, baby's first Christmas ornaments, Our first Christmas Together ornaments, and for those of us missing those we love, In Memory ornaments. They are a special way to include those who have gone home to heaven in our story. For they are very much a part of our hearts and our lives...and should be in the memories when we unwrap the ornaments each year and hang them on the tree that tells our family story. I shared a great deal about some of those special ornaments on our tree last year in this post. So, I won't repost all of that, but I will show a few more ornaments that have been added to our collection. Several of them came from some of you, my dear bloggy friends and fellow mamas. They touched my heart, and are treasured among some of the most precious gifts that I have received.

These beautiful ornaments were a gift I received last year from Jess:

And these three from Sarita:

And, this sweet ornament for my Thomas...

(Also the same baby boy Hallmark ornament we are giving away on this post!)

I also hang ornaments each year in memory of my sweet mother, Kathy, who went home to heaven four years ago. She adored Christmas, and she is so much a part of every Christmas memory for me. These Christmas giveaways are one thing I do to honor her memory. Even in difficult times, mom loved to make Christmas a fun celebration and she loved to give.

From Because He Came by Kelly Gerken...


More than two thousand years ago, the world ached for salvation, swelled with yearning for deliverance, redemption, restoration...for a Savior to rescue from sin and death. And He came...a baby King, born in a lowly stable on a quiet night to a peasant girl and her betrothed...a carpenter. He was in the still, small voice when He whispered past Elijah. And He was in the quiet stable birth when He came to rescue us and sent His angels to tell the lowly shepherds the good news.


His name is Jesus...and He came for me.

His name is Jesus...and He came for you.


And Because He came...there is hope for tomorrow and a promise of a joyful, forever reunion. He will wipe away all of the tears and wash away the loss and regret. He will cleanse and forgive and clothe us in robes of white. The empty arms will be filled. The hungry hearts will be fed. Brokenness will be restored. Mourning will be turned to dancing. And sin and death will be no more.


Because He came...He will carry us through this life.


And because He came...He will come again...in all His glory...to take us home.


© Kelly Gerken, Sufficient Grace Ministries 2008-2009

Thanks for letting me share some of my Christmas memories of my loved ones in heaven. I look forward to reading all of your memories, and pray that you will find comfort and hope in the truth that He came for you, as you remember this Christmas season.

Shopping and My First Black Friday Part 2...and Please Pray

I survived my first ever Black Friday experience intact. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed a rather peaceful drive to my friend Nicki's house in the wee hours of the morning, smiling at the memories of shopping with my mother and laughing at the hysterical "good-bye" note written to me by my oldest son on a paper plate...showing tongue-in-cheek concern for my safety. I took the road with the belly-getter hills, thinking of her. It felt as if she was in the car with me, the memories were so close. I could sense one of those Daddy's little girl days in the works...you know, those days when it's evident God has gone before you and leaves little blessings throughout the day...and you feel just like "Daddy's little girl".

And, it was like that...

I wish I had something more exciting to report, but other than one disconcerting moment when a pack of wild dingo-type shoppers dove in front of us for some item I couldn't see under the pile, I saw nothing disorderly. We quickly found the bargain I was looking for, were handed a ticket by a polite Wal Mart employee, and waited in a short orderly line for the coveted item. I saved $40 on the gift for our youngest son...and jumped up and down after the purchase! We finished our shopping and checked out in lawn and garden without even waiting in line!

Nicki (who happens to be Sawyer's mama) and I shared laughs and memories throughout the day. We marvelled at how easy and pleasant everything had gone...and I smiled, feeling not only the closeness of my sweet mother, but the blessing of my Heavenly Father throughout the day. I'm so glad I went. So glad I didn't let the tug of guilt keep me home. I would have missed out on the blessing of that day...and the gift of time with a good friend. Who knows? I may even have a new tradition. We'll see! =)

In other news...

Please pray for us as we prepare for tomorrow. Our band, One Way, will be doing the worship music at Holgate United Methodist Church and I will be sharing our family/ministry testimony. Please pray that the Lord would go before us, that He would give the words, that others would be encouraged and that He would be glorified. On a personal note, this is only the second time my husband, Tim, has heard me share the account of our journey. And, it can bring so many emotions for us. Praying for His strength...that He would enable us to be vessels for Him...even in our broken, imperfect state.

Also..don't forget to join us on Monday to kick off the SGM Christmas Extravaganza 2010. We will be sharing the ways that we remember our loved ones at Christmas and other memories. Be ready to link your post on the Walking With You page on Monday. This is for anyone missing someone they love this year....not just grieving parents. And, there will be some blessings offered to those who participate...yes, I am bribing you...but it's for your own good! We'll call it incentive...or positive reinforcement. =) I hope you will join us. It was a blessing for those who participated last year.

Shopping With my Mom and My First Ever Black Friday Experience Part One

I am not supposed to be awake for another thirty minutes, but I've been tossing and turning for a couple hours, so here I am. Not sure whether it's the massive heartburn from too much delicious food (if I do say so myself), the memories of shopping with my mom, the sweet smell of baby Max (my beloved nephew, who feels more like a Grandson) still lingering on my neck, or the fear of my first ever black Friday experience insighted by the frightening tales of crazed shoppers regaled by Grandma Isa during our Thanksgiving meal...that's keeping me up.

I've never in my thirty-five years experienced Black Friday shopping, although I've heard stories. Many stories. And, secretly, I've always wanted to go...just once. It doesn't really fit with my personality to do something crazy like this. I'm not materialistic, and I'm certainly not an aggressive shopper. But, I won't lie. I do love a good deal.

My mother loved a good deal, too. I don't believe she participated in the insanity of Black Friday, but during some shopping excursions, she was known to be a formidable foe. Although, she was a tiny thing...never weighing much more than 100 pounds, she was mighty. She could be just as sweet as honey, but if you crossed her or "did her wrong" or did not display proper customer service....look out and step back!

I am not like that. If someone pushes me, I will get out of the way. Most of the time. ;) If my mother were with us, and she saw someone push me, she would have knocked them over with her cane! She was a feisty force to be reckoned with. To this day, if we have poor customer service, Timothy says, "If Grandma R. were here, she wouldn't stand for this! She would make a huge deal of it. Remember how she always did that?" It's funny how the things that might have made you crazy about a person can become endearing to you once they're gone. What I wouldn't give to hear her stand up for truth, justice, and good manners in the middle of Bob Evans.

Needless to say, I probably won't come out on top during the Black Friday festivities. Let's be honest here, I'm just hoping to survive this thing, get a few laughs with my longest (longest sounds better than oldest) and one of my dearest friends, Nicki, and have some interesting stories to share on the blog for part 2 of this little adventure. Nicki...remember when we watched that silly movie, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure back in the day?? I'm betting this will top that! =)

I so miss shopping with my sweet, feisty mama. In the wee hours of this morning, the memories flooding my heart and mind leave me both smiling and aching for her. I remember being on bed rest with Faith and Grace and having her wheel me around in a wheel chair so that I could get some early Christmas shopping done. We always fit in some crazy Christmas shopping, buying my beloved Mariah Carey Christmas CD, tons of mauve Christmas ornaments at the old Hills store, filling the cart with goodies for her grandbabies. She loved Christmas and she loved her grandbabies. She always made Christmas fun and special, and she always wanted to give to those she loved at Christmas...and give big!! No matter how difficult the year had been, or what might have been going on in our family at the time...we always had Christmas...and she always had a child-like twinkle in her eye as she watched us open our gifts.

I remember shopping for the red suit I wore when I was Homecoming Queen (with white gloves because mom said that the Homecoming Court should wear gloves), and the modest cream pantsuit I wore on my wedding day. How she squealed with delight the first time she could buy new camping equipment and later...on one of our final shopping trips how she purchased a new tent for a trip we never made it to. She even talked about shopping during her last days at the hospice center...telling me I needed to get her something to wear so that we could make a stop at Bed, Bath, and Beyond on the way home. She needed rugs.

We ladies can be determined about our shopping, can't we?

I have much more to share on this...but for now, it's off to this crazy adventure. It may be the only time I try this...and I'm praying I can make it home safely. I'm kind of wishing I had that little 100 pound mama with a cane beside me. And, maybe I'm crazy...but in some small way, it feels like I do. She is probably cracking up from heaven right now!

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Stay tuned for Part 2 and for more Christmas memories coming up in the next several days. There will also be opportunities to win some wonderful Christmas giveaways (What can I say...I love to give to those I love at Christmas, too!). A very special Walking With You is coming up on Monday for anyone who is missing someone they love this Christmas. We are sharing the ways we remember our loved ones and other Christmas memories. You can link up and join in to win some lovely Christmas treasures. So check in Monday for details.

Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving...love to all...

A Sufficient Grace Thank You...and Announcing the Giveaway Winners

First things first. I was hoping to get this post up last night, but it didn't happen. Right now, I am coming to you live from my nice warm bedroom. For the next several days, I will be soaking in the gift of a few days off from my "day job" as a Special Needs Educational Paraprofessional (a big long title that just really means Teacher's Aide) to wallow in gratefulness and fill myself with turkey and other goodies with my people.

Before I announce the winners of the CSN Giveaway and the God Gave Us Book Giveaway, I would like to share some thank-yous from Sufficient Grace.

We have been so blessed this year by the love and generosity of so many people. (I was just interrupted by a tapping on my window. James is outside, chopping up ice from a puddle that froze overnight and wanted to show me the ice chip. He is so excited that winter is coming. Aren't children a blessing...with all of their enthusiasm for life. We tired, weary adults could learn a few things from our kids. Joy in the simple things...)

O.K...now what was I saying. Oh, yes. Thankfulness...

This year, we knew that our needs had grown as we began to reach out to more and more bereaved families across the United States and beyond. Hundreds of families are now served each year by Sufficient Grace Ministries, and although it has never been my favorite part of ministry, we prayed and stepped out in faith once more to launch Operation Support Sufficient Grace in an effort to raise funds to cover this year's needs. Our hopes were surpassed as so many of you donated, not only through the several events we held during the spring and summer...but as individuals...giving from your hearts and giving generously. Many of our friends and supporters blessed us beyond words by giving. Families donated in memory of their babies...so grateful that there was something to honor their baby's memory in their time of need and wanting to bless other families in this way. We have been humbled and blessed by so much giving. Thank you doesn't seem like enough.

Here are a few people that walk with us, and we are so grateful for their part in our lives and in this ministry...

The girls of Sufficient Grace...Becki, Holly, and I...

You ladies continue to bless me with your willingness to walk this path with me, for your heart for grieving mothers, and women in need. I am so grateful that God has placed you in my life, and look forward to serving with you. Who knows what the Lord has in store next.



                                
The beautiful ladies who make our Comfort Bears...we love you and we are so grateful that you are willing to faithfully share your gift. Your willing hearts have comforted so many mothers. We may never have any idea this side of heaven how much comfort you have brought to these hurting hearts by giving them a bear to hold in their empty arms.

Our wonderful church family...(And, my amazing, patient, giving husband...also pictured here... who gives me more grace than I could ever deserve and loves me just as I am.)

The boys from One Way...
We have grown up with Ryan and Dave and they are dear friends of ours. It is an unspeakable honor and privilege to now lift our voices in worship alongside them in our band, One Way. I am honored and blessed that they have joined with us to serve the Lord through music...to know each of our stories and to realize how much we are covered in God's grace and to see the beauty God is weaving into our lives with his love. It is a beautiful gift. (Please keep us in prayer as we will be doing worship music and sharing our testimony this weekend at Holgate United Methodist Church.) I love these boys...now men, who humbly love the Lord. Thank you, guys...for using your gift to bless others, for going on this adventure with me, for putting up with me, for making me laugh, for your relentless teasing which I happily receive knowing that it is your love language,  for praying with and for me, for riding your motorcycles in the rain to support Sufficient Grace, eating ice cream until it's coming out your ears, putting yourself out there, giving in ways that humble and bless us beyond words. Your friendship means more than we could ever say. And, you have done more than we could ever thank you for...we love you dearly.

There are still so many more to thank...

Churches and hospitals who have invited us to share and donated to support SGM.
Individuals who have blessed and encouraged us with their love, support, and prayers.
All of you in blogland who I count as my dear friends. Your stories all have a piece of my heart.
Kathrine Tolles and Cindy Roller who make our amazing baby gowns.
Marlene Carpenter who makes the gorgeous bracelets we give to mommies.
Sheri Ketner who allowed us to share our testimony on Grace for Today.

It has been quite a year. Another year of God's provision, of watching Him work through His people, of witnessing the astounding miracle of the body of Christ coming together to serve Him with various abilities and resources. Thank you for your part in that. You are among those I count as a blessing this Thanksgiving.

And for the winners...

Congratulations to:

Spud 31...You are the winner of the CSN stores online gift code! Whooo-hooo!
Kathryn...God Gave us Heaven book
Sarita...God Gave us Christmas book

And, if you didn't win...do not despair. I have a plethora of goodies to give away beginning Monday, as we kick off  SGM Christmas Extravaganza 2010. (You know how I love a good name.) So stay tuned.

We pray a blessed Thanksgiving for all of you. Snuggle in with your people and know that you are dearly loved by an amazing God.