O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

Sometimes I am guilty of learning the words to songs without really considering the meaning of it all. But the older I get, the more aware of what I let sink into my brain. The space is limited there so I have to consider what I want to fill it with! I am definitely a Lady Antebellum fan, and when I got their newest c.d. their song "Hello World" was not one of my favorites, so I skipped over it a lot. But one day I listened to the words, and I thought that it was beautiful, a simple reminder of waking up. We get so busy in today's society that we let all of the beautiful gifts of God pass us by, and sometimes it takes something big happening in our lives to realize how much the little, daily life things mean to us. Magdalena's life and death made me realize my immortality and selfishness, and I hope that God will continue to open my brain so that I can soak up the small things that he gives me. My small things sometimes consist of coffee and quiet time before W...

With our bellies full of turkey Noah and I pulled out our Christmas decorations. Last year I bought a little tree and small decorations so that Walt would really have a good Christmas, and I am glad that I made that small investment last year. Walt will love Christmas, and although I want to keep it as normal as possible for Noah and me, I can't bear to have Walt miss out on the part of the year that I used to anticipate all year round. I enjoy celebrating Christ's birth. Most of the season is focused on being around family, so this is such a bittersweet time for us. The first box that I opened had Magdalena's stocking right there on top. It was like ripping the band-aid off instead of slowly pealing it back. Then, I pulled out the ornament that the ladies at Sweet Dreams had given to her. Well, it took all I had not to stop there. I am not antsy to play Christmas tunes, but I love what this time of the year signifies. Because Christ was born, I will be in heaven ...

God has blessed us more than we could have ever imagined in our lifetime, and today we got to recognize this special day with our families. Growing up my mom was amazing to create such special traditions for us each holiday, and one of them is blueberry muffins with chocolate milk on Thanksgiving morning while watching the parade. Today Walt got to enjoy his first blueberry muffin experience. We put down a towel because we knew that he would make a mess, but it was a blast! My mom and dad came over to spend some time with us too! This little man has brought more smiles to my face than I ever thought was possible. Thank you, God, for this precious little boy that you gave to me! I love my family! We have made it through some of the toughest days together, and they have a huge amount of patience with me! Thank you, God, for my two men! And today I went to Magdalena's grave and spent my first peaceful time there. It was a gorgeous day, not too warm and not too hot. A slight ...

Today was a bittersweet day for everyone who knew Layne and her family. We are so full of joy knowing that she is no longer suffering, but she has been fully healed and dancing in honor of God. Yet, our hearts and arms long to keep her here with us. The Gaston family planned an amazing time of celebrating Layne's sweet life and the time that God gave us here on earth. Please continue to pray for the Gaston Family and their two other children as we enter into the holiday season, which is the most difficult time for us who have lost our sweet babies.

Just in case you didn't read this on Layne's CaringBridge site, here is the information for her service. A graveside service will be held Sunday, November 21st at 2:00 pm at the New Cemetery with a Celebration Service immediately following at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall (around 2:30). Although we are very saddened by the loss of Layne, it is also a joyous time because she is in her heavenly Father's arms & is fully healed. Because of this, we are asking everyone to celebrate her life with us by wearing some form of bright color at the services this Sunday, whether it be clothing, accessories, etc. Also, in lieu of flowers, we are asking that all memorial donations be sent to: First Baptist Church Preschool Mural Fund (in honor of Layne Grace Gaston)

Early this morning Layne went to be with Jesus. Please pray for the Gaston family as they endure this loss and celebrate her healing.

Please continue to pray for Layne and her family as they care for Layne at home. As of midnight she was having episodes every 15 minutes. In an episode Layne would stop breathing, turn color, and after waiting would begin to breathe again. Please pray for Layne's parents and that God will give them the strength to endure.