Soapboxin'...for babies

On my drive in this morning, I was searching for some "rainy day music"...for me, the rainy day artists usually have to include David Gray, Ryan Adams and Ray Lamontagne for starters. At any rate, their music usually compels me in some way or another - mostly in the way of being reflective, thankful & prayerful.

This morning my thoughts wandered back to a conversation Seth & I recently had about the names of all the babies/children that we pray for. The internet serves a wonderfully bittersweet purpose in that we have found ourselves connected very deeply to some extraordinary babies & their families just by "following" their journeys through blogs. We speak of them as familiar as family - we've cried and rejoiced with and for them - we constantly keep them close in thought and prayer.

The bittersweet part of it (for me) is that instead of mostly sharing all the lil' ordinary nuances of love, babies, children & family life (like this blog does) - these moms (and sometimes dads) are often sharing unfathomable struggles these children and families face. Not only are they sharing their "story", but they are sharing their faith and continuing to give their trust to God, knowing He is with them.

Beyond Seth, John & Ella - these families are my muse. They inspire me, they make me cry, they make me laugh, they make me a better mama - a better wife, they help me pray & to be thankful. Most importantly, they show me God's faithfulness and that each day with each other and our children is a most precious gift.

Here are some of our "extended families"...even if you don't click on the links, maybe you could say a quick prayer for them that they will continue to feel God's love and mercy even when days seem the darkest.

Tripp

Jonah

Nella

Daisy

Libby Claire

Sadie

Blessed be God, because He has not rejected my prayer or removed His steadfast love from me. Psalm 66:20