Stream in the Desert

Isaiah 43:19 has become one of my favorite verses since losing Sadie...

"Behold, I will do something new.  Now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?  I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert."

While my heart continues to hurt for my Sadie, I am overwhelmed and thankful for this gift of new life with Kate.  Never to replace what was lost, but such a beautiful picture of His redemption.  My Sunday School baby shower was last Tuesday and my sweet friend Leslie wrote the prayers we prayed over Kate during our traditional charm activity.  I know that these prayers flowed from a heart that has genuinely been praying these things over us and Kate.  This one especially was such a picture and reflection of where my heart's at right now...

"Precious Father, we praise You as our Redeemer.  It is Your Faithful and Good character to redeem that which You allow in our lives.  While Josh, Amy, and so many others still grieve over the precious life of Sadie Claire, with overwhelmed hearts full of humble thanksgiving, we walk out of the wilderness and praise You for the precious new gift of Kate Amelya.  How precious that her name means "Pure Work of God".  You are our Holy God, righteous in all Your ways, who has worked on Josh and Amy's behalf to create a new life, a pure work of God, a stream in the desert.  We pray that precious Kate Amelya, would be a constant reminder as her parents look at her, that You are Good, Faithful, Sovereign, and Sustainer.  We pray that You will use Kate Amelya, as a testimony for Your glory all the days of her life.  We pray, as Josh and Amy's arms are full with this pure work of God, that they would just rejoice in the redemption You have provided and that times of refreshing would come from You and their house would be FULL of Your Joy!"

Yes, Lord!  We praise You for the beauty of Your character; for the promises in Your Word; for this life that You have created in perfection.

My Sunday School ladies continue to be one of the biggest blessings in my life.  Such a generous and loving group of women who have supported us, loved us and prayed over us these past 15 months.

They "showered" me and Kate so abundantly!

The girls continue to be so excited about Miss Kate's arrival.  We sat down the other night and made a "Kate Chain" to count down the days until our induction on February 4th.  It thrills my heart to see their excitement but I also struggle with this hesitancy and fear.  Coming home and telling them Sadie would not be coming was one of the hardest things we've had to do.  Just can not wait to see them with Kate.