The most powerful message...

Last night, I stumbled upon a message that local radio host Rick Burgess gave last Sunday, August 7th, just 7 months after his 2.5 year old son, Bronner, tragically drowned in the family pool. Rick is an incredible man of God and this message, I think, might be the most powerful message that I have ever heard. It is inspiring, convicting, and, I believe, will bless your life. In January, when Bronner died, Rick gave a eulogy "A Father's Heart" that (and I paraphrase), "no earthly father would be strong enough to give. It is his heavenly father speaking through him." I'm including the links to the eulogy, which is awe-inspiring in itself, and below them, I've put the link to his "Why?" message from August 7th. I hope you'll be able to take the time to at least listen to the "Why?" message, which is about what God has taught him in the past 7 months. It is, like I said, one of the most powerful messages I've ever heard and I hope it blesses you, too! God is so good.

Eulogy:
A Father's Heart
A Father's Heart 2
A Father's Heart 3

August 7, 2008 Message:
Why?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY BOY!

For those of you that did not already know, I have the cutest, most wonderful Daddy ever. He is handsome, very generous, caring, a wonderful father, a loving husband, involved, personable, a good friend, funny, smart, a gentleman, fun to spend time with, loyal, a family man, loving, kind to everyone, and loves the Lord. I absolutely adore him and number him as one of my greatest blessings. What a joy to celebrate another birthday with him today!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

Stephen Klein Adams, Jr.

A big congratulations to Bridget and Steve Adams! They welcomed their 2nd baby, Stephen Klein Adams, Jr. (will go by Klein) to the world Monday September 8th, at 5:19pm in Columbus, GA. He was 8 lbs 9 oz and 21 inches long. Another healthy baby. Lord, what a blessing. Thank you.
They make beautiful babies! Bethany, their 1st is a doll!

Addison Kay Pavlick

A huge congratulations to our friends, Mattea and Brian Pavlick! Last night, they welcomed Addison Kay Pavlick to the world at 8:20pm, 6 weeks early! She weighed 5.1 lbs and is 18 inches long. Mattea was originally due October 19th, but was experiencing very high blood pressure and, for both of their best interests, the doctors decided Addison needed to come early---a healthy baby 6 weeks early! Mom and baby are doing great. God is so wonderful! Click HERE for the Pavlick blog and what I feel is one of the sweetest blog entries I've ever read: Brian's synopsis of Addison's birthday. Their blog entries in anticipation of Addison's arrival always bring tears to my eyes. Addison is one blessed baby, and I hope that one day she gets to know the magnitude of her parents' excitement awaiting her arrival.

The Chai Story

Meet Chai. Below you will find his owner's blog that tells his story. I felt the need to post this to spread the word about the horrific experience this dog and his owner have been through. At the end of the blog, you will see an e-mail request for boycott. Please help and spread the word! Bless his poor, sweet heart!

Click here for Chai's Story

My fantasy fulfilled.

Ever since I found out that bestie, Eden Keever, was pregnant last Fall, I was determined to do something special for her in celebration of her first child. Sometime around February I decided that I would knit her a receiving blanket. Excited, I got started right away and worked on it sporadically throughout the following months... all the while keeping it a special secret. Josh and I had discussions about my silly fantasy of finishing it... wrapping it up all pretty, and giving it to her. She'd open it and I'd say, "I made it!" and she'd go "Awww, TAY!" lol... Unfortunately, since I would have spurts where I'd put it down for weeks at a time, it was not finished by the day of his actual birth, July 10th. I did, however, finish it once The Keevers got to Birmingham a few weeks later. The night finally came a few weeks ago for me to give it to her at our house. It went great. She asked right away if I'd made it, was so grateful, and even mentioned a few times about how much more special it was b/c I made it. After they left, Josh was adorable and said, "Well, was it like your fantasy?!" hahaha. Love it. It was :) Don't know if the pictures do it justice, but I'm proud of it and most of all love that, unless Wyatt adopts it as his special thing, for years to come, the Keever babies will be wrapped in the TLC and prayers that I put into every stitch.

Lillian Love Cowart

Our sweet friends Britney and Dave Cowart welcomed Miss Lillian Love Cowart into the world back in March. Since then, Josh and I have loved watching her grow and develop, as well as how Britney and Dave grow and develop as parents. She is the SWEETEST baby and looks just like her daddy... minus the beard, of course. Lillian is so smart and alert! Sunday, August 24th, Lillian Love Cowart was dedicated at Dawson Baptist Church. She looked lovely in a family christening gown. I'm such a proud "aunt" that, of course, I took pictures... although Joshy G gave strict orders of "Ok, but no flash!" haha...