Angels Among Us & Exodus 23:20

I am a firm believer that their are angels among us.
Have you ever felt sad or alone & looked up to see a total stranger smiling at you & then start to feel a little better? Or do you have a friend who is never upset & everyone likes to be around, but you just do not know why? You might even be going through something & you meet someone who has been in a similar situation that you can talk to. God put certain people in our lives to make us stronger, happier & closer to Him. Those are Angels!



"See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Be attentive to him and heed his voice." - Exodus 23:20

He Set the Course for Victory

"He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones" Proverbs 2:7-8

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are you facing a challenge or difficulty that seems overwhelming? When you stand strong and remain faithful to God, He promises to set your course for victory! And victory doesn´t necessarily mean everything is going to go our way all the time or work out the way we planned. The Bible says that the real battle we face isn´t in our circumstances, it´s in our minds. The enemy is after your thoughts. He´s after your peace and joy. He knows that when you have peace, it´s a sign that you are connected to the Father. When you hold on to your peace and choose to be joyful, you are walking in victory, and it´s just a matter of time before your circumstances line up! Remember, God knew every person who would wrong you, and He´s already laid out your vindication. God knew every disappointment, and He´s already laid out new opportunities. God knew everything that would be stolen, and He has already laid out your restoration. Rejoice today knowing that He has set your course for victory in every area of your life!

Dreaming With a Broken Heart (lyrics)

by John Mayer

When you're dreaming with a broken heart
The waking up is the hardest part
You roll outta bed and down on your knees
And for the moment you can hardly breathe
Wondering was she really here?
Is she standing in my room?
No she's not, 'cause she's gone, gone, gone, gone, gone....

When you're dreaming with a broken heart
The giving up is the hardest part
She takes you in with her crying eyes
Then all at once you have to say goodbye
Wondering could you stay my love?
Will you wake up by my side?
No she can't, 'cause she's gone, gone, gone, gone, gone....

Now do i have to fall asleep with roses in my hands
Do i have to fall asleep with roses in my hands?
Do i have to fall asleep with roses in my hands?
Do i have to fall asleep with roses in my , roses in my hands?

Would you get them if i did?
No you won't, 'cause you're gone, gone, gone, gone, gone....

When you're dreaming with a broken heart
The waking up is the hardest part

Matthew 19:14

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

My Redeemer Lives

One of my favorite parts to My Redeemer Lives by Nicole C. Mullins:

And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Amen

Praise You in This Storm (lyrics)

words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

What NOT to Say.........

Sometimes finding the words to say to someone after losing a baby seems hard to find & then other times they just spill out of your mouth without warning. I compiled a list of things people actually said to me that hurt more than helped & in the end I have some things you could try saying or doing.

"I know what you are feeling, when my dog died last year......." - Unless you have actually lost a baby, you have no idea what I am feeling.
"At least you already have children" - Thank God for that, but you make it seem like I did not want this one.
"You can have another one" - NO!, I wanted this ONE!
"You know how to get over it? Have another one!" - Umm, NO, it won't take place of this one!
"There was something wrong with the baby" - Oh, now you're psychic?
"It's probably for the best?" - What? For who? I would have been the best mother ever!
"Lucky it was an early loss" - A baby becomes a baby at time of conception. It hurts no matter what trimester you are in.

How about saying:
"Do you need anything?"
"I'm sorry."
"Do you want to talk?"
"I love you!"
"You are in my prayers"
"I'm thinking about you."

Sometimes not saying anything hurts just as bad, but if you do not know what to say a hug will do, really.

& if I do not seem happy that you are pregnant, I really am happy just jealous & you being mad just makes me feel guilty.

LiTtLe GiRls ArE.......

Wiser Than Men

Precious
Born Shoppers
in Love
Not to Be Trusted
Little Divas
Sweet
Daddy's Little Angels
Princesses
Silly
a Gift
Better at Math
Pretty
Perfect
Made of Sugar & Spice

Angelversary Memorial Ideas

An Angelversary is a term used typically to refer to the one year date of your baby's birth and/or passing. It can also refer to any number of important dates regarding your angel baby. On this page we give you a number of ideas on how to celebrate these special dates.

1. Wear something special: Have a shirt made up with your child's name & angel date on it, or a picture. You could wear special jewelry or a brooch that reminds you of your baby.
2. Buy baby a gift: To keep or donate to another baby in your baby's honor.
3. Send a message: Write a letter to your baby & burn it or put it in a memory box.
4. Pamper yourself: Go to the spa.
5. Visit your child's resting place: Take flowers or balloons & visit a while.
6. Take baby some place new: You can go somewhere different every year & take pictures of this special place to put into a scrapbook.
7. Send a letter to family & friends: Send them a special memory or thought you want to share about your baby.
8. Have a birthday party: Have cake & ice cream with family & friends. Take up donations instead of gifts to donate to a local charity.
9. Go out to eat: Find a restaurant to go to every year & maybe see if you are able to reserve a table under your baby's name you can sit at every year. Many cultures honor the gift of food and water to those who have passed on.
10. Release balloons or butterflies: You can attach a note to the balloons to send to your angel baby.
11. Volunteer: Using this day to volunteer in honor of your child can be very healing & nurturing.
12. Help someone else with a loss: There are countless ways in which you can help others who have experienced a loss. ideas
13. In name of Gift: One way to keep your child's memory & name alive is to buy an "in name of" gift. You can buy a star named after your child or give a financial contribution to a deserving charity among other things.
14. Light a candle: A very simple & calming way to honor your child is to light a candle for them.
15. Specific cultural or spiritual ceremony: There are numerous cultural & spiritual ceremonies that can be performed in honor of your child.
16. Create/View art and/or music: You can create a special piece of art or music to honor your child on this day. Alternatively you can view beautiful art or listen to beautiful music on this day perhaps even purchase some to put inside your memory box or scrapbook.
17. Fast: Fasting is a good way to cleanse the soul.
18. Read poetry, book, or other piece of literature: Thee are many healing, loving, inspirational pieces of literature in the world that you can read on this special day. You can read it aloud to your family, you can read it to your angel baby, or do so privately.
19. Connect with other angel families - You are not alone. Others with angel babies know how important it is to honor your Angelversary. You can talk to others in a local support group, someone you know personally, or families online.
20. Living object: You can plant something in honor of your beloved child.
21. Journal and/or Scrapbooks memories: On this special day you can choose to journal special memories or thoughts for your child.
22. Memorial notice in newspaper: You may quite easily buy space in the local newspaper for a memorial notice.
23. Adopt a pet: Pets are great healers
24. Engage in a random act of kindness: A beautiful thing to do is perform a random act of kindness. Think of someone you know who could use a little help or uplifting gift.
25. Go on vacation: You can be happy & have fun while honoring your angel baby!

GOd HaS PoSitiVe AnSwErs

You say:"It's Impossible" God says:"All things are possible" Luke 18:27 You say:"I'm too tired" God says:"I will give you rest" Matt. 11:28-30
You say:"Nobody really loves me" God says:"I love you" John 3:1-6 & 3:34
You say:"I can't go on" God says:"My grace is sufficient" 2 Cor. 12:9 & Psalm 91:15
You say:"I can't figure things out" God says:"I will direct your steps" Proverbs 3:5-6
You say:"I can't do it" God says:" You can do all things" Phil. 4:13
You say:"I'm not able" God says:"I am able" 2 Cor. 9:8
You say:"It's not worth it" God says:"It will be worth it" Roman 8:28
You say:"I can't forgive myself" God says:"I forgive you" 1John 1:9 & Rom. 8:1
You say:"I can't manage" God says:"I will supply all your needs" Phil. 4:19
You say:"I'm afraid" God says:"I have not given you a spirit of fear" 2Tim. 1:7
You say:"I'm always worried & frustrated" God says:"Cast all your cares on Me" 1Peter 5:7
You say:"I'm not smart enough" God says:"I give you wisdom" 1Cor. 1:30
You say:"I feel alone" God says:"I will never leave your or forsake you" Hebrews 13:5

Did You Know?

• 983,000 babies died in 1996, from miscarriage and stillbirth.
• In 1995, 15.7% of pregnancies ended in fetal demise, miscarriage or stillbirth.
• Those figures don't include neonatal loss, SIDS, or other causes.*

*According to The Center for Disease Control Trends in Pregnancies and Pregnancy Rates by Outcome Vital Health Stat (21)56 done in January 2000.
Too many families grieve in silence, sometimes never coming to terms with their loss. Our goal is to help others relate to our loss, know what to say, do or not say, not do and to help families live with their loss, not "get over" their loss.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, October 15th, is to promote Support, Education and Awareness for grieving parents nationwide (and worldwide).

http://www.october15th.com/transcription.htm

In 2005, 1 in 8 babies (12.7% of live births) was born premature in the United States.

fam - i - ly (noun): any group of persons closely related by blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins

Princess Drea

Dutchess Makaila

My Nephew Alex

My Nephew Connorad

My Nephew Dobie

My Nephew PepperMy Niece Cadence

My Nephew Carson

My Daddy & I

Me, Doing My Best MySpace Picture Pose lol

My Mom & Dad (aka Granny & Papa)

My Older Brother Michael (the wind beneath my wings), Getting a Kiss

My Sister-in-Law Jessica

My Baby Brother Bo, never can get a serious picture

My Sister-in-Law Laci

My Grandma

My Favorite Aunt Na

My Cousin Anthony, Showing off His Guns

Compassion is......

ChOicE!
BreAtHtaKinG!
UnivErSAl VaLue!
OutsHinEd bY IgNOranCe!
PoWEr!
foR thE BiRds!
TraNsfOrminG OuR WoRld!
in OuR LivES!
tHe BAsiS oF MOralIty!
LOvE!
TeNdErnEss!
thE KEy For BEttEring LivEs!
CEntRal to All REligiOns!
BeGan LiFE!
aN InSidE JoB!
Not AbOuT BecOmiNg FamOUs!
GoOd!
GenErOsiTy!
thE WaY!
tHe ExPRresSiOn oF PrActiCe ThrOUgh SeRVicE iN thE WoRld!
MorE ThaN FliNgiNg a CoIN to A BEggAr!

St. Christopher

(Story according to Wikipedia)

The Golden Legend

According to the account in the Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine, Christopher was a Canaanite 12 cubits (18 ft) tall and with a fearsome face. While serving the king of Canaan, he took it into his head to go and serve the greatest king there was. He went to the king who was reputed to be the greatest, but one day he saw the king cross himself at the mention of the devil. On thus learning that the king feared the devil, he departed to look for the devil. He came across a band of marauders, one of whom declared himself to be the devil, so Christopher decided to serve him. But when he saw his new master avoid a wayside cross and found out that the devil feared Christ, he left him and inquired from people where to find Christ. He met a hermit who instructed him in the Christian faith. Christopher asked him how he could serve Christ. When the hermit suggested fasting and prayer, Christopher replied that he was unable to perform that service. The hermit then suggested that because of his size and strength Christopher could serve Christ by assisting people to cross a dangerous river, where many were perishing in the attempt. The hermit promised that this service would be pleasing to Christ.

After Christopher had performed this service for some time, a little child asked him to take him across the river. During the crossing, the river became swollen and the child seemed as heavy as lead, so much that Christopher could scarcely carry him and found himself in great difficulty. When he finally reached the other side, he said to the child: "You have put me in the greatest danger. I do not think the whole world could have been as heavy on my shoulders as you were." The child replied: "You had on your shoulders not only the whole world but him who made it. I am Christ your king, whom you are serving by this work." The child then vanished.

Christopher later visited the city of Lycia and there comforted the Christians who were being martyred. Brought before the local king, he refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods. The king tried to win him by riches and by sending two beautiful women to tempt him. Christopher converted the women to Christianity, as he had already converted thousands in the city. The king ordered him to be killed. Various attempts failed, but finally Christopher was decapitated.

The World Is.....

.Flat!
..Not Enough!
...Yours!
....My Canvas!
.....Round!
......Curved!
.......Frozen!
........Rocky!
..........Mine!
..........Watching!
...........Changing!
..........Coming!
.........Your Video Game!
........Dangerous!
.......Creative!
......Ours!
.....Calling!
....Moving!
...Held Together by Duct Tape!
..Your Studio!
.Ready!

I'll Say a Little Prayer For You.....

Good Sunday & Happy New Year!

We all need someone else to say a prayer for us some time, right? Let me know if you would like me to add you to my prayer list.

Jesus Is....

The Only WaY tO Heaven!
CoMinG!
Way CoOl!
My FRieNd!
ReAdy!
LoVE! The SoN Of GOD!
LoRD!
MaGic!
HoPe For TomORroW!
Not a RelIgioN!
thE GiFT!
My HomEbOy!
WoNDerfUL!
The LiGht of the WoRld!
AlivE!
WeEpinG!
a SoUL Man!
The CurE!
WorShipPed!
LiviNG!
The MesSiaH!
The WaY!
On OuR SidE!
HapPineSs! BoRn ArT!
LoRD of My LifE!
BetteR Than SanTa!
Not a BrAnD!
ThE ReaSOn foR EveRy SeasOn!

What I Wish for You This New Year: Peace, Love & Happiness

In a world of some discouragement, sorrow, and overmuch sin, in times when fear and despair seem to prevail, when humanity is feverish with no worldly physicians in sight, I too say, “Trust Jesus.” Let Him still the tempest and ride upon the storm. Believe that He can lift mankind from its bed of affliction, in time and in eternity. ~Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Psalm 16:7-9

I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My hear also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.

A New Year Can Bring.....

.a Bang!
..Us Misery!
...Hope!
....Challenges!
....Good Fortune!
......True Happiness!
......a Plan to Curb Violence!
........Joy!
.........a New Exercise Routine!
..........Prosperity!
...........Stability!............a New Love!
.............Clarity!............Job!
...........You!
..........Less Wrinkles!
.........You Luck!
........Dinner!
.......a Promotion!
......Health!
.....Resolutions!
....Major Change!
...a Day of Peace!
..a Bright End to a Dark Year!
.Families Together!

John 14:27

Peace I leave you, My peace I give you, I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled & do not be afraid.

Question of the Moment.....

There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.

If our parents die, we become Orphans
If our spouse dies, we become Widow(er)s If our child dies, what do we become?

Psalm 23:1-6

A Psalm of David

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

A sMiLe Is....

.A Frown Turned Upside Down!
..Contagious!
...Worth a Thousand Words!
....The Key to Success!
.....A Curve That Straightens Most Things!
......Worth a Million Bucks!
.......The Same in All Languages!
.........A Hello!
..........Catching!
..........As Big as The Moon!
.........So Simple!
........Kindness!
.......Charity!
......Bittersweet!
.....For a Moment!
....Pleasure!
...Remembered Forever!
..A Card to Pass On!
.A Light in The Window, That Lets People Know You Are Home!

LoVe CaN.....

.Build a Bridge! 
 ..Hurt!  
...Do!  
....Break Your Heart!  
.....Mend a Broken Heart! 
 ......Be an Addiction!  
.......Tear You Apart!  
........Move Mountains!  
.........Make You Blind! 
 ..........Change a Person! 
 ...........Last a Lifetime!
..........Be Everything! 
 .........Make You Happy! 
 ........Keep us Together!
.......Turn on You!  
......Counter Evil!  
.....Turn the World! 
 ....Get You Through!
...Change Your Life!  
..Make You Real! 
 .Be Found in the Most Unexpected Place!

The Birth of Jesus

Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2

An Angel Visits Mary

One day about 2,000 years ago an angel named Gabriel appeared to a young Jewish woman named Mary. Gabriel told Mary she would have a son, Jesus, who would be the Son of God! Mary was confused and worried about this sudden news, but she had faith in God and said, "I am the Lord's servant; let it be as you say."

Journey to Bethlehem


Mary and her husband-to-be, Joseph, lived in a town called Nazareth. But they had to travel to the city of Bethlehem to register for a census ordered by the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus. Both Nazareth and Bethlehem are in the country now called Israel. It is about 65 miles (105 km) from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and the trip probably took them several days.


When Joseph and Mary got to Bethlehem, there was no place for them to stay because the inn was already full. They ended up spending the night in a stable, a place where animals were kept. There was probably fresh hay on the floor that they used for beds.


That night, Jesus was born. There was no crib, so they laid baby Jesus in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. The manger probably had fresh hay in it and made a nice bed for the baby.

Shepherds Visit Jesus

That night, some shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem, keeping watch over their flocks of sheep. An angel appeared to them and gave them the good news that a Savior, the Messiah, had been born. The angel told the shepherds they could find Jesus lying in a manger. Suddenly a whole group of angels appeared saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

The shepherds hurried into Bethlehem and found Jesus in the manger, just as the angel had told them. After they had seen Jesus, they spread the news, and everyone who heard was in awe.


Wise Men Visit Jesus

Some time later, wise men, or magi, from eastern countries saw a star in the sky that signaled the birth of a new king. They came to Judea, the region around Jerusalem and Bethlehem, to worship Jesus, the new king.

A man named Herod was the king of Judea. He called the wise men to a meeting and told them to find the new king so he could go and worship him, too.


The wise men continued on to Bethlehem and followed the star until it was directly above the house where Jesus was. They found Mary and Jesus in the house and knelt down to worship Him. They brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, some of the finest things in the ancient world. Frankincense was burned to make a sweet smell, and myrrh was an expensive perfume.

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below with tiny light,
like Heavens, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please
wipe away the tear, For I am spending
Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.


I hear the many Christmas songs that
people hold so dear. But the sounds of
music can't compare with the Christmas
Choir up here. I have no words to tell you,
the joy the voices bring, For it is beyond
description, to hear the angels sing.


I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear,
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from
my heavenly home above. I sent you
each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold. It was always most
important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as
my Father said to do. For I can't count
the blessings or love he has for each
of you.

So have a Merry Christmas
and wipe away that tear, Remember I
am spending Christmas with Jesus
Christ this year.

** This poem was written by a 13 year old Ben
to his mother before he died of a brain tumor.
He died in 1997, and that year his spent his
first Christmas with Jesus.

FORGET ME NOT

Forget me not as you go about your day
And when the winter wind howls my name
Forget me not in the lonely darkness of the night
And in the warm brightness of the sun light
Forget me not in the freshness of the morning dew
And in the spring when life begins anew
For I am in you and you are in me I will always live in your heart
As long as you
Forget Me Not
~ Susan Mosquera

The Tiny RoseBud

The Master Gardener from Heaven above
Planted a seed in the garden of love
And from it grew to a rosebud small
That never had time to open at all For God in His perfect and all wise way
Chose this rose for His Heavenly bouquet
So think of your darling with the angels above
Secure and contented and surrounded by love
And remember that God blessed and enriched your lives too
For in dying, your darling brought Heaven closer to you.
~Author Unknown

 

These are prints of Nehemiah's hands & feet the hospital gave us.

My Forever Child

You are a Precious Child Created out of love, a blessing from above.
I've adored you from the start, and your little footprints touched my heart.
A single teardrop represents the millions I have cried.
My life never the same since you died.
I wish you could have stayed longer with me, I'd watch you grow into all you could be.
Although we are apart, You are always in my heart.
I dream of a joyful time when we will be reunited once again.
Thoughts of you make me smile.
You will always be My Forever Child ~Susan Mosquera

Grief is Ok

Grieving the Loss of a Child

Grieving the loss of a child takes on many forms. For many, grieving is an actual physical, mental and emotional process that can take years to process. For others, grief is more of an internal struggle that is rarely ever seen. Losing a child is one of the worst experiences parents can ever face. So learning to understand their grief is just one step in helping them see brighter days.
When a woman loses her child -- whether it be a baby who died in the womb or one who was 40 years old -- a part of her dies as well.

Grieving the Loss of a Baby

From the moment she receives a positive pregnancy test, this woman starts bonding with her unborn baby. She is the one who senses the flutters, kicks and jabs, as she is also the one who feels the morning sickness, sciatic nerve discomfort and for some, labor pains. In all essence, the woman is the one who knows the baby best.

So when that baby dies during the pregnancy or soon thereafter, the mother will not only emotionally feel the loss, but physically as well. Women whose babies die before or shortly after birth will still have their breasts produce milk, they may have horrible stretch marks and the may actually even feel "phantom kicks" or hear "phantom cries." Women still have to physically deliver a baby even if they know that he or she has died or will so shortly. So, it's not uncommon for her to physically grieve for her child. In every possible way, her body is telling her she is mother, but in reality, there is no baby in her arms. Some ways women physically grieve their loss is by:

* Clutching their arms to their breasts as they feel their milk supply come in
* Subconsciously rubbing their bellies as if their babies are still growing and kicking inside
* Holding a stuffed animal, doll or even a baby blanket close to them, sometimes rocking back and forth
* Waking up several times at night hearing a baby's cry
* Being too tired to get out of bed in the morning or to keep up with any daily routines
* Losing or gaining large amounts of weight
* Uncontrollable crying at any given time
* Other physical changes to the body including hair loss, brittle nails and a change in complexion, vision, agility and appetite.

My Children Are My Life

My children are my life.........
ANDREA, my oldest - Greek origin; meaning: MANLY, WARRIOR, VIRILE MAKAILA, my baby girl - Hebrew origin; meaning: WHO RESEMBLES GOD NEHEMIAH, my angel baby - Hebrew origin; meaning: COMFORTER, COMFORTED BY GOD (seems fitting, doesn't it?)