7 Years Later....

Seven years later, looking back on our miracle baby's debut....seems that Gabie has been tested physically quite a lot.  She was our premature baby, the one who spent 10 days in the hospital when she was a year old, the one who has had a heart murmur, hearing problems, ear tubes, adenoids out, tonsils out, stitches, and now of course burn scars. 

I think the fear that I experienced when my water broke so early with her (which I reflected on last year) could imitate the fear that I felt a few short weeks ago when I pulled her out from the treadmill.   Gabie also experienced fear when they took her back to surgery both times, being very nervous and scared.  God speaks about this in His word however, "for God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline," 2 Timonthy 1:7.

Gabie shows the strength, love and power in her life far more then she succumbs to the fear.  She has a strong faith that she shares with others.  She often sang hymns to the doctors and nurses in the hospital and told them that God would heal her.  We also always prayed together there, and for the doctors and nurses as well.  Her trials have not gotten her down, they just make her more determined.  As her P.E. teacher was sharing with me the other day "I can't keep her from doing anything!" (referring to whether she should have restrictions after coming back to school from her accident).  She is a determined young lady, and even after missing a lot of school is in the top reading group in her class!

Each year when I reflect back on her birth I focus on different aspects of when her life began.  I'm still so very thankful for the name we chose:
The name Gabriel is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, referring to an archangel who serves as a messenger from God.  The meaning of the name is "God is my strength".  Ironically, "God gives me strength" was our mantra during our running.  This idea served as well during Gabie's accident and her recovery.  

God has given her strength and determination.  We see her growing into a strong and independent young lady.  In spite of the challenges she has faced, she is blessed with good health, and can do so much more then so many who've gone through physical trials in their lives.  For her birthday this year Gabie got to go horseback riding. She is a great lover of animals, especially horses! She is often found galloping through the house pretending to ride a horse. Her love of animals also keeps her horrified at the idea of "hunting" this time of year. When Mark asked the girls the other day if they would ever go hunting with him she was just mad that he would even say that (as opposed to Elie and Rachel's reactions, who both wanted to go until he mentioned the part about having to be quiet.... :)

We are so thankful for the gift God gave us in our daughter, Gabriel Faith.  Happy birthday, sweet girl!

All Saint's Day!

I realize that this is one of those holidays that not many recognize or celebrate, but I wanted to share the words to this hymn that speak so sweetly of those gone before us.  In particular I have been thinking of our sweet Samantha a lot lately.  At recess today I was talking with a couple of other teachers about what happens when something rocks your world so profoundly that it is turned upsidedown.  For many of us this happens when a dear loved one passes away.  It is truly a wonder how your world completely stops and yet somehow the rest of the world just keeps marching on.  Somehow amidst our grief people are still laughing, swinging, working, driving - their lives go on while life for those going through the grief has just stopped.  This sweet hymn written by William How truly speaks of the comfort we find in Christ, when we think of those saints that have gone on before us....

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
thou in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!