Yesterday evening while I was snuggling with Nora, I glanced down and noticed that she had my I WILL CARRY YOU necklace pendant firmly in her little grasp. *tears!* I swear that wasn’t in any way staged!
This evening Nora visited our church for the first time. It was so good to be back after having been absent for so long (even if we did have to sit in the Cry Room because a certain little somebody was a little fussy fuss!). Fortunately we have the ability to watch the services from past weeks online (Crossroads), but it’s just not the same as being there in person. Kirk Perry (president of global family care for Procter & Gamble) was the guest speaker this evening. He talked about what it’s like to integrate his faith in the business world. While I’m not so much in the business world as a stay at home mom, much of what he touched on was still very relevant. I was particularly inspired by the myths or common misconceptions of what it means to live a faith based life. I would have taken notes but for the fact that I was swaying back and forth and bouncing a grouchy little baby girl in my arms! One of “myths” that stood out to me was that our faith is something that is meant to be private. Many people, including myself at one point, believe(d) that you go to church on Sunday and then there is really no need to talk about it or utilize your faith past that point. I remember how awkward it was in my driver’s ed class 20-something years ago when our driving instructor insisted on listening to a Christian rock station in the car. “Lame-o!!!!” I remembered thinking. I was under the impression that there was no need or use for that kind of stuff unless there was something NQR with ya, or that you were some kind of Bible beater! (in retrospect, why WOULDN’T a person in charge of teaching a car full of moody teenagers how to drive be listening to Christian music, whether they were religious or not!!!???) *wink* Fast forward many years later where the surly 16 year old is now a “bedraggled homemaker”, tried and tested. I literally LOL to think that I once felt that my faith was something that was private!! No, of course I’m not going to shove my faith down anyone’s throat or threaten you that you’re going to go to hell if you don’t believe and repent (through a megaphone on a street corner)! I don’t think that is a very endearing approach, and I hope I’ve never come across that way in any of my posts!! I hope that by being honest and open about my life and Nora, sharing all the ways that God has been ever present – maybe a seed is planted. A seed that will someday become the inception of faith in someone else’s life. I no longer harbor any fear of “what will people think??”. God is so very good, real, cool and hip to me, so much greater than the risk of someone whispering behind my back or thinking I’m some kind of wackjob Bible beater. I can’t possibly sit here and pretend I had anything to do with the outcome of this beautiful love story, or the fact that it has reached and touched thousands of lives. To God alone be the glory. I can’t be quiet about that!
In summary, it was a great service. I’m glad we decided to go at the last minute. We also met some new friends tonight who have been following our blog. It was so nice to meet you Caitlin and Nicole! And so nice to see you, Amanda and family!
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)
On an unrelated topic, I was distressed upon noticing this warning label on Miss Nora’s medication today:
I have no idea how I’m going to break it to her that she’s no longer able to operate the crane trucks. #majorbummer # whattodo
Night night!
iwillcarryyou 
I’ve been following your blog for quite some time and find it extremely heartwarming. Tonight, I was instantly brought to tears by the photo of sweet Nora holding your necklace in her tiny hand. I’m so glad you captured such a sweet moment on film. She is precious! Thank you for sharing.
LOVE THE PICTURE OF YOU AND NORA. SHE REALLY IS NOT WANTING TO LET GO OF YOUR NECKLACE. YOUR NECKLACE SAYS SO MUCH!!!!! SHE IS GROWING SO GOOD, AND THAT HAIR IS GETTING LONG. SUCH A BEAUTY. GLAD YOU ALL GOT TO GO TO CHURCH TODAY. MAYBE SOMETIME WE CAN HAVE A MEET NORA DAY AT A PARK OR SOME PLACE WHERE PEOPLE COULD JUST COME AND MEET NORA AND HER WONDERFUL FAMILY. I THINK SO MANY PEOPLE WOULD LOVE THAT. PRAYING EVERY DAY FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY. GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS.
That label is too funny! I hope she isn’t too bummed out 😉
I have enjoyed every single post you have written and eagerly await them every night (and even enjoy catching up when I fall behind!) Your beautiful baby girl is such an amazing blessing, and you and your family were the perfect people to have her. I hope and pray that I too can one day have such unshakeable faith like you. Your story is an inspiration, and a definite light from God in such a dark and fallen world.
Hug that little one extra tight tonight! Blessings and prayers from Alaska 🙂
I believe my driver’s ed instructor actually drove under the influence when we were in the car. Who could blame him either?
LOL…Did you have tall skinny Randy too?
No I think I had pleasantly plump carl… who clearly DID NOT like teenagers.
Awesome message. I had to write a reading response paper for English class in nursing school. I found an article in which the author had given his opinion that our Faith should be private. My paper brought out the exact verse you quoted and many others where Jesus urges us to share our Faith. When done right, it looks just like just what you’ve been doing. My belief is that we aren’t to beat people in the head with our bibles so to speak, but rather to share with other every little miracle God has brought into our lives. My adopted children, severely abused by their birth father are a miracle. Little Nora certainly is one as well! Thanks for sharing this!
My driver’s ed told me to “drive faster” on the hairpins because driving is supposed to be fun.
That picture of her clutching your pendant says it all!
I attend crossroads as well- beautiful church with a beautiful message:)
The sister of the lady I nanny for in Mt.Lookout, just recently ( 3 days ago) found out her baby boy has Trisomy 18 as well. I directed her to your blog in hopes of helping her spirit!!
🙂
Thanks for writing about your faith and how God has blessed you. I think it is inspiring for all, those who believe a lot or a little. I look forward to reading your blog daily, as it lifts my spirits to see little Nora Rose. I tell all I meet about this!
Just like you remembering the music in the car that stuck with you all those years ago. A very small insignficant moment, you thought. But it touched something in your soul that made you remember it.
Just like your small tiny baby girl. No better way for God to show what he can do. And to make an impression on so many that will be touched around the world. She will also be remembered by many for years. And I dare say for generations to come.
Thank you for not being private with this awesome God story!
I just can’t tell you how in love I am with your family! Little Nora is amazing! I storm the heavens with prayers every day for her. God Bless and thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful photo and especially beautiful memory of little Nora grasping your special necklace. I keep up with your posts and I enjoy reading them. Blessings to your little Nora and your family.
Whoa! Don’t take the keys away just yet! The label reads “….may impair….use care…” give the girl a shot. We already know she’s so advanced!
Oh man…how is she going to earn her keep if she can’t run the lawnmower for you???? 😉
So much love for this precious baby…. XOXO ~Lisa
God’s messages come to us in mysterious packages and ways. Nora Rose grasping your “I will carry you.” pendant is a sign from God. I believe that he is acknowledging you and your strong faith. You are an inspiration to so many of us. As always, thank you for sharing Nora Rose and her story.
Oh and I can’t forget–love Nora’s outfits. She is definitely ready for the paparazzi.
Oh dear! I’m pretty sure the ONLY other message I’ve left here made me sound like a “wackjob Bible beater’. ; ) Oh well, if Lovin’ Him is wrong, I don’t wanna be right! Love the photo of your pendant clutched in those teeny fingers. I think Nora is THE perfect baby for you! She just “fits” perfectly, right there on your chest. I am SO happy that I get to watch her touch the hearts of others! She has a permanent place in mine! Hugs ~ Jo
Your faith has planted an entire garden in my heart, thanks so much!