I (Brent) had the blessing of getting to share with our church family this morning about the many blessings God has showered on us during 2008.
As I get older, as I write more, teach more, and hear from readers more, I realize that very often God's greatest blessings come during our times of greatest hardship. I had a few minutes allotted to convey this to our Christian family, and since a picture is worth a thousand words, I thought a video might be worth a million. So I spent a couple of hours putting one together.
I hope you'll take a few minutes to view it, then leave a comment for us that we can make part of our family history in the years to come when we look back on this time.
If the video doesn't play, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vZrpST7n3U
96 comments:
A beautiful, heartfelt tribute to your daughter and family. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you. Thank you for sharing.
What a beautiful tribute to your darling daughter. Needless to say, it brought tears to my eyes. I will continue to pray for Abby and your family.
Blessing,
Nancy
Seeing sweet Abby was really powerful, hearing your little words and seeing her facial expressions in a video...wow. She is just truly so precious. I thought your video was really beautiful and touching.
i've followed your story for some time now (we are also adopting from ethiopia). i have been truly inspired by your faith through this difficult time. i know that abby's situation seems bleak, but i also know that God still performs miracles...every day. i pray daily for that sweet girl, and if God does decide to call her home, i know that because she's been on my heart so heavy these last few months, God will bring her and my baby boy Thomas that we lost last feb. together. thank you for being such an incredible witness and touching my heart. abby and your family will continue to be in my daily prayers.
sarah
Beautiful!!!
PRECIOUS!! Bawling my eyes out here and loving every picture and video clip of Abby on there. I am so thankful that you can feel God's arms around you! Love you and praying always. Amy
Praise God Abby is home again. What a beautiful tibute to a such a seet young girl. You are in my prayers day and night.
We serve a great God. Your response to this difficult trial in your life will be honored in heaven someday. Our closest friends have a little girl that was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor 3 years ago. Her chances were very, very slim of survival but she has now been free from her disease for almost two years. We will be praying for you.
What an amazing video. I am in awe of your strength and faith. God Bless You!!!
I am praying for Abby as well as my church family in Ada. God bless Abby and her family and give you all you need for each day. We do serve a mighty God. He is 100%.
What a wonderful, loving tribute to your daughter Abby. I have been following her progress since July and sending my prayers for her strength and healing. We have a beautiful 5 year old granddaughter, Maddie, also from Guatemala. She and Abby are such special angels, gifts from God to us. My prayers will continue to be for Abby and all of your family. God's blessing to all of you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Being able to see and hear Abby was so special to me. Hang in there and Abby will fight the fight.
What a beautiful testimony to God's presence in your family!
We are blessed to know you!
Linda
www.smithsoup.blogspot.com
So many blessings! God is so, so good!
Precious Abby, you are teaching us all how to be strong!! You are so beautiful!! We are praying for you and thinking of you throughout each day!
Thank-you for that lovely video.
I'm sitting here with a big lump in my throat hoping and wishing you all enjoy many more christmases to-gether.
Every day I check your blog to see how little Abby is doing and I will continue to do so.
I am comforted that if she had to go through all this, then at least she has a wonderful, caring family at her side.
Linda
Sask, Canada
I'm amazed at your strength...what a beautiful video.
May God watch over Abby and your family!
What a beautiful video. I am praying for Abby everyday. I will continue to do so.
I am so humbled by your amazing faith and love. Your blog has touched me in so many ways. My entire family prays for Abby every day, and we feel as though she is a part of our family even though we've never met. Sending all of our love and prayers to Abby from afar.
Beautiful. (tears) sniff sniff. Yes, we will continue to pray for ALL the family, especially Abby's healing.
Hi From Alaska
What a great tribute....continued prayers.
kathy in Alaska
what a truly beautiful recap of 2008. While I know that it cannot be easy, your spirit during this difficult time is a beacon of light to those who are hurting. Lifting you up in prayer...
blessings,
karen
Praying for healing for Abby and peace for your family. What a beautiful testimony. Thank you for sharing.
Nikki
What a precious video. . .and yes, an encouragement to faith and to living in joy in the midst of trials. You guys are living out 1 Peter 1, which we discussed yesterday in church.
Thanks,
Brandi
Sweet and a wonderful tribute to the people who've been touched by Abby!
God is so good and has adopted us into His family that we may go and do the same. Your testimony to Him speaks loud and loving FAITH! Thank you for sharing.
What a beautiful tribute for an amazing little princess. I am always touched by your faithfulness and your dedication to God every time I visit. I am honored to pray for Abby and your family and am thankful that you share your journey and allow me to do that for you. I know that I am only one of many who pray for you and know that God is the only answer in all things. I will continue to pray for you all.
WOW what an awesome video.
My thoughts and prayers are always with you!
What a very beautiful and moving video. It truly brought so many tears to my eyes and our thoughts and prayers are always with you and your family and continue to pray for Abby to be healed.
Blessings, Rhonda
That is a wonderful video. I am so glad that you are able to see his blessings on your life in the midst of your trials. I pray for God's hand to continue to guide you and protect you and heal Abby!!!
Stacey
Your testimony and perspective is such an inspiration to us. Our family is praying for yours every day.
Like so many others I have fallen in love with Abby. I was driving to work this morning praying for her and you and Michelle. Your family has touched my heart.
Always praying
Andrea
I marvel at your strength and faith! May God bless you and comfort you during this "season". I am praying that OUR BIG GOD heals Abby and you have MANY MANY MANY more Christmas' with her!
Much love -
Bamagirl & Family
What a touching tribute to Abby. We will continue praying for Abby's healing.
Thank-you for sharing your faith, your family, and your daughter with us. God bless you.
Love and hugs to this precious child we all are praying for.
dawn
Wonderful testimony and tribute to our God. Praying for you.
I am speechless after viewing your video. It was beautiful. Abby is beautiful. She is on my church's prayer list, and I pray for her throughout the day each day. Thank you for continuing to share your story. Blessings, Wendy in Fredericksburg, VA
I continue to pray for your precious little Abby. Your words and perspective through all of this are very thought-provoking for all of us. Thank you for sharing your story and letting us all share our prayers.
Praying in faith that He will be 100%. He is indeed Mighty to Save.
Beautiful testimony of to the body of Christ.
What a beautiful video. Your faith is so inspiring to me. My son spent 10 days in Children's Hospital before Thanksgiving and I can't even begin to imagine what you are all going thru. All I can say is, "GOD IS AMAZING!"
Prayers and love,
Cherrie
What a beautiful video! I've been following your blog for several months now. Please know that you have lots of people praying in Wisconsin!!
What a wonderful reminder of the heartache, blessings and opportunities God has brought your family this year. We are still praying for a 100% miracle!
With prayers for Abby,
The Gossett Family
Beautiful. You and Abby continue to be in my prayers.
I just cried when I saw this and I have no words or any idea how things are for you, but I pray that Abby has no more pain and you continue to have wonderful moments with her.
God's comfort and peace to you and your precious beautiful family.
Carrie
Thank you, thank you for creating and posting that! It was nice to see and hear abby in real time, not just pictures! It will be a treasured memory and an awesome ministry! You are so blessed to have her!
Just watched the video. It is so beautiful. We are still praying for Abby. She probably already knows this, but tell sweet Abby that people far, far away are praying for her, and that we care so much. She is beautiful and precious. God bless you all.
With much love,
Natalie and family
Thank you for sharing you video with us. God has great plans for Abby, either here on earth or in heaven with Him. It breaks my heart to see her suffering. She's so like my grand-daughter Kya Blu. I only hope that if anything like this ever happens in my family, I will have the courage and grace to handle it as you have.
May God bless and keep you,
Christie Paige
Wonderful video to tribute to Abby, your family, friends & church family, and to God.
Praying for Abby and for all of you.
What a beautiful tribute to Abby. I feel so blessed to have met your family throught this blogging community. You all have touched my heart deeply and truly enriched my faith in our Heavenly Father.
I will continue to offer prayers to God in behalf of your family. May you all be as richly blessed this coming New Year.
Maribel, Marissa and I continue to pray for Abby and lift her up to the Lord and your family, we pray for healing and for strength for your family, our thoughts and prayers we are sending...what a loving and beautiful tribute video for a wonderful and beautiful Abby...
I just wanted to say that I'm one of the thousands of people praying Abby and your family through this time! God bless...
lauren
Brent and Michelle,
I watched this minutes after you posted. I cried and rejoiced all at the same time. I have been praying fervently with our children for Abby. Praying God's will to be done and for all of you to have joy, comfort and peace more than ever before during these very hard days ahead.
I love you all so very much and wish I could do more from here to help and continue to Thank God for every hand that has been there to bless all of you.
You are such a beautiful witness to His love for us. I appreciate you all very much!
Hugs and blessings tonight!
Jill
Tell Abby all of our children are praying for her.
My daughter and I pray for Abby daily and feel the power of your family's love.
Praying for you guys every single day. You are a beautiful family.
Love,
Megan and the Simmons
WOW
That's all I got.
Our prayers and thoughts are with Abby and your entire family.
What a wonderful tribute to a very brave little girl. I can not imagine what you are going thru as a family. Your faith leaves me in awe. I am lucky to know you and pray for your sweet baby girl..
What a beautiful testimony. You continue to be in my prayers. I too live in Oklahoma (OU alum...so proud of those frat boys). We are adopting concurrently from Ethiopia and China. You have ministered to me and touched my heart. Thank you for sharing your heart and family.
Abby is beautiful and I feel very blessed to be able to pray for her. Your video was precious.
Your attitudes bring glory to our Lord.
Love,
Lynnette
www.lynnettekraft.blogspot.com
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful, inspiring video with us. Your family's faith is an example for us all.
Carolyn
Your family teaches me about God every day. Thank you.
Nancy, Nicholas, Alexander and Grace in Canada
Awesome!!! I continue to pray for Abby and your entire family.
Blessings,
Mary
Beautiful video! I especially like the part about our God being 100%! Indeed He is!
Abby and your family remain in my prayers.
Amy
Abby,
God certainly has blessed you abundantly. Your family loves you so very much. They are teaching the rest of us about God and His immeasurable love for His family.
We are praying for you and your precious family.
What a strong testimony to your faith. Thank you for sharing your lives with me...I will keep Abby and your family in my prayers. My dd is from Guatemala, and She and her brothers will pray too. Blessings..
Shannon Joplin, MO
Our family is praying for all of you, it seems as if we know you. Thank you for sharing your life with us, you have been such an encouragement to us as you go through this trial with such faith. Precious Abby, be strong and courageous, God is with you!!
Love in Christ Jesus, The Cagles
I have been lurking for a long time. Watching your video this morning made me write that another family will be praying for all of you!!!
God Bless you all now & during the New Year!!!
FROGgin & Believe~in a Cure
Jacob & Jake Follower
It brought tears to my eyes. You are such a beautiful family and surrounded by some amazing people. Abby has given all of us a new outlook on life and made many of us not take the little things for granted anymore. We do have a 100% God and he is right beside Abby holding her in his loving arms. I will continue to pray for Abby and that he takes that 20% to 100%. Love to Abby from Illinois.
I've been following your blog for a while now. We just watched our closest friend's 3 year old battle leukemia and she won the battle this summer. I am praying for the same result for your daughter. This was a lovely tribute! I wish the best for you and your family.
We are praying for Abby!
What an amazing video.....I love the reference to how we serve a God who is 100%......WOW! So powerful and true!
Keeping Abby in my constant prayers...
Peace
*~Michelle~*
That was beautiful...Abby is beautiful! I am not Christian, I am Jewish and I wanted you to know that there are more than just Christian people out there praying for your Abby! I am sure she can use prayer from any faith and I am always thinking about her and Praying for her. Your daughter is lovely and such a great fighter!
Many Blessings,
Marla
Rejoice in the Lord Always and again I say Rejoice! Php 4:4 Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with the world. My prayers are with you.
A wonderful tribute to your daughter. May God bless your family. We will continue to be praying for Abby and your family during this time.
Lisa from Ohio
Praying for a miracle. What a wonderful tribute to your family and friends.
Abby has touched the hearts of so many in her life. Your family is and has been in my prayers. What an amazing video!
Oh I cried and cried. What an amazing video for sweet sweet Abby and for your family! So awesome!!! We will continue to lift her up in prayer!
What a beautiful tribute to your sweet Abby and your family. So touching and hearing her sweet little voice brought tears to our eyes. We keep Abby in our prayers each and every night before bed. Our little one who is 2 and also from Guatemala says "and please help Abby to feel better." Brings tears to my eyes each and every time. God is 100% and performs miracles....Keep the faith.
Hugs and Many Blessings,
Tammy (Kayleigh's Mommy)
Abby is a beautiful little girl. We are praying for her quick recovery and her family's continued strength and faith.
What a wodnerful tribute. I pray for Abby and your family daily. God can move mountains, he can surely heal this little one completely
what a beautiful tribute to your darling daughter... praying everyday!!!
alex
Wow! What a testimony... I can relate to it so well, as under our very different circumstances, we've been so blessed by God also... would you mind if I posted your video on my blog? Let me know.
Bless your family and little Abbey. I pray that she fights and fights this battle!
Just a note to saying we are and have been praying for Abby for many months. Thank you for showing us what real faith in hard times looks like.
We have two from GT as well as a houseful of biological children so your story could easily have been ours- we pray that if such a trial ever comes our way we would respond as steadfastly as your family.
I just finished this wonderful video.It was gorgeous. I pray every day this girl defies the odds.
Praise God that He blessed Abby with a loving family like yours. And Praise be to God that He blessed you with a gorgeous, smart, and strong little girl.
Our family will be praying for yours....
That was a beautiful video, our whole family watched it together and we were all touched by your faith during this struggle. We are praying for your sweet Abby.
Kristin (ALL list)
www.sweetbrinley.com
What an amazing tribute to the blessings of 2008! May 2009 bring new opportunities of faith, freinds and family!! I stand firm in believing Abby will be healed and yuo're right God has His hand on Abby 100% of the time!!
Thank you for sharing this with us. We are praying for your family, we do believe that the Lord is capable of anything and so we ask him for something that seems very difficult humanly but know that He is able - healing for Abby.
(our son is from EN)
Praying for Abby. What a beautiful and powerful video!
This is a very touching story and a critical situation. But one thing I know for sure, Abby will live to see a lot of “Christmases”. She will grow old to see her great grand children. God is not deaf. He will heal Abby at his own appointed time. As Christians, lets just continue to hold God – our Healer – by His word.
Thanks for sharing.
My prayers are with your family! God has truly blessed you with such a beautiful little girl!Our GOD is mighty to SAVE. He has you all in His hands. He has a purpose for everything and from what I have gathered, you are fulfilling that purpose w/ the ministry opportunities that are coming your way! Use this all to HIS glory! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Beautiful video for a beautiful little girl.
Know that we are praying in Kennesaw, GA.
I found your sweet Abby on MckMama's blog . . . we will be praying!
We have an Abby too, she'll be two in March and big sister Ella is 4, just like your Abby.
Thank you for sharing Abby's story. What a beautiful precious little girl she is! It's amazing how our Heavenly Father builds a family. May He continue to bless you with His peace and strength.
Abby is so blessed to have you as parents. She seems to be a strong girl and I believe that you are God's instruments. On the other hand, I also think that Abby is an angel sent to your family and for the people in your place for whatever God's reason is. I pray that she'll be better soon. She is lucky to have known God at a young age.
Blessings to your family!
Light it Up
What a precious, Holy-Spirit tribute to Abby's life and to the body of Christ. I have prayed for Abby in the past, but I am so glad to have found this video tonight. I am certain the LORD will use it to bring Abby to remembrance that I might pray for her more fervently.
Blessings,
Robbie
GOD BLESS YOUR LITTLE ONE, SHE IS SO PRECIOUS, I HAVE TEARS IN MY EYES, NOTHING HURTS MORE THEN WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS TO OUR LITTLE ONES THAT WE LOVE SO MUCH, I HAD MY LITTLE ONE BORN AT 26 WEEKS IN THE NICU...
BUT PRAISE GOD, SHE SURVIVED!
SO WILL ABBY, GOD IS LOVE AND HE BROUGHT HER THIS FAR FOR A REASON!
GOD BLESS
I just joined to pray for Abby on facebook. I then watched Brent's video from Christmas. My heart is filled with so much sorrow and I cant even begin to stop crying. I havent prayed this hard for anyone in quite sometime but the tears are just overflowing for Abby and your family. I will continue to seek God and pray continuously for a miracle..for I know he is still God. love and prayers..your sister in Christ. Brenda Davis
I just happened to come across your blog and came upon this video. It is probably the most beautiful video I have seen.
I find your family absolutely amazing and also your church family. I really wish at times I had that kind of support or knew where to find it.
I wish your family peace and happiness and I will pray for little Abby
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