Easter 2009...Ellie prayed to receive Christ

I continue to be amazed by this little one that Our Heavenly Father placed in our family. Ellie had surgery on Tuesday April 9th. The doctor not only repositioned her left eye, but also was able to harvest bone from her skull and begin the reconstruction on her nose as well. Her body has responded so well...she was able to come home after just 3 nights in the hospital. She cannot be bumped in the head or face for several months and infection is also an issue...so we are home with her for a while. Once she can go out, she has to be very careful...so no PE or recess at school. We have even had to tell our other kids no horsing around at home...flailing arms may accidentally hit Ellie. For now, she is fine to just watch the others play.

This morning Ellie and I stayed home while Ray took the others to our Easter Sunrise Service. Ellie and I watched the last hour of The Jesus Film. Ellie was so enthralled by the movie. She didn't understand why anyone would want to kill Jesus. At the end of the movie an explanation of the movie is given and there is an invitation to receive Christ. Ellie prayed....and received Christ. I know there is a lot that she doesn't understand...but then again, there is a lot that I do not understand. Thank you Father for your love for Ellie!

Hope...what an amazing word. Elliana...Hebrew for-the lord has spoken. Xiaowang...Chinese for- to know or to show hope. God has given us an amazing little girl who knows hope in ways that most do not ever understand. The hope that she knows radiates from her all the time. Thank you Father for choosing our family for Ellie. Thank you Father for choosing Ellie to be your daughter.

A little over 11 years ago Erin went home to Jesus. She knew him...she knew she was His daughter. Today Alex, David, Keeli and Ellie know Him too. I mourn for the loss of Erin...but not without hope. For one day I will see Jesus face, I will know Him in ways that now I can only imagine. One day I will see Erin again. One day David, Ellie and Keeli will get to meet their sister and Alex will once again see her best friend. But until tlhat day....I know my Savior lives...He lives for each of us...He has called all of my family to be his own...our hope lies in Him and Him alone. Praise be to God....blessed by His name!