Sunday, November 2, 2008

He Gives

Last night was girl's night. About once a month I am fortunate enough to get together with some of my best friends just to hang out and keep up on one another's lives.

I was very much looking forward to this particular girl's night because I had some fun news I wanted to share with my friends.


I took their picture...it is, sadly, very blurry, but I still think it conveys their sincere emotions.

This picture was taken seconds after I stated that I am 6 weeks pregnant.

YES I AM! Although, it seems highly improbable, nothing is impossible with God. (We were,well, stunned to say the least!)

God has been good to Andy and I. It is an interesting mix of emotions. While still grieving, we celebrate new life. This new baby does not replace Caden, but it gives hope and joy for the future.

Please continue to pray for us and our families as we press on in our sorrow and our joy. Now you can add a healthy baby to your prayer list.

He gives and takes away...now, he has chosen to Give.

Praise Him with us...

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi! I am so excited for you! I think Caden is happy too.

~Jacie

Heidi Stone said...

Cari, I am SO excited for you.

And to think that the Lord was giving and taking away at the very same time....how beautiful.

Anonymous said...

ata boy Andy.

Sarah said...

This is wonderful news! What a blessing the Lord has given you, and the timing...wow! I am so encouraged to watch how gracefully you have handled all of this. I will certainly be praying for a healthy baby, and of course keep praying as you and Andy continue to grieve the loss of beautiful Caden.

Extraordinary Ordinary Life said...

I think I am speechless. God is truly amazing. I am excited for you both.

Amy's Anecdotes said...

We are continuing to pray for the both of you and now we are so excited to pray for the upcoming baby! Congratulations!

Elizabeth said...

Barb said to me today..."Cari never stopped being a mommy"....not for one second. Oh no!! I feel tears coming again, you know what I need! Please provide it ASAP! :) I miss little girl so badly, but I can't wait to tell the new baby all about his or her big sister and how special and beautiful she was and the mighty work God has done in our families' lives. I am in awe of this story and how it is unfolding. I'm so happy we have this to look forward to!!

Anonymous said...

Hi, I found your blog last month through Heidi and Gretchen's blog. Congratulations on the news! I have been so touched by your words and grace and strength. God is amazing!! "he gives and takes away.....but my heart will choose to say, Blessed be Your name! Blessed be the name of the Lord!"
Beth :)

Anonymous said...

Cari -- great picture -- so glad the announcement was such a big hit! Loved how you phrased the joy that He gives!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Congrats!


Kelli and Joe

Lindsey said...

We are sooo happy for you. The timing is truly amazing!

Since your "Thriller" post, I thought I'd be able to start reading your blog again without crying...but now that you've added those songs, my eyes are watering again!!:) There are such great words in the songs you selected.

Julie : ) said...

that picture is priceless....

MH said...

I knew it.

We are so happy for you guys.

Love you.

Unknown said...

Cari and Andy,

Congratulations on your wonderful news...what a blessing!

I have been struggling since the post you made a week or so ago to put into to words the overwhelming impact I have felt since learning that Caden had passed. When I read of your exciting news this morning, I cried once more for you (tears of joy) and sat in complete awe of our amazing God.

I am a friend of Heather Harbert's, and I don't even know you, yet you have impacted my life in ways I felt you deserved to know about. I was talking with a friend about it earlier today and she challenged me to just start writing...so here goes.

As a new mother myself, I can not begin to imagine the agony you must feel when you grieve for Caden. However, your faith in God and the amazing glory that you have shown him has reaffirmed for me that God is in control and his plan is far greater than I know. I have cried for you many times and prayed that God would provide you comfort...and each day that I read a new post from you, I am reassured that God is there with you, helping you to understand his great plan for your family. You have helped renew my faith in God and challenged me to take God's lead in my walk with him...it's not about me, it's about his plan for me. I admire you greatly for your strength, your faith and your love for God. Thank you for sharing your heart with us...I am so thankful!
Betsy Retherford
betsy225@hotmail.com