Happy Thanksgiving, Maddie

Dearest Maddie,
Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for your recovery! Just nine months ago you were very sick, you've been through so much...two big operations, special treatments called radiation, and special medicines called chemotherapy. The most important ingredient in your recovery is prayer. Daddy, Mommy, Josie, Grandpa and I, Grandpa Jim and Grandma Vicky, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, friends, and strangers all over the world fell on our knees begging God to heal you and bless you with a full and uncomplicated recovery.

Maddie, life can be complicated. Sometimes people have short memories and the things that are most important in a crisis falls to the background when life gets back to "normal". This note is a great example, a few months ago, I was writing to you all the time. As you improved, many of us returned to our "normal" routines. As a result, although I meant to write, I didn't, I got involved with other things and writing was something I "meant" to do.

Here's some advice for you for when you get older, never put off the important things in life. Never put God off, never put off practicing your faith, never put off loving people God put in your life. It's easy to make excuses, people do it everyday. The truth is God put you in this world to accomplish a very important Mission, HIS Plan for you, one that only you can accomplish.

Always remember God treasures you. You were made in HIS image and likeness. No matter where you go, or what you do, God will always love you, so will I. During this season of Thanksgiving, I am deeply indebted to God for the many blessings HE has given to me, prayers answered and so much more. This year, you are a living miracle and witness of the power of prayer and the presence of God in our midst. So, Maddie, as you get older and meet people who don't believe in God, don't fall for their disbelief, instead, look in the mirror, your beautiful reflection is possible only because of God's love, mercy, and healing grace. God has a very special plan for you, Miss Maddie. Listen to HIM carefully. Listen with your heart, open your eyes and ears to hear God's plan and then go forth courageously to do HIS will.

You are a precious baby who will grow to be a little girl, teenager, and lady of great influence, power, and faith. God is going to use your faith to bring people to HIMSELF, HE already has! Embrace this Thanksgiving as a gift of God's promise for your beautiful future which lies ahead.

As I count my blessings tonight, Maddie, your healing is at the top of my list!

I love you, precious!