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Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Right Back At Ya !!!!

Sweet Amy & April have awarded me "BLOGGER WITH A PURPOSE" award (I know there is an icon with this, but no time to grab it sorry) ... I can honestly say I never knew God could use my computer to reach so many people and have so many people reach me ... I just thought this would be a cool way to stay in touch with my China Travel Group Family and get a few laughs ... I find my blog as a life line to the most wonderfully, strong, and encouraging group of people I have NEVER met (lol) ...

God promises in His word to not never give us more than we can handle as long as He is leading the way ... I focus myself each day on the fact that whatever the day may bring (and these days with sweet Mags you never know what a day is going to look like)that the Lord will do it with me ... He will stay up all night with us and work through the terrors, He will pat my back during my confusion over her whining and frustration that she can't make me understand what she wants, He will laugh at us as we play and tickle, He sits beside me in the doctor's offices, He rejoices at the moments when Maggie opens up to Scott a little more each day, He holds my hand as I worry about my husband's job, and so much more ...

Since so many of you give me the strength each day to seek the Father and place Him first in my life I give you all the "Blogger With A Purpose" award ... Your affirmation and encouragement have gotten me through so much these last few months ... I look forward to the day when I can visit all your blogs on a regular basis and become more intimately involved in your life !!!!

Love You All ...

24 kind words.:

Kristy said...

Hi Gwen, I just wanted you to know that I feel the exact same way that you do. God has used my blog and everyone else's to connect with people that I have never even met in person,to uplift me,to teach me things I would have never known otherwise, and to strengthen my spiritual walk with him, among many other things. The ladies including yourself have become a lifeline to me. You personally are an inspiration to me, you are so kind , loving and caring , and are truly a godly woman, and I want you to know that I truly appreciate you and the kind of person you are. May God always give you "ENOUGH"!!! Love always, Kristy Rodriguez

~Amy~ said...

You ROCK and I'm was very pleased to give you this award. You are the definition of super mom and for that I look up to you with so much awe. XOXO

mommy24treasures said...

Congrats!~ We all love you and your blog, you encourage you inspire....

Leigh Ann said...

Congrats on your award. Hope life gets a little easier for you in the new year...sending lots of love your way.

Anonymous said...

Gwen & Scott,
I don't even know where to start. You are such amazing people and I feel so blessed to have had you as part of my life. You were an inspiration in my life and continue to touch so many lives.
Your family is beautiful and your story is one that is truly unique. I am married now and have been blessed with a wonderful husband. My parents do not have any grandbabies yet, but our lives have all been enriched by their beautiful goddaughters.. Who like your two beautiful daughters were adopted from China. They are beautiful little girls with such positive spirits. My husband and I absolutely adore Sara Marie and Gracie and really spend as much time with them as possible.
My parents actually went with their friends to China to bring home Gracie (the younger sister). When I look at these little girls and see their bright smiles at times I am taken back thinking that they may not have been in loving families. It really is an overwhelming feeling to know that there are children out there who will never experience the love my parents shared with me and the love of parents such as you.
You and Scott have touched my lives beyond just the days of running drills on the basketball court... I feel lucky to have stumbled upon your blog and your story. Your strength as a couple, your faith and your love as a family teaches beyond mere words.

God Bless,
Noelle Jewell-Dumeny
(Future Stars Basketball Club)

noellejewell@yahoo.com

Denise C said...

Well, if anyone deserves this award it is you! I have been so blessed by your blog for some time now and look forward to each new post! That is why I have a little something for you over at my place! I know your days are busy and full at the moment, but you still take the time to share your heart and life with us and by that, I am blessed!

Laura Nipper said...

I love coming over to your blog and reading what is going on with your family. It has been an honor to follow along your journey to Maggie. It is always wonderful to read how God is moving in your life and how he gives you the strength to get through those tuff momments. Congrats on your award. Well deserved.

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Congrats on getting your award... I have made quiet a few friends through my site too... take care

Jewels of My Heart said...

Congratulations Gwen. It is such a wonderful award for you. I can think of no greater purpose than glorifying God! Thank you for sharing yourself and your precious family with us. Thank you for being a reflection of Jesus for us.
Thank you for being a light in the darkness for us. Your faith is a shining light for His faithfulness.
God Bless You

Heather said...

Oh so deserved...thank you for allowing us the priviledge of praying alongside you and loving your family. You bring hope and inspiration every single day.

Blessings,
Heather

redmaryjanes said...

I well tell you that you are the most inspiring woman I know. And I mean that.

anna said...

It's truly amazing to see how many people look and comment on your blog...words can't express how much of a blessing you are to so many people including myself...hope mags feels better soon!

Kim said...

You sooo deserve this award..
You are amazing..
Have a Great Evening girly..
Words really can not discribe just how inspirational you really are to me..

Anonymous said...

You just never know when God will send an angel to cover you! Don't worry about meeting anyone's needs but Maggie's and your family's. We've got your back, Gwen. Just rest in the Father's Hands.

Amy said...

Dear Gwen,
Congrats on your award! ;-)
I am sorry about poor Maggie's night trauma. Our Isabella , home last November'06 struggled with them for a few night and then had another bout last July. I know how heartbreaking it is to watch them try to fight and scream away the fears in their poor little hearts.
I will add You and Maggie to my prayer list.
One other thing...the one item we found worked best for Isabella's speech and also our bonding time was the sign language series My Baby Can Talk. It made both our lives much easier because she learned one the first day to tell me what she needed on a very basic level. She still loves for me to sit on the floor and practice the signs with her. Just a thought.

Blessing to you,
Amy G, a Bethany friend

nicole said...

hi gwen,

every year for the past 6 years or so i've taken part in a tradition of choosing a saint companion for the year ahead and a special prayer intention to pray for the whole year too. this year, when i reached into the basket to pick among many, many, i got saint angela merici, and the intention to pray for mothers. i count it as a pure blessing to get to pray for those who so intimately know God's own heart for His children. i am praying for you!!

i also wanted to let you all know that i got a card from my good friend in seattle, and she told me that she and her husband are going to be adopting one, possibly two, babies from ethiopa this summer. my heart leaped for joy & i'll definitely have to share your blog with her.

have a beautiful day today!!

your friend,
nicole

Nikki said...

Congratulations on your well deserved award.
You (and your blog) are inspiring people everywhere!
I love you and your steadfast faith in the Lord...thanks for everything. I feel so blessed to know you.

Steffie B. said...

I really don't need to say anything, do I? ;)
XOXOXO,
S*

jennifer said...

You are such a blessing and an encouragement to all of us. You deserve the award!

Ruth said...

Hey Gwen, I have been sitting her reading all your old blogs it has been a while our computer has been down. You deserve the honor. I love to read what you blog.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you Gwen on your super superb (sp?) award and blog :)

Adele said...

You certainly deserve this award. I check your blog everyday. Your life is such a testimony and I love how you share what God is doing in the Oatsvall's lives. Take care, my friend and know that I pray for you and your family every day. I picked up "JESUS CALLING" and I love it.

Tina said...

SOOOOOO love you...
So loved hearing Scott share.

You get to smell the skin of Jesus when you hold Maggie.... (and all your treasures)

Amazing!

insanemommy said...

Ahhh, it will get easier. Patience. G-d will be there with you the entire way.

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