This is the story of our precious baby boy, who was diagnosed prenatally at
17 weeks with a fatal chromosome disorder called Trisomy 13. Although
Jonathan's condition is considered "not compatible with life", we desired to give
him every chance at life. Our prayer is that those who are touched by our story
are drawn to God, who is Life Himself. John 14:6

To start at the beginning of our story, click here.

8.23.2010

"God is gracious"

it's been the resounding theme of our last year or so:  God is gracious.

from providing for us the daily grace and strength we needed in the beginning to get through every minute of the day, to His orchestration of every amazing detail of jonathan's life and our journey with him...God is gracious.

from meeting us at our deepest place of need, to exceedingly, abundantly blessing us with more joy and hope than we in our sorrow could ever have imagined...God is gracious.

through the tangible as well as the emotional and spiritual expressions of our family, friends, and church family, He provided indescribable love and comfort to us...God is gracious.

as jonathan died and we walked through the darkest hours of our lives, somehow there was still so much light...God is gracious.

in our daily struggles and sometimes failures to fully trust and submit to the Lord's plan for us, God gently drew us back to Him through His word and through His undeniable pursuit of us...God is gracious.

through the gift of pregnancy of our newest precious son, whose strong kicks and jabs bring me such joy and thankfulness throughout each day...God is gracious.

through God's provision of a special scripture (Isaiah 43:18-19), to reassure me when in my weakness i begin to feel anxious or fearful...God is gracious.

and that only begins to touch upon the many instances where God has shown us amazing grace in this journey.

therefore, it only seems fitting that we have decided to name our son "Evan", whose name means "God is gracious." 

(we're still working on the middle name...)

"He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion." ~Psalm 111:4

8 comments:

  1. I love it. I love that our boys have such purposeful and meaningful names that represent His grace, His answered prayers and His restoration!!!!

    Can't wait to see more of little Evan!
    xoxo

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  2. Oh how precious Lauren ! I love how you give glory to God in your words that you write so sweetly :) sharing your heart with the people who know you by God's grace <>< I love how His grace is sufficient for you and how you picked the name for your son whom God is knitting together in your womb <>< you are such a beautfiful Mom :) inside out :) my heart is filled with gratitude for all the grace our great God has lavished on you in Christ and how you use every part of your life to bring God glory <>< thank you for sharing your faith with me :) my heart is filled with awe !

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  3. Lauren, I cannot say it any better than Anna did. You have touched, and continue to touch so many lives, mine included, with your wisdom, compassion and sharing heart. God bless you and little Evan (perfect name!)

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  4. My sons name :-). I chose his name for that very meaning. God is truly gracious. I look forward to meeting your sweet Evan.

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  5. can't wait to hug and kiss my sweet nephew, Evan!

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  6. Evan is a beautiful and very appropriate name choice. I can't wait to see pictures when he arrives!

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