This is love

The deepest losses offer the widest openings for us to receive the miracles in our midst.

~Tami Lynn Ken

Before you had a name or opened up your eyes
Or anyone could recognize your face.
You were being formed so delicate in size
Secluded in God's safe and hidden place.

With your little tiny hands and little tiny feet

And little eyes that shimmer like a pearl

He breathed in you a song and to make it all complete

He brought the masterpiece into the world.

You are a masterpiece
You are a masterpiece
A new creation He has formed
And you're as soft and fresh as a snowy winter morn.
And I'm so glad that God has given you to me
Little Lamb of God, you are a masterpiece.
And now you're growing up your life's a miracle
Everytime I look at you I stand in awe
Because I see in you a reflection of me
And you'll always be my little lamb from God

And as your life goes on each day
How I pray that you will see
Just how much your life has meant to me.

And I'm so proud of you
What else is there to say?
Just be the masterpiece He created you to be

Lyrics by Sandi Patty "Masterpiece", a song I love to sing over my babies as I rock them at night.

Shepherd Nathan Livers,

You are our spunky, fun-loving, laughing gift from God. From the moment we heard about you, you have brought joy and hope to our family. Your life is truly a gift from God and your story is one that brings honor to God. The name "Shepherd" means leader or teacher. "Nathan" means "God has given". Our prayer is that you would become a leader to Owen and Marley, to your friends, neighbors and to the world. God truly has given you much. We pray you will use your gifts to glorify Him. Happy 5th Birthday, Son. Love, Mom and Dad

Things about Shepherd:

• He's not shy. He loves to talk to others and ask about their life.
• He's bilingual. Yesterday at the car shop he immediately said "Adios Amigos" to the 2 Mexicans who were leaving. The whole waiting room died laughing.
• He loves music. He knows the names of most instruments and wants to play them all. He also loves to sing and makes up his own songs.
• He loves his brother and sister. He is so good to Marley and talks to her in his sweet baby girl voice. He also loves to play with Owen.
• He loves paper and work stuff. He finds treasures in most anything and will be seen carrying around random objects for days.
• He laughs, like all the time. It's a contagious giggle.
• He remembers everything. Stuff that I don't remember from years ago, Shepherd remembers.
• He's sensitive to heaven and the things of God. He asks us often about heaven and to tell him about Jesus dying on the cross.

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

--Ephesians 1:5,6