Monday, August 17, 2009

Unredeemed

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26

This verse was read by one of the Pastor's who spoke at baby Reese's funeral today and it caused me to just sob. What a powerful verse. Lately I've been so overcome with so much sadness. I have two friends who have lost their fathers in the last week. I get e-mails every day with devastating prayer requests that sometimes I just don't know how to pray for everyone.

But this verse tells us that the Holy Spirit prays FOR us with GROANS that words cannot express. Thank you Jesus. You are all we need.

Katie spoke today at Reese's funeral and I can't tell you how blown away I am by her strength, grace and FAITH. She told us that she knows that GOD is her everything. There is no way you could make it through such a tragedy without the hope we have in Jesus and the knowledge that we will see our loved ones again in heaven if we believe. I hope you have that hope.

One of my "friends", Angie Smith, (I put that in quotes because we have never met (YET!) but we have spoke many times and I consider her a friend or maybe someone I wish was my friend) who lost her baby Audrey last April has been another mother who has inspired me with her faith. Her husband Todd is the lead singer for the Christian group Selah - one of my favorite groups. I could listen to "Wonderful, Merciful Savior" on repeat all day long. In fact - it's on one of Harper's Praise Baby DVD's and I'm so glad because I can hear it daily. Angie and Todd wrote a song about the loss of Audrey on Selah's
new CD "You Deliver Me" that is coming out 8/25. It's called "I will carry you" and if you have experienced a loss or know someone who has - you will want to hear this song.

This is a song off of Selah's new CD called "Unredeemed" - I think it speaks to this subject so well!


They are letting me give away FIVE copies of the new CD and I know you will all want to get your hands on it. Go HERE and leave a comment to try to win the CD. If you don't win - you can find it on amazon, itunes, their web site or your local Christian bookstore or anywhere that sells music! If you need some good music to uplift you and help you worship - this is it!

P.S. If you are in my area - Selah is coming to FBC Bentonville in October!!!! I'll be there with BELLS on!

P.P.S. I just wanted to add that in the last 9 months since we have had the prayer blog up - first it was mostly dedicated to those waiting for husbands and children and recently it's been opened up for all requests - in 9 months - we have had 92 praises of women who have become pregnant and/or successful adoptions after long and complicated struggles to become mothers! NINETY-TWO! The Lord Giveth and The Lord Taketh Away. BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD FOREVER! (Job 1:21)

87 comments:

The Clinkscales Family said...

Very well written post Kelly. My heart hurts for Katie and her family. Thanks for much for sharing that scripture.

Jennifer said...

What a powerful song. Thank you so much for sharing. It brought tears to my eyes. Praying still for Katie and her family. I have never lost a child. I can't imagine. I have lost a sibling, and it is so hard going through life without him, but I know that God has a plan through it all. God is certainly good through it all. Life is sometimes hard, but God is ALWAYS good! Love and prayers to you and your friend.

Staci said...

Wow! What a powerful song! Thanks for sharing Kelly. I'll definitely be adding that to my ipod!

Jess :) said...

Oh, how fun!! I would love to be there, as well!! I so wish they would come back to SD!! We would totally welcome them with open arms.

What a magnificent verse. I honestly don't know that I've ever heard/read that one, so thank you for sharing. I can't even imagine how difficult of a day it was for the Rowe family, but they have definitely been in my prayers and will continue to be.

autumn23 said...

Awesome verse. Kelly, maybe you could do a post with your favorite bible verses! It always seems to make you feel better after hearing a great verse.

Donna said...

Kelly, I can't imagine how Katie spoke at her baby's funeral. I wouldn't have been able to form a coherent sentence. I had a miscarriage, so I know a little of what they feel, but to have carried and delivered a child only to loose her is an unimaginable pain. You are a wonderful friend to have attended the funeral,to uphold them in their grief.
Keeping you in my heart in Ga.
Donna

Hester 5 said...

Love love that sweet song that Angie wrote....it just brings tears to my eyes thinking about it.

Holly said...

Oh I love them! I play their CD in my classroom all the time (great naptime music for K students)! I agree...God gives unimagineable strength!! THanks for this post!
Holly
Southside, AL

lots of love said...

I visited Katie's blog & I too was blown away at her strength! She is amazing! I'm very heartbroken over their loss.

Brittany said...

That scripture speaks mountains. I need to hear that today. Thank you.

Selah is coming to my church during Christmas time. I am soo excited!

Jamie said...

Just wanted to say thanks for the scripture. My heart aches for people in these situations. I am praying for Katie and her family.

Sue said...

I love that verse. I have been praying for your friend, Katie.
I wanted to try to win the CD, but the other site would not let me leave a comment. I do not have a blog, so maybe that the problem.
Bless you, Kelly. I love your blog! You are authentic and I so appreciate you.
Sue S (from GA)

Sarah said...

What a powerful verse. Will be committing that one to memory for sure.

angie said...

Kelly,
Thanks for posting that video, now I'm in tears! It's a beautiful song and I think that we all have something that the song fits.
Katie's family has been in my heart so much this past week and I have not stopped praying for them.
It is so hard, blogging making the world so much smaller and devastation is just a mouse click away. Blogging is also a blessing because it allows us to pray for people that we otherwise wouldn't know about.
I have to remember that every sunrise and every flower is a miracle, every breath is one more than we deserve, and that makes it a little easier to see the sunshine when it seems like there is so much pain.
Thanks again for sharing!
Angie

Raina said...

Amen! I love that God knows and loves us enough to give us the Holy Spirit to interceede on our behalf.

Victoria said...

What a sad loss. I am inspired to be so trusting in God. It has been hard for me, but little by little I am understanding God's love for me.

We've Got Scents said...

Praying for your friend and will continue to lift her family up to HIM in the days ahead.
Todd's face just breaks my heart while singing this song. Thanks for sharing...as I continue to pray for them as well.
Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Jennifer said...

Katie has a remarkable faith! I do not even know her and I have cried for her. Not sure that I could have spoken at the funeral - she is one amazing woman! What an example to us all! I cannot imagine any pain greater than losing your child.

Heather said...

The verse is so powerful and the wonderful thing about being apart of the body of Christ is that we may not know each other personally, but we serve and love the same God who knows the needs of others. How awesome to go before Him and pray for others when we don't know the needs. I am so glad He is all powerful, all knowing God. Such a great verse.

Praying for your friends tonight, asking the Lord to comfort them in a way only He can.

Hillary said...

Kelly...so good seeing and talking to you so much the last couple of days. I hate the circumstances but love my friend! I'm so glad you were there today. It helped me so much just being able to see sweet Harper...even though she had crying eyes for her traumatic nursery visit. :)

hayden said...

Such a great verse...Asher's had a fever the last 2 days and I have been praying for him tonight, your blog just gave me some direction...thank you Kelly.

Bernie said...

Very well written! My heart just hurts for Katie and your family but what amazing faith.

http://bernieseyephotography.blogspot.com/

Erin McGraw said...

Wonderful Post today Kelly. I quoted Job 1:21 on my blog as well today. Isn't God so good to give us the perfect words when we need them.

Anonymous said...
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Unknown said...

Thank you so much for sharing your journey and being a mentor! I lost my third daughter to stillbirth on March 20, 2008.....a day I shall never forget. One because it is the day a crater formed in my heart, full of heartache and saddness, and two because it was also the day the Lord Jesus filled that hole with His LOVE, His Stength, His Grace, His presence. THere is not a day in my life that I don't think about or long for my baby girl Leah Faith, yet I receive such comfort and love through my relationship with Christ. Within days of losing my Leah I stumbled upon Angie's blog, and she became a source of strength for me.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous, powerful song. Angie and Todd are amazing people, so strong in their faith. I can't wait for the new CD to come out.

Katie is another person I admire so much for her faith. That verse is perfect, and so true. God gives AND takes away but He is always there for us and gives us strength when we can't imagine moving forward.

Kristy said...

Your heart for others is just so beautiful!!!

Anonymous said...

Awww Kelly. You are such a sweet sweet sister in Christ. God has and will do great things with your blog. I enjoy watching every blessing. For Our God is good Always! Take care~ Susie Harris

noahandlylasmommi said...

The P.P.S has me in tears because I asked for prayers and now have a praise for that answered prayer. God is SO good it hurts. Praying for Katie and her family.

~Mrs. Guru~ said...

Such a beautiful song.

Diana said...

My heart aches for Katie and the loss she is going through. I am praying for her family as they walk this journey. I was in tears reading her blog last night.

Kelsey @ Seattle Smith's said...

That song gave me chills and touched me, and I hope more importantly it touches someone who doesn't know our GOD!

Gina said...

Wow Kelly.... has God used this song to minister to me tonight! I don't know Katie personally - but I work at FBCS so I was just upstairs from the funeral and prayed all morning. SO many things around us seem to be broken. But God is in the redeeming business - what a needed reminder.
Thanks Kelly

Gina

KK said...

I had 2 friends lose their dads this week two, and I have had to just sit down and cry to the Lord. Oh He is good though!

threeboysgee said...

Kelly,
I haven't been close to Jesus, I grew up in a family who never went to church although my mother grew up in church. You are an inspiration to me and because of your blog, I believe more than ever now in the power of GOD!! Thank you so much for witnessing to everyone who reads your blog!!
GOD BLESS YOU!!

Karen At Home Blog said...

Your friend Katie continues to be in my thoughts and prayers, I can not imagine the pain she is going through and I admire her strength.
I have had the struggle of infertility and miscarriage in my life so hearing about the amazing number of successes on your prayer blog just fills me with so much joy. You are such an amazing person to provide such a wonderful support for them.

Karen

mrs boo radley said...

What a beautiful song, Kelly! Thanks for sharing. I am amazed at the faith of your friends too. My best friend's little boy would have been two months old tomorrow and passed away in July, and they too, proclaim the love of Christ in all they do. I'm sure the pain will never go away, but the faith these dear ones profess humbles me.

The Anglin Family said...

Thanks for sharing that scripture! I just found out I was pregnant with baby number four and I have been so scared because of this small blog world. I know that this is all a part of God's plan in my life. God is so good! I don't personally know Katie, but I am so amazed by her faith and strength. I have been praying for her family all week.

Marla said...

Thank you for all that you wrote. There have been things going on in my life...and when I prayed...I did not know the words to say...or how to pray, but I felt that in my heart, God knew my heart...he heard my prayers. And so thank you for sharing the verse from Romans. It was just what I needed.

Gina Dayton said...

Kelly,
Thank you so much for this verse posting. My sister just lost her baby to Trisonmy 18 yesterday. I've never read that verse before but it gave so much comfort to me to know that God groans with us. You are a blessing. Thank you!
Gina Dayton

Debby Vannoy said...

The verse and song are awesome. It speaks to us all. I know music has a way of really touching everyone is different ways - and it can make us feel closer to our God. Thanks for your posts and reminders.

Myra @ My Blessed Life said...

Ok, so I just cried through your entire post. My heart is moved at the goodness, wisdom and love of our God.

Alison said...

I've only met Katie briefly, but she continues to amaze me with her strength and faith. Let us know the date Selah will be in the area.
Alison

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

kelly,

I hope you know how soothing your words are each day...It would be enough to see pictures of sweet Harper....I love watching her grow up. I love seeing your cute dresses....and I love your heart most of all.....


with love,
teresa

Bamawhitney said...

Wonderful news about all the praises! You are so kind to offer of your time to everyone! Thank you!

Julie said...

Kelly,

I am so very grateful and thankful for the prayer blog that you started. In case you hadn't heard...we had our baby girl Audrey Joy on July 30th. She was born at 8:01pm and weighed 8lb 1oz..to God be the glory!!! Here are some photos from her first photo shoot at 8 days old :)

http://www.lballphoto.com/Audrey/index.html

Jamie (Mom) said...

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I am having a sad kind of day and just didn't know who to pray in a way that would make sense. But silly me, God knows. Thanks!

3LittleByrds said...

Such a wonderful verse. I don't know how Katie is going on. I've lost a child through miscarriage and that was devastating. I can't even imagine what Katie is going through and I hope I never do. What a strong woman. Love the song too. So powerful.

Unknown said...

Wow, that was an awesome post....as one of the moms mentioned on your prayer blog, I so needed to read that verse. I think I'm going to make that my verse for tomorrow! Thanks, btw, for the prayer blog....I know many are praying for my Annie-girl because of it!
www.fordsbigbluehouse.blogspot.com

Amy said...

I want to win!!! I love Selah and i love your blog.

pcb said...

That passage has for some years been a standard for me...because sometimes WE don't have the words, but we don't need them because the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. I can hardly wrap my little brain around that...

Kelli said...

Thank you for this post, Kelly. I needed that verse tonight.

Would love to have Selah's new CD. What a blessing they are, as well as Angie!!!

<3
Kelli from ugottafriend.com

JHalmes said...

God never ceases to amaze me in how he carries us through our darkest times. Thank you for your continued service to him in this seemingly small way. Blessings-

Father's Grace Ministries said...

I have been checking in on Katie's blog lately, and her faith in Christ just shines through. I believe that many who don't know our Gracious Lord, will be touched by her faith, in this journey they've been called to. I've been praying for them too.

I love Selah! Wonderful Merciful Saviour is just about my favourite worship song ever. I used to have an old worship cassette- showing my age, I know- of Dawn Rogers singing it. I played it to death many years ago when I lost my Grandfather, and it never fails to take me into His Throneroom of grace.

Claire

Megan said...

Bless you, Kelly. You have a beautiful heart.

I can't believe Katie was able to speak at the funeral! That's amazing!

Thanks for the heads up about Selah coming to Bentonville. I'll have to remember that.

Ainsley* said...

kelly, what an amazing song! i haven't truly been following my christian faith and this song really hit home! it was absolutely beautiful!
thankyou

Jennifer said...

I too am amazed at Katie's faith. My heart still aches for them, but how wonderful that she's able to know that God is in control!!

I love Selah too! Enjoy seeing them in Bentonville. :)

Fabiola said...

What a powerful verse.
I had my faith renewed just to watch all the strength that Katie has.

Fabiola

Immeasurably More Mama said...

Such a beautifully written song! What an encouragement to know that our God will leave NONE of our hurts unredeemed! Praying for Katie, Jason, and their family.

PRAISE GOD for the way he is blessing your prayer blog!!! I am happy to say I am one of those answered prayers!!! He is SO good!!!

Summer said...

Well written Kelly! My heart just aches for Katie and Jason. My family is praying for them in this time of need!

Longmeadow Mama said...

I'm the same way with Selah's "There is a Fountain". I could listen to it 24/7 and never stop getting goosebumps!
I've already preordered on itunes with a gift card I had, but would rather have a hard copy of the CD!
Thanks to all for the giveaway!
Love and prayers,
Kelli

Leslie said...

I read Angie's blog as well, and I love Selah. From the minute the K-Love video was posted, I think I have listened to that song hundreds of times. It just really speaks to me.

Thanks for posting it for me to see this morning.

nancy said...

Kelly, first of all I just want you to know how much you inspire everyday to try and be a better person and christian. I pray one day i can be half the person and christian you are! I have never left a comment, but I read your blog everyday and I have to say, yours is my most favorite one I read! You make me feel so good when I read your blog! My heart has been broken for Katie and family this week. She has to get all of her strength from up above to move forward in this sad time in their lives. I can't fathom what they are going through.
I want to run out and buy the CD right now! Thanks for sharing that beautiful song. I so needed that this morning! I also follow Angie's blog. I do not have a blog because I am 53 and well, I don't feel like I have too much to share with people, but I follow about 30-40 blogs daily. there are some really sad ones and I follow and some uplifting ones as well. I try and pray for each of you. I am a retired teacher and I spend lots of my time on the computer and have found these blogs through "Baby Jonah". His mother Patrice and I worked together for a few years.
Miss Harper is about the cutest thing I have ever seen and I love all of the things you write about her and your life. She is so blessed to have you for her earthly mother. One more thing, you are so beautiful to me, inside and out! Thank you for being my online friend, that you didn't even know about. I just wish you were my real-life friend because I think you are just about the neatest person I know! You have it all, but most importantly, you are a child of God.

Nancy Lee in NC:)

Candace said...

It breaks my heart to hear about baby Reese and their family. I cannot imagine the grief and pain their family is going through. They are in my prayers.

KelliD said...

Good morning Kelly (and sweet baby Harper)! Thank you for such uplifting words so early in the morning. I'd just love to win this beautiful cd and share it with my own little miracles!
Kelli

Unknown said...

WHAT AN AWESOME GIVE-A-WAY KELLY..I HOPE WE WIN...THERE ARE THREE OF US HERE AT WORK THAT WOULD LOVEEEE TO HAVE THAT CD...WE LOVE SELAH!!! THANKS FOR THE CONTEST

Lori said...

What a great verse! Thanks for sharing!
Lori

AmberKoren said...

I will defiantly be buying this cd as soon as it's released. WOW. What a beautiful song. Thank you for sharing. My heart breaks for Katie and her family too. Reese has been heavy on my mind these last few days. Katie is a woman of such grace and strenght. She's truely inspiring.

Charlow Family said...

Beautiful! Thank you for your heart and ministry here in blogland.

Lauren said...

Beautifully written Kelly :)

Lori Wilson said...

I would love to win a Selah Cd. I also keep up with Angie's blog.

Rebekah said...

God is doing such amazing things through you! I am so glad you are my friend!!! What a beautiful song!

Beth said...

Love the new song! I follow Angie's blog too! Hoping that Selah will make a stop in San Diego!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the song. That is beautiful!

By the way, I clicked on your Selah link and it took me some place scary, not Selah's website. Weird.

Kristina said...

Goodness, I needed that song this morning! Thanks for sharing!

Holly said...

I absolutely love the song I Will Carry You. I found it not long after we got my daughter's fatal prenatal diagnosis. Angie was kind enough to email me the song to use at her funeral. It brings me to tears every time.

Rachel H. said...

Great song! And how great that there have been so many praises!!

The Jones Clan said...

I live in NWA and would love to Selah!. Please update as the time comes closer with dates and times. Yeah!!! Oh, I love Harpers 7 month pictures. She is so cute

Didi said...

After reading your posts the past few days, I am very sorry to hear about all of the bad news that has been coming your way with your friends.

As always Harper is so cute!! I miss my girl being that age - she is now 6.

Stewart Family said...

wonderfully and beautifully written.

It's so nice to know that God is all we need.

Unknown said...

Kelly I love SELAH and would love to win their CD!!!

Penny

Heather said...

I love that verse and so many times when I am praying, I recount the fact that even though I don't know how to pray, I know that the Holy Spirit is interceding for me. God is good, all the time. Even when it seems all bad or hopeless or whatever....He is God and He is good. Thank you, Jesus.
Love you, sweet friend!

SandyL said...

That was beautiful... I have never really listened to Selah's songs...but I will be soon

Carol Sue said...

For what is is worth...I could not get to the comment form for the Selah CD....I really would like one.
nykerk06@comcast.net

Sally said...

You have such a beautiful way of expressing yourself......or God is talking to all of us through you.
Thank you.
The CD is awesome too.

Karen said...

Kelly,

I Love Your Blog because you are so real! I have followed you just after Harper was born when someone requested prayer for her.

I really appreciate that you pray fo others. God is so good and it is so wonderful that you are remembering others!

I would love to get a hold of Selah's CD. I lost my baby daughter Faith who was full term and stillborn. Angie gave me permission to use their song for Faith's Service. You can see it here http://onhavingfaith.blogspot.com/2009/04/faiths-memoerial-service.html

Blessings,
Karen

kelly said...

Thank you for sharing that song. I guess it touched a special place in my heart because my husband died 4 and 1/2 years ago and I feel like I knew exactly what that song was saying....so I posted the video on my facebook. Within minutes I had 2 comments. One from a friend thats husband has left her with 3 small children and the second from a friend whose dad died suddenly several weeks ago. Thank you for sharing what you do. You will never know all the people that God uses you to minister to.