Summertime change and celebrations

I'm pacing myself for all of the work and changes coming to our family within the next few months. We covet your prayers as we step out in faith to follow His leading.

Our lease here is up in June and we need to sell our house in Mt. Vernon. So we're going to be moving our furniture into storage, living in our travel trailer, renovating the house, selling it, and buying a home back here in the Bothell/Snohomish area, prayerfully all in time for school to start again in September.

Prior to our move, I will also be taking some courses to provide more professional services to people with disabilities and their families. The goal is to start working with clients after being resettled in September.

In the midst of all this we're going to have a big party in July. We're welcoming family and friends from near and far to celebrate a lifetime of love - my parents' 50th wedding anniversary!  (It will be our 10th wedding anniversary as well, though our celebration will wait.)

What an adventurous and creative 5 months it's going to be! I'm already praying for patience, peace, and our new neighborhood - that we will be placed right in the middle of where we need to be, in just the right home, at just the right price! He is in control. We make our plans but He directs our steps. We are listening and trying to be obedient. His kingdom come. His will be done - here as in heaven.

Thanks for your patience and prayers too during this exciting #caldwelladventure. 'Tis going to be awesome to take this day by day and see His hand at work through all the details. Stay tuned to follow our story...

Spin the wheel of the Prayer Lottery: Truth or Dare

Our Jessica has asked for a Sweet 16 Princess Ball for her upcoming birthday party. Jessica rarely asks for much and has had some of the simplest birthday parties over the years so over the weekend I set about trying to make some plans from her specific requests.

I began searching for a dress online - something beautiful yet affordable. Very quickly the dream started feeling out of reach. I whispered a prayer to the Lord - expressing my desire to make this a beautiful occasion to celebrate Jessica, asking for His provisions and His guidance. I quickly felt prompted to post my search for a dress to a Facebook group I have recently joined – our local "Buy Nothing Project" (a gift economy community - no exchange of money allowed). 

Within minutes of posting a request to find or borrow a dress, a woman contacted me. She has connections to the "pageant" community and will make sure that Jessica has a dress to wear. In addition to that, she wants to help every girl attending to have one too! How cool is that?! I was immediately overcome with gratitude and a reminder that our Heavenly Father loves to give good gifts to His children - above and beyond what we can ever imagine! 

This woman's generosity made me feel like we had just won a grand prize! But in fact, we haven't won anything because we didn't enter a competition. It’s better than that! We are gracious recipients of someone else's generosity. That’s what makes us all “winners”!

It started me thinking about how God often uses community to meet our needs. I also began pondering why we don't come to Him with more specific requests for our needs and our wants? 

We don't hesitate to enter our names in contests for prizes and free giveaways. Or at least I don't. Sometimes I win. Sometimes I don't. But I keep trying. If I'm "lucky" enough, I might actually win a "BIG ONE" someday.

My husband and I attended a recent charity event where some pretty amazing door and raffle prizes were being given away - a weekend trip to the mountains, $100 gift cards, and expensive wine and dine packages. All you had to do was have a "winning ticket". 

When it came time to announce the winners, everyone had their tickets out, checking their numbers. Some folks were whispering, "Pick me. Pick me. Pick me!" while others were already saying, "It won't matter. I never win anyway." Winners whooped and hollered! It was great fun, especially for the winners. 

Sometimes I think we approach God like a raffle contest. We come to Him and enter our prayer request into the draw. We whisper, "Pick me, pick me" hoping we might be lucky enough for Him to draw our winning number. Or we're already saying "I'm never lucky but it doesn't hurt to try. There's always next time." If He answers our request, we act like the unsuspecting surprise winner instead of an expectant and gracious child who trusted that their needs were going to be met. 

But Mark 11:24 says, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."  

So why don't we ask in faith, believing that we are going to receive the answer? Why do we hesitate to express a specific need or desire? I believe it all boils down to fear and false beliefs. We need HIS truth to answer the lies of fear. 

1. Fear: the answer will be no. Truth: It's not about luck. It's about HIS blessings! God is a giver! He is more than enough. He loves to give good gifts and bless His children. Stop saying, "I won't be the lucky winner anyway!" You are a winner because you are His child. God has an unlimited supply of healthy bodies, peace for troubled hearts, college scholarships, financial provisions, and even ball gowns.... You fill in the blank. What do you need? What are some wants?
2. Fear: what others may think of us. Truth: People will always judge. But God's forgiveness, grace, and mercy are all that matters. I am worthy to receive answers to my prayers because of Jesus.
3. Fear: Expressing need makes me feel vulnerable. Receiving makes me feel at the mercy of the giver. Truth: Community matters. We were created in and for community. We need one another. We honor God when we give to others in His Name. In order to be blessed by the act of giving, there must also be a recipient. Sometimes I'm the giver. Sometimes I'm the receiver. We need to learn how to give and receive equally with grace.
4. Lie: It doesn't feel very spiritual. It's more honorable to ask for others not myself. Spiritual Truth: He doesn't play favorites. He's my Heavenly Daddy. It's His delight to listen, answer, and provide for you and me too.

So next time you’re tempted to play the “prayer lottery” with a wishful desire, I dare you to present your specific request to Him, believing in faith that you are already a winner!

My next "bold" ask is more of a desire than a need. However, I'm going to ask Him anyway for an all-expenses paid trip to Israel for me and my husband within the next year to commemorate his 50^th Birthday and our 10^th Anniversary.

What’s your specific ask?

Let’s believe together and celebrate His faithfulness when we receive the answers!

Christmas Greetings from the Caldwells

Christmas greetings from our house to yours this beautiful Christmas season! The big news around here is that Western Washington is having its first white Christmas in many years, with record low temperatures, too. We’ve seen a record 20+ inches of snowfall over the past week and the children even got to start their Winter break 3 days early. If it wasn’t so cold and we had more winter gear, they might enjoy it a little more, though they did make the snowman seen here.

2008 has been a good year for the Caldwells, not as much big news as previous years, which is kind of nice. Paul had a couple job changes. He started the year out as an Inventory Manager, and then tried his hand at car sales. Of course with the declining economy that wasn’t the best move and he found it a lot tougher than he had anticipated in the beginning. After another job search he landed at AutoZone in August and he is now managing his own store 30 miles away and enjoying it.

My home-based consulting business has gone very well this year with one client/contract after another. Right now I am awaiting word on a new contract. (They came to me and requested that I respond to the RFP so though it’s not a guarantee; it feels very positive.) If I’m awarded the contract, I will be the Project Coordinator for a newly formed County Parent Advocacy Coalition. It is a part-time position and will keep me busy for 2009. I will basically be the go-to person assisting families and their sons/daughters with disabilities, providing them with information and resources regarding local services available. It will also mean some travel away from home, working with legislators in Olympia as we advocate on behalf of families in our county. However; I am very excited about the potential for this position and what it will mean for our county families and individuals with developmental disabilities. It is a huge blessing to have the opportunity to be paid for my passion and to continue working out of my home office, with Hannah Mae close at hand.

Speaking of home, our girls are growing and changing every day as children do. Life with each of them is so much fun. We are proud of each of them in her own special way. Jeanna is 12 and in 7th grade this year. She had straight A’s her first term and is working hard to maintain her 4.0 gpa. She is playing her violin in the orchestra for the 4th year in a row and is getting very good on it. She just wrapped up her first volleyball season on her school team and seemed to enjoy it. She attends a couple of different girls/youth groups and has quite the social calendar. Whenever she’s not otherwise booked, I hire her to help me out babysitting her sisters. (Such a relief to be able to get out the door without 5+ extra bodies all the time.)

Jessica is 9 and in 2nd grade in a regular classroom. She is continuing to progress in every area, though certainly at her own pace. She is learning to read with expression and is now reading signs out loud as we drive around town. She continues to amaze us in so many different ways. A big challenge for her right now is trying to figure out the latest member of our family – young Hannah Mae… Jessica finds her unpredictable and can’t quite figure out what toddlers just doesn’t understand yet.

Haley is 8 and in 3rd grade and a smart cookie, too. She is making excellent grades in every subject and is a wonderful and compassionate, protective “little” sister to Jessica at school. Haley is also a very responsible young lady and quite a wonderful “Mother’s Little Helper”. She helps out lots with Hannah Mae, especially in the entertainment department. They are especially fond of “chasing” each other around the kitchen and laughing their heads off at the silliest little things. I love listening to their big and little girl giggles! (There is never a dull moment at our house between the hours of 7 am and 9 pm…) Jeanna, Haley and Jessica attend GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior) Girls club together and really enjoy it.

Molly turns 5 in a couple weeks and is in preschool this year. She comes and visits about once a week or so. She is very precocious and a ball of energy (like Haley and Hannah Mae). We have some very precious quiet tender moments with her as well. She especially likes to come with us on special family outings and we do our best to include her in them as much as possible. She’s a great little story-teller and especially loves to help “wash the dishes” (…or anyone close by) with the sprayer.

And then there’s Hannah Mae who is now 19 months old, busy as can be and into everything!!! We are a gated community around here with no less than 4 gates up around the house, door knob covers on every door and door locks on every cupboard. It’s a good thing I have so many extra sets of eyes and hands as they certainly help me keep an eye on her and keep her from too much mischief. She is talking lots and putting a couple words together at a time now. Her/our biggest achievement has been that I am finally able to put her to bed awake and she gets herself to sleep without having to be held or rocked. Though we’re going through some minor withdrawals (Paul more so than me…), it does feel very good not to have her attached to me so much!

We are so thankful for my Mom & Dad living a mile away from us now. Mom is Jessica’s personal care assistant on weekday afternoons, helping Jessica with her homework, bathing, and “chores”. This is a huge help and benefit to all of us. Couldn’t ask for a caregiver who loves Jessica more or who is easier to work with! Next best thing to mom or dad is always “Mimi”! All of us love having her here every day. Mom is a hard worker and always on the go.

Dad continues to have his health issues. He is recovering right now from rotator cuff surgery a couple weeks back. He is funny as ever and knows just how to keep us all laughing. (He was the “funny guy” behind the photographer for our family pictures.) They have been pastoring here in Mt. Vernon in one capacity or another ever since they got here and are right now in a bit of a transition. Dad continues to preach and fill-in whenever/wherever he can and they are both a breath of fresh air wherever they go.

Paul & I continue to lead/host a small group in our home every week and we have made the best friends ever through this group. The group continues to grow and we thoroughly enjoy this avenue of ministry and outreach together. We love our church family and all the wonderful amazing friendships in our life.

Marriage and family is a delight for Paul and I and our 5 girls together. Paul spoils me rotten (and I try to spoil him back…) Paul surprised me last weekend with a wonderful “second” honeymoon as we escaped to the Salish Lodge and Spa overlooking the beautiful Snoqualmie Falls. He took care of all the details including child-care arrangements and even packed their bags. It was an amazing heavenly 36 hours alone together in the most romantic atmosphere ever. I am so-o-o blessed!

We would love to hear from you and your family and especially love seeing your pictures too. We pray this letter finds you enjoying this holy season as we celebrate the birth of our risen Savior. Have a very Merry CHRISTmas and may His richest blessings be yours in 2009!

Love and Blessings,

The Caldwells
Joy-Grace & Paul
Jeanna, Jessica, Haley, Molly & Hannah Mae.

P.S. Here’s a Christmas poem for you, written by Haley (with a bit of help from me), just for fun.



I look outside
And what do I see?
I see snowflakes falling
In front of me

Snowflakes are beautiful
Snowflakes are light
Snowflakes are falling
It’s quite the sight

It’s icy and cold
It’s fluffy and white
Slippery and wet
Reflecting the lights

The trees now transformed
With blankets of white
As the snowflakes fell
All through the night

There’s three more days
‘Til Christmas Eve
To open the gifts
We will receive

Christmas is coming
Not fast enough
For all of the kids
Who want lots of stuff

Is it all about stuff
Or what is the reason
For all the traditions
Of the holiday season?

The reason for Christmas
Is all about giving
Love, hope, and peace on earth
It’s Christ we’re celebrating

With family gathered
‘round the tree
While Papa reads
The Christmas story

We take a moment
To reflect
On Jesus Christ
The Best friend we’ve met.

Will You Walk With Me?

I want to be real not fake or plastic
Transparent for all to see
Jesus, His light - His character,
Shining out from me.

But all too easy, I put on my mask
I hide behind my facade.
I want you to think I'm doing just fine
Meantime I'm questioning God.

But what will you think if you really know
How I struggle and question my faith?
Will you push me away? Will you still be my friend?
Or will you choose to walk with me?

When I look at you, I wonder inside.
Can you possibly relate to me?
Maybe I've been so focussed on me
The true you was harder to see.

Along came my Friend and whispered to me.
He opened my eyes and let me see.
He gave me a peek into your heart
And showed me a jewel right there from the start.

You want to believe His treasure is there.
But dare not look and open it bare.
The jewel feels cold, sharp and painful too.
Rough edges poking on the inside of you.

My sister, my friend, let's make a pact.
Let's walk together and we'll never lack.
I'll help you see the treasure you are.
As you hold my hand we'll shine like a star.

No longer masked, no longer afraid
We'll hold our heads high, our debt has been paid.
Jesus' death paid our ransom. It set our hearts free.
Untangled the web, His blood was the key.

My name and yours are carved on His heart.
Never again will we be apart.
We'll walk together with Him at our side
As our jewels reflect the Love of our Guide.

November 8th, 2008
by Joy Grace Caldwell
for the CTK Women's Retreat
Sumas, Washington

This is for Sarah Palin (and anyone else who needs the Unshakeable Confidence that only Christ can bring)

I read the following devotional today in my Zondervan Women's Devotional Bible (p. 701), (Author not identified), and thought it might encourage you in the same way it encouraged me.

Psalm 71:5-6 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you.

“...If God can use a roaming Bedouin to birth a nation, a stuttering speaker to confront Egypt's pharaoh, a shepherd boy to lead a nation, an exiled Jewish girl to rescue her people and a timid teenager to bear the Son of God, then God can use us [Sarah Palin]! The critical question isn't, "Can I [Sarah Palin] do this?" The better question is, "Can God do this through me [Sarah Palin]?" The answer is a resounding "YES!"....

When we feel weak-kneed and lack confidence, we are most open to relying on God. The Bible gives us affirmation after affirmation of God's strength in the face of our limited ability: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Phil.4:13). "Nothing is impossible with God". (Luke 1:37) "Nothing is too hard for [the Lord]." (Jer. 32:17). "In all these things we are mre than conquerors through Him who loved us". (Rom.8:37)"My grace is sufficent for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness". (2 Cor. 12:9) Nothing silences the voice of timidity as powerfully as the voice of Scripture.

So if you find yourself in a new situation today, make sure you don't rely on your own limited talents or skills, but that you place your unshakable confidence in the limitless God.”

God bless you, Sarah. I don't believe in your abilities - I believe in God's abilities through you. "...and who knows but that you have come to royal (Presidential) position for such a time as this?!" Esther 4:14

Jeanna Joy

Jeanna Joy
September 1996

Twelve years ago today
My lifelong dream came true
I became a mother
As I gave birth to you

Our Heavenly Father blessed us
With a Gracious Gift of Joy
I always wanted a girl first
Though we thought you were a boy

You arrived a few weeks early
And gave our hearts a fright
As you had some trouble breathing
In the middle of the night

We gave you to the Lord
From the moment you arrived
He healed your little body
And ever since you’ve thrived

You have always been a beauty
With your gorgeous auburn curls
As freckles skip across your nose
How you love to dance & twirl

Right from the very beginning
You have studied everything
Your bright mind so curious
Your quietness endearing

You started humming early
Then talking, singing too
Music has come naturally
Just spilling out of you

The Lord has chosen you His child
He has given gifts to you
He has a special purpose
He’s designing just for you

You have a quiet inner strength
Mature beyond your years
The Father’s love is faithful
Bringing peace when there are tears

My prayer for you is this today
May you make His ways your own
As He becomes your closest friend
You’ll never be alone

As you turn twelve, Jeanna Joy
I just have this to say
May you be extra special blessed
On this your special day


Written just for you by Mom
(Joy Grace Caldwell)
September 2008

Seasons of Our Lives

Seasons come and seasons go.
The leaves they constant change.
So too our lives ebb and flow,
No matter what the age.

Right from the start as little babes
Our lives take root like trees.
As flowers bloom so too our hearts
So lovely for all to see.

From baby dolls to High School Prom
The years they come and go.
From princess dress to bling blue jeans
Then it’s a wedding dress to sew.

From ponytails to slanted bob
Once blond, then brown, now gray
Our hair like leaves never the same
Our long locks now gone away.

As goes our age, our clothes, our hair
So too our hearts do change.
There’s joy and pain, laughter and tears
Each day writes a brand new page.

Some pages they are stained with tears,
These seasons marked with pain.
But joy like flowers never bloomed
Without the storms and rain.

God knows just how much sunshine
Blue skies, yet storm clouds too,
Each phase, each stage, each season
Of our lives He long foreknew.

It brings me peace and comfort
To say, “His will not mine.”
Will you choose to trust Him
Through each season, in His time?

Joy Grace Caldwell
September 10, 2008

I Have a Special Child

I have a special child
Her name is Jessica Faith
She has an extra gene
And a sweet angelic face

Her birthday was ordained
By our Precious Lord above
She arrived a few weeks early
And our hearts were filled with love

The doctor had bad news he said
She’s not a normal child
She has an extra chromosome
Down syndrome. I cried, then smiled.

My first thoughts were “I'm honored”
He hand picked this child for me
But soon I stopped and questioned
Dear Lord, “how can this be?”



Her early years were fragile
As she struggled to survive
There were many days I wondered
If she would ever thrive

She has been to many doctors
Had too many tests to count
Yet always shares her special joy
Beauty from the inside out

I have felt the stares of strangers
As they feel sorry for her plight
Yet Jessica has courage
She perseveres with all her might

This special gift named Jessica
Is teaching me everyday
That patience, faith and kindness
Must always lead the way



She has a warmth and humor
Of greeting young and old
She has never met a stranger
Her greeting never cold

One day she overheard me
Explain the Trinity
Hands high, “Good job, God!” she cried
Such simple purity

Some days I’m overwhelmed
By the weight and complexities
I often pray and wonder
What His purposes could be

My faith tells me that there’s purpose
For each one He does ordain
God has a special plan for us
Though the way be marked with pain

God’s own Son endured more pain
Than we will ever know
Thank you Lord for sacrifice
The greatest love You show

My prayer today is simple
Lord make me more like You
May I embrace my pain with joy
And do it all for you

I pray today for Jessica
That she will come to know
How deep, how high, how wide, how long
The Father’s love to show

Joy Grace Caldwell
Friday, August 15, 2008

Mom, I want this and I need that

I absolutely love and adore all of my girls. Not unlike most other mothers, I too have my moments (especially summer moments...) when I start feeling just a little ... okay ALOT... overwhelmed. I was having some moments today when I picked up my pen during lunch and started to write.

My day thus far had looked like this:

2:00 - 2:30 am - Up with Hannah Mae again - crying & fussy, (teething...) brought her to bed with me... still crying, now screaming, "where's the binky? I just put it in her mouth..." she's thrown it (mad!!!) blurry eyed, we can't find it anywhere - taking the bed apart in the dark - turn the light on. Still can't find it. Light off. Go back to nursery - look for another one. Found one. Nope - doesn't want it - throws that one - still screaming! "Do you want a bottle of milk?" I ask repeatedly as I stumble in the dark, searching for the light switch at the top of the stairs... let's try... off downstairs to the kitchen. Get the bottle, heating it in the microwave... ahh... we're getting quiet.

Next few hours: She's in bed between us - alternates between feet in one of our backs, stomachs, fingers in my nose, mouth, eyes... "Mommy, are you still there?" she seems to say with her hands as she tosses and turns back and forth... crying fussy again... "where's that binky now?" fishing around in the dark, one of us finds it and plugs it in again. We only do this several times...

Finally - it's time to get up. "Do I have to?", my body says, as Hannah Mae crawls over me, slides feet first down the bed to the floor. I quickly grab my glasses before she gets them from the nightstand beside me. Then the other child peeks her head up over the side of our bed. Oh yeah, I forgot. Haley slept on the floor beside Daddy's side of the bed for the first time in many years. (Got news last night that her mom is in hospital following an auto accident with a brain hemorrhage... she needed extra comfort and security last night... we're praying hard for Becky!) Paul is stirring beside me (working the evening shift today so he's still in bed - "slept in"). I reach out quickly to snuggle for 30 seconds and grab my good morning kiss. He gets up and goes downstairs for coffee. Haley takes his place beside me as we cuddle for a couple minutes... "Oops, there goes Hannah Mae. Quick... let's hope Daddy closed the gate behind him at the top of the stairs..."

We're up!

Then there's the phone call from Becky in hospital in Mississippi - under observation - not sure of the prognosis or treatment...

I help Haley send her Mom an e-mail through the hospital website. Then we order flowers....

Meantime, Paul has helped Jessica get up and fixed breakfast for all of us.

Then he's off to work... now the fun has really just begun...

Then there's the phone calls, get dressed for the day, change baby, get Haley to dress her, help Jeanna with physio exercises, dress Jessie, chase Hannah Mae....... sigh...

Drive Jeanna & Haley to the soccer field while we listen to Veggie Tales AGAIN for the zillionth time... I'm starting to feel a bit irritable - not Bob & Larry's fault - just me... probably lack of sleep...

Now I'm finally home again with Jessica and Hannah Mae sitting at the table eating lunch. "big sighs...." except that Jessica is "Miss Non-Stop Chatter"!... "Please!", I beg her, "Please, just stop talking and eat your lunch." I grab my pen and paper and start to write and this is what comes pouring out....

“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Edgy. Uptight. Irritable. Stressed.
What’s a mom to do?
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Dirty faces. Dirty feet.
Diapers. Tears and Non-stop chat.
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Phone is ringing. Someone knocking.
Does anyone hear the dog barking?
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Dishes. Laundry. Making beds
Dr. Mom - dispensing meds.
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Yes, Jeanna. No, Hannah Mae.
Maybe, Haley. Jessie, what did you say?
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Mom, I’m bored. Mom, I’m tired.
Mom, I’m hungry; I need a snack.
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Can I watch TV? Go outside?
Playing soccer – No, not inside!
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Drive me here. Drive me there.
Driving children everywhere.
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

McDonalds, Costco, Safeway, too.
Dairy Queen and the Zoo.
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Edgy. Uptight. Irritable. Stressed.
What’s a mom to do?
“Help me Lord! I want peace and I need You!”

Thursday, August 14, 2008
Joy Grace Caldwell

Yes, HE really is my answer and He brought the peace too! As I wrote, I was reminded of the many years that I cried, prayed and struggled to have children when all my friends around me were starting families and I had none. I longed for diapers, dishes, dirty faces and dirty feet, fingerprints on the walls and toys on the stairs. He answered my prayers and then some. He blessed my womb. He blessed our home. He's filled it with laughter and love. It really is good and I really wouldn't have it any other way. I'm just so very, very glad that when I do have "my moments" that I have HIM to turn to. He helps me re-focus on Him and all His blessings! "Children are a blessing; a heritage from the Lord." Thank you Lord for all your blessings and all your goodness to us.

Midnight Musings

It’s midnight. Quiet.
And here do I sit
With pen in my hand
And lamp dimly lit

All loved ones tucked in
Asleep and dreaming
Dreams of tomorrow
And what it may bring

I hear the soft tick
Of the clock by me
The hum of the fridge
And electricity

Wait - Footsteps? A voice?
A whimper? A tear?
It’s Haley. My gift.
My daughter. My dear.

Awake from her dream
She had a bad scare
She needed a hug,
A kiss and a prayer


I gently caressed
Her face and her hair
Kissed her wet cheek
And offered a prayer

She crawled back in bed
Next to her big sis
Where she fell asleep
Back to dreams and bliss

My eyes are now tired
A yawn, then a sigh
Yes, it’s time to sleep
It really is time

I’ll join my dear Paul
In our big comfy bed
Where I will now sleep
And dream in my head.


Of many more days
Yet to come with these
Precious dear darlings
God’s given to me

To love and cherish
To teach and to guide
One day at a time
With Christ by my side.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Joy Grace Caldwell

Happy 3rd Anniversary to My Precious Husband Paul!

You are my Romeo
I am your Juliet
The passion burning strong
Since the first day we met

As I pause and reflect
On what you mean to me
I cannot help but think
Of how it came to be

Our gracious loving Lord
Knew just the one for me
He chose “Happy Daddy”
To lead our family

Three years ago today
I pledged my love to you
I took your hand in mine
And said, “I will I do”

For better or for worse
In good times and in bad
In sickness and in health
And even when we’re sad

Through all the months and years
Oh how the days have flown
Our love keeps growing stronger
As we look to Heaven’s throne

His love will never cease
To amaze me every day
As I marvel at His hands
That guides us on our way

Each morning I awake
With you right by my side
I thank our Precious Lord
For making me your bride

As I ponder our future
Together with our Lord
I cannot help but know
The plans He has in store

His plans to lead and guide us
His plans for health and love
His plans for peace and purpose
With blessings from above

So thankful for our daughters
I can’t help but exclaim
So beautiful so special
Each one with a precious name

Jeanna and Jessica
Haley and Molly too
Then along came Hannah Mae
Our miracle – it’s true

I am yours forever
Forever you are mine
Our love was meant to be
From the beginning of time

Let’s keep growing old together
Hand in hand and cheek to cheek
As we make His plans our own
We can reach the highest peak

Three years ago today
I pledged to you my life
My Darling Paul, I love you
I’m proud to be your wife

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Joy Grace Caldwell

Adoption Poem for Special Friends

We're off to an adoption party this afternoon for some very special friends. As I was thinking of what to give them, I was inspired to write. The following is what flowed from my heart...

The Young Family

Corey and Amy
Husband and wife
Longing for children
To share their life
They took their request
To the One who knows best
And in His time
He answered and blessed.

Their Heavenly Father
With love in His heart
Knew just the right two
And set them apart.
He carefully chose
From his treasured collection
Two little girls
Who would make the connection.

Hayli and Emery
Sisters so fair
Eyes so blue
With pretty blonde hair
Two precious jewels
Straight from His throne
Sent to Corey and Amy
To make their own.

Corey and Amy
Now father and mother
No longer have
To look any further
July eleven
Two thousand and eight
Was set as their
Special adoption date

Hayli and Emery
Have brought healing and love
Smiles and laughter
Straight from above
No longer just four
Corey, Amy, Hayli and Emery
The Youngs are now one
One blessed family!

Officially Established
July 11, 2008

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Joy Grace Caldwell

Madison School Memories

Here's a video I created of our 3 oldest girls' last 3 years at Madison School. It is best viewed "small" as it is compressed. Click on the bottom right corner to toggle the size. Enjoy.

His mercies are new every morning!

The words of my Friend that soothe my soul...

All my daughters will be taught by the Lord and great will be my children's peace.

In quietness and confidence shall be my strength.

Nothing is impossible with God.

You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Father's heart is quick to heal and quick to forgive. His grace and mercy are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness, Oh Lord, my God, my Savior and my Redeemer!

Words of Encouragement

I haven't really used this blog like a journal to date; it's been more like a family newsletter; however, I'm going to break with my own "tradition" and use it like a journal of sorts, too. I pray that it blesses all who read it.

Current circumstances: Unfortunately, it appears that my ex has backslidden into some old habits. I have written him a letter stating that all future visits with our 2 young girls will be supervised. I'm bracing myself for his response, though praying it will be one of cooperation.

In my devotions on Sunday, here are some of the words the Lord spoke to me from Isaiah 54. Thank you Lord for your words, "Do not be afraid. You will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. "

"With everlasting kindness, I will have compassion on you. In the middle of "earthquakes", yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed. Thank you Lord for your covenant of peace and your unfailing love in the middle of these turbulent times.

This next verse practically leapt off the page - I'm having our girls memorize it together. v. 13 "ALL your sons (DAUGHTERS) will be taught by the Lord & great will be your children's peace!"

v. 14 & 15 - In righteousness you will be established - tyranny (abuse, control, harassment) will be far from you. You will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed. It will not come near you. If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doin' whoever attacks you will surrender to you."

v. 17 & 18 - "No weapon forged against you will prevail and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and this is their vidication from me."

Thank you Father, that you are in control and that Your protection is all around each one of us. You have my girls' best interest at heart. Thank you for your wisdom and going ahead of me into this "battle".

Today's Encouragements: May 27, 2008:

Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

"A choice repeated becomes a habit; a habit develops your character; your character determines your destiny." (Author...?)

We're raising our daughters to be women of faith, who will choose righteousness, the narrow path, in order that they will find futures filled with promise of destiny and fulfillment in Christ.

Spring Update

I figure it's about time to update this blog since I haven't posted since Christmas already! Wow, how time flies when you're having fun.

Here's the latest pic of all 5 girls together on the Saturday before Easter just after an Easter egg hunt. It's quite the job getting all 5 girls looking at the camera and smiling... didn't quite succeed on this attempt, but a cute picture nonetheless...

Sisters "camping out" together in their bedroom just for fun one day. Haley's our little model - feeling the need to pose everytime the camera is on ;-)

Family Night - playing "Twister". Not fair - Daddy's so tall. He won every time he played.

The 3 of us in Roche Harbor (San Juan Islands) in January for my birthday weekend... too much fun!!

Baby girl - growing up! She's crawling and pulling up on everything these days!

Joy to the World! The Lord is Come!

We want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! May the peace, love and joy of the Season be yours now and throughout 2008! We send you all special hugs and greetings from each of us.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving

On Wednesday when the girls got home from school, I asked each family member to write a letter about what they're thankful for this year. We could address our letter to whomever we chose, needed to say at least 3 things we're thankful for and why.

Here are our letters that we read at our Thanksgiving Table last night:

Dear God, Thank

you for giving my family and I food because when we are hungry, I can ask for a snack. I'm also thankful for friends because they are really nice to me. And last but not least I'm thankful for my family because they love and care for me all of the time.

Thank you, Haley. (7)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear Mr. President Bush, You have helped the entire United States of America. I, an ordinary Washington girl, am very thankful. Here are the reasons. First of all you keep my country safe and free from all harm. I thank you for that because we don't have to worry about something happening to us. Second, you have supported everyone in the army that is in Iraq at the moment, including my family who are very special to me. And last but not least you make sure that all children are supported. Thank you for supporting our freedom in this country.

Thank you so much!! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Jeanna Caldwell. (11)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Dearest Mom & Dad,

I am so thankful for both of you and for the Lord bringing you here to all of us this year. You two are such a huge blessing to each of us, for who you are – your servants’ hearts, willing to serve, bless and minister to whomever, whenever, wherever. You are both awesome examples to all of us of what it means to be servants of the Lord.

Thank you for the best gift of all - raising me to love and serve Jesus, our Precious Lord and Savior. Without Him, how futile our lives would be. I am so thankful that each of us can have personal relationship with Him.

When reflecting about all that I am thankful for this year, I realized that I am thankful for many things… but more importantly I asked myself, “What if everything was taken away from me, would I still be thankful and for what?” I recognize that I am mostly appreciative for people – each one of my dear precious family members – immediate and extended – I feel so richly blessed! I am also extremely grateful for church family and friends. And even then, if any or all were taken away from me, if I was stripped bare of all my relationships, I would still be thankful for Jesus because HE is the ultimate relationship, THE ONE that can never be taken away. When it comes down to it, I guess really nothing else matters in light of eternity, except
Him.

Thank you both for your influence in helping me to keep my eyes on Jesus – the author and the finisher of our faith. Thank you both for the example you are of Jesus to me, to us.

Mom & Dad, please know how very proud I am of both of you as my parents and how grateful I am to be your daughter!

I love you! JG

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear Lord,

I am thankful for the following on this day:

For my family
For Mimi and Papa to be here for our kids
That you are taking care of our needs
For the friends we are making at our church
That you answer our prayers
For our health

However, it makes me sad on this day that:

There will be many who will be alone on this day
There will be many who will not have a big dinner today
There will be many who will not eat at all today
There will be many who will see this day as just another day

Thank you that there will be many praying to You for help or change
today.

Paul

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear Jesus, On this Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 2007, I want to say how thankful I am that you are my Lord and Savior and that my mother raised me to trust in you. I am so thankful that you sent JoAnn to go to college in Plainview, Texas and that we met and she later became my wife. Jesus, without her I do not know where I would be today.

I am so thankful that you gave Mimi (JoAnn) and I three such wonderful children. Joy Grace, Joel Aaron and Jason Daniel. And now because of Joy Grace we have such a wonderful Son-in-Law Paul Matthew Caldwell and because he and Becky got married they brought into our lives our beautiful little princess, Haley Alexandra. And I also thank you for our little Molly "Dolly" (Paul's other daughter.) Jesus, I thank you that our dear Joy married X many years ago and because of that we have our oldest and beautiful, smart and intelligent granddaughter, Jeanna Joy and to top it off we have our little angel sent straight from your heart, Jessica Faith. Jesus you are so good to us. We could never have dreamed that our Joy and Paul would one day be married and the fruit of their love would come in the form of such a bundle of love, our precious Hannah Mae Grace. I've got the sweetest Daughter-in-law any man could have in Laura, Jason's wife, who brought us our very first grandson, Elliot Daniel . And of course, I am very grateful for Joel's daughter, our beautiful little Ameya Rose.

Jesus, thank you for making a place for Mimi and I to come and live close to this precious family. I do not remember all of the 64 Thanksgivings I have experienced, but I will always remember this Thansgiving, November 22, 2007 as the first Thanksgiving we had in our new home with our completed family.

In Jesus' Name,
Your little boy and son,
Jackie Wright or also known as just "Papa".

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Oh, yes! I am sooo thankful!

Thankful for:
A warm, cozy home full of God's love
and light
Papa's arms around me in the middle of
the night
Beautiful granddaughters to hug &
give sweet kisses
A daughter and a "son" whose love & care
just never misses!

I'm thankful for:
A church full of friends and devotion
A heart that still can feel love and emotion.
Our family and grands in other places, too.
And loved ones up in Heaven awaiting me & you.

x0x0x0, Mimi.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

When Jessica was asked what she is thankful for she just said, "Jesus".

So there you have it - from our heart to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. We're thankful for you and pray your hearts are full of thanksgiving, too!

Gold Medal for Jessica

Jessica joined Special Olympics just after her eighth birthday this past March. She did swimming in the Spring. Now she has just concluded bowling. She bowled in her first tournament this past Saturday in Oak Harbor on the Naval Station at Whidby Lanes. Surprising us all, she placed first - winning the "gold medal" for her lane. Too much fun!! Congratulations, Jessica! Way to Go!

Halloween Fun

Halloween 2007

• Mom - What NOT to Wear (No, I don't usually dress so tacky!!!)
• Jeanna - Crazy for Jesus
• Jessica - Queen for the Day
• Haley - Honey Bee
• Hannah Mae - Butterfly Princess