Giving and Recieving

Luke 6:38

New Living Translation

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back."

We experienced so many beautiful things amidst the struggles of the tornado.  Really, when I look back on this 10 years from now, I believe I will remember the beauty rather than the pain, for it already overshadows the hardship.Once again, "the shadow proves the sunshine." 

My Uncle Leon and Aunt Marilyn surprised Maddie and I the other day with a delivery.  {this may take a while...my computer screen keeps getting blurry}  

One of the hardest days in the aftermath of the tornado was cleaning up Maddie playroom. So much destruction and loss.  I didn't really care too much about losing my things, but when it came to Maddie's stuff, it was really more than I could bear.  

That day, Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Leon, my cousins, Gayla, Staci, Amy, and their hubbies, my sister, Christie and brother-in-law Clayton were all here to help out.  What a tremendous blessing!  

I asked if they could just make the decision of what was a loss and what could be salvaged.  Don't show me, just snap a picture for insurance and put it to the curb.  It was the only way I knew to get through it.  

I didn't have to face the facts until a few weeks later when it was time to fill out the forms for insurance claims.  {again with the blurry screen}

I was super sad about losing her desk and dollhouse.   

But now, they are back again and in their proper places!!  

Uncle Leon took all of these little bits and pieces to her dollhouse and cleaned them up, ready to use again!

Her desk had some serious gouges that required cleaning, sanding, and staining.  

I think it looks better now than the day we bought it, if that's possible!!

A HUGE thanks to Madelin, Madison, and Cleo for all of your help organizing and putting together Maddie's little art center!! 

We love you all so much! :)  

To all those who played a role in helping us out:

I hope the promises of Luke 6:38 manifest themselves in your lives today!!

Thank you for giving, I'm blessed to be the recipient of your graciousness.