On this day...
8 years ago...
He gave us her.
His Word says that
children are a gift from Him; that they are His reward.
The Bible also says
the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth.
Pondering the latter verse a lot lately.
Entering this sin-tainted world
vs.
leaving this world to enter a sinless existence in the presence of the King.
Thankful she's in His presence.
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Papa Byrd passed away January 15th.
Papa Byrd held her then,
he's probably holding her now.
In honor of Lydia's birthday we're donating to her friend Olivia.
(from "Olivia's Angel" website)
Lydia and Olivia
Here's an explanation of "Olivia's Angel" ~
"Olivia is 8 years old and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes July 28, 2010. We quickly found out that life as we knew it would never be the same. Blood tests, insulin shots, and carb counting became the new norm. In spite of all of our best efforts, controlling her blood sugar is a constant 24/7 battle.
One day, we heard about Guardian Angel Service Dogs and the work they are doing to supply diabetics with service dogs that will detect and alert to high and low blood sugars. We knew that this would be a huge blessing to Olivia, and our family as a whole.
These amazing service dogs are expensive as there is much that goes into their training. We feel like this expense is worth it as Angel may very well save Olivia's life one day. We are excited to be on this journey and pray that you will support Olivia in this cause."
(from "Olivia's Angel" website)
Lydia experienced a very special companionship with her lab, Zoe.
She also was blessed with a sweet friendship with Olivia.
I guess that explains our desire to remember Lydia's birthday
by giving to sweet Olivia and her pup-friend.
She also was blessed with a sweet friendship with Olivia.
I guess that explains our desire to remember Lydia's birthday
by giving to sweet Olivia and her pup-friend.
Would you consider honoring Lydia by giving to Olivia,too?
Remembering last year...
~ Happy Birthday, sweet girl ~
We love you so...
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights
with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17
Happy Birthday Lydia!! I know you miss everybody down here, just as we all miss you, but I know you're enjoying celebrating your birthday with Jesus and your Papa Byrd. You and your family have made such an impact on so many people. You're such a sweet and special girl. I pray for your family daily. Lots of love to you Lydia and your precious family.
ReplyDeleteNo words for today, just lots prayers... Love you!
ReplyDeletePraying for you. Lydia was such a beautiful baby!
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful that the word of the Lord is bringing you comfort.
btw-I love the fabric swatch.
Happy Birthday, Lydia! Still praying and thankful for God's sovereignty in all things - easy & hard...
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Lydia!! Lots of love for LYDIA
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Lydia! Our prayers are always with the "Byrd's Nest" and all whom dwell in it. So very sorry to hear about Papa Byrd...it does bring a smile to my face to think of them being reunited in Heaven. No doubt they are both shining down their blessings on your family from above. I would love to participate in helping Olivia get the Service Dog she desperately needs ( and wants too)! I have known a few people who have been blessed with Service Dogs...and what a blessing they truly are. Its not just for the "Service" part of their duty, but just as much for all the love and companionship provided as well. Stacey- I have something I'd like to send you. Is there a p.o. Box or maybe even your husbands work address you would allow me to send this gift to? I certainly do not want to overstep my boundaries or your privacy, I'd just really like for you to have a small gift my daughter and I saw and immediately thought of you. My email address is mfisher@freedomenc.com. I am one of Racheal Rankin's (now Hoaglan)- old friends. We met through Junior Miss and had an immediate bond ans sweet & special friendship. She is a wonderful lady (and momma now!) and I'm blessed to call her my friend. She shared your journey with me back even before the fiery trial inched closer to your sweet Lydia and your precious family. Thoughts and prayers go to you and yours everyday...I hope that He is providing you with some comfort from this storm. AND I hope your new home (which is beautiful) will provide for many more new and happy memories for your precious, faithful family.
ReplyDeleteMary Anne
loving you guys and praying for you...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your sweet girl with us once again. I am sure today has to be one full of emotions for you. As I sit here and type this I have tears on my face. Tears of sadness because I know you are SO missing your Lydia today, and also tears of JOY because I know that she and Papa Byrd are celebrating her special day in Heaven. I wished I could reach through this screen and offer you a hug or see you face to face and give you words of comfort. Please know that Lydia is still on the forefront of our world, and mentioned frequently in my home. She is not forgotten, she will not be forgotten. I am going to pray that you find the strength from our Lord to keep on, keeping on...Lydia would be SO proud of you for donating to her sweet friend Olivia. I think this is a wonderful idea!! God bless you my friend! I hope you are settling in to your new nest. <3
ReplyDeleteI am as sure as I am writing this note, that Lydia and Papa Byrd are smiling and singing with Jesus today! I know they have sent blessings to your family today and are celebrating forever with HIM! I wish there was a way to mend your "momma" heart here on earth, but God's comfort and peace will help you get through the longest days...You have "ministered" to me through your journey and have brought me (and I am sure many more) closer to our Lord Jesus Christ! For that I am eternally grateful and will place your family at the top of my blessings to count forever!
ReplyDeletePraying for you today! I can't imagine all Jesus has planned for her today :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Sweet Lydia!! Love and Prayers to all the Byrds!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Lydia. Happy Mother's Day and Happy Father's Day, dear friends.
ReplyDeleteSweet Byrd family, I have followed your journey since August when your precious friend Kim shared with facebook. I too became a mom on 1/30, 23 yrs ago. My sweet girl is a faithful follower of your blog as well. We pray for you daily and now sharing this day will be a reminder to prayer for each year on our Angel Girl's birthday for the Byrd's Nest. Thank you for allowing us into your lives with this blog and being so faithful to share Jesus.
ReplyDelete