Winning at Twinning

How can we not be amazed by life? It is an incredible gift bestowed by our Creator. In my younger years, I tolerated children. I believed life was precious and sacred, but I didn't much think I'd ever have children of my own. It's funny how God can change a heart.

I began this post while still pregnant, but now I have two newborns. Number 8 is Sophia Joy. She is breathtakingly beautiful. Her name references "wisdom" and "joy." Wisdom was the desire of King Solomon's heart, and he desired rightly. Wisdom does not come easily. It must be sought after, prayed for, and granted to us by our Heavenly Father. Joy is a gift. It floods the emptiness that despair leaves behind in its wake. I've watched precious heros miraculously choose joy over despair and known truly it was by God's grace alone. He is the great healer and lover of our souls. Many months of hormonal despair plagued my heart and mind, but I knew joy would come. It is promised to us who believe. 

Baby number 9 is Judah Fitzgerald. Judah means "praised" and his middle name, Fitzgerald, is a continuation of the middle name given to all Kuckel boys. A memorial to the namesake David Fitzgerald, a young man who served and died in Vietnam. He never had children of his own, but his name continues.

Judah is a happy and strong-willed boy. Over the last months, I've watched the smallest of all my babies be the earliest to achieve all his milestones. I was shocked to see such a small kid crawling with ease by 7-8 months! God is indeed worthy to be praised for the blessing of children and the beautiful gift of watching them grow.

Now, they have enjoyed 10 short months and have awed and amazed all in our household. It has taken me nearly a year to complete this blog post! But the bottom line is never assume that you can't change. Allow God to change your mind and heart with regard to feelings and truth. Be willing to let Him amaze you.

Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law
And keep it with all my heart. Psalm 119:34

 

Christmas

I already know that this year will afford me a spiritual renewal. I know it because my sinful heart has been at the root of all my struggles.

Thankful for the struggle because it reminds me there is much worth struggling for, I press on toward the prize. The prize is Jesus and His Rest. 

Before I can realize spiritual renewal I must recognize my grumbling--the trespass of my wicked heart. In its place goes repentance and reconciliation. 

New beginning. All is peace. No more struggle. 

God bless!

Letter to Elijah

Dear Elijah,

I labored for a little over an hour before you were born. That was on Wednesday, August 13, 2014. As thankful as I am for that amazing gift, I am even more thankful for the chance to witness God's mercy and grace through my entire pregnancy. 

Children are a blessing and an inheritance from the Lord as He has chosen to bless us through our posterity. God changes a life when He opens the womb. The miracle of life itself is difficult to contemplate, but even more so is the change that occurs in a parent's heart. 

You changed my heart while I awaited your arrival. I had spent much time feeling isolated and alone, but during those two days I waited on labor to progress, bonds were created, communication was facilitated, lives benefitted. And after you were here with us, we all rejoiced. 

Praise God for you, my little son. May you enjoy the treasures He has in store for you! His grace be with you--you are never alone. 

Love,

Mom

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."  (James 1:17)