Thank you to everyone who prayed for us yesterday, who sent encouraging emails or texts, who came to celebrate Ava's short life and let us see your sweet faces. The day was covered by unfathomable grace and peace, and despite the most painful circumstances, the service was a gift to Matt and I and our entire family. I am looking forward to sharing the service, which was filmed, but until it's available, here's a film segment which was played during the service, created by our precious and talented friends at
SweetTea Media.
Ava from sweetTea media on Vimeo.
I was so moved by your statement at Ava's memorial that "My cup runneth over"... Today I read this from a book called One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp:
ReplyDelete"Joy is Always Possible.
Joy is the fruit of gratitude.
And gratitude is rooted in perspective.
And when one’s rooted in Christ, one has been given the gift of the eyes that really see.
So joy is always possible."
And all that to say...you have taught me that joy is possible because we know that this earth is temporary.
Loved the video they showed...
Sharing with you in missing your sweet Ava bean... Love, Rena
Thank you so much for sharing this Sara and Matt. Sara I will never forget your kindness and love when I was going through such a sad time in my life. My heart is with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteLove, Kimber
Thank you for sharing throughout the year. Watching this video was a grace for me. Right now I live in Central Asia where I see many many children with any kind of abnormality (deaf, club foot, cerebral palsy, encephalitis) living in institutions and treated like animals because their families think they are a curse. What grace to see the blessing that you took Ava as. Not to minimize the pain, but it was a grace for me to see this child placed in your family to receive love.Your care acknowledging her inherent God-given value & delight. Things that might not be if she were born into a different situation. Thank you.
ReplyDelete-(a friend of M. Lindsey)
Sara, I don't know you, but I know your sister, Svea and I have been following your blog for a while. Thank you for sharing all of this. My heart is crying for you and your family, and at the same time is so touched by your story and your life. I pray that you with experience God's comfort and strength in unexpected ways the coming days and months. I'm lost for words but I just wanted to send a comment and some love all the way from Norway.
ReplyDeleteBeate
The Harms Family,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the video of your sweet baby Ava's life. Through the sorrow you were feeling it was perfectly clear how thankful and joyful you were to have and hold Ava in her time with you. God has certainly used your family to show others grace, love and faith. Your openness to others about your situation has truly blessed us in ways you may never know. Thank you for your candidness and your ability to let your light shine in the world. Sorry for your loss of your precious girl here on earth, we will continue to pray for your family that you have continued peace and ongoing love until the day your family is reunited in heaven!
Thank you, Matt and Sara...thank you...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! Ava had an amazing life with the best parents and the most awesome sisters ever.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that our gracious Lord blessed us all with the sweetness and love of Ava and your precious family. Thank you so much for allowing us to walk with you in your joys and sorrows, laughter and tears. May He continue to bless you as you walk in His way.
ReplyDeleteWith much love and tears,
Abby's Aunt Mary
Thank you for sharing the video. What a blessing to get to see Ava and your family. I was sad to not be able to come Monday but thank you for sharing this. I continue to be blessed by the lives of your entire family.
ReplyDeleteBethany
Dear Matt, Sara and girls,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this - what a a beautiful picture of sweet Ava's life. Our hearts ache so much for you. We were sad that we were unable to attend the memorial, but know that our prayers have been and will continue to be with all of you. You are truly an example of what it means to reflect Jesus in the toughest of circumstances. Love and big hugs to you all.
That was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful little angel. Thank you for sharing with all of us. Your strength and grace are inspiring. Your family is in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteAva will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember thinking how special your love was for Ava from the first time I met you holding her skin to skin. You have been an inspiration to me and I continue to pray for all of you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Renee
Dear Matt and Sara,
ReplyDeleteWe want you to know that we have been holding you and your family daily in our prayers. I know our Abba Father has you both in his hands. We will continue to lift your sweet family up in prayer.
Scott and Christina Nabors
Thanks for sharing that beautiful video full of so many precious moments. I am thinking of you guys often, and praying for God's peace to surround you and your girls: peace that passes understanding, that only our loving Father can give. hugs to you all, love Becky (for the Mills' crew)
ReplyDeleteYour video was beautiful. My heart and prayers have been with you all year. Thank you for opening your life to us. I have learned so much. Grace in any circumstance is how you live.
ReplyDeleteLove to you and your family.
Sara and Matt,
ReplyDeleteWords can't express what we would really want to say. We are sooooo sorry for your loss. You are such an incredible family. Ava was blessed to have been able to be with you for that time in her life. PLEASE call me Sara when you can. I have lost all phone numbers for you. (949) 330-3904 cell
Deanne and Limkin
Although we've never met, my heart aches with yours for your amazing loss. Ava is incredibly beautiful and your love for her...amazingly evident. May our Heavenly Father shower you with His amazing love just as you showered your sweet Ava with yours. May He comfort you and strengthen you during this time of tears. Press on, my friend.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love,
tara
What an amazingly beautiful, beautiful, heart-wrenching video. Thank you God for Ava Bean's amazing life! Trying not to be sad is about this is hard for me, but how can I be sad when I think about where Ava is now?! The other day i was reading 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which says "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Thank you God!
ReplyDeleteDear Harms Family, I've never met Ava, and have barely even met you, Matt and Sara, but I've been periodically following your blog via Lisette. Sending you lots of love and prayers during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your thoughtful words and kind comments. It gives me so much joy when I read of the way God has used our journey to encourage you. He is ao faithful. Thank you for taking the time to post a comment.
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