Can you imagine God speaking to an entire nation through the birth if your children? We all know that children are a gift from God and that He perfectly orchestrates each child and their perfect purpose, but few of us have had Hosea’s experience.

Hosea’s wife was named Gomer. She was an adultress, but in their interesting story, each piece fits together like a puzzle. Each of their children were named by God to speak to an entire nation about their unfaithfulness and sin. Every part of his life being used in a prophetic way to teach an entire nation.

Stories like this always make me think a bit about the woman behind it all and in this case, the children too. How did it feel to bear a name that spoke to a nation? What was it like to know that you mothered children that were born to teach the nation a lesson?

There are so many lessons to learn from this story, but I think today as we head out to vote, we should dwell a bit on some of the thoughts talked about in Hosea 1 (yes, the whole chapter).

It boils down to simply this… it has nothing to do with the financial state of their nation, but rather focuses solely on the moral state and the means necessary to make amends.

That’s as close to a political post as it gets here, and you may be shocked to learn that I had absolutely no intention of getting political today, Hosea 1 was one of four chapters in my Bible reading for today.

Funny thing is that I have been focusing on getting through the New Testament this year, but felt a serious tug to read Hosea today anyway and to share that with you, NOT knowing where it would lead.

Be blessed today!!

On my morning blog rounds I was elated to read the most recent update on baby Ethan. If you haven’t visited in a while, make sure you do so today: http://ethankrawiec.blogspot.com.

Updated:  The link is now correct and active!

I told all of you about Ethan recently and just wanted to let all of you know that today is THE day for him!!!

Over the last week Ethan has been undergoing tons of treatments to prepare him for today’s transplant!!!

The results of that treatment have been rather miraculous so far in that he hasn’t been bothered by the usual side effects.

If you think of it, please be praying for this little boy today and especially for the rest of the week as the cells begin regenerating and creating a new atmosphere in his little body.

It’s been a while since I’ve sent you around the blogosphere to pray for a family, but there’s a family I’d like to introduce you to.

Little Ethan is 6 months old and at 11 weeks he was diagnosed with a rare form of infant lukemia. His mama Kasey has been blogging about it since pretty much day one, but I only met her recently. For all the details and information be sure to visit their blog at http://www.ethankrawiec.blogspot.com/.  

There’s a very specific reason I mention this family now. They will be heading into the front lines of battle with Ethan’s cancer starting on Monday. I know for a fact that they would appreciate all prayer, covet it even!!

He will begin radiation Monday, which will be followed later in the week with chemotherapy. All of this will be done to prepare him for a cord blood transplant that he desperately needs.

This family has been so very inspiring to me! There is no sorrow or mourning going on as Kasey relays the information. In fact despite it all Kasey recently wrote an amazing post about how blessed they truly are with Ethan’s condition.

Through their story you will learn a lot. About yourself, your family and how blessed you are. You may learn something unexpected too, like I did today as Kasey briefly explained what cord blood would do to help her son. I never understood the broader scope of possibility when saving a child’s cord blood! It honestly didn’t occur to me that it could be used not only for my children if needed, but to save the life if a little one like Ethan as well. I honestly couldn’t afford to store it when my little ones were born or I would have, but this sheds even more light on the possibilities for those who can!

If you are a blogger I encourage you to read their story and share it with your own readers. Better yet, hop on over to Faith Lifts and grab Ethan’s button or the button of another child for your sidebar from our Prayers for Children page. If you want a code to use on your blog, just contact me and I’ll put one together for you!

*UPDATE* - Just a note to say that a couple of Wendi’s bloggy friends have setup a band to donate to the March of Dimes on behalf of Wendi and her family.  What a great way to bless this family in their time of need (if you have read her story you’ll understand why this donation means so much to them).   I also truly encourage you to click on the links below to read about Wendi and the amazing woman that she is.  She has experienced a lot of loss and I’m sure this is bringing up memories for her.  Thanks to all of you who have already hopped over to her blog to wish her well.  

I was honored to feature Wendi of Everyday Miracles over at The Sampler the week after Mother’s Day.  She is an amazing woman who has claimed any blessings in her path even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Recently Wendi experienced yet another loss, she found out at a routine ultrasound (at about 8 weeks into her pregnancy) that the baby’s heart wasn’t beating.  She was understandably devastated. 

Through the pain though she has once again remarkably focused on the blessings around her, and I would truly encourage all of you to hop over to her blog Everyday Miracles (http://miraculouschaos.blogspot.com) and offer her a bit of encouragement!

Did you know that today is the National Day of Prayer?  I love the idea of having a day set aside for prayer, but it would be even better if I could make it a bigger part of each and every day!  I heard an idea this morning on our local radio station that suggested making each Thursday a day to pray for our nation, especially until the election this November.  I thought that was an excellent idea! 

So, what are you praying for today? 

Occasionally I update you about families I know of through this tremendous mommy blogosphere of ours! Today I want to tell you just a bit about a little one named Ashley Adams.

I have been touched by this family and this little girl and I know you will be too. As with the other children this story has pretty extreme ups and downs, but an amazing family and faith in the process! A family that prayed to adopt a very special baby girl and their prayers were realized in a very real and incredible way very suddenly through the birth of Ashley Kate!

Ashley was a preemie, born at 28 weeks she barely weighed over 2 lbs! When she was 9 days old she developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Many surgeries and setbacks occur, and she experienced liver failure as a result of it all. It is honestly an amazing story that you can read HERE and then it picks up HERE! At the age of two she has already experienced countless ordeals, surgeries, hospitalizations and a transplant. In the midst of it all she has also experienced an unbelievable dose of love, acceptance, care and faith!

The reason I mention this family’s story now is that their precious Ashley is currently experiencing a rather traumatic episode. Dr’s are trying to determine if she is rejecting her transplant or if it is one of many other options and the family needs prayer. If you could lift this little girl in prayer I know they would appreciate it!

I have stumbled upon yet another family that could use continuous prayer. They are not bloggers, but I would like to encourage you to read their story and add them to your prayer list. Maybe even bless them financially if you are able to.

Lisa has offered us a poignant look at a devastating situation for a parent to face! Her daughter Hannah was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in June 2006 at the age of 3 1/2! Their road has been very bumpy and there have been miraculous mountaintops as well as many miserable valleys. You can read their story at helphannah.org where you can also get current updates.

We hear the saying “It’s a small world” often spoken about the amazing things that connect us all. I am finding that this is absolutely no different within the mommy blogosphere! We seem to all be connected somehow and are given many opportunities to bless, support and encourage one another.

Recently we lifted Heather up in prayer and had an opportunity to bless her financially! The outpouring was incredible!!! She still has a long road ahead of her, but her faith and determination are amazing to watch and a true testimony!

We have another opportunity to bless a family that really needs support right now! Please pray for this family, and if you are able - bless them as well! If you aren’t able to attend the concert you can go to the website and get more information about purchasing a cd or simply donating to support them.

Thank you and have a wonderful Day!!!

Please remember Heather today! She is currently undergoing Brain surgery to remove her tumor! So many of us are joining in prayer for her, her family and that many questions will be answered!

If you want to read the most up-to-date information on Heather visit her blog at www.EspeciallyHeather.com

If you want to see what is going on in the mommy blogosphere with her prayer chain please visit Kelli over at http://living-in-grace.net. There is such an amazing outpouring of love for this family! It is truly wonderful to watch them get covered in such a way.