That One Word, "Layla"

We have had so many supporters through this journey. It's incredible to look at my Facebook page and my blog from November 29, 2011. In fact, Bryan's brother printed everything for us so we could save it with Layla's things. You have effected me. 

Something I've been thinking about/wondering is how Layla's life has effected you. My best friend had her daughter's birthday party last weekend. We stuck around afterwards for the girls to play & us to chat. She gave me a journal that she started. It was given to a few of my closet friends in Stevens Point with a note that read, "Please share how Nancy & Bryan's Layla Faith journey effected you.". 

To be really honest, I didn't even think of this much until after I had Layla. I was thinking a lot about myself and how you guys were all supporting my family. Reading the entries from the journal was so cool. It made me realize (more than I already did) that Layla mattered. She changed lives, attitudes, perspectives, relationships, and the list could go on. Not only for me, but for some of you. 

A close friend and constant prayer warrior sent us a nice message with her thoughts and I love it. I agree with it, and it was good for me to hear. So I'll include some of it here (with her permission). 

"We know that God speaks all things into existence. That we are, literally a word from God. 

Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. 

Layla is your precious daughter, she is everything you've written about her and have shared with all of us...but more than that, she is literally the spoken word of God that He sent to you, to the world, to His Kingdom...and like the verse in Isaiah says, she did not return to Him void. She accomplished what He sent her to do...even though from our perspective and certainly yours, that return was much, much too quick.

I've seen, and continue to see, so much that He has done and the amazing miracles in the months since that day in August when everything went a different direction than the plans you had in mind. And I know that there is so much more of His plan and purpose than has been fulfilled in that word "Layla" that He spoke and sent forth that we don't see, can't see, may never see this side of heaven. 

I know without a doubt, that one word "Layla" has certainly come straight from God, to my heart and grown my faith and hope and love in ways that only He can do."

I pray that that one word "Layla" has touched your life. As you can imagine, it has truly touched mine in so many ways. She accomplished what He sent her to do.