Why We Call Our Blog the Miracle of More

The miracle is a beautiful image of Ephesians 3:20--more than I can ask or imagine. Every day is a miracle. Every moment is a miracle. Specifically for our family, the miracle of more is our family growing in ways I would never have imagined when we first committed to adoption 8 years ago. But, the greatest miracle is the change in ME!

If you have questions about adoption, our work in South Africa, or spina bifida, please email me at rbmattox@bellsouth.net

Monday, April 27, 2009

All About Caleb---Please Say a Prayer

Our life will soon change drastically. All three of our "big kids" have plans to move out this summer, Whitney to Armstrong in Savannah, Brandon to UGA in Athens, and Caleb to the Navy.

Tonight, Caleb is once again in Jacksonville, FL with the navy recruiter. It is his third overnight stay there. He's been through the medical exams, the ASVAB...(I think), and tomorrow he plans to sign up! Tomorrow, he will choose his career, tomorrow, he will make the biggest committment he's ever made in his life, other than when we surrendered his life to Jesus at the age of 6.

Oh, Mamas out there, how do you let go? My Caleb, who would always check on his mama when she was sick, my Caleb who brings so much laughter to our home, my Caleb is going away. I am proud of him. I am proud of his ambition, his committment to his goals. He has been working out regularly for several years, preparing his body for SEAL training. He should receive his SEAL contract next month.

Could you pray God's guidance for him tomorrow as he makes the final decision?

And, can I tell you a story.

Caleb was saved at such a young age. He was really only 5 years old. He was about to turn six when he told me he wanted to be baptized, and I wasn't sure he was old enough to understand. I told him we would pray. At the time our church didn't have a baptismal pool, so baptism would occur on a Sunday afternoon in the river, the cold river. I took Caleb to my mama's pool, and had him step down the ladder thinking the cold water might change his mind. After he dipped in the pool, he looked at me and said, "Mama, Jesus told me in my heart it was time to baptized, so I have to, don't I?" You guessed it! He won. I believe God allowed that cold water to help him remember well the day he was baptized, no matter how young he was. And, tonight, this night while he is away, as I pray for him, I thank God for that most precious memory!

Enjoy the photos from the past 6 years....I'm sure you'll see more of him before he leaves for boot camp. ;)











Caleb's favorite birthday meal...chocolate chip pancakes....what he always asks for.


Just another day in our life with Brandon and Caleb. The boys bought the bikini briefs as a gag gift, but had to model first. :)

9 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

Wow. You have one dedicated young man. I'll be thinking of him. They grow up so fast...sigh.

Amy said...

I am crying for you! I will also pray hard and continue to. I pray all is well.

Marla said...

Oh my, I can't even imagine, I haven't let one go yet. My prayers are with all of you!

Terry said...

Robbie I wanted to cray when I read your post. It's so hard to let go. But don't totally let them go...just losen the grip a bit. They still need their Momma.

Caleb will return a man. A very different man. But he will always be your baby. Pray for him Momma. And know that they are in very capable hands...Jesus Christ!

Addie Talley, Photographer said...

What a paradox being a mother is, isnt it? Your heart breaks and swells with pride at the same time...

Sweet memories....

Ill be praying for Caleb and for all of you....

Anita said...

Yep..they do grow up fast. Can't believe our Jon has graduated college, now on to his Masters and married!! Prayers for him and for you as you watch the Lord lead him! :)

Sarah said...

I, of course, have no advice...I haven't been there. But I'll pray that all goes well.

Laurel said...

Just found your blog, and am so enjoying getting to know your family. (I've read the past 5 weeks worth of posts.)

When friends mention how hard it must be to "let my children go", I just tell them that I am way more excited to see ALL that God has planned for them, than I am sad to see them leave. Truly my perspective.

I had a son serve in the army for 4 1/2 years, with 2 1/2 served in Iraq (humvee driver and sniper).

And, this past year I had 3 children serving the Lord overseas: Argentina, Jordan, and Germany.

Yes, I miss them while they're gone ... and can't wait to have them all home. But ... I am much more focused on doing all that I can to support them in the work that the Lord has called them to.

blessings as you ... release them to the Lord ...

mama of 13

Laurel said...

Just to let you know ... my two high school boys would pose like that, too.

They recently found a stretchy pair of size 4T shorts, and modeled them for us ... along with a size 7 (child's) pair of bright yellow long-john pants from about 1970.

:) :) :)

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