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

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Today was Maddison's birthday. Her first. And, she wasn't quite sure why we all wanted to sing to her. Why are you people expecting me to dig into this cake? How many times have I heard the word, "No," when this was MY idea? She needed help blowing out the candles, and, of course, Josie-Tatum and Ellie were glad to help.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Memorial Box Monday--Pastor Appreciation


My heart has been full today. We honored our pastor this month, but today was special. I spent much time crying those spirit-filled tears, and Josie-Tatum spent much time looking at me, puzzled.

Not many people can say they've had the same pastor for 22 years. Not many people can see he has been there for the birth of their son and for his wedding. Not many can say, "My pastor baptized my children and both of my parents."

But, if you haven't thanked your pastor yet this October, Pastor Appreciation Month, please take a moment to do so....and please spend a moment here, seeing why our Brother Randall Gunter is so dear to us.

He was there when Caleb was born. He was there when Caleb had surgery when he was just one year old. Caleb wanted to be like him so much, he dressed as Brother Randall at our Fall Festival, even put white shoe polish in his hair so it would look gray. I know he prays for Caleb even more now that his in service.

He has been there for my children throughout their lives. When Whitney went to him and told him he wanted to be baptized, he said, "First, you have to be saved." She said, "I've already done that. I said the prayer with a preacher on TV." He made sure she understood, though.

And, when she was still in elementary school, she stood up for her convictions once, and was ridiculed so much so that I asked her grandmother to pick her up from school. She wanted to talk to Brother Randall, and, of course, he took the time with her.

The day we decided to pursue Josie-Tatum's adoption, he was one of the first we told. Right there in a public place, he stopped, held our hands, and prayed. He affirmed what we were already feeling in our hearts. He was there at the airport when we came home.

And, the night we saw Ellie's face, we knew she still wasn't matched with a family. Brother Randall was the first person Stan wanted to talk to. He would have been at the airport when we came home, but he was on a mission trip.

When Ellie had hip surgery, he drove 5 hours early that morning, spent the day with us, and drove back home that nice. All because of love.

And, one of my most special memories comes from a day of great tragedy. Stan was driving a semi-truck at the time. He was in Florida when a drunk driver turned into his path. Stan hit the man's truck, and he was killed. Brother Randall knew about it before I did, and he was the one who came to give me the horrible message. He spent the evening with me, each time a phone call came, talking with Stan, waiting on him to get home. Brother Randall was there.

So, in our Memorial Box, I'm going to place photos of my children with Brother Randall. The one above, and some others I was going to scan today, but my scanner isn't working. Check back tomorrow, you can see some other special memories.

I want my children to remember that God has been faithful to care for us through his under shepherd, and we are blessed to call Brother Randall our pastor.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Extreme Makeover--Ellie Edition

Look who went to see our favorite hair dresser today.



Check out that smile!!! Do you think she knows how beautiful she is?????????

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

I Can't

I absolutley cannot get the video uploaded that I had planned to share with you. I am disappointed, the girls are disappointed, and if you only knew what you were missing, you would be terribly disppointed.

I've tried the google add video, You Tube, and God Tube.

Oh, well, take my word for it. It was priceless.

You could all come see me in south Georgia, though. We could have some sweet tea, sit on the front porch, and see the musical drama LIVE!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

A Little Drama At Our House

I'll tell you more about A Night with the Chapmans later.... But, I will tell you that we met Caleb Chapman's wife Julia. She was such a sweetheart! There was such fun this weekend, though, I decided you should witness that first. And, I'll tell you about the concert later this week. The girls keep singing this song, and, yesterday they used their props for the perfomance. I thought you'd enjoy seeing one of the daily occurences at our house that keep me laughing.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Gotcha! Remebrance and Celebrations!

You know where we were three years ago???

China, of course.

Three years ago today, Ellie was placed in my arms for the first time. We had met her days earlier in Beijing, but didn't force too much contact on that day.

Here is the photo of Mom's first moment ever holding Ellie on my lap.

And, here is the first photo with her family.


And, tonight we will be celebrating in a very special way. We're going to see Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman, in concert, with their A Night with the Chapmans Tour.
We are soooo excited!!!! And, we get to volunteer and get in free as Show Hope volunteers. I'll post pictures tomorrow. We'll be home late tonight.

How's that for a Gotcha Day celebration?

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Thank you, Jesus!

I just have to praise HIM. He answered a prayer for me today, one that caused me to worry yesterday.
His answer is always on the way!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Fun Fall Day





Thanks to a state furlough day, and an invitation from a friend. We had a fun fall day, today.

Our school was out, and our friends (here) invited us to join their homeschool group on a field trip.

We went to Poppell Farms, where not only did we get to visit the Pumpking Patch, and pick out a pumpkin to bring home, we had a hay ride, visited the petting zoo, played games, fed the cat fish, and just enjoyed the day. If you're in south Georgia, I highly recommend a visit to the farm during the month of October!













Thursday, October 7, 2010

The Heart of Children


There is so much evil in our world.

Our children face many more temptations than I did when I was in school.

My students deal with issues I could never have imagined when I was in fourth grade. In my career, I've had students who dealt with physical abuse, homelessness, sexual abuse, abandonment, parental substance abuse, and the list goes on.

I watch children try to fit in. I watch some of them make wise choices, while others make choices that cause my stomach to turn.

I am currently praying for two boys who are my sons age. They have been in my home. One even vacationed wiht my family. Both of them have fallen into the world, both know of the love of Jesus, but both of them are now using and selling drugs.

I've been praying and hurting for those who hurt. I've asked the LORD to help me see the good things.

Today, He sent such a message.

I love the community in which I live. We have our share of drug abuse, and other problems. But, our community is a loving small town.

Yesterday was homecoming for our middle school.

And, when I learned today who was crowned, my eyes brimmed with those tears that only joy brings.

She was a former student of mine.

I've known her since she was four years old.

She has autism.

And, the students in our middle school CHOSE to see the beauty on the inside.

Oh, that we might see the potention that God sees in each of our children.

Smile with me today!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Love the Least

Check out the button on the right!

It's for the upcoming Love the Least Conference right here in our hometown. I am excited and honored to be a small part of spreading the word...

GOD LOVES the FATHERLESS!!!!!

What can you do to support orphans?

Come see us and find out!

Click the button.....

go ahead....

I dare you!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

She made it!

Casie made it to be with Caleb...far from us!

I had lots of photos to share...but my disk reader has disappeared....I've looked and looked.....

Brandon came home..only for one night, brought a friend, and we went to the football game.

We celebrated my daddy's 68th birthday. Happy Birthday Daddy!

I hope to find my card reader tomorrow.
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Ellie Min Chun
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