Giving Thanks

This Is Why We Do It

11 Comments 05 February 2010

I’ve been contemplating doing a post like this for quite some time, but I always held back for some reason. I often think a bit too much into things and that is probably what I am doing here (As a matter of fact, Casey just read this post and said that I’m laying it on a bit too thick so it looks like I’m up to my usual tricks…but onward I charge!). Here’s the deal…unfortunately, the responses to this blog and the way that we have chosen to live our lives are not always positive. And the cynicism that swirls around our story all too often finds its way into my inbox. It wasn’t unexpected, but it still isn’t much fun to deal with.  And Try as I might, I often fail the “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never harm me” test that we all learned so well in elementary school! I’m guessing, actually I am certain, this blog post will invite more attention from the cynics and I guess that is why I’ve hesitated to hit the “publish” button on this post.

It has been our sincere hope from the day we started this adventure that God would use our lives to impact others, even in the tiniest of ways. Well I am here to tell you that this hope has not been in vain, as the following words will attest. Below is a small sampling of the words of encouragement, support, and inspiration that we have received since the adventure took over our lives. And as this story grows, it is our prayer that our inbox is stuffed with more of these stories, more stories of love and appreciation and of God’s touch on individual lives made possible by His creative hand in the beginning of these five tiny lives…

Thank you to everyone out there who has supported us, in words, thoughts or deeds. And most especially, thank you to those who have found inspiration in our story and have shared your story with us!

“I helped very little but gained so much from the miracle of the Jones family.” BJ

“It has been my joy to be associated with (the babies) and the rest of the family. You all bring a lot of joy to my heart.” FS

“I really am proud of how you are using your experience to reach others. Congratulations!” JP

“I truly look forward to my weekly visit and helping out with the Fab Five – they are angels from Heaven.” CS

“I think your story should be told. There is no way you guys would have got this far without your faith in God and each other. You are good people and will be an example to those that watch.” DB

“Little did I know that following the Joneslife, I would be spiritually uplifted. Your blog has reached out to me and reminded me of the morals and values that I was raised with. And although the flame to my light had dimmed over the years, reading your blog and following your story made MY light shine brighter.” VM

“You guys are a sweet family and are a great role model for families out there. I read this and think about how much you and Casey do – it really is an inspiring story.” BC

“I just wanted you to know that your faith has inspired me more than you will ever know. I was amazed by your strength as the babies were in the NICU and even more so when you were struggling in “survival mode.” Thanks for allowing me to experience your journey through your writings!” MH

“Your family has made a HUGE impact on my life as well. I am blessed to know the Jones and all the volunteers I have met in your home.” MT

“Thank you for making your story public with us Austinites from the beginning…I wouldn’t know you guys otherwise and the quints have definitely had a positive impact on my life! For that I’m so grateful to you and Casey for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity!!” JE

“They are always so thankful for the volunteers, but the little secret is that it probably does more for my stress level and happiness than they could ever know! I always leave there with a smile. The world needs more parents and friends like them.” MT

“We have been following your journey since before the Fab Five arrived and we love your tweets and blogs. It reminds us that no matter what we are faced with, trust in God and we’ll be ok. We have a daughter with special needs who is 6-1/2 so we often need reminding that all will be ok :)” ML from Australia

“Your children are absolutely beautiful! I can’t tell you how much my daughter and I have enjoyed watching them grow.” TG

“It’s been a joy to see your beautiful family grow, and your strength and faith is an inspiration to so many.” MC

“While I know ya’ll appreciate the help so much, please accept my thanks to you both for the time I get to spend with the quints. I can’t tell you what a blessing it is to get out of my daily “grind” and into their world. It is so refreshing to see their smiles and just watch them play, eat, sleep…and even fuss. Coming to your house gets me out of my trivial problems and reminds me of what life is all about. It is such a joy to spend time with them.” LG

“The last five weeks have been tough with a new baby but when I start to get down and feeling sorry for myself I just think of you and how strong you guys are and so committed to God and your family I perk up and have a great day!” LC

“I just wanted to you know your lives are touching many. Thank you for inspiring ours.” HH

“Your life and love of family has been an inspiration to me. Thank you for letting me see a glimpse of your life.” LJ

“I believe you are touching people’s lives through this, giving people hope and inspiration…Again, thank you for your words…….I believe God is defintely speaking to people through you.” LM

“Reading today’s blog blessed my heart and brought tears to my eyes.” BJ

“Appreciate the transparency. You’re truly being a witness through your life events.” DY

“It just seems to me when I see that kind of outpouring of prayers and service that it is evidence that the whole thing is meant to be and that God is behind it all. Isn’t that a nice feeling?” JW

“I don’t know of a non-churchy way of saying it, but your faith as evident in all you say is an example and encouragement to all… and an example of the way a christian dude should treat his wife.” BS

“Every evening before Madison goes to bed, we say our prayers. Last night, I prayed and right as I was about to say ‘Amen,’ Madison cut me off and said, ‘Mommy, you can’t end this prayer yet. I need to say something to God.’ She continued with this: ‘God, I want to ask you if you can let me and Mommy have a party. Because the daddy of the quintuplets wrote that they had a party because they were thankful for their babies and because they lived through the first year. Well me and Mommy have lived through four years without Daddy and I am thankful for Mommy and that she is still here with me, so I think we should celebrate too’ Thank you for sharing your precious family with us, and more importantly, thank you for touching my daughter’s heart.” SM

Your Comments

11 Comments so far

  1. Kate G. says:

    Your story is a true inspiration! I am the mother of 6 month old twin girls, and I honestly couldn’t imagine how I would get through even one day without the support of family, friends and first and foremost God’s hand guiding me every way I turn. You have a beautiful family, and your family has truly touched my life. Even though you can’t plan on what God is going to do with your life, you can follow in his ways and take what God has blessed us with and use it for good! Everyone I have shown your blog to has had something posative to take away from it. Again, thank you for sharing your story!

  2. DeLayne Reichman says:

    Words cannot explain the joy your blog brings to me. You have a wonderful family. I love the post on the Fab Five and the new “have all the answers” to the world from Miss Eliott! Thanks for sharing your family with me!! Hope to meet you all soon!

    Ms Laynie

  3. KS Dallas says:

    I read several multiple blogs (even though I do not have multiples). I find that everyone of the people I have come to know through those blogs have been nothing short of faith filled, kind and loving people. Even though are situations are all different, at some point we help each other. Sometimes I get a smile just from something someone posted. Sometimes I am able to share a secret that helped me when my daughter was little. The people that are so critical usually have no idea what they are even talking about generally. They don’t know you or your family. They just have nothing better to do with themselves. These are truly people with no spiritual soul. No one that has felt the true presence of God in their life would be so ugly towards others.

    Nothing but love from Dallas!

  4. Beautifully written Ethan! I’m honoured to be quoted and thought you were so incredibly thoughtful to ask me for my consent to be quoted.

    Today was one of THOSE days. I’d had little sleep thanks to a bad night with our three year old. I went back to bed when my husband got up and I just wanted to hide from the world for the day. I slept for a few hours and when I rewoke, I turned on my PC and saw your website update.

    The gorgeous pics of the Fab Five put a big smile on my face, a spring in my step and I stopped and thanked God for reminding me that I am truly Blessed.

    With prayers for you, Casey, Eliot and the Fab Five from our little family on the other side of the planet.

  5. Bambi Jack says:

    Ethan and Casey, I cannot begin to tell you how incredibly proud I am of the two of you. You are raising your precious children in a God centered home that is filled with love! What more could a child want or need. I cannot wait to meet the babies and Eliot as well as see you both again..hopefully this summer! Press on my friends, you are an inspiration:)

  6. Amanda Brown says:

    Hi Guys, I just wanted to say that I have been following your posts since just before the fab 5 were born. I read your tweets and blogs..actually I check them every day. I am grateful to you for putting a smile on my face and also making me feel blessed for my 4 children even when they are being “challenging”. Each and everyday I think of you all and wish you all a happy day filled with lots of love and laughs. Most of all I want to thank you both for sharing your stories with us.
    Sending my love from Australia also.
    Amanda

  7. Tori says:

    I have and always will full-heartedly support y’all sharing your lives with us. It’s an inspiration. When I’m having a bad day (which as it turns out a lot of 2009 was not all that great) I can read your blog or FB updates and I feel better. You help me remember that there are miracles and that attitude is everything. (And that I get more sleep than you. haha:)

  8. JF says:

    Ethan, Casey and Family,
    I work with your mom, Lynn and have been following your story from the outset. I would like to commend you for your stand and add my encouragement. Christ said, in John I think, that the world will hate you because they hated Me. When we live our faith pubilcally on a large or small scale we paint a target on ourselves, one many Christians shamefully avoid. It does not matter if you are public because of family choices (though that does seem to bring out the harshest criticism) or because of unusual circumstances or some other story. If you live Christ, you will be attacked. I cannot tell you not to take it personally, because that is hard to do. I cannot imagine how awful it is to be hated by people whom you have done nothing to. I do encourage you to take comfort in Christ. As Christians we should all strive to be public about our faith in order to glorify God. Whether that be at work where people laugh at you, around family where they scorn you, or very publically where they criticize you. If we suffer for Christ count it worthy. Not easy, worthy. I pray for your continued strength and wisdom knowing that with God all things are possible. He chose your family for these five children and the joy and sorrow that accompanies. That was no mistake, as I am sure you know. Keep on running the race in the strength of God who put you in the race, and the prayers of the believers cheering you on.

  9. Tori says:

    “Full-heartedly” ???? WHOLE-heartedly… You know what I meant. lol

  10. Melinda says:

    I think your family is a blessing from God. He has allowed you a platform to share His love with others. There are other families with quints, but there is interest in your family. Being on TV doesn’t mean you will end up like the Gosselins. The Duggar family has kept the faith.

  11. Becky says:

    It’s difficult to stay positive in today’s world, but you and your family are great role models of this. After watching your mini season on TLC, I’ve fallen in love with you guys! I selfishly want you to keep filming, but know that it’s an important decision you have to make. Whether we see more of you or not, best wishes in your family’s future!


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