Thursday, December 20, 2012




The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me 
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn.
To grant to those who mourn in Zion - 
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning;
the garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair, 
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
They shall build up the ancient ruins;
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair cities,
the devastations of many generations.

Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks'
foreigners shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers,
but you shall be called priests of the Lord;
they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;
you shall eat the wealth of nations,
and in their glory you shall boast.
Instead of shame, there shall be a double portion;
instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;
therefore in their land they shall possess a double portions;
they shall have everlasting joy.

For I the Lord love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity;
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their offspring shall be known among the nations,
and their descendants in the midst of the peoples;
al who see them shall acknowledge them,
that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
mys soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with garments of salvation;
He has covered me in the robe of righteousness.
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
and as a brie adorns herself with jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its sprouts.
and as a garden causes what is sown in ti to sprout up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to sprout up before all nations.

Isaiah 61

Oh, how He has loved us! Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!





97 comments:

Anonymous said...

pure beauty

holly said...

What a beautiful family! Merry Christmas!

Laine said...

Tears! Such transformed lives and hearts--they just radiate love!

Merry Christmas to "Katie in Uganda" that we pray for everyday. And Merry Christmas to your beautiful girls!

Susan S. said...

What a beautiful photo of you and your girls! Merry Christmas from Arkansas!

Cameron Ward said...

what a gorgeous family, katie. you are so loved--by the Give of all good things and by people from around the world. you are beautiful--from the inside out.

MommyBrec said...

I adore this family picture!

David and Ari said...

Ya'll are a beautiful family!! Merry Christmas!!

David and Ari said...

Ya'll are a beautiful family! Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie,
I just bought your book for what I thought was going to be a Christmas present for my daughter but I opened it up and now I can't put it down. I just wanted to let you know how inspired I am by your story and wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Jane in VT

Unknown said...

What a beautiful family you have! Merry Christmas!

Cassandra said...

Merry Christmas to you Katie and your beautiful family. You are always in our prayers and in our thoughts. Blessings to you!!! xo Cassandra @ http://www.theunpluggedfamily.com

farmgurl said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family too Katie!

Love the Evans family

Polly said...

May God richly bless you all this Christmas.
Happy Christmas.

Bubbalouba said...

Merry Christmas to you sister in Christ and all your precious children! You have been such an inspiration to me to keep pressing on and to let the Lord's love cast out all fear. My heart and calling is in K@z@khst@n. Oh God bless you indeed from one mother of many to another! May the LORD continue to strengthen you and uphold you all with His righteous right hand! Hugs, Bethann aka bubba

Unknown said...

precious. precious. precious. tears instantly after look at what a wonderful gift you are to all of these girls. i hope yalls christmas is blessed.

Laurel said...

LOVE the Family Picture!

Laurel
mama of 12

Stephanie said...

Merry Christmas Katie! I am reading your book in the middle of the night in 10 degree Alaska and loving every word. So real and honest and good. God bless y ou and your beautiful family!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

What a beautiful family!!
Merry Christmas to all!!

Renata - Brazil

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous family :) God bless you!

Sally Big Woods said...

So Beautiful! May God Bless You All.

Isaac Lewis said...

Have a wonderful Christmas with your beautiful family.

God Bless!!

Abby said...

Merry CHRISTmas to you and your family! May God bless you, and all of us living and serving in Africa. My prayers are with you! Hugs From West Africa!-Abby:)

Abby said...

Merry CHRISTmas to you and your family! May God bless you, and all of us living and serving in Africa. My prayers are with you! Hugs From West Africa!-Abby:)

Unknown said...

Oh, Katie. Your girls are BEAUTIFUL ... as is their mama. :) Merry Christmas.

Allison said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours, Katie! May the Lord Jesus continue to bless your family in this coming year! :)

Elizabeth said...

Your beautiful girls - God bless and Merry Christmas.

Unknown said...

they and you are so beautiful! when you posted pictures of them individually a few years ago, i printed them out and prayed for each one by name for a season. now i couldn't tell who's who! still, you all make a lovely family. merry Christmas!

Judith McSwain said...

And a big Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family from Judith & Roy McSwain in Maryville, TN.

Judith McSwain said...

What a beautiful Christmas picture. A big Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family from Judith & Roy McSwain in Maryville, TN

...on the brink of something beautiful said...

you have such a beautiful family!!!
i just finished reading your book and i was so touched by it, you, and your family.
God bless and i hope yall have a very wonderful Christmas!!!!
your sister in Christ,
Kellie

Jessica said...

My goodness. You and your daughters are absolutely beautiful, Katie. A very Merry Christmas to you all as well!

Anonymous said...

Katie! I pray this reaches you! I would really like to talk to you about some things but, I have no idea how else to get in contact with you. Please email me if you can: alishajones717@gmail.com
God bless you and your beautiful family!! :-)

Ruth said...

Your family looks so beautiful and happy. Merry Christmas to you from Illinois:).

Trisha said...

What Beauty :) Happy Holidays.

Unknown said...

Absolutely beautiful! Praying for you guys!

Elli said...

Hey katie,

I love your book!!! It is awesome and very inspiring!!! My calling is to be a missionary and I would love to visit Rawanda, Africa. The work you are doing is amazing! I will be 16 years old in january. And I would love to go on a mission trip to an orphanage. Would you recomend any?

Mrs. JP said...

You and your ministry (or the ministry you are in with our Wonderful God rather) have just been brought to my attention. My friend gave me your book for Christmas (I opened it early). You are in my prayers and I plan to put donations in the budget. Love to you sister...I live in middle Tennessee!

Mrs. JP said...

You and your ministry (or the ministry you are in with our Wonderful God rather) have just been brought to my attention. My friend gave me your book for Christmas (I opened it early). You are in my prayers and I plan to put donations in the budget. Love to you sister...I live in middle Tennessee!

Unknown said...

Katie, I just finished reading you book and I am so pleased to say I have more a yearning in my heart to reach out to those around me. I could not have picked up the book at any better time, it was as though every time I read you talked of something that spoke directly into my life right in that moment. I picked up my journal countless times throughout the book and it pushed me to face questions I am scared to face. But I loved reading and laughing and crying through your story and I did not want it to end. But your story didnt end, it just picks up in your blog and I love that. Thank you Katie for your faith and answering Gods call and doing all that you do for his kingdom. It has moved me and encouraged me to do more.
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Merry Christmas Katie to you and your beautiful girls! May God richly bless you! Just began reading your book last night. My friend gave it to me to read and I am so blessed and encouraged by your faith and strength in the Lord. I love you even though I do not know you and I am praying for you and the girls. I have 3 daughters of my own and I have already been encouraging them with your story.
Love and many blessings, Gina

Ashton said...

You are very inspiring to me. Your family is beautiful and I'm praying for you! Selamat hari natal! (Merry Christmas in Indonesian.)

Unknown said...

God bless you Katie and your gorgeous daughters! Merry Christmas and many blessings from our Lord in the coming year! You inspire me and so many other people all over the world. I gave your book to a young lady about 30 yrs old who has been here from Uganda for about 6 yrs. She too can't put your book down! She said it is all true...all the good and the not so good...it takes her back to her country as she reads. I sponsor 3 children in Uganda and am planning a trip this next year to visit them. I will be in Kawempe...I would love to try to visit you too...we will see how it all goes. God bless you all!

Tina Caskey said...

And a very Merry Christmas to your household Katie. I love your blog and your book. The Lord is using you mightily in Africa and around the world!

Hugs to you!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas, Katie to you and your beautiful daughters. Thank you for being such an encouragement in my own faith--your example of love and trust in the Lord in the ups and downs of your life is such a testament to your great love of our Father. We keep you in our prayers and pray that the Lord continues to bless your family in the new year. Love, stacey (Memphis, TN)

Unknown said...

Just finished Kisses from Katie. Made me fall in love with Jesus even more. Thank you for being such a great example of Christ's love. Praying for ya'll! Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

God bless you and keep you and your girls today, tomorrow and always. Merry Christmas!

Seeking One said...

I see those bright smiles, and I am soooo blessed.... Smiles and braids. Braids like those on little girls take a Lot of time, and with those fully-alive bright eyes, I hear "I am loved" singing from this photo. Merry Christmas! Pray for you today.

Unknown said...

I just want to say that this is incredible...what God is doing in Uganda. I received your book from a friend for Christmas, and I can't put it down. In the back of my mind, I have known that there were starving children that needed love and Jesus, but now it has become reality. I have been interested in missions for a few years, and am really praying for the Lord to direct me. I know He wants me to do something, but I don't know what yet. I read about your life, and your children, and how it it bringing you closer to Jesus. Reading your story, I realize we Americans take so many things for granted. I have everything I need, and many things I do not need. I am only 15, though, otherwise I would hop on a plane! I am truly praying for you and all the beautiful children. Keep allowing the Lord to use you and work though you! Merry Christmas!
In Christ,
Miriam

Debbie said...

What beautiful girls!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Katie - May you be blessed in the same way you are a blessing to so many others -
I work in Tanzania Africa - and my heart to serve the least began many years ago - you inspire me on days when I am down - and certainly bring smiles on the days that are up. May you and your girls enjoy the holiday season.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Katie and family -
May you be blessed in the same way you are a blessing to so many others. I care for children/widows in Tanzania Africa - you are a true inspiration to keep going even when it is so difficult..thank you for all that you do to encourage - even though you don't know you are doing so...Merry Christmas
Your friend - Pamela www.simple-hope.org (Wisconsin)

Princess_Butercup said...

Katie,

I just got your book for Christmas, and have not even read all of the first chapter, but already I see so much of myself in you. I would love to talk to you if you get the chance, but I know that you are very very busy!
My name is Kathryn Tune and my email address is kathryn.tune@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

How awesome is The Lord most high!!!

Anonymous said...

Katie,

I received your book Kisses from Katie as a Christmas gift from my daughter-in-law, Sheryl. From the introduction, I am been amazed at your steadfast love for God and His children in Uganda. As I continue to read your story, I compare you to Mother Teresa. You are an Angel sent by God. What a truly wonderful mother you are to your beautiful children.

Jacq & Jason said...

Your girls are growing so fast! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

ashley lalkin said...

what a beautiful, God knitted family! I see heart bursting joy in each smile and Gods marvelous love radiating from you all!! Praying for you Katie and praising the Lord for how he is working miracles and giving hope through you!
Joy to the world-the Lord has come!!!!!

pcvteach said...

I love all of those bright, beautiful smiles! God bless you and your amazing family, Katie! Reading your blog often brings tears to my eyes, but it encourages me so much and is a little reminder of that "bigger picture" that it is often easy to forget about. :-)

Ina said...

Merry Christmas! I just finished your book and I loved it. Blessings to you and your family in this Christmas season and Happy New Year!

Paige Tucker said...

Just beautiful, Katie and daughters! Do you realize how much and how many you bless? May God continue to use you all for His glory. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Paige Tucker
Bay Minette, AL

Sandi in MN said...

Katie, you are all beautiful! Your girls radiate the love of Jesus, it's just oozing out of them and their gorgeous smiles! Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful...

Laura said...

Beautiful
1

Heri said...

Pictures are very nice together

Play Angry-Bird Game said...

beautiful pictures
thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

Hey Katie, I recently read your memoir based on several recommendations. You are truly an inspiring person. Your family is beautiful!

I was actually adopted from China, and I appreciate everything you do for orphans everywhere :)

Samantha, from Indiana

Nancy Hawkins said...

I've finished your book. Jesus is real! What gifts He has given you. How wonderful that He enables you to share how Jesus lives in & through the humble human vessel.

Unknown said...

Dearest Katie,
You have such a beautiful heart. You are such a inspiration to me.
Your heart is always wanting to serve jesus, even when things get wild. Me and my two other friends ( and our moms ) started a bible study with the 6 of us. We have been reading your book, and it's inspired all of us that it's so important to seek out God. To listen to his calling. And to make him our first priority. I pray that the Lord blesses you and your sweet girls.
In Christ, Katherine

Unknown said...

Dear Katie,
Me and a group of girls ( and our moms) started a bible study. And we have been reading your book ''Kisses from Katie'' and i have to say. You have such a beautiful heart, always wanting to serve God. Making him your priority . Thank you for being such an amazing example . May the Lord bless you and Keep you. May his face shine apon you, may you remain in him forever and for always .
I pray that the Lord will bless you, and your very sweet girls.

Karen Deborah said...

so beautiful

Hope Rising Farm said...

Katie, Thanks for being you and letting the Lord using you and sharing your journey right here so that we can come along with you...my children and I read your posts together and we talk about your choices and how you are choosing God's way...they are challenged by the way you are living your life so that they may better live their lives! Thanks so much.
Louisa

Rayni Peavy said...

When I look at the faces of these beautiful, strong young women the first thing that comes to my mind is that every one of them will be a world changer (and they already are) because of Jesus in them, and because of their mom's example of living the Gospel. If the only thing you ever did was love your daughters and raise them to know Jesus that would be amazing, and yet, with God's grace, love and help you do so much more. Thank you, Lord!

Ella said...

Hi Katie! I just finished your book.
It made me laugh and cry.It encouraged and challenged me also.
Thank you for being a shining exmaple of Christ!!!!!
I hope your week is a great on.

Julie B said...

I just finished your book, Katie. I keep hearing that children's song, "I've got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart..." Thank you and I look forward to reading more about your journey.......

Julie B said...

I just finished your book, Katie. I keep hearing that children's song, "I've got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart..." Thank you and I look forward to reading more about your journey.......

Becky said...

I just finished reading your book. I've never cried so much through a book in my entire life. Next to God's word, your book is next in line for the most transformative, life-altering book I've ever read. Truly, my life is changed, because of you...because of Jesus. Thank you for being a servant that has said "yes." Now, we and so many others are saying, "yes." I talk about "Katie Davis" like we're long lost friends, but we're better than that....we are sisters in Christ. :o) I look forward to meeting you one day in heaven. Until then, I am on the other side of the globe, praying for you.
A new friend and sister in Christ,
Becky

Cilla-valerie said...

beautiful girls and a beautiful momma!

Anna said...

Love all the smiles :) I love your book, when I read it, I feel like I'm on the other side of the world, right there with you all! I hope to meet you someday, and your beautiful daughters!

Your sister in Christ

-Anna

Sarah said...

You have such a beautiful family! God bless you.
Love in Christ,
Sarah

Kimberly said...

I have only just heard of your story. I am a new christian, and when I heard of the book you wrote, I could not rest until I got a copy. What an amazing thing you are doing for the Kingdom of God! I can only hope I can do something for his Glory. I am not sure yet what my spiritual gifts are. I know reading your blog and book, my first instinct was to do like you. I began speaking with my children what their opinion on Africa was, and what they would be willing to give up for "the least of these" I am beginning research, much like you did when you searched to orphanages to help in, to find where I will be of the most use for God. Thank you Katie for showing me that thinking about it does nothing, the action of walking in Jesus Christ is the only way! I will be continuing to read your blog love, peace and blessings from God to you and your most beautiful family! :)
Kimberly Brock
Cottage Grove, Oregon

Moriah said...

Hey Katie!

Words cannot tell how happy I am to be able to make direct contact with you! I loved your book and so hope to meet you someday! may God bless you and yours and your family is gorgeos!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moriah

Anonymous said...

Although you don't know me, I pray for you all the time... your book is an encouragement to me to go out, no matter how hard it may be. I can't wait to meet you and your girls someday, whether that be on earth or in heaven! Until then, Katie, I'm praying for you.
In Christ, Laura

sue kemnitz said...

Hi Katie, I opened your book and fell in love with the picture of the three sisters in the middle. Of course, I loved your book, too!

After been in Haiti for a short term mission trip, I wanted to paint the road to Hinche. The other two paintings I did from some rough sketches I did while on our bus on the highway. But I just had to use the pic of the three sisters, altered for a Haiti representation, for one of the three. I now seek permission as I love the picture and what it says. I blogged about it too. Before I enter it in the Artist Mag contest, I wanted to seek permission to use it as reference. I did not copy the photo. I used it as reference, as us artists often do. I'm so it love with it and all you do!

I would have emailed if I could figure out how to do that. Forgive me for jotting the note on your blog. (Which I will sure sign up for!)

God's abundant blessing and even more love to you!
Sue Kemnitz

(SueKemnitz.com—scroll down the entry and to see the picture.)

Olivia said...

Your daughters are so beautiful! Your book made me change my life. Kisses from Brazil!

Clara said...

Your daughters are so beautiful! Your book changed my life. Thank you for making me see the world with another eyes! Kisses from Brazil!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful photo of you and your girls! Merry Christmas from Arkansas!
Glyn Willmoth

The Sloans said...

Your family is beautiful! I just finished reading your book and it really helped me see from a different perspective. Thank you! Ashley from California

Attempting Agape said...

Not sure where to post this, but I recently compiled a list of single foster and adoption blogs on my blog. From the comments, I realized I wanted to do more to connect people who've decided to jump into the deep end of fostering and adopting without a partner. This (http://bit.ly/116zRxt) is my attempt to do that. So, my hope for this blog is to be so much more than a blog, I want it to become a large support network for single Mamma's and Daddies all over the place.

Please check it out and let me know if you’d like to be involved. :)

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

May God continue to bless this sweet family!!!

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Anonymous said...

What beautiful gifts God has BLESSED you with. Your book has forever opened my eyes to true unconditional love that only God through Jesus can give.

Karin Wilson said...

What beautiful gifts God has BLESSED you with. Your book has forever opened my eyes to true unconditional love that only God through Jesus can give.

Winona said...

You have such a beautiful family, Katie. Thank you for sharing the pictures of your gorgeous daughters with us. Give each of them a kiss and a hug for me. Patricia has gotten so big!!! All of them have! So big and beautiful!

Anonymous said...

What a sweet family! I have just read your book and I was captivated by it and couldn't put it down. thank you for all the work you do, even if we never realize people around the globe are suffering.

Your book was so inspiring and encouraging as a Christian.