Thursday, January 21, 2010

Praise God! Justice is served!!

God is good. All the time.

I'll be back shortly! I cannot wait to share how God's glorious hand was all over this. Prayers of much thanksgiving all across the country.

For now, I wanted to create a post where you can leave a message for Kari's family. The support and prayers of so many have been a life-support during the last almost 4 years. Share your love and blessings here.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!

JUSTICE FOR KARI!

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

May God bless you and continue to bring you strength.

Peggy said...

Love Trumps Evil. Linda rocked. The Dulin family, especially all three girls, will continue in our prayers. Today was another step in grace.

Anonymous said...

PRAISE GOD, PRAISE GOD! After four years, there is now Justice for Kari.

God bless you, Jim and Linda, all of Kari's family and friends, and Shannon for this website. I pray that God will continue to sustain and uplift you all.

I pray Kensi and Grace will soon be living with you, Jim and Linda, and that their full healing will begin.

God is good; God is great. To Him be all the glory.

Becky said...

God said vengence is His and I believe that attitude of justice and not vengence that Kari's loved ones all shared are a key to this prayer being answered.
I have found a wonderful new bunch of "family" and you will always be special to me.
Shannon, thanks for this website and maybe we should start that P.I. business! ;)
Love and prayers...

Judy said...

My prayer for each of you who fought so hard for Justice is to now have peace. May Kari's family and babies be blessed with time. to enjoy, learn about and love each other.

huney7bear said...

God Bless you Linda, Jim, Kensi and Grace. Linda you were a rock today. Your words will stick in my mind forever. Love will ALWAYS conquer Evil, and today that "Evil" was put in its place. Your sweet angel has received that justice she so rightly deserved and now she flutters by with the butterflies bringing love, kisses and joy to your whole family. :-*

Anonymous said...

Hi - Thanks for this blog - I truly wish this day hadn't come - and rather that Kari had lived - but I'm so glad that Matt was found guilty.

65 years still seems too gentle. I hope he doesn't get out with good behavior.

Just have to ask - will he be elilgible for parole?

Will Kari's parents get custody?

Thanks.

Wendy said...

Love trumps evil! Justice Triumphs! As I watched Linda speak after sentencing today I was so moved by the strength, love and grace she embodies. My heart goes out to the entire Dulin family and their supportive friends and community...much love from Maryland!

Anonymous said...

God bless Kari's family. As sad as the circumstances it has been a GREAT testimony to the love of our Father God. The Dulins strength is a testimnoy to the power of God. It is so gratifying to see God's childrens get this justice. Prayers will continue for the family and especially Kensi and Grace. Prayers that God will reveal the truth to them in a way their little minds can handle, and accept.

Praise God!!!!

BTW I love the song on this blog by Johnny cash..PERFECT for this case!!

Anonymous said...

I was completely overcome by Linda's victims impact statement. She is an amazing woman with so much strength and grace. She and Jim and Kari's girls will continue in my thoughts and prayers. May you all finally know peace and may those girls finally come back to the love the Dulin's have for them, now that that monster is where he belongs.

(((((Shannon)))))

from Kelly in Oregon

Aunt Granny said...

My heart rejoices with you, Linda and Jim. Finally, the answer to all our prayers has come. Your response was perfect, for I saw you give God credit for the outcome of this amazing day. Make way for blessings in abundance, my sweet friend.

Kathy said...

Kari and her family continue to be in my thoughts.

Kathy in Florida

Anonymous said...

Kari's memory got an Emancipation Proclamation !!!!!!!!!
Linda, I am in awe of your stength, wisdom, character, conviction and am humbled to lead a truly Christian life by the example you showed the world today! As Kari would say, "YOU ROCKED" God thinks so too!

Julie Jernigan said...

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you - to give you a future and a hope....

Willow said...

I know this day was amazing and yet so hard for you. It hurts me, a complete stranger to the people intimately involved, to think of the children. First a sister, then a mother and then their father is lost to them. The grief that will come again to them as they learn the truth of what did happen to their mother and to them.

Your love for your daughter is amazing and I know that you will do what is right for her girls. I hope that soon you will have them to yourselves.

May God bless you each day going forward.

Elizabeth said...

Justice was finally served because a group of extraordinary women, Linda, the Charlie's Angels, and Shannon's determination, perservance and STRENGTH. You all are in my thoughts and heart to start healing. Hoping Kensi & Grace will be with the Dulins soon, to start healing as well, and learn about how incredible their mom was.

Elizabeth in Phoenix, Arizona

Anonymous said...

Bless you all. Sad it had to come to this, but it definitely HAD to come to this. Will pray for everyone especially the girls. Blessings,

Kim

Anonymous said...

Linda, thank you for publicly stating that you forgive him. There was more testimony in the two words, "we forgive", that you spoke than many of us will speak in our lifetime.

I will continue to lift your family up in prayer.

Shannon said...

Linda is a force. God's beautiful, strong handiwork. But let us not forget Kari's amazing Father, Jim. Another force. An amazing man of God. Deep, strong faith. Kari's Daddy. Another shining, Christian presence in Kari's life. May these two life-forces of God wrap Kensi and Grace in their Mother's love. Kari and her love and life and spirit will soon have permission to fill their hearts and minds and souls once again. True, pure love will conquer all. Evil is out.

Carole said...

Awesome! I continue to admire and be in awe of the Dulin family for their persistence, courage and most of all their undying faith.

I watched all of the trial on streaming video but had an appointment this afternoon so missed *hearing* Linda’s impact statement; however, I did read it. I wish I could have heard her delivering it as it was very moving.

Anonymous said...

Praise GOD. I knew he wouldn't let Kari down. Matt is evil and he finally got his today. I will continue to pray for all of you. Linda, Jim, Kensi and Grace.

Shari said...

I will always cherish the screen caps I got of Jim with his arm around Linda. As soon as she sat or maybe as she was sitting he reached his arm around her and pulled her close to say you are safe now. It was a silent testament to a very loud love!

I put my name in last time, but it shows Anonymous so I will sign it here!
Best,
Shari

SG said...

LOVE TRUMPS EVIL!!!!
Linda we are all so proud of you! So proud! More to you later!

For everyone else:
I was taking kids to practice and so forth and missed some of the impact statements. Do you know of anywhere we can find it? Will KCEN or Central Texas replay it?

Wendy said...

This quote brought Linda's impact statement right back to my thoughts. Her words about forgiveness, the precious Kensi and Grace... I felt compelled to bring it here:

"Family life is too intimate to be preserved by the spirit of justice. It can be sustained by a spirit of love which goes beyond justice."
Reinhold Niebuhr

Anonymous said...

Although I couldn't watch the trial live, I was glued to the live blog for most of the entire trial. I could feel, even through the words I was reading, Kari's presence in the courtroom. Linda, your statement brought tears to my eyes, you are one amazingly strong woman. You are a rock star. I hope it is not too long before you have Kensi and Grace living with you so you and Jim can wrap them in their mom's love.
All is so right with the world today.
And thank you to Shannon for bringing your story to all of us. Through her, there has been a community of supporters all over the country, praying for this result.

Nancie in Massachusetts

Hello, Halloween said...

May Kari's family have their sense of peace now that justice is served.

Cari in Georgia

Anonymous said...

I just learned of this story this week and found this blog. I am so, so sorry for what has happened to precious Kari. I am so thankful that justice has come finally. I will remember you all as you move forward. It is a true testament to Kari how you all have fought for her. It is obvious how much she is loved. God bless y'all. Laurie in SC

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Linda, Mr. Jim, Shannon and family,

Justice prevails for Kari! Praise God! I was so elated to hear about Matt's conviction. As you already know I share the same pain that you have suffered, with the loss of my Mother. Hopefully, Matt's conviction will send a powerful message across the country to not only police departments that fail to do what they need to do on cases like Kari's and let these preditor's get away with it, but also to all the sick, lying, manipulative, monster's out there that "sooner or later God's gonna cut you down." I just know that Kari is looking down and smiling saying "Way to go Mom and Dad" "You did it". You stayed strong and persistant and because of that Kari did get the justice she so rightfully deserved. I came across a quote recently "All that is needed for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing" by Edmond Burke. This quote is so true! However, the good men and women of Waco stood up and did do something-they put the EVIL AWAY where he belongs!!

Much Love and Prayers to you, your family and grandchildren-May the healing finally be able to begin for your family!!

Vickie in Baton Rouge, La.

Shannon C Sowder-Gonzales said...

God bless you Linda and Jim (and family) for your courage, boldness and grace. My prayers going forward are for you two to gain custody of those precious babies and that their hearts may begin to truly heal. We are all proud of you for the valiant effort you put forth to see justice served for Kari. This evil man is now where he belongs and I pray that he will never again be able to influence the children in any way, shape or form. I know that because they are young, they will not fully understand all that is going on and that they will now grieve for the loss of their father, as well as their mother...which is so heartbreaking for them. However, I am thankful that by removing them from the toxic manipulation they experienced from their father, they have the chance to live as normal a life as possible. God will heal their hearts and make them whole again because He is faithful.I am so thankful that this did not make you waiver in your faith, because it certainly could have, given the whole situation. But even in that, God has a way of showing us truth in the midst of the storm...and I am so glad He walked you throught this tremendous trial in your life. God bless you!

Kelly said...

This restores many peoples faith in the system- you never gave up hope and lost your patience- you stayed focused and followed your heart- Thank God for justice and to see the system work!!

Jill said...

As I went to bed after the verdict was read, I randomly opened to this passage in Psalm 11:
"The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence, his soul hates.....For the Lord is righteous, HE LOVES JUSTICE; upright men will see His face."

Kim said...

Thinking of you Linda and Jim! Your strength and grace has inspired so many and you have truly honored Kari! Praying daily for each of you -I know now your focus will be on uniting with Grace and Kensi! Blessings!

Sadie said...

God's works and his ways are amazing!

Thank you, Shannon, for your tireless and dedicated passion to the cause of JUSTICE FOR KARI. Matt Baker thought he silenced Kari's voice forever. He was so wrong. You and your labors of love did so much to give Kari back her voice, a voice that sang out loud and clear, and was joined by the voices of many many others -- until it was heard at last.

God has used your heart and talents to make a difference, Shannon. Bless you.

~ And btw, I'm ready to place my order for a dozen "LOVE TRUMPS EVIL" bumper stickers. Just let us know! ~

:D

--------------------------

To Jim and Linda,

Kari's beautiful life -- and your undying love and courage -- shine brightly as a testimony to all.

I'll never stop admiring your faith and your family. And I'll never stop praying for you all.

Kari was truly blessed to have you for parents. Kensi and Grace are truly blessed to have you for grandparents.

JUSTICE has prevailed.

Let the real healing begin.

Love,
Sadie

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

-Ecclesiastes 3-

Anonymous said...

Don't stop posting such themes. I love to read stories like this. Just add some pics :)

Sonya said...

Praise God that justice was finally served. Shannon give Kari's family hugs and let them know I'm praying!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, I had to come back and comment for Ms. Dulin - I just saw a news clip of her statement, and Matt may never confess by his words, but oh my gosh - his face! His face completely confessed his guilt while she was talking so clearly! Anyone who looks at him while she was talking and can say he is innocent - must have some big blinders on. I could also see Linda spoke with love, maybe even for Matt who I know broke her heart by his betrayal of her as well as taking the life of her baby Kari. I think that love she showed is what made him finally face what he had done. TRUE love from a real child of God, not a fake. Great job Ms. Dulin! I hope his silent acknowledgement brings you some sense of comfort. I will pray for you and your grand-daughters.

Blessings,

Kim

Jennifer said...

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you Kari, your girls, your family and friends and most importantly, the children...ALL the children...the most innocent victims whose lives will forever be traumatized by this most despicable act perpetrated by the MONSTER OF HEWITT. May this forever serve as a shinning example to NEVER sit down and be quiet, but to ALWAYS stand and be heard!!!!

Anonymous said...

Sadie...and all Oh my goodness..

I was just thinking last night how fitting these verses were for all involved in this case. I also thanked God that the Dulins "time to heal, laugh and dance" was finally here.. These have always been my favorite Bible verses. These words offer so much truth and comfort in life!!

Again I am still praisng God for His hand in all this.. so many times if anyone looked you could visibly see God at work.

Prayer

Anonymous said...

Sadie...and all Oh my goodness..

I was just thinking last night how fitting these verses were for all involved in this case. I also thanked God that the Dulins "time to heal, laugh and dance" was finally here.. These have always been my favorite Bible verses. These words offer so much truth and comfort in life!!

Again I am still praisng God for His hand in all this.. so many times if anyone looked you could visibly see God at work.

Prayer

Shari said...

For the people above whom didn't get to see Linda's impact statement - it is a true testament to what a Christian looks like. I found it online along with the sentence being read then Jill's impact statement and then Linda's entire statement.
http://www.kxxv.com/global/category.asp?c=163320&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=116555&topVideoCatNoB=169583&topVideoCatNoC=116838&topVideoCatNoD=117582&topVideoCatNoE=138849&clipId=4481189&topVideoCatNo=116555&autoStart=true

Kristi said...

To the Dulin family -
I am honored to have gotten the chance to know you and Kari many years ago. I was so amazed at the way you handled yourselves throughout these last few years. Most of us could not have done the same. Kari was blessed to have you for a family and I hope her girls are also given that same chance to be raised by such wonderful people. I pray for you and Kari's girls each day! Much love to you all!

Anonymous said...

God is Great!! So glad that justice was finally served!! I do not know anyone involved in this - just wanted to express my feelings that I am happy that Matt Baker is behind bars where he should be. God Bless you and keep you safe.. the entire family! Shanna..

Anonymous said...

I am SOOOO tired of reading about the Bakers, still bashing Kari's memory and family in the media.. Is it proper to pray they will just shut up???

Kari was a GOOD person. She was like sunshine..cheerful, happy, bubbly. She was not this person they are trying to make her out to be. WHY WHY WHY, cant they stop. The jury has ruled..

How/why do they think telling those precious girls their mom CHOOSE to leave them is healthy..

With the ruling, couldnt they be sued for slander?? Something anything to get them to shut up!!

Srry I am so mad, defending her son is one thing, she has the right to believe what she wants, and maybe sticking HER(I have no idea what dad Baker thinks) head in the sand is how she has to live with the fact her son is a murderer..but why oh why is she still trying to murder Kari over and over again in the media. How does she look at those girls who are part Kari and say the things she says. Why would she want those girls to think that one of her parents condone the "easy" way out?? I guess I will never understand.. and I know the newspaper has to give time to both sides..but I pray she will shut up!!

Anonymous said...

i just feel like screaming the old Gospel song AMEN. Can anyone besides me picture Kari clapping her hands and swaying side to side......singing it. GOOD JOB GIRLS Yall are the best.....
Cindy

Washington State said...

Dear Linda and Jim,
As you know, I have been following and praying over this case since the beginning.
I am so grateful to God for HIS justice! I am so grateful that Matt is no longer in a position where he can bring harm to the innocent. Just this morning I was thanking God for his faithfulness in all of this and then as I picked up my Bible to read, the Holy Spirit lead me to this passage..."Do not be deceived:God can not be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction:(Of course, I see Matt here, but as the scripture continues...I see you.)the one who sows to please the Spirit,from the Spirit will reap eternal life."Galatians 6:7-8
You have been an example to all of us...for you intentionally sowed to please the Spirit of God even when it came at such a personal cost. Thank you for showing us that LOVE TRUMPS EVIL!!! You will continue to be in my prayers!
Much love,
Washington State

Anonymous said...

I did not know Kari. I live in the Kerrville area, and only met Matt after he started attending the church I attend. I do not know him, other than in passing. I do see his girls often, at church or around town with Matt or his parents. These are sweet little girls. They have been through so much in their young lives. First they lost a sister, then their mother and now their father. According to the courts, Matt Baker is responsible for the last two losses. That is something they will have to live with for the rest of their lives. I have begun praying for their future, for healing and for other people's understanding. Wherever these girls end up, I pray the people they are surrounded by will not spend their time degrading their father any further. It will be their decision how to feel about their father and nobody has the right to dictate that. Just as I feel that if the court had decided he was innocent, nobody should have degraded Kari.

Please, if these beautiful girls end up in your community, or in your home, let them know you are there for them, listen to their feelings, but do not try to make them feel the way you feel about any of this, or tell them they are wrong. I pray the girls get counseling. If they leave Kerrville, it will be our loss.

Shannon said...

Thank you. I appreciate your thoughts and comment very much. I know that we have a world of people praying for Kensi and Grace's healing.

The Dulins don't degrade Matt. That is their father and he will always be their father. However, it is well known and factual that the Baker family does not have the same regard for their mother or the Dulins. Why? Why aren't the needs of Kensi and Grace put first? They need so much professinoal help. The Dulins will see they get this. I know them well and I know they don't want to exclude any family member....on either side...from their lives. They need all of the love they can get. The Dulins (and Kari's very extended family and friends) want to replace all of the hate they have been taught the last four years with love.

Watching Linda Dulin's victim impact statement, her love and strength (for not only Kari but also Kensi and Grace) are beautifully obvious. Jim and Linda Dulin forgave Matt. Forgiveness and truth are essential to healing.

The girls need to be where they can hear the truth, digest it, forgive and move on to the healthy, Christian life Kari always dreamed they would have.