Children of God

The Lord has been faithful to continue teaching us about the biblical perspective of adoption and not just an earthly perspective.  So, it seems I can't get my hands on enough about the topic.  Whether it be books, articles, sermons, blogs, or other websites I'm drinking in any and all information.  When my aunt told me Third Day had a song about adoption I couldn't wait to get to my computer.  It seems I've become a much more emotional person these days, so tears don't surprise me.  However, I wasn’t fully prepared for the tears that flowed freely as I stared at my computer screen.  Naturally, the topic of adoption is dear to my heart due to the process we are experiencing personally.  But there is so much more to adoption that effects all of us!  

Even now, before I have even seen our child, I am praying for his salvation, his adoption into God’s family.  My prayer is that God would reveal to our child the truth about an adoption that is far greater than his earthly adoption.  What B and I could do for him on this earth doesn't compare to God adopting him.  I pray that we can teach him the truth that we all are orphans, but if we are in Christ we are His adopted sons and daughters therefore co-heirs with Christ.  My prayer is that he will become a part of the ultimate family, the family of God! 

Through their song "Children of God", Third Day provides a beautiful visual picture of this truth.   

The Happiest Place on Earth

Walt Disney World, The Happiest Place on Earth

What more can I say?  No matter how hard I try my words can’t capture the joy, the fun, the excitement, the memories of traveling with family especially when it's to Disney.  So, I'll let the pictures speak for me.  

Now Playing:  It's Tough to be a Bug!

Knox and his "Raffe".  He was so excited it came so close to the truck.

Brooke and Mom taking a break.  Scotty and Knox getting a little business done.

Kase sums up the Disney excitement!

So, precious!  He waved the entire parade and his hand must have become tired because he had to hold it up with his other hand in order to keep waving.  

I kept trying to tell Kase no sad faces or crying at Disney but I suppose there's bound to be a few tears shed.

I think Knox would have taken Minnie home.

B was such a good sport wearing his Mickey shirt.

Where else can you get Mickey shaped waffles?  They even taste better!  Honest!

I had to include this picture.  B just happened to capture this moment.  This man ran over my foot with his stroller and it hurt!  I promise I wasn't yelling at him.  

Priceless!

My favorite Disney character!!!  I think Kase had a crush on her.  

Disney Totem Pole at our hotel, The Wilderness Lodge.

What's a trip without using the camera timer?

Just a few of the Christmas touches, life size presents!

B and Aunt Wendy bought treats for the boys!  This sign was made entirely out of jelly beans!

Woddy and his best pal, Kase.

Kase and Uncle B on the African drums in Animal Kingdom.

Mom and Dad in front of the monster Christmas tree in the Wilderness Lodge.  

B found this Rice Krispie Turkey Leg for Mom.

What's a trip without B making a weird face in at least one picture?!

Not just any stack of papers . . .

To most people this may just look like a big stack of papers. But this is not just any stack of papers . . . this is the paperwork (a.k.a. dossier in the adoption process) that will be put before a country on our behalf in order for them to determine if we can become parents to a child born in their country.

We are nervous . . .

What if there’s an error?

What if they don’t like something about us that was reported in the homestudy?

What if it gets lost in the mail?

What if . . .

What if . . .

Thank goodness for our faith in a sovereign God. This paperwork is in His hands. It’s a part of His plan for our lives.

For the past two months we have been gathering documents, watching education videos, completing interviews, obtaining signatures, and the list goes on. When we hold our sweet child in our arms this will all be worth it.

So we are excited . . . our dossier is on it’s way!

Love List

I’ve been wanting some of these cute ceramic berry baskets for some time but just haven’t broken down and purchased them.  They’re perfect as a table decoration or using them practically to store fruit for quick and easy access in the refrigerator.  Anthropologie has them in all cute colors but they were $14 a basket, and they’re not very big.  Plus shipping and handling so I just couldn’t convince myself.  This week Brooke sent me an email with a picture of the same ones I had seen from Anthropologie.  Remembering again how cute they were and how I would love to have them I started googling and found them on sale from Sur la Table for $5.56.  WHAT A DEAL!  They had white and turquoise in stock.  I was sold and purchased them on the spot.  Probably not something I needed but I will definitely put them to use and they’re so cute! 

By the way, if you order them, don’t be surprised by the enormous box they come in.  I only ordered three and they came in a huge box wrapped up as if they were the most fragile, precious item ever.  At least they came in one piece.  (Forgive the blurry pictures.  I took them on my phone.)

Click here to purchase

Wheelbarrow Races

B and I love having nephews!  We’re so thankful for the relationship that Scotty and Brooke allow us to have with Kase and Knox.  Yes, we spoil them a little (Brooke would say a lot) but it’s not just about spoiling them.  The opportunity to watch them grow and learn is such a blessing.  An added bonus is that sometimes we are able to be a part of teaching them new things.  Things like wheelbarrow racing.

It was just another impromptu supper at mom and dad’s .  Somewhere in the midst of eating supper, Kase and I were chasing one another with a giggling Knox following every step we took.  I’m not 100% sure how it started but somehow I started pushing B around, wheelbarrow style.  Kase of course was intrigued and wanted to try.  So I taught him how and he caught on really quick not to mention that he was pretty fast for a four year old.  Typical of a younger sibling, we look over at Knox and he was on his belly sticking his feet up.  If Kase does it then you better guarantee that Knox is going to try.  Knox had to alter his form a bit due to the fact that his little arms couldn’t hold up his body and move forward at the same time so he just scooted on his forearms. 

The race was on.  We lined them up, counted to three, and cheered them to the finish.  Wheelbarrow racing may not be the most important thing Kase and Knox learn but it’s a memory of being their aunt and uncle we can tuck away for continued enjoyment.

We're Adopting

We’re Adopting from Ethiopia!

Where do I start . . . 

How do I even begin to describe the Lord's journey for us over the past year?  I am attempting to write out our story to share later.  But right now I can say this . . .

It would be a lie if I said it hasn't been an emotional path for us.  However, it has been an extremely sanctifying process.  Dr. Russell Moore, professor at Southern Seminary, gave the following advice to someone pursuing adoption, 

“ . . . in this process you will learn things about the heart of God that you might not otherwise have known.”

We believe in the truth of God’s word which tells us that we were orphans and now are a part of God’s family being co-heirs with Jesus Christ.  We feel blessed that the Lord is leading us to demonstrate this picture of what He’s done for us as we grow our family.  There have been tears of happiness and sadness.  However, through these tears we find rest in knowing this is God's will for us.  Yes, it’s different than we imagined, but we trust in the truth from Isaiah that His ways are far higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9).  I’m so unworthy to be the daughter of a God who loves me enough to adopt me into His family and to have a plan for my life.

“Into the darkness you shine

out of ashes we rise

there’s no one like you

my God is greater

my God is stronger

God you are higher than any other

Our God is healer awesome in power”

(Chris Tomlin, Our God)