Adoption Option

This is one of those mornings I feel the grace and tender mercies of The Lord surrounding me. In these moments, I'm moved to pray and worship- and I pray for many of you... 

I pray today for some sisters in Christ who share in grief for the loss of their children. Although I cannot imagine the heavy grief and pain that seeks to bury them under, I do know God is enough & He holds those babies close, even now. 

God has laid upon my heart to strongly consider adoption. I am in much prayer as I seek His timing. I met a nurse at work yesterday who just adopted a sweet, bi-racial baby named Jaden. She greatly encouraged me and offered her knowledge and experience whenever I'm ready to start the process. I was surprised to learn about a $13,000 child tax credit to those who adopt. So, after fees etc Jacque paid $20,000. After the first of the year, she will receive $13,000 back; so, really, she's only out $7,000 and she has a beautiful baby boy to call her own. She was realistic and reminded me that tragic things do happen ok the adoption process, as it did to her as well- but she spoke to my heart when saying, "if your heart is right, and you're doing it for the right reason- to glorify God- it's worth it!" We spend more on houses and cars and college... Imagine if EVERY Christian family adopted just one child, one orphan... I wonder if there would be such a thing as long term foster care? I wonder if we would have any orphans or group homes... 

Julian and I are on our 3rd week of running together! It's been a blessing and sweet memories have been made already! He's never been a runner, but I have seen such vast improvements as he grows in strength and technique :) 

My 8th wedding anniversary is growing near! My heart's desire is to see Dillon as God sees him... He is so precious and dear to me. Forgive & beloved ❤

Simple truth

It's hard to feel yourself into the right action, but it's much easier to act yourself into the right feelings. If you do the right thing long enough, God will change your feelings & your heart to that which is right, good & pure :) 

If you struggle with bitterness, anger, regret, depression... Start by serving and loving on others. 

A sackcloth of ashes

I am feeling the weight of grief heavy upon my heart this morning. So many of the ones I love or know closely are experiencing despair. At times, I feel my prayers and poorly-articulated words are inadequate. We will keep our hope stayed on Him, the Author and perfecter of our faith. 

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7 ESV)

Oh Lord, help our unbelief. 

New beginnings

I am excited to say my ankle is healing wonderfully. There is some mild swelling but minimal discomfort. 

In other news, in preparation for basketball season, Julian and I have started Couch 2 5K :) he missed last year's season and is pretty out of shape, but I am excited to teach my son about physical discipline as well as spiritual discipline- denying the flesh & such!  During this program (free app downloadable under C25k) you begin with intervals of walking 1.5 minutes and jogging 1 minute! While we are on our walking interval, we spend that time talking about life and praying aloud together! I am soaking it all in; I have a feeling I will never forget these sweet memories we are making! His dad & him do music and touring together & play Halo :) while him and I play minecraft and jog together... So much of parenthood and childhood discipleship has to be intentional. Otherwise, you go to bed at night and think, "did I spend ANY quality time with my children today..." It happens to me too. 

Maleah has been waking up in the middle of the night and refusing to soothe herself back to sleep. One would think after 20 months we would be passed this; I'm unsure if she's hurting, having night terrors, or just being clingy... Pray for us as we decide how to handle this situation. It seems we find ourselves here every few months. 

Homeschool has been stressful these past months but is still very much a delight. My Pilgrim's Progress curriculum is coming along nicely :) 

Bless The Lord, O my soul