Adoption Journey (part 1)

Remember a while back when I shared with you the book, "When God Whispers Loudly?" Well that is something that has definitely been going on in my life. God is whispering--VERY LOUDLY! Let me back up a year ago. My husband and I looked into adopting last year...around this time actually. I somehow ended up on this website that shows how many older children are available for adoption and right then and there my heart sank. 

I couldn't get past the thought of "not one single person in their family wants to take care of them." As I started doing research, I noticed that more and more people tend to think it's the children's fault why they are in the system when in all actuality, it's the parent's fault for not being able to take care of them and if a child does act up--I can't blame them. I can only image what it would be like living in so many different foster homes and not having a place to call your home. 

So we started filing out paperwork to adopt an older child and even had a certain child in mind. Someone we could love unconditionally and support. We called an agency and right away we were hit with roadblocks. There were a number of things that were against us and then I prayed. I prayed so hard it hurt. I asked God to show me a sign--literally--to see if we were supposed to take this walk. You may think it's crazy but on the way to work on a Friday I asked God to show me an "Adopt-a-Highway" sign. I looked so hard on my way to work that I got a headache. I saw nothing all day and I had a feeling that this was not the right time. That was on Friday--by Sunday I accepted the fact that it's not God's will for us and boom--there were SIX--count them--1-2-3-4-5-6 Adopt-a-Highway signs I counted on our way to church and one just before the church!

I could not believe how many there were and driving that drive for years, I have never bother to count or can tell you where they were. But that morning, I believe God had removed the shield from my eyes and I was able to see them. Fast forward two months later. My husband's ex-wife called and said she was moving and didn't want to take their daughter with her. So we had an unexpected member of the family living with us. One night while playing basketball, I ran and got the ball and somehow realized that we were not supposed to adopt an older child through the system--HE was preparing us for an older child that just so happens to be my husband's daughter. I cried when I realized His plans for us and was so grateful when I finally made sense of it all. I often think of the older child who started this idea of adoption and I pray from him. All.the.time. He has such a special place in my heart and I hope one day I get to meet him in heaven. 

Now here we are in May and God has made it obvious that we are in the right place for adoption--only this time an infant. We have made it official with our family and closest friends and we have our first meeting with the social worker next week. We are already three times further along in the process this time around and we are so excited. I will save all the details regarding the loud whispers that lead us to try this again on a different blog post. But in the meantime, I give nothing but praise to the Lord that He has called us to adopt!!! 

Driving Parked Cars

When I read this, I just about sank into my chair. I wonder how many of us say, "Yes I trust God" but really we are a little afraid or even worried to actually live out our faith. I know that I battle with myself constantly but it is something I'm learning to give up and reap the rewards. If we are willing, HE is able. And that's when the light bulb went off!

I love how God is not forceful. I love how the Holy Spirit will not take control of us without our saying, "Yes, please do come in." The Holy Spirit has such nice manners. If we are not willing to do our part, then why should He? Another way to think about it is if you're in a relationship how fair is it for your partner to do 90 percent of the work while you only do 10 percent? It's not and sooner or later the relationship will fail. If a relationship is supposed to be 50/50 then I want to make sure that I'm doing my part to not only better myself but for His kingdom.

But that's the thing about having a relationship with God, even though He does way more for us than we could ever image, all He asks of us is to believe in Him and love. Do you have that friend or family member that has anything or everything they ever wanted and it's either their birthday or Christmas and you ask yourself, "What do you buy for someone who has everything?" Well how about spending time together. Making memories. That's kind of how I think about giving back to God. What in the world can I give to the One Who created everything??

My love. My trust. My belief in Him.

But part of loving, trusting, and believing is letting Him guide you. Let down your walls and let Him lead.....believe me....it will be better than you can ever imagine.

Check, Check....Is this thing on?

Oh hello there....my oh my how times somehow manages to slip away. I feel like I took a sabbatical and wasn't even aware I needed one. My sincere apologies and know that I am back and have some very cool news to share as well as some new revelations and mind-blowing devotions.

There is no excuse for my absence. I did not make any effort to write and that is my own fault. But now that's off my chest, let's dive into a devotional that ignited the spark for me to continue sharing The Good News. This devotional is from the lovely and talented, Joyce Meyer:

 Yearnings in the Night--Apr. 25

 "My soul years for You in the night, yes, my spirit within me seeks You earnestly." Isaiah 26:9 

Nothing can satisfy your longing for God except communion and fellowship with Him. The apostle John wrote, "And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides forever" (1 John 2:17). 

The world makes it easy for you to fill your ears with all kinds of things that drown out the voice of God and push Him far into the background of your life. However, the day comes for every person when only God remains. Everything else in life eventually passes away; when it does, God will still be there. Seek God earnestly tonight and He will abide in you.

 I read this last night and my heart jumped for joy of acknowledgement! It's very difficult to admit that I was filling my heart with all kinds of things that were drowning out the voice of God and clearly by my lack of writing was pushing God in the background. I know that life does happen and not every single day I will be able to write, but I need to make a commitment that it should at least be three days a week. I find that it helps me become more familiar with Him and if I can help just one person understand something a little better or perhaps lead one person to the Lord, then it is worth it.

Thanks so much for hanging in there!

Rejoice in Today

Upon waking up this cold and snowy morning, I thanked God for today. I am well aware that none of the situations were resolved last night and that's okay with me because it's not my timing, it's God's timing. I also thanked Him for giving me another day/opportunity to live this life and to fulfill His plans. I look around and give thanks for all that I have and even the things that I don't currently have. I look at all the love I have not only with my family and friends but also the many pets that sleep with us and I am very thankful for all of them. 

As I was driving to work, I couldn't help but smile when the sun is in my eyes because there are many days that I don't get to see it and feel its warmth. I am glad that God is full of grace and mercy because every time I make a mistake (which is a lot) I know that He's there ready to forgive me of it, once I ask for it. I am learning that just because one part of my life may be heading south doesn't mean the rest of my life is. So be glad in the good things in life, and most importantly be glad in the bad things in life because that's God's way of helping us grow and shaping us to be the person we are supposed to be!

Tuesday Devotional

I struggle daily with my limits. I struggle because as a new wife and a step-mom, where do I draw the line? It's difficult raising not only a teenager (who just moved in with us less than a year ago), but also a teenager who is not mine and I don't want to cross any lines with her dad/my husband and her biological mom. Last night I prayed for guidance. I prayed for help to know when and what to say and even when to let go. This morning's devotional was just what I needed.

Relax! God is Working--March 19

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]" Matthew 11:28

 Being relaxed feels wonderful. Being nervous, tense, and worried are not so wonderful. Why aren't more people relaxed? Jesus said if we are weary and overburdened, we should go to Him and He will give us rest, relaxation, and ease (see Matt. 11:28-29). Jesus wants to teach us the right way to live, which is different from the way most of the world lives. 

It would be putting it mildly to say that I was an uptight woman for the first half of my life. I simply did not know how to relax, and it was due to me not being willing to completely trust God. I trusted God for things, but not in things. I kept trying to be the one in control. Even though God was in the driver's seat of my life, I kept one hand on the wheel just in case He took a wrong turn. Relaxation is impossible without trust! 

If you know you can't fix the problem you have, then why not relax while God is working on it? It sounds easy, but it took many years for me to be able to do this. I know from experience that the ability to relax and go with the flow in life is dependent upon our willingness to trust God completely. If things don't go your way, instead of being upset, you can believe that getting your way was not what you needed. God knew that, so He gave you what was best for you, instead of what you wanted. 

If you are waiting much longer than you had hoped to, you can get frustrated, angry, and upset or you can say, "God's timing is perfect; He is never late. And my steps are ordered by the Lord." Now you can relax and simply go with the flow of what is happening in your life. When it comes to things that are out of our control, we can either ruin the day or relax and enjoy it while God is working on the situation. As long as we believe, God keeps working! 

Trust in Him: How relaxed are you? Your answer is directly related to how much you trust God. It may take you many years like it did me, to fully trust Him, but each day will be better and better as you trust more and learn to relax.

After reading this twice, typing it, and praying about it over my morning exercise, I will let go, relax, and know that God is in control. As a step-parent, I don't have a say over many things because there are other parents involved. It's difficult being a step-parent but knowing some of the situations that arise will be out of my control is something that I'm going to have to give to God and know that He's taking care of it.  I am considering all these situations as a way of Him teaching me how to handle my own children--someday.

The Bridge to Heaven

You know that saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words." Well I believe it with all my heart. People cherish photos because it is one instance where a moment of time is captured. I have seen some of the most incredible photos lately of the cross and this photo is not only mind blowing, but also the quote. 

I was scrolling through some inspirational images from The Bible Series' website and this stopped me in my tracks....well honestly several stopped me and I'll be sharing those with you as well but this one gave me goose bumps. 

Behold my dear readers........

In this life, only one Man can make a bridge to Heaven, and he did it with only two pieces of wood.

It's so true when you think about it. There's only one way to heaven. Let's pretend that on the left side there is sin and on the right side is heaven. But what is separating between the right and left in an enormous gap that can't be crossed on your own. There's no swing, no boat, no ladder....nothing to get you across other than believing in Jesus. He's the bridge. He's the answer. He's the reason.

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. I have repeated and written it down hundreds of times to try to memorize it. Romans 8:28 is our verse we as a church are attempting to memorize. I literally only have 4 verses memorized. I don't know how people can spout off a ton of verses during any random conversation and not miss a beat, but I'm okay with slowly learning.

The more this verse sinks in, the more I enjoy it. Here's my attempt of the breakdown and why I'm loving it.

And we know that in ALL things: did you notice that? A-L-L things. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Just because we are believers doesn't mean that bad or ugly things won't happen to us. For such a small, three-lettered word it really does have such a huge impact because ALL things are made up of everything.

God works for the good of those who love Him: If you are a God-seeker, then you will want to do good in the eyes of the Lord and in turn, the Lord will bless you because of His undeniable love He has for us. Love...another powerful word.

Who have been called according to His purpose: This really is the icing on the cupcake. When I realized that I was put here for a reason...a purpose...not my purpose....but His purpose it all makes sense. If I have been created, then clearly the CREATOR knows a lot more than me and has everything all planned out. So why would I not want to live according to His purpose instead of my own? I know what my life was like without Jesus and with Jesus and believe me.....with Jesus it's better. Why? Because the worst day is better with Him than any good day without Him.

What is your favorite bible verse?

What Does Love Mean to You?

So in case you missed it, yesterday was Valentine's Day. It seemed no matter where I went it was right there in my face. Yes I realize it is a day of love, flowers, and chocolates and yes I  did have my fair share of chocolates.....well actually heart-shaped York Peppermint Patties to be exact. They are my kryptonite! But I honestly feel it is such an overrated "holiday."

But with everyone buzzing about the day, I wonder what does love mean to you? I was listening to Family Life Radio on my way home from work and some people were saying what their definition of love was. Here are few from the show and a few from others I have encountered:

• love is when someone scarifies for you
• love is when someone covers up your feet when they are cold and hanging out of a blanket
• love is when someone takes their coat off and gives it to you when you're cold. 
• love is when you can't get enough a person
• love is being faithful and honest
• love is seen in how we treat people
• love is a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties (definition from Merriam-Webster dictionary)

You see there are so many definitions of love. And not only that....but are so many different kinds of love. There's love for something that tastes good, love for your husband or wife, love for your kids, love for music, love for your neighbor (or lack thereof). The word LOVE is such a beautiful word but it also is a word that is tossed around way too much when people don't really mean it.

Now let me share with you my version of love that is never-ending. God is love. And if one could actually wrap their minds about how much love the Lord has for us....we would be blown away. His love is so great that He actually became one of us and sacrificed His life for us. Each and every single person. I know that I struggle to look a some people and think, "Okay God, how am I supposed to see the love You have for this person?" But just because they are different than us, or may not act the same as us, doesn't mean that God doesn't love them and therefore we shouldn't.

His gift of love is one of the greatest gifts we can receive. And that my dear friends was my Valentine's revelation. I am so thankful for His love, grace, and mercy for me. I'm leaving you with a video that I hear in church on many occasions...."Amazing love, how can it be, that you my King would die for me......"

Why Do I Blog?

After signing up for the Faithful Bloggers directory, their question was, "Why do you blog?" I thought it was a good question because I want to make sure my motives are right. I don't intend for this to be a career. I don't intend to make any money, and I don't plan on quitting my job. My only intention is to share the love of Jesus with my own personal story and experiences and hopefully make a difference in just one person's life.

At first I was hesitant because seems how I am a fairly new believer, I thought what do I really have to offer? I'm in no way, shape, or form a bible scholar but I thought there must be others like me that struggle and want to learn and grow in Christ with real life experiences. Just because I don't have a degree in theology doesn't mean I can't share the Good News. We are all disciples and have the freedom to share with everyone (and should). God created each one of us for different purposes. We have have different talents and desires and that is a wonderful thing because if we all did the same thing, the world would be pretty boring. Jesus said to the 11 after he was resurrected: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15. So here I am....putting myself out there. I will be here as long as it is God's will.

1 Corinthians 16:6-7

⁶ Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. ⁷ I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

Being Content with What You Have

This past weekend I started to look at my home and all the things in it from an entirely different perspective. I used to always look at my home and wish I had better decorating abilities. Fancier furniture. Prettier appliances. Then it went even further and wishing I had better clothes in my closet. I recalled Luke 16:10  “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

That’s when a light bulb went off. I have been blessed with my home and all the things in it. Do I really take care of my home? Do I have too much stuff in it that makes it harder to keep clean? Why ask God for something better if I don’t take care of what I have? That was my weekend revelation.

God is so amazing in helping me understand His principles. The hardest thing for me is to act on them. Next is to explain to my family why we don’t need this stuff. The irony of this entire revelation is my house is looking more and more beautiful, with less stuff in it. And as a bonus, the people at the local Care and Share are getting some things to help people in need.

So today's question.....are you content with what you have? Are you taking good care of what God has given you? I know I need to take take care of my body better but that's an entirely different post.

What an incredible God we serve!