A flicker

source

It's there.

It may just be a glimmer.

It may still be far in the distance.

BUT......

It's there.

And some days, that's enough.

Psalm 71:14 "As for me, I will always have hope."

Fairytale Ending Please!

Sometimes we have an idea of how things should be. 

I know I do.

Sometimes that includes a fairytale ending. And sometimes what we thought to be the original idea of a perfect, fairytale ending changes. This can be challenging and emotional for sure.

But our hope lies in this....TRUTH.

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

He already knows the end of our story.

He already knew the circumstances that face us this day were coming. 

He knew what our reaction would be...positive or negative.

Jeremiah 18:4 "But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him." 

He is not surprised.

He loves us either way.

He wants good for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

In all that I face, I must trust Him. I must abide in TRUTH.

Jeremiah 31:17 "So there is hope for your future, declares the Lord."

I will wait for Him. For His best. For I am certain His fairytale ends far more beautiful than any I could conjure in my simple mind!

Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory for ever and ever."

Depending on His Grace to make it all possible.

Where Are You?

"Wherever you are - be all there." - Jim Elliot

Do you ever struggle with this?

I do.

Like you I'm sure, if I start to list all I am in a day the list can quickly grow on and on. I find myself often just attempting to keep up. But this quote challenges me so deeply. And for whatever reason, I feel God has made purpose for it to fall into my path multiple times this week. I am trying to heed. Trying to listen.

 

It really is SO MUCH BETTER when I am fully present. 

My Life - Gloriously busy, beautifully messy, overwhelmingly blessed.

What could be better?

 

Ah, Fall......

 Yes, normally this would be a sign of spring, but seems we have a little late bloomer. This little guy fell from his nest just outside our carport and we discovered him hiding in the corner of our carport. We hastily put the cat indoors and struggled with whether we should allow his family the chance to return for him or whisk him away to our own handmade safety. In the end, daddy's recommendation of giving him a fair chance with his family won out. We did however watch and listen carefully the rest of the evening until we saw and heard some adult birds arrive that seemed to be echoing his desperate little cries. We hope he is safe and sound where he was meant to be now.

A sweet reminder of this old song...

Adoption

I share about adoption and adoption related articles, fundraisers and events a lot here. This weekend I had the privilege of listening to this message that talks about the beauty of and most meaningful adoption of all and wanted to share that it might encourage another the way it did me.

Blessings,  

A Win/Win!

UPDATE 8/19!!!! She is fully funded! Now to be connected to her Forever Family...pray that happens as quickly as her funds were raised!

I'm not posting this for entries....I'm not entering. But I had to share this CRAZY HUGE giveaway going on at No Greater Joy Mom all to help a precious girl be united with her forever family!

Meet Liliana.
PIC REMOVED
Read more about efforts here.

She is eleven years old. She weighs 10 pounds. She needs to be rescued and loved forever!

And to help her family with the funds, No Greater Joy Mom has put together a giveaway like none I've ever seen before!

Here are just a few of the items you can win when you donate...

iPad (there are 2 to give away!)

$500 Target Gift Card

$500 Wal-mart Gift Card

Amazon Gift Cards

 iPod Nano

Kindle (there are 5 to give away!!!)

$200 Christianbook.com

jewelry, purses, children's items...and MORE!

Go donate to this amazing cause HERE and enter!

Blessings and prayers for this sweet girl,

A Year Ago...

A year ago today, we got the call. It was a moment in an ordinary day that changed everything!
It was of course a call we had been preparing for. And we expected it would most definitely change things. But, we had NO IDEA to what extent!

God has truly taught us so much about who we are, how He loves and what it means to follow His will over our own. It's really hard some days, but it's also really beautiful.

As for the waiting....well, that continues. Seems we still have lots to learn in this area. :)

I think the hardest part for me is often not knowing how to pray or even if it is safe to hope. But I do trust. I trust that He sees the bigger picture and has purpose well beyond my understanding. I will wait. And I pray I will do so well and in a way that brings Him glory...truth is, some days my feelings and frustration get the best of me...just ask my sweet husband and the dear friend whose ear has heard it all!

Bottom line though, God is faithful and He has allowed us a great privilege to play a part in His plan and be blessed by a home full of children and laughter and toys and tears and joy and love, while we do so...TOGETHER.

Peacefully Reliant on Him,