Happy Sunday everyone!
It is a blustery day here in South Dakota. I am sitting by the space heater and soothed by the hum that it creates. I am sipping on some coffee and just soaking in this free time. Oakley is napping and Barry is watching the race and so this just seemed to be the perfect opportunity to update the blog.
I have been asked numerous times over the last weeks if I have stopped blogging? Or if I was going to continue... and the answer is YES! I am going to continue and I am going to try my hardest to update more often. Life is simply busy. ;)
Not too much going on here at our house. We are all antsy for spring, that is for sure! Just moments before I sat down at the computer I received an Emergency Alert on my cell phone saying that we are in a Blizzard Warning! It seems like every Sunday for the last month or more we have had some weather roll in and create more wintery scenes all around us.
Earlier today I was reading some scripture and a verse just like hopped off the page and into my heart. The verse comes from the book of Job. Job and I have things in common and I have become very familiar with the book of Job. The verse is Job 33:14 "God always answers, one way or another, even when people don't recognize His presence." Pretty simple, yet pretty powerful stuff.
My whole life, thus far has been all about learning and believing. Learning to trust. Learning to recognize my inner strength. Trusting in my heart and in my self. Believing that my God is real and He is my Father in Heaven. So much learning has taken place, but yet so much more to come. We never stop.
Life brings challenges. Every path of life, that every soul walks, brings challenges. Every time I see and overcome a challenge I feel as though I move closer to the path that God is leading me to and that path is blessed with health, happiness, and His holiness. Such blessings have taught me there's value in challenges. For one thing, they help us discover or rediscover and look inside ourselves. When we face some overwhelming problems or when we're urgently trying to overcome something, we cry out to Him, begging Him to help us. And in response, as the friend of Job told his problem-prone pal, God will answer.
Truth is I haven't always had this outlook. The challenges of my life thus far, especially in the loss of our sons and in the pain of our fertility related future, have led me on a path and given me a new outlook. I view life completely different than I once did. I sometimes am shocked at how I once viewed what was important and meaningful. Now I am humbled and grateful for the new eyes He has given me. Eyes to look at life's big picture. Eyes to see Him in everyday things. And eyes to look forward to eternal life.
The apostle Paul instructed us to "be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens." We should be thankful for the challenges we encounter, because God may be using them to ultimately help us. As Job's friend also said, God may use our difficulties to "get out attention through pain." Job 33:19
When I pray, I pray for so many things as I am sure you do too. Prayer is a sacred vessel I believe that helps oneself have strength to face another day. To have faith to believe; no matter what challenges we will face, we will be held in His hands. When I look back at the path that my life has led me down and the prayers I have prayed, and the challenges I have been faced with, and the challenges we have yet to face I am fascinated at how the prayers that reflect those moments go. Does that make any sense? :)
God is good. Challenges are a part of life. God is here. Life is hard. He listens. He will answer. I believe. I am a believer. I know Him. He knows me. I will pray for you. Please pray for me. :)
Blessings.
Sarah
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Where to turn?
Hello! I am back! Did you miss me? ;)
It has been a few weeks since I have sat down and opened up this blog. I have missed it. It somehow has become a friend to me. If that makes sense? I feel as if this blog holds many thoughts, conversations, and emotions just as a dear friend holds in their heart for you...
We have been SO good here on our end. Oakley is growing and changing everyday! He talks so much and is developing such a sweet, silly personality. I just love him. I love all the little moments we share as a family. From the morning routine of getting ready to head out the door for the day, to the lazy evenings of playing with his trucks on the floor. It all is priceless in my heart.
So, when I ponder on what to talk about today - I get overwhelmed. Do you ever get overwhelmed by just "thinking" and not "doing" anything? I feel as though I always have like 100,000 thoughts running through my head at once, that I TRY and stop and just live in that moment before it passes. Lately, I think Barry and I have had more thoughts than ever running through our minds and our hearts. Oakley is growing and changing and we are beginning to get baby fever! Not going to lie! It's true! :) This blog is real. I am real with you!
But with that, comes many prayers. Many thoughts. Many conversations with one another and with God. Many tears. Many emotions. It just ain't easy. But it is the truth. It is our new reality as a couple on where to turn next! ;)
I want to share a little story with you as a side note before we continue on...
Last week Barry, Oakley and I were in a local business. A woman walks up to us and comments on how big Oakley is getting and how cute he is. We say, "Thank you!" But the woman continues... Her next question is "Where did you get him?" At first, I was like... "Excuse me?" And then I thought, "Um, from God?" But then she continued to say... "Like from what state? I have two adopted grandchildren and one is from Texas and one is from Florida." I didn't know what to say to her. It was sort of an abrupt thing to ask. I just can't imagine asking all the other mother's out there "Where did you get him/her from?" As if you went to the store and picked him/her out. You were GIVEN this child to love. End of story. This woman then continued to say..."Ya, adoption is a neat thing when you can't have regular children - OF YOUR OWN."
This was a learning moment for me as a mom. I don't' really know how much more REAL and OF MY OWN, Oakley can be? He has MY heart. He has ALL MY love. He has MY soul....
I have been praying about this lately, and about these little types of moments. I ask questions to God, such like "How can You use me, to open their eyes?" How can You use me, to open their hearts?" I so badly wanted to say something back to that woman, but I didn't have the right thing to say at that moment.
I believe God has given me a new heart within the last 2 years. I feel that I had a good heart that could love and be loved. Then that heart was shattered and broken and a few pieces went off to heaven to be with my boys. But THEN, God gave me a new, shiny, radiant, glowing heart. THIS heart is whole. This heart can love WAY more than I ever knew was possible. This heart can look beyond the DNA. This heart can look beyond where you were formed. This heart looks at your soul and at your heart.... It is the best NEW heart I could ever imagine.
I am so blessed that God GAVE Oakley to us. I thank Him for opening my heart to love a child that may or may not have my DNA. I understand that not everyone can do that. I have had people say that to me... I can't imagine my life any other way.
As we pray and navigate on where He will lead us to next, I pray. I pray that He will GIVE us our next infant to love and BE OUR OWN. No matter where he/she comes to us from. That part doesn't matter, to me. And I will continue to pray that others eyes and hearts will be open the beautiful world that we now live in.
Blessings.
Sarah
It has been a few weeks since I have sat down and opened up this blog. I have missed it. It somehow has become a friend to me. If that makes sense? I feel as if this blog holds many thoughts, conversations, and emotions just as a dear friend holds in their heart for you...
We have been SO good here on our end. Oakley is growing and changing everyday! He talks so much and is developing such a sweet, silly personality. I just love him. I love all the little moments we share as a family. From the morning routine of getting ready to head out the door for the day, to the lazy evenings of playing with his trucks on the floor. It all is priceless in my heart.
So, when I ponder on what to talk about today - I get overwhelmed. Do you ever get overwhelmed by just "thinking" and not "doing" anything? I feel as though I always have like 100,000 thoughts running through my head at once, that I TRY and stop and just live in that moment before it passes. Lately, I think Barry and I have had more thoughts than ever running through our minds and our hearts. Oakley is growing and changing and we are beginning to get baby fever! Not going to lie! It's true! :) This blog is real. I am real with you!
But with that, comes many prayers. Many thoughts. Many conversations with one another and with God. Many tears. Many emotions. It just ain't easy. But it is the truth. It is our new reality as a couple on where to turn next! ;)
I want to share a little story with you as a side note before we continue on...
Last week Barry, Oakley and I were in a local business. A woman walks up to us and comments on how big Oakley is getting and how cute he is. We say, "Thank you!" But the woman continues... Her next question is "Where did you get him?" At first, I was like... "Excuse me?" And then I thought, "Um, from God?" But then she continued to say... "Like from what state? I have two adopted grandchildren and one is from Texas and one is from Florida." I didn't know what to say to her. It was sort of an abrupt thing to ask. I just can't imagine asking all the other mother's out there "Where did you get him/her from?" As if you went to the store and picked him/her out. You were GIVEN this child to love. End of story. This woman then continued to say..."Ya, adoption is a neat thing when you can't have regular children - OF YOUR OWN."
This was a learning moment for me as a mom. I don't' really know how much more REAL and OF MY OWN, Oakley can be? He has MY heart. He has ALL MY love. He has MY soul....
I have been praying about this lately, and about these little types of moments. I ask questions to God, such like "How can You use me, to open their eyes?" How can You use me, to open their hearts?" I so badly wanted to say something back to that woman, but I didn't have the right thing to say at that moment.
I believe God has given me a new heart within the last 2 years. I feel that I had a good heart that could love and be loved. Then that heart was shattered and broken and a few pieces went off to heaven to be with my boys. But THEN, God gave me a new, shiny, radiant, glowing heart. THIS heart is whole. This heart can love WAY more than I ever knew was possible. This heart can look beyond the DNA. This heart can look beyond where you were formed. This heart looks at your soul and at your heart.... It is the best NEW heart I could ever imagine.
I am so blessed that God GAVE Oakley to us. I thank Him for opening my heart to love a child that may or may not have my DNA. I understand that not everyone can do that. I have had people say that to me... I can't imagine my life any other way.
As we pray and navigate on where He will lead us to next, I pray. I pray that He will GIVE us our next infant to love and BE OUR OWN. No matter where he/she comes to us from. That part doesn't matter, to me. And I will continue to pray that others eyes and hearts will be open the beautiful world that we now live in.
Blessings.
Sarah
Monday, December 3, 2012
Indescribable
December today. December 3rd to be exact. How can that be? Where did November go? Or October? :) Amazes me how time really does fly. I know I say that often, but I really can't believe it sometimes. To my faithful followers, sorry I have been late on updating this. Yes, all 2 of my followers! ;) With Thanksgiving and family activities, I just didn't find the extra time. But tonight, I am making the time as I find this blog to be very therapeutic and enjoyable for me.
As I begin to type this blog, I am sipping on a cup of coffee. Yes, it is 8:43 pm. And listening to Chris Tomlin. My favorite Christian artist. My baby is asleep and my hubby is catching up on some football. So, this time is just perfect to sit and reflect. :)
The song that I am currently listening to is entitled "Indescribable." As I listen to the words, I secretly pray them into my heart. What does the word indescribable mean I wonder? As I look it up - it means, "not describable, too extraordinary for description."
Too extraordinary for description... as the words from this song play it paints such an amazing picture in my mind and in my heart of Jesus Christ. He is indescribable. He is not describable. He is too extraordinary. What an amazing gift we find in Him. Thank you God for Your precious Son.
This Sunday marked the first Sunday of Advent. The next 4 weeks we are to prepare and ready our minds and our hearts for the birth of the Christ child. How exciting? We have our Advent wreath on our family dinner table with our bible on one side and a daily devotional on the other. We are going to start a new tradition here at our household. We plan to light the candle in the evening and read the daily passage.
I love traditions. I love how they can be instilled as a young child and carried on from generation to generation. Oakley is at such an impressionable age, that I want nothing more than to show through action and word, the love of our Jesus. He smiles every time Barry and I bow our heads and pray. But the most adorable thing he does when we conclude is when he says, "Amen!" with a sparkle in his eye! Melts my heart.
As I watch the world through Oakley's eye's and see that sparkle as he has in them, I try to wave that sparkle into my eyes as well. I want to anticipate Christmas like a child. I want to eagerly await and count down the days. I want it to be special and meaningful. I want it to be about Jesus more now than ever. Don't you?
I want it to be "Indescribable!" :) And I believe it can be! Happy Advent everyone!
Blessings.
Sarah
As I begin to type this blog, I am sipping on a cup of coffee. Yes, it is 8:43 pm. And listening to Chris Tomlin. My favorite Christian artist. My baby is asleep and my hubby is catching up on some football. So, this time is just perfect to sit and reflect. :)
The song that I am currently listening to is entitled "Indescribable." As I listen to the words, I secretly pray them into my heart. What does the word indescribable mean I wonder? As I look it up - it means, "not describable, too extraordinary for description."
Too extraordinary for description... as the words from this song play it paints such an amazing picture in my mind and in my heart of Jesus Christ. He is indescribable. He is not describable. He is too extraordinary. What an amazing gift we find in Him. Thank you God for Your precious Son.
This Sunday marked the first Sunday of Advent. The next 4 weeks we are to prepare and ready our minds and our hearts for the birth of the Christ child. How exciting? We have our Advent wreath on our family dinner table with our bible on one side and a daily devotional on the other. We are going to start a new tradition here at our household. We plan to light the candle in the evening and read the daily passage.
I love traditions. I love how they can be instilled as a young child and carried on from generation to generation. Oakley is at such an impressionable age, that I want nothing more than to show through action and word, the love of our Jesus. He smiles every time Barry and I bow our heads and pray. But the most adorable thing he does when we conclude is when he says, "Amen!" with a sparkle in his eye! Melts my heart.
As I watch the world through Oakley's eye's and see that sparkle as he has in them, I try to wave that sparkle into my eyes as well. I want to anticipate Christmas like a child. I want to eagerly await and count down the days. I want it to be special and meaningful. I want it to be about Jesus more now than ever. Don't you?
I want it to be "Indescribable!" :) And I believe it can be! Happy Advent everyone!
Blessings.
Sarah
Sunday, November 18, 2012
For Unto Us...
Does it seem like just yesterday we were planning and preparing to start the holiday season of 2011-2012 and here we are a whole year later...? Time really does fly and I swear it goes faster all the time. As we ready our homes, prepare all the food for parties, and start the gift buying and gift making extravaganzas - it all gets to be so much sometimes that we lose sight of what we are even preparing for...
Just yesterday I came across our saved Christmas letter that we sent out to our family and friends last year. That letter, I have saved on our computer as well as printed out and saved in a special place. That letter holds many emotions and memories to me. A snipit of the letter is as follows:
Warm wishes from our home to yours,
We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones in good health and holiday spirits as we eagerly await this Christmas season for the birth of the Christ child. As it is written in Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…“And as we sit down to write this letter, our arms and our hearts are warmed with the love from a little miracle. For unto us a child was born, a son was given and we have named him Oakley John. Our prayers were answered in a very special way this year as God had a very special plan for us. Our little Oakley was born August 20, 2011.....
Growing up, I eagerly anticipated receiving letters and pictures from our family and friends. I would read them and re-read them over the holiday season. As a young girl, I would dream about taking that fun Christmas card picture with my future family and write those special letters to send out. Well, after Barry and I got married we sent out our very first picture and letter and it was special. I have also kept that one. But, that was the only one sent until last year. For the last 3 years, I couldn't luster up enough words to write a letter or send a picture of just Barry and I. I so badly wanted that picture to include our family that we longed for.
I can remember those holiday seasons after losing Tanner and Hudson and Barry and I would go to the cemetery where they are buried. And as we drove there, and we would listen to Christmas music such as "Silent Night" or "Away in a Manger", I just would think of my little babies and weep. It never gets easier. And I can remember standing at there grave with snow on the ground and whispering to Barry, "Isn't there a feeling of "being complete" when we come here? We are all together?" After losing our boys, I always felt their presence there at that place and I would feel so calm and whole. Now, I can feel them with me wherever I go. But especially at the holiday time, I felt them there.
Well, last year was so special for Barry and I as we finally got to send out that holiday picture and that letter sharing the good news. The news that a child was born! And a son was given! :) Such a special Christmas it was and always will be. And we are looking forward to this one and the ones to come.
But.... as I type that very paragraph and feel my heart warm from the inside as it is whole now, I can't forget for one instant all the mothers and fathers in waiting or longing; that will long for that baby again at this Christmas season. As the Christmas tunes begin to play in the stores and the gifts begin to be bought, I try and say a special prayer for all those mothers and fathers as they wait their turn. I would invite each and every one of you to do the same this holiday season. As the holiday are so special to each and every one of us, we always need to pray for the others whose hearts are longing for something.
My prayer tonight and for the season ahead is that we will all feel the love of the Christ child in our hearts and in our actions. That we will never forget the true meaning of Christmas and remember that tiny baby Jesus who came to this world to save each and every one of us. My prayer is that all those mothers and fathers will trust in the baby Jesus again this year and that His good news and blessings will surround them in the year to come.
I will end with the last few lines from our Christmas letter from last year...
Blessings.
Sarah
We hope during this blessed season you are surrounded with love and wonder as we anticipate our Christ’s birth. There is no greater love than His, and we have felt His love this blessed year with our little miracle Oakley. May the miracle of Christmas fill your hearts with warmth and love.
Just yesterday I came across our saved Christmas letter that we sent out to our family and friends last year. That letter, I have saved on our computer as well as printed out and saved in a special place. That letter holds many emotions and memories to me. A snipit of the letter is as follows:
Warm wishes from our home to yours,
We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones in good health and holiday spirits as we eagerly await this Christmas season for the birth of the Christ child. As it is written in Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…“And as we sit down to write this letter, our arms and our hearts are warmed with the love from a little miracle. For unto us a child was born, a son was given and we have named him Oakley John. Our prayers were answered in a very special way this year as God had a very special plan for us. Our little Oakley was born August 20, 2011.....
Growing up, I eagerly anticipated receiving letters and pictures from our family and friends. I would read them and re-read them over the holiday season. As a young girl, I would dream about taking that fun Christmas card picture with my future family and write those special letters to send out. Well, after Barry and I got married we sent out our very first picture and letter and it was special. I have also kept that one. But, that was the only one sent until last year. For the last 3 years, I couldn't luster up enough words to write a letter or send a picture of just Barry and I. I so badly wanted that picture to include our family that we longed for.
I can remember those holiday seasons after losing Tanner and Hudson and Barry and I would go to the cemetery where they are buried. And as we drove there, and we would listen to Christmas music such as "Silent Night" or "Away in a Manger", I just would think of my little babies and weep. It never gets easier. And I can remember standing at there grave with snow on the ground and whispering to Barry, "Isn't there a feeling of "being complete" when we come here? We are all together?" After losing our boys, I always felt their presence there at that place and I would feel so calm and whole. Now, I can feel them with me wherever I go. But especially at the holiday time, I felt them there.
Well, last year was so special for Barry and I as we finally got to send out that holiday picture and that letter sharing the good news. The news that a child was born! And a son was given! :) Such a special Christmas it was and always will be. And we are looking forward to this one and the ones to come.
But.... as I type that very paragraph and feel my heart warm from the inside as it is whole now, I can't forget for one instant all the mothers and fathers in waiting or longing; that will long for that baby again at this Christmas season. As the Christmas tunes begin to play in the stores and the gifts begin to be bought, I try and say a special prayer for all those mothers and fathers as they wait their turn. I would invite each and every one of you to do the same this holiday season. As the holiday are so special to each and every one of us, we always need to pray for the others whose hearts are longing for something.
My prayer tonight and for the season ahead is that we will all feel the love of the Christ child in our hearts and in our actions. That we will never forget the true meaning of Christmas and remember that tiny baby Jesus who came to this world to save each and every one of us. My prayer is that all those mothers and fathers will trust in the baby Jesus again this year and that His good news and blessings will surround them in the year to come.
I will end with the last few lines from our Christmas letter from last year...
Blessings.
Sarah
We hope during this blessed season you are surrounded with love and wonder as we anticipate our Christ’s birth. There is no greater love than His, and we have felt His love this blessed year with our little miracle Oakley. May the miracle of Christmas fill your hearts with warmth and love.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
On the road...
I drive a lot. When I say a lot, I mean every single day. Some days my distance is small, such as 25 miles one way. And other days my distance is big, such as 80 miles one way. I work as a therapist in the school setting. I travel to area schools to offer Occupational Therapy to students. And I have found a great love and joy in driving.
Some may think, "Ugh, I would hate to have to commute to work every single day." But, I have found so many sweet blessings that come along with that part of my job. Let me enlighten you all. The first perk of the commuting is me time. This time is directly entitled to me, myself and I. I have found great joy in that time to reflect on the day and drink my coffee ;). The second perk would be the morning sunrises. Some people never leave their homes during the day and miss out on one of God's first blessings of the day. When I see and feel that warmth from the rising sun, I know that He has blessed us with another day to shine our selves. The third perk would be my endless array of changing scenery. Daily my scenery changes from interstate roads to gravel roads. From cornfields to lakes. From rain to snow. My "office on wheels" has great views! ;) The fourth and biggest perk I would say about my commuting for work would be my time with God. I have found Him to be everywhere I look for Him. He is in the music that I listen to on my radio, the sun that I watch rise, the rain on my windshield, the cow in the pasture, and the leading hand in my every move. Pretty amazing job, huh?
I have found my most healing moments in my life's journey have been on the road. I have cried tears of sadness and wonder. Prayed as I reflected on where He was taking me. Spoke words out loud to God and asked Him many questions as if He was riding in the seat next to me. As well as sang out in worship and prayer. All while in my "office on wheels!" I honestly look forward to that part of my day because it has been such a life changing part to my healing.
I can remember driving on Hwy 25, en route to Willow Lake, SD a couple years back. I can remember distinctly the song that was on the radio. It was "Before The Morning" by Josh Wilson. It happened to be on my morning commute. I can remember hearing it for the first time and thinking that those words were God's words to me. I have found that correlation so much in the music that I tune into daily. Do you do that? It often happens when you are searching for the words to say and then, there they are! I have a goofy memory in the fact that I can hear a song and remember where I was when I heard it, or what I was thinking as I heard it, and so on. And I sometimes think that if I didn't drive so much, I wouldn't get the opportunity to hear so many of these wonderful songs. I often sing songs and drive and almost feel as though those words are my words in prayer. Such a powerful, wonderful thing.
As I count my commuting as a blessing in my daily "job", I also have found another direct companion to that blessing and that is time with God. Do you make time for God? Or do you have time set aside for Him? I have come to realize that my time with God is during that commuting time... As I have illustrated above, it has and is such a blessing and a sweet adventure in my life to know Him and to feel His love and presence in my life. I haven't always made time for Him, or seen that time as important, but through my path and struggles I have found it to be healing, meaningful, wonderful, and gratifying.
Life is busy... Try and take a minute each day and talk to Him. He is there. Waiting. Listening.
Blessings.
Sarah
Some may think, "Ugh, I would hate to have to commute to work every single day." But, I have found so many sweet blessings that come along with that part of my job. Let me enlighten you all. The first perk of the commuting is me time. This time is directly entitled to me, myself and I. I have found great joy in that time to reflect on the day and drink my coffee ;). The second perk would be the morning sunrises. Some people never leave their homes during the day and miss out on one of God's first blessings of the day. When I see and feel that warmth from the rising sun, I know that He has blessed us with another day to shine our selves. The third perk would be my endless array of changing scenery. Daily my scenery changes from interstate roads to gravel roads. From cornfields to lakes. From rain to snow. My "office on wheels" has great views! ;) The fourth and biggest perk I would say about my commuting for work would be my time with God. I have found Him to be everywhere I look for Him. He is in the music that I listen to on my radio, the sun that I watch rise, the rain on my windshield, the cow in the pasture, and the leading hand in my every move. Pretty amazing job, huh?
I have found my most healing moments in my life's journey have been on the road. I have cried tears of sadness and wonder. Prayed as I reflected on where He was taking me. Spoke words out loud to God and asked Him many questions as if He was riding in the seat next to me. As well as sang out in worship and prayer. All while in my "office on wheels!" I honestly look forward to that part of my day because it has been such a life changing part to my healing.
I can remember driving on Hwy 25, en route to Willow Lake, SD a couple years back. I can remember distinctly the song that was on the radio. It was "Before The Morning" by Josh Wilson. It happened to be on my morning commute. I can remember hearing it for the first time and thinking that those words were God's words to me. I have found that correlation so much in the music that I tune into daily. Do you do that? It often happens when you are searching for the words to say and then, there they are! I have a goofy memory in the fact that I can hear a song and remember where I was when I heard it, or what I was thinking as I heard it, and so on. And I sometimes think that if I didn't drive so much, I wouldn't get the opportunity to hear so many of these wonderful songs. I often sing songs and drive and almost feel as though those words are my words in prayer. Such a powerful, wonderful thing.
As I count my commuting as a blessing in my daily "job", I also have found another direct companion to that blessing and that is time with God. Do you make time for God? Or do you have time set aside for Him? I have come to realize that my time with God is during that commuting time... As I have illustrated above, it has and is such a blessing and a sweet adventure in my life to know Him and to feel His love and presence in my life. I haven't always made time for Him, or seen that time as important, but through my path and struggles I have found it to be healing, meaningful, wonderful, and gratifying.
Life is busy... Try and take a minute each day and talk to Him. He is there. Waiting. Listening.
Blessings.
Sarah
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Our Gift
Dear Oakley,
You are such a gift in our eyes. We loved you before you were even here... We had prayed out to God to bless us with a child to love and you were that miracle and answer to those many prayers. We find it amazing the amount of love we have for you. God sure blessed Mommy and Daddy, in giving you to us.
As we watched you come into this world and take your first breathe, it took our breathe away. We never imagined we could love someone so much, so fast, and so strong. Moments after you were born, we held you close and it was an instant bond. You snuggled right in and we held you close. You are so beautiful inside and out. It was as if "when you were born, you were the missing piece to our puzzle."
You have been such a joy to watch grow and change over the last 14+ months. We have rejoiced in every single milestone! As we eagerly awaited for God to bless us with you, we looked forward to all the "little" moments of being a Mommy and a Daddy to you. We anticipated all the firsts... first bath, first late night feeding, first giggle and coo, first time rolling over, first time sitting up, first time crawling, first taste of baby food, first holiday, first vacation... and so on. We had waited so long for you! We love your little belly laughs and your sweet , 8 toothed grin when you get into something that you think you probably shouldn't have...
We love to watch you and imagine what you thinking. You are so fearless. You are so happy and healthy. You are so easy-going and sweet. You are one of a kind, that is for sure. We feel so honored and blessed for you to call us Mommy and Daddy and we strive everyday to love you more and to speak Jesus' name into your heart as He is the reason we have each other.
Never forget little one how much we love you and are proud to call you our son!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
You are such a gift in our eyes. We loved you before you were even here... We had prayed out to God to bless us with a child to love and you were that miracle and answer to those many prayers. We find it amazing the amount of love we have for you. God sure blessed Mommy and Daddy, in giving you to us.
As we watched you come into this world and take your first breathe, it took our breathe away. We never imagined we could love someone so much, so fast, and so strong. Moments after you were born, we held you close and it was an instant bond. You snuggled right in and we held you close. You are so beautiful inside and out. It was as if "when you were born, you were the missing piece to our puzzle."
You have been such a joy to watch grow and change over the last 14+ months. We have rejoiced in every single milestone! As we eagerly awaited for God to bless us with you, we looked forward to all the "little" moments of being a Mommy and a Daddy to you. We anticipated all the firsts... first bath, first late night feeding, first giggle and coo, first time rolling over, first time sitting up, first time crawling, first taste of baby food, first holiday, first vacation... and so on. We had waited so long for you! We love your little belly laughs and your sweet , 8 toothed grin when you get into something that you think you probably shouldn't have...
We love to watch you and imagine what you thinking. You are so fearless. You are so happy and healthy. You are so easy-going and sweet. You are one of a kind, that is for sure. We feel so honored and blessed for you to call us Mommy and Daddy and we strive everyday to love you more and to speak Jesus' name into your heart as He is the reason we have each other.
Never forget little one how much we love you and are proud to call you our son!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Prayer. Changes. Me.
As I log into the site here tonight and while I ponder where the Holy Spirit will take us to, all that I can see in my mind and in my heart are three words. Prayer. Changes. Me.
"Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
Prayer has become one of the sweetest adventures of my life. I believe with all my heart that prayer really does change things. Prayer has changed me. As I praise God, my burdens are lifted. The burdens themselves may not change, but they're transferred from my shoulders to God's. As I unload my worries and my cares on Him, I can almost sense His presence and strength with me. As I confess my sins, I know He forgives me.
As a woman, who is also a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, co-worker, believer... I know that I cannot fullfill all of these roles and fill all of these shoes alone. I rely heavily on Him for guidance and faithfulness. In the big moments as well as the small.
Just recently I was talking to my mom on the telephone and I was in tears. I was emotional at the fact that I sometimes feel as though I am having to read God's mind. Have you ever felt that way? I often become anxious at the fact that expanding our family is so non-traditional. We are not the "norm." We are faced with decisions to make and difficult ones at that. I am okay with not being the "norm", but I often try and sit back and guess where He will take us next. I should say, that with time, prayer, and healing I am okay with not being the "norm." There is anything I would give to be able to have a healthy baby with my husband, naturally. But I am placing my trust in Him, and choosing to believe that He has a plan and a purpose for us.
I explained to my mom that I know that thus far in my life's story that I have not written the story, He has. There has been times that I thought I was writing it, only to find out that I surely wasn't. He was and is.
We talked in detail about the chapters of life we have read and lived thus far. About how amazing they are and how we never would have included all the added details to the story, but now that we have read it and know it, it is all good and makes sense. We reflected on the emotions of when you are in the middle of a chapter and anticipating what is about to come. As well as when you are about to turn a page and to keep your eyes open and your heart eager!
As we ended our phone call that day I prayed. And again, prayer changed me. I had this peace come to me. This peace that I could feel in my heart. It is a peace that I have come to know. I choose to believe that I will cast all my cares over to Him, for He cares for me and will lead us into the next chapter. :) Prayers appreciated always.
Blessings.
Sarah
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