Jesus-our judge and mediator

Quotes from an incredible blog I read this morning! This is my heart....

This means it's entirely possible for us to be against the destructive actions of biological parents but still for the redemptive pursuit of their souls. We can be against what they've done but still for them. Let me say that again, we can simultaneously be against what they've done but still for who they are. They are humans. They are not the Enemy. Broken humans in need of redemption. 

One of the most gracious gifts given to us in the gospel is freedom from the burden to be the hero of anybody's story, including our own. Of course we are still responsible to fight for the best interests of the kids we are caring for, but with Jesus as the Hero we are free from the need to bear the weight of redemption that only He was ever intended to carry. 

With Jesus as the Hero the struggles will be real for us but they do not have the power to defeat us; they will be heavy upon us but they do not have the power to break us; the Enemy will seek to destroy us but he will not have the power to prevail over us. This is the confidence upon which we intercede on behalf of these kids. This is the hope which steadies us even as the war rages on around us. 

http://jasonjohnsonblog.com/blog/the-spiritual-battle-of-foster-care

Happy Birthday!

I've run four marathons and every one has been a learning experience. Wonderful, impossible and accomplished. 

September 5th, 2014 the world was changed. September 12, 2014 our world changed. 

This year has been like running a marathon. It has been the best experience of our lives. There have been countless unforgettable moments and more laughter and happiness in our home than we ever dreamed possible. It has also been the most challenging year we have ever experienced. We have learned new lessons about Faith, Risk, Forgiveness, Trust, Courage, and Commitment. We have prayed harder, loved deeper and fought harder than ever before. It was supposed to be the end this week. 363 days and it was supposed to be finished. Then there was a 7 month extension granted. 

I feel like I ran a marathon and when I got to the finish someone told me I have to turn around and run back. 

BUT I'd run ten more marathons for the joy this year has brought. We'll keep fighting for LOVE. 

Every moment with you has been wonderful. Here's to MANY more moments together. 

You're our little Superman. We love you baby! Happy birthday! 

Fighting

http://youtu.be/xo1VInw-SKc

Daily Devotional

This weekend we heard a sermon about seeking God's will... Not in the generic, 'if it's your will God...' way. Rather, 'God, I want your will, align my heart and mind and actions to your will so that your very best is all I get'... Not my idea of the 'good life,' but truly God's. The King, my Father, my Creator, my Friend, knows absolutely what is best for me and I want to follow that path! 

The scripture from my devotional today illustrates how Jesus demonstrated to the desciples that he could provide more than they could ever imagine. When they got the message... They left their fishing nets behind and followed him. 

Lord, I choose you! 

Next Monday is another big day. We thank God that He is with us wherever we go and we call upon him to be our judge and let Truth and Love rule!!! 

Faith

http://youtu.be/XMUZD1aaAHk

Forgiveness

I am trying to forgive. It is very difficult when the person continues to do things that upset me and I HAVE to continue to deal with them. Every time this person's name comes up in my phone, my stomach churns... I know there is a lot of anger there.... Lord, help me let it go. Help me trust your promises and not get discouraged by what people say. Help me forgive. 

http://youtu.be/f8TkUMJtK5k

Prayer for the Babies

Jesus, I lift up the babies. Those who can't seem to catch a break in their short little lives. In just a few short days, months, years, they have experienced more pain than anyone should. 

Father of lights. You are the giver of all good things. Please come and give good gifts to the babies today. 

AMEN

Off topic...

I know this isn't related directly to our adoption journey... but indirectly it is, so please indulge my ramblings...

I don't know how many of you have heard about Advocare. But, Jonathan and I are loving our results with the products and the business. Together, we have lost almost 40 lbs, several clothing sizes and are feeling and looking better than we have in years. ALSO, in the past two weeks we made over 500 dollars with just a very part-time effort in this business. The money is helping give us hope for adoption and the healthier lifestyle is absolutely life-changing for us.

What would you do with an extra 500 dollars? Would you like a change in your health? We would love to help you the way our friends in Advocare are helping us! There is no pressure whatsoever. We just want to share this exciting opportunity with as many of our friends and family as possible! 

A Mother's Song

Jesus love you ____________,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves you.
Yes, Jesus loves you.
Yes, Jesus loves you.
The Bible tells me so.

Sang this and cried tonight... Holding onto the fact that Jesus love is stronger and deeper than mine could ever be...

Dear friends and family,

I want to share something with you... Adoption is very expensive. We have brainstormed lots of ways to come up with the money we need... My favorite way to get money is to earn it...
So, I am starting a new business. I am a distributer for a health and fitness company called AdvoCare. I was uncomfortable talking about it at first because I am not into 'selling' to you guys. Then it occurred to me: If I was opening a coffee shop or some other business I would tell everyone I know, and ask for support and help with word of mouth advertising... So why not, with this business?? Here goes... please do not feel like I am pressuring you to 'buy'. Rather, I would love your feedback on my story and my approach.

My Story:
I have always been a healthy person. I used to run 2-3 miles almost every morning and often either run or do a workout as well in the afternoon. I would also spend hours in the kitchen chopping vegetables, making salads and trying to prepare healthy meals my family would enjoy.

Then our son came along. Now I am a full-time working mom, and as I'm sure many of you can relate to, there is simply no longer time for 'two a days' or spending hours in the kitchen, much less getting enough sleep. This point is illustrated by the fact that I'm writing this note by voice texting while I'm in the bathroom getting ready for work. Haha

AdvoCare has become my solution. Spark and the vitamin packs give me energy that I need for my busy life, in spite of the fact that I rarely get a full nights sleep anymore. The meal replacement products help me continue to feel healthy and full, regardless of the fact that I do not have time to cook very often. The 24 day challenge, and  the appetite control products have revolutionized my life. I no longer have constant sweet cravings and I feel in control of my eating. This is very important especially in light of the fact that I have type 1 diabetes.

My story is just beginning... Recently I decided to take the next step and work on building my own AdvoCare business by helping others. I KNOW this is the answer we needed to bring in some extra cash and help with adoption costs.

My Approach: 

Does any of this sound appealing to you? If so, please check out my site or email/call me! I'd love to talk about how AdvoCare can help you meet your fitness goals! 

E-mail: blairandruthchallenge@gmail.com

Website: 

www.AdvoCare.com/150360106

Surprising Grace

My devotional tonight says that God's grace always comes as a contradiction to what comes natural to us... When God crosses the great divide from Heaven to earth, from righteousness to sinfulness, He turns our 'business as usual' upside down---which is to say, right side up. 

 I am so grateful to be an adopted daughter of God!!! Two dear friends listened to me rant and cry tonight... Then I read this and I felt God saying that He hears my cry and He is working on my behalf. I am his daughter. Even when the world feels upside down. He is in control. I am so thankful. 

Privileged

The last six months have been the most amazing and also the hardest of my life! I have the incredible priviledge of being "mommy" to an amazing little boy. My joy is unspeakable, my spirit undeflatable (is that a word??), my heart constantly swells with more love than I ever imagined possible. It's interesting how such a tiny person can take up so much space in your life and at the same time how you continuously find more space for him than what you ever knew you had!

He needed more space for his clothes.
 Found this adorable little dresser and the perfect spot for it! 

I have had the privilege of joining the daycare drop-off, sick day bank depleting, no time for cooking or cleaning life of a working mom. Yet, I feel more like 'me' than I ever have before. He reminds me daily that I was destined to be a mommy. I waited and hoped and prayed and now I have JOY.

Its not easy though, as any parent will tell you. I don't know what the future holds and I can't help but worry. So whenever I am afraid I turn to God. I choose to trust him because He is the only one who holds my future and my baby's future in HIS hands. No matter what happens I know God loves him more than I ever could, and therefore I trust that his destiny is secure.

My hope is in God and I am so thankful. 

So thankful that I have this privilege.

"And so it begins... Our New Normal." This beautiful mom's blog tells our story better than I could. Click here and then scroll to the top to read her blog...