learning, growing,changing and becoming

In the past few days I have learned some from life that I have not listened to or responded to for years. I have been more in tuned with God's will for my life, the life of my family and the lives of others. I find it interesting that we grow the most when times are significantly painful and I can now understand those that say they find peace in the midst of challenges and difficulties. Without being specific, and possibly later we will be able to write more in this blog, but we had some exciting things entering our lives and today marks the very day that we surrendered all of the anticipation at the Lord's feet, knowing that He is God and we are not. We thought we had a plan - a family plan and now we look at tomorrow - planless - BUT in planless peace, being optimistic about what God will bring into our lives.
We all have a choice, to follow our heart or to seek the heart of God. There is true peace when we walk in God's path, but when we wonder onto our own, we create much pain, not only for ourselves, but for others as well.

CAN HE REALLY BE 6?

I can not believe that B is already 6! It is amazing how fast this time has gone by and I just wish I could slow down the speed to catch my breath!

B,

I love you so much. You have the biggest heart of all! We are always trying to give me hugs and continually telling me that you love me. You are so helpful and always wanting to please. You love school, your friends, your family and Jesus. I watch as you play with your friends and I see so much maturity in you. You are the kids who puts the needs and wants of others above your own - a characteristic that is so admirable - especially when you are just 6. I feel so honored to be your mom and to hold your hand and snuggle with you. You are such an important part of this family and add so much spice into our lives. We love you so much and can not wait to see what this 6 year old year will bring for you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Love - Mom

WHY ADOPT?

I have had so many people ask why Adam and I are so passionate about adoption. I thought that because there have been a variety of people asking, I should come up with an intelligent answer that sums up reasons without creating a novel to explain our hearts. We love God with all that we are. In saying that, we continually fall short of reaching His will because we are sinful and self focused. Our passion is not because we are martyrs for any cause, we have just been called. We have a strong belief that God wants Christians to adopt. The very fact that HE adopted US into HIS family, gives us the model of a pure and selfless love. We know that it was not easy for Him to love us and choose us as His own, just as adoption is seldom easy in any facet. Many people comment that we "have our hands full" and as we continue to think of yet another adoption, we realize that these very same people will not understand why we would choose to fill our basket even more full. The truth of the matter is that we seldom have it all together and know the direction that we are to go. We do not have the perfect marriage, the perfect behaving children, the perfect homelife. We are broken people and we fall short. What we do have is love. What we can offer is family. What we can do is fulfill God's call on our lives to give to those who are helpless and hopeless and for us, that is those who are orphaned - who have no mommy to wipe those tears or daddy to high five when they aced the spelling test or kicked the goal. We can give love. It does not cost one single cent. Life is EXPENSIVE and the economy is HORRIBLE - we wonder if this is the right time - but could it honestly ever be the WRONG time to give a child a chance - a life - a family - something to identify with and make them stronger in themselves. We also see adoption as a chance to change the world for the Lord. We love God so much and our home reflects His love. We pray - read His word and reflect on His will DAILY - which is why, adopting just makes sense! We were praying the other day and Sophie pointed to her heart and said "EESUS" - That is when it is SO CONFIRMED! Sophie now knows that Jesus is in that sweet heart of hers and that she is loved. Some people will tell us that adoption is not for them and I do not stand in any place to judge. We try to follow God's word as we interpret it and His will as He leads us. We chose to adopt in China because God planted a seed in my (Lisa's) heart showing me that our daughter was in this land. Because of this, we love China and the people and culture and would be honored to adopt from there again if God opens the doors for us. We will not limit God or His ability to use us, people of little talent and ability - to further His kingdom. From the moment Sophie was placed in our arms, she cried big tears, and the confusion and sadness she was feeling was overwhelming, but the love we felt at that moment could only be compared to the love we felt the moment our biological children were placed in our arms. So simply, why adopt - I guess, why not? Life is short and there is no greater gift in life than a family! When we put our children to bed at night, kiss and hug there sweet little necks - we are burdened for those many who have no mommy and daddy to hug and kiss and pray with them - EVERY CHILD DESERVES A FAMILY!

MY BABY IS 8!

LOVE THIS CAKE THAT MOM MADE - JUST LIKE A STACK OF LEGOS

MY FAMILY ARE THE BEST PEOPLE TO CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY WITH!

MAKING A WISH AND BLOWING THE CANDLES OUT!

LOVIN' THESE COOL GIFTS...

T,

I can not believe that you are 8. I recall the day that I had you - like it was just days ago. You came into this world as a vibrant and demanding little guy and continue to be just as tenacious! You have a heart of gold and demand much from yourself and others. You brighten a room by your smile and the love you have for others, is amazing! You are sensitive, loving and caring. You enjoy a sense of humor that is delightful and fun! I love you so much. I thank God for blessing me with a child who makes me be a better and stronger person. As you question, I do as well. You love God and you yearn to know more of who He is in character. You remember things that I can not for the life of me think of (especially when it benefits you :) -. I have just adored the past 8 years with you. They have been the best ones of my life. I thank God for allowing me the awesome privilege in raising such a wonderful boy! I love you! Mom