Another Setback...

Just when things give the appearance of moving forward...

Another setback.

And everything comes to a screeching halt.  And now we just wait. 
For more paperwork.

This year we have been studying Genesis.  Studying the Patriarchs. 

One of the things I have noticed is that I have a few things in common with them.

Abraham waited.

Isaac waited.

Jacob waited.

Joseph waited.

While they waited God changed them.

God strengthened their faith.  God dealt with their sin.  God removed any sense of pride.

That they would die to themselves and live for His glory.

I know that we - that I - am in Genesis this year for a reason.

I am waiting, hoping that God would change me.

That He would strengthen my faith.  That He would deal with my sin.  That he would take away all my pride.

That I would die to myself and live for His glory. 

Even in the setbacks.  Even when things are frustrating and don't make any sense.  Even when it seems like God isn't doing anything.

"During the times we think God isn't doing anything, He is doing the work most important to Him:  developing our character and transforming us into the image of Christ Jesus."

Seeing Grace

One of the things that God has been teaching me as we walk this path is to be grateful.

Even just about the little things.  Trees blooming.  Freshly cut grass.  The smell of the grill.  Dishes in the sink.  Sunshine.

I am learning more and more each day that there is so much to be thankful for. 

Yesterday I was reminded of this as we shared with our church family about where we are.  Still waiting for the final draft of the homestudy.  Still working on our profile.  Starting to fundraise.  Waiting.

And the grace of God was all around us.

In the smiles.  In the encouraging words.  In the hugs.  In the prayers. In the stories of those who have gone before us.

We were so thankful to be a part of a group of people who are truly trying to share the love of Christ.

What an awesome reminder of why God wants us to be in community with those who are like-minded. 

How amazing is the body of Christ when it is working together, using its gifts to bless the other parts.  Rejoicing with those who are rejoicing.

Amazing grace...

Staying Busy

God is teaching me how to patiently wait.

One way to patiently wait is to stay busy. 

There are lots of things I can do to stay busy.

One thing that I have been doing to stay busy is to run. 

Running is not something I can say that I honestly enjoy.  I do, however, enjoy how it makes me feel afterwards.  It has also given me lots of time to pray. 

Sweet Husband thinks I should put all this running to good use. 

So next Saturday I will be running 13.1 miles to try and raise money for our adoption.  Running longer than I ever dreamed I would be able to run. 

But then again, that is what this journey has been about from the beginning.

Doing things I never dreamed I would be doing.  Heading down a path I never dreamed I would be taking.  Experiencing blessings I never dreamed I would experience.  Growing in my faith more than I ever dreamed possible. 

Who knows what tomorrow's dreams will bring...

 

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Beginning...

Here we go...

God has brought us to adoption to expand our family.  We are excited. We are anxious. We are trying to be patient.

So many people have been journeying along with us for so many years.  Praying for us as we struggled through secondary infertility.

We have decided to start a blog to keep all of our friends and family informed and involved in this process with us.

Although we decided to adopt seven months ago, it feels as if we have just begun.  We have just finished the homestudy process.  We are working on our family profile, which is a book that birthmothers will look through and decide if we are the right family for their child.  Our next step is to begin the agency paperwork.  And wait. Patiently. 

So here we go...