tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11264051685452053842023-11-16T05:25:44.256-08:00Growing By GraceGrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-21042644121137998792013-08-12T17:43:00.000-07:002013-08-12T17:43:32.133-07:0018 months old<span class="userContent">18 months old today!! and a constant reminder of the power and presence of God. He walks, climbs, laughs, teases, says "mama" and "dada", blows kisses, and loves animals. "But as for me, I will sing of Your strength...I will joyfully sing of Your loving kindness, for You have been my stronghold, and a refuge in the day of my distress...I will sing praise to You." Psalm 59:16,17</span> <br />
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GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-24770452919466936272012-11-01T12:02:00.001-07:002012-11-01T12:02:09.847-07:00So very grateful!Wow, time flies! I didn't realize it had been so long since I've been on the blog. Here's what's been happening. <br />
Cannon is off all medications and doing great! He's happy, eats and sleeps well, and is getting physical therapy from a wonderful lady once a week. No more blood thinner shots or seizure meds. His MRI in July showed blood flow through the area that was once blocked by the clot. His EEG in August looked good and he'll be seen by his neurologist next year to follow up. He is about 18 pounds and almost 9 months old, and smiles all day long. <br />
His adoption was finalized a few weeks ago! We are so grateful for what the Lord has done in our family, for the lessons learned through sorrow and uncertainty, and for this sweet baby! <br />
<strong>Psalm 28:6,7 "Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of our supplications! The Lord is our strength and our shield; our heart trusted in Him and we were helped; therefore, our heart greatly rejoices, and with our song we will praise Him."</strong>GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-33692266538761214182012-06-27T21:18:00.004-07:002012-06-27T21:18:45.968-07:00A Lesson in Gratitude<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few weeks ago, I was rocking my sweet baby, and a sense of
overwhelming gratitude for what God has done in our family over the past year,
came upon me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put him in his crib and knelt
in the hallway, and thanked God for His healing of our hearts, for His peace,
for His protection over Cannon and the blessing of our family and friends who
have supported us and encouraged us along the way. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And, I thought about the many times we pray so desperately for a
miracle, for God to intervene; and when He does, do we thank Him just as
fervently as we prayed, or just as often as we cried out to Him? </b>That was
my lesson that day; to express my gratitude for what God does and who He is, as
often and as desperately as when I pray for His miraculous interventions in my
life. </span>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cannon recently had an MRI done, and God protected Him
through being sedated and the 1 ½ hr long test. Today, the neurologist said he
looked like a completely different baby than just a few months ago (when she
saw him shortly after his seizures and the blood clot). She is pleased with his
progress, alertness and interaction, and happy nature, and said the MRI shows
that there is now blood circulation where there was once no flow of blood in
the vein where the blood clot had formed. She expects he will be off his
seizure medication at the end of the summer. The hematologist will determine when
he will be off his blood thinners once they compare the two MRI’s and determine
if the blood clot has completely resolved.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you for praying!
And, here are some things you can continue to pray for Cannon.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First, join us in thanking God anytime Cannon comes to mind,
for what He has already done; for Cannon’s happy and easygoing nature, good
sleep, and overall health.</span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He could still be prone to seizures, however has not had any
since he was in the hospital (for which we are very grateful).</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He will be evaluated Friday for some needed physical therapy,
as the neurologist said there is still the possibility of him developing some
form of cerebral palsy or like-issues that may delay or affect development due
to the brain hemorrhage. We are praying for God’s continued healing and
protection as his brain grows and heals. God has a plan for Cannon and we are
excited to see what He will do with this little life!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Psalm 145<o:p></o:p></em></span></b><br />
<em>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Great is the Lord and
greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation will
praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. I will
meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works…The
Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord
is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.<o:p></o:p></span></b></em><br />
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grateful for His tender mercies,</span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Belue family<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-21505708699070056062012-05-14T12:55:00.000-07:002012-05-14T12:55:09.053-07:00A Mother's Day Reflection<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eighteen years ago, I had dreams of what my life would look
like….I would have 3 kids before I was 30…I would be a stay at home mother<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>after I taught for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 years. Instead, I taught for 7 years, then
had time to go back to school for a Master’s in Educational Management, and
became an Assistant Principal for 4 years. I was stretched, and blessed with
encouragement, through co-workers who loved Jesus.</span><br />
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For seven years,
Mother’s Day was a day of celebrating my own wonderful mother, but also one of longing
to be a mother myself…a day where I willed myself to choose gratitude for what
I did have, and look forward to what God would bring.</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Long before God gave
us our own children through adoption, he gave us the youth at GHCC. What a joy
they were to us…going to retreats, athletic events, parties, lock-ins, baptisms,
graduations, even the sorrows and tears shared, and shed for those we loved and
lost…and learning about God and others together. I can remember to this day the
Mother’s Day cards I received and cherished, and the lessons learned about life
and family during that time. They will never be forgotten! And “our kids” will
always have a place in our hearts.</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be forty in a
week, and blessed to be the mother of 2 beautiful children crafted just for me.
I had a good plan, but God had a different, much broader plan, one I’m so glad
He created; to teach me about Him, to loosen my grip of selfish expectations
and to give the freedom from fear of the unknown in order to experience and
display His glory in a way that my plans never could have done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The journey to growing our family has changed my life
forever, and set Christ’s presence and grace so deep within me that I long for
more…for heaven. Anything I felt I have lost, I have gained that much more for
having known Christ better and been loved so deeply through the losses.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I</span>n every season, God has a purpose for us, and we have a
choice to make (sometimes one day at a time). Will we allow the sweet presence
of Jesus and the grace from the cross to speak truth, and breathe life into our
struggling souls?</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May our losses and disappointments continually bring us to
the grace, wisdom, freedom and peace that only a life surrendered by God could
accomplish.</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having your fingers
pried off something you long for…that you are clinging to, can be painful and
disappointing. But, when it’s God who is doing the prying, the end result is
freedom…the freedom to hold onto the good He has for you…Himself, a new dream,
the hope of heaven…and peace for life here on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Revelation 7:12<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blessing and glory
and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever
and ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-46200495695266802332012-04-21T16:34:00.000-07:002012-04-21T16:34:04.109-07:00Trusting Him Just the Same<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With tears in my eyes, I thanked God for my two kids today,
who have taught me to trust Jesus in all things.</span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I trusted God when He said He had a good plan for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I kept trusting Him when I couldn’t bear children and the
years wore on, and I saw His loving hand upon my grieving heart. He was saving
my tears.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I still trusted when He led us to adoption. I trusted while
I waited and waited. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trusted He would
provide the finances and the child He had planned for us. He did!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I trusted Him when I wanted to adopt again but the timing
wasn’t right. I trusted while I waited and waited some more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I trusted Him when He began working on us to adopt a sibling
group, even when I really didn’t see how we could, or if we should.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I trusted when He chose 3 sweet children whom we loved and
lost; I trusted when He took us all the way to Colombia and back, empty-handed.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trusted in His deep love for me and our children.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I trusted, and praised God for what He would do, even when I
couldn’t see. I trusted while I waited again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I trusted Him when he brought along a new little life, one
who was really sick.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I trusted God on the day I was told he had bleeding in his
brain, and a blood clot, and they couldn’t tell me if he would be okay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I trusted God when He
said to keep trusting, even when I couldn’t see, even when I could’ve made the
choice to quit. I trusted, and waited.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m trusting God today for what I can’t see for tomorrow,
and thanking Him that He can!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have learned that I can trust God in all things; for in
all things He loves, He provides, He gives, He plans, He heals, He never
changes!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The practice of trust in times like these, has brought a
strength to my soul, a peace that only God could bring, a love for my Jesus,
and an excitement for heaven, that no other circumstances and no other choices
could have brought.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can trust Him because I know He loves me!</span></div>GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-61263807117213605462012-03-28T09:51:00.000-07:002012-03-28T09:51:06.917-07:00Out of the Hospital<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Psalm 111: 1-5 “I will praise the Lord with my whole heart…The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.”<o:p></o:p></span></b> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">After 43 days in the NICU, Cannon was released on Monday, and we are spending a few days with Robert’s cousin in TN while interstate adoption papers are filed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In February, we asked you to join us in prayer for Cannon and our family as the Lord took us through some challenging days.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is how God answered!<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weekly ultrasounds have shown that the clot continues to decrease with no new areas of concern.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He has had no other seizures; he will be on seizure medication until we follow-up with the neurologist in April.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cannon has reached 9 lbs, and is eating and sleeping well!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The neurologist does not expect any significant long-term issues at this time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What God has promised to provide, we have received! His faithfulness has been evident in overwhelming peace, strength, and wisdom for each day. He provided professional and caring nurses and doctors who cared for Cannon and for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cannon’s verses on his crib were read, and commented on, by countless nurses, doctors and volunteers, and probably other parents who had babies right next to him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God granted Caitlin the grace to be flexible when needed, and for us to be sensitive to her needs during the last 6 weeks. She is thrilled to be able to hold and feed Cannon, and has already been a big help. Good luck being able to hold him if she’s around; she’s very protective. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s ahead?<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Daily medication for seizures; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>blood thinners (the blood thinner is an injection in his little belly 2 times a day; we are both learning to be brave, but with all he’s gone through, he has a pretty high pain tolerance.)</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Follow up with the neurologist and hematologist.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enjoying each day together as a family, continuing to be grateful and praising God for what He has done, and growing by grace in this next season of life while remembering “the works of the Lord”.</span></div>GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-785570662943978092012-03-20T16:44:00.000-07:002012-03-20T16:44:36.003-07:00God's Safety<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Cannon's verse for the week: <strong>Psalm 4:8 "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."</strong> He truly has kept Cannon safe; the blood clot is continuing to decrease and the doctor thinks he will be out of the hospital sometime next week. We praise God for all He is doing!</span>GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-25400070378237316742012-03-13T13:22:00.000-07:002012-03-13T13:22:55.306-07:00Guardianship papers signed!<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">One more step is past us as we signed guardianship papers for Cannon yesterday. </span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Cannon's verse for this week (that will join Jer. 29:11 and Lamentations 3:22-25 on his crib) is Eph. 3:20-21. <strong>"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think...to Him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."</strong></span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">We thank God for His attention and care about the details of Cannon's health and adoption. He is showing Himself to be faithful every day in many ways!</span>GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-57169049634856031452012-03-08T09:27:00.000-08:002012-03-08T09:27:10.726-08:00This little light of mineCannon's sweet nurse this morning said she read him his verses we have posted on his crib, and sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" to him after his bottle. So touched by God's care, a nurse's sweet spirit, and the light we can be here at the MED during our extended stay. God's love shines in all places! Cannon, God is using you to spread His light!GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-61638117354835135592012-03-02T13:59:00.002-08:002012-03-04T17:15:32.075-08:00God's Protection"When something in your life makes you anxious, come to Me and talk about it...though the lessons of trust that I send you come wrapped in difficulties, the benefits far outweigh the cost." (Sarah Young) We are experiencing God's peace and strength, and He is answering our prayers for healing for Cannon. The blood clot has decreased significantly with no further bleeding. The neurologists expect a positive long-term outcome for him. We are so grateful and praise Him for His perfect plan for Cannon. Thank you for continuing in prayer with us!GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-76808657818768967422012-02-23T18:54:00.002-08:002012-03-04T17:16:53.638-08:00God the Great Physician<em>Psalm 18:1-3 "I will love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in Whom I will trust...I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised."</em> We have had a long, rough week with Cannon. It seemed like he was really making progress in the first few days, but two days ago he began having some small seizures and they found a blood clot and some bleeding in the nerves of his brain. The neurological team does not know the cause but is working to try to decrease the size of the clot with blood thinners and treat the seizures that are still occurring. He gets a daily CAT scan or ultrasound and is closely monitored.<br />
We are grateful for a powerful God who has a wonderful plan for Cannon, competent and caring nurses, a doctor who loves the Lord, for the help from friends and family with Caitlin, and the knowedge of many people praying all over the world for our family.<br />
Thank you!GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-42111910851707409322012-02-16T19:17:00.000-08:002012-02-16T19:17:11.805-08:00Joy. Uncertainty and TrustCannon was born about 8:30 am, Sunday, Feb. 12th via emergency c-section, and weighed in at 7 lbs 11 oz.! Our attorney didn't find out until a day later, and was uncertain about some comments made by the birthparents that perhaps they were re-thinking adoption. So, we waited and trusted God to work out the details. We were given clearance to see Cannon two days after he was born. He is in the NICU for a variety of issues, and could be for some time. However, he is making good progress on a daily basis and we are able to spend time with him and help with feedings and hold him while he naps. He has a great team of doctors and the Great Physician who loves Him and created Him. We are grateful for this blessing! "Some of the greatest works in My kingdom have been done from sick beds..." (Young) We are trusting God to do a great work in his little life. We will post pictures when we are able; he is a blonde-headed cutie!GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-24868745725137712282012-02-07T19:07:00.000-08:002012-02-07T19:07:09.118-08:00Celebrating Adoption<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">7 years ago today, we met our sweet, tiny, 17-day old Caitlin (a gift from God) and brought her home! What a joy she is, and how many things I've learned about Jesus along the journey leading up to her adoption day, and still to this day! I'm so grateful to have been chosen by God for adoption, and for Him having chosen Caitlin for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> "Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men...we went through fire and water but You brought us out to rich fulfillment (abundance)...come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul." (Ps. 66) Happy Adoption Day, Caitlin!</span>GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-26933499774206986782011-12-02T10:43:00.000-08:002011-12-02T10:43:16.021-08:00No Short-cuts<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a long road of obedience filled with lots of waiting, lots of paperwork,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>some fear, discouragement,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and grief, mixed with hope and miracles. I would have chosen the short cut, but it would not have accomplished Christ’s purposes for me and my family. Walking with Jesus on the long road, letting Him carry us and lift our burdens along<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the way, has produced different results than my short-cut would have. The long road has made all the difference!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nearing the end of this long adoption road, and awaiting the birth of a new life that will join our family feels almost surreal; could this really be happening? Then a gentle whisper in my soul reminds me of God’s faithful love, His pleasure in giving us the desires of our heart, and His way of changing us for His purposes. I’m grateful that on the long road, I have had to lean more on my Savior, trust without seeing the end, and see that God’s ways won’t always make sense here on earth. He doesn’t deal randomly or unkindly, but is quick to offer comfort, peace and grace that covers any need in the midst of seeming disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so looking forward to the sounds of a little baby once again in our home, and thankful for what God has chosen for us. He is my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace!</span></div>GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-51603414315965574932011-11-20T20:00:00.000-08:002011-11-20T20:00:28.571-08:00God's story for us continues!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We are grateful for a mighty God Who we cannot explain or contain, but we know loves us, protects us, and has specific plans for each of us in His kingdom. God’s grace has been sufficient, His healing deep, His peace like a blanket over our family, His joy complete even in sadness, and His mercies new every single day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We have been forever changed by experiencing a faith-filled journey that ended in a disrupted adoption. Never would we have chosen the disappointment and grief of losing children we had come to love, but God had a different plan; one that has forever left His mark of grace, brokenness, and freedom to obey even when we don’t understand. We have entrusted Him with Laura, Oscar and Daniela and are praying that they will be taught about Jesus, and we will one day see them heaven.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We are grateful for the chance to love again as we were recently called about adopting a baby boy in the Memphis area due on Feb. 2, 2012. We had prepared ourselves for another long wait in the adoption process, but God has again chosen differently than what we expected , and in so doing, Caitlin’s prayer of the “littlest baby possible” has been answered!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-89354874383195390992011-11-11T09:52:00.000-08:002011-11-11T09:52:02.762-08:00When God HealsWhen we allow the sweet work of the Holy Spirit to reach deep into our hearts and bring peace, healing and joy from disaster, we win! We gain compassion and tenderness, and humility before a great God. We gain freedom from having to know the "why," and freedom from our attempts to control , figure out, and question God's work. There is more room for grace, hope, peace; even enough to share! When God heals, He gives courage to keep trusting, to keep obeying! I'm grateful for the Spirit, my wonderful Counselor!GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-13782809221010932392011-11-02T10:37:00.000-07:002011-11-02T10:37:33.880-07:00Our eyes are upon YouIn 2 Chronicles 20, there is a powerful lesson of God's faithfulness in times of trouble. Jehoshaphat leads the people to prayer and in verse 9 cries out "nor do we know what to do,<u> but our eyes are on You</u>." The Spirit of the Lord answers and says to them."the battle is not yours...<strong>position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord</strong>...do not fear or be discouraged." What did they do while they stood still and did not know what to do next? They stood up and praised the Lord! When we do not know what to do next, we can position ourselves in thanking and praising God for who He is and what He has done in the past, and for the battles He will fight for us. His Spirit still speaks to us (are we listening?), and God still fights for us (are we praising Him while we wait?)! So, in the "now what" times of our lives (which is where I am) we know we can be obedient in <em>what we already know</em> He is calling us to do, and praise Him while we wait for God to speak and act about <em>what we don't know what to do</em>.GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-30799284015009481292011-10-28T11:05:00.000-07:002011-10-28T11:05:31.833-07:00Still GrowingWhile we may not be growing numerically at this exact season of our lives (although we hope adoption will still be a part of the very near future for us), God is faithfully using our disappointment and grief to continue to grow us toward what He wants us to look like as individuals and as a family. I am so grateful that grief does not have to destroy us nor can it permanently take our joy and hope in what God has planned for those who love Him. We are taking time to be grateful, for each other, for our health and too many other blessings to count (although I have thought about making a list to visually see my blessings when I'm feeling sorry for myself). And, as we looked at reducing a budget item and the media intake in our home, the TV has been cancelled for a time. It's been two weeks and we are really not missing it much; finding more time for games and reading, which seem to also have a healing effect. Psalms 100:5 "For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations."GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-88323836716996646192011-09-13T17:12:00.000-07:002011-09-13T17:12:12.809-07:00Divine Interruption and Growing by Grace<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">We got back Friday from Colombia, and on Sunday I realized that the fall Bible studies were starting up this week. I quickly determined that I would attend, as I have since we moved to Mississippi, and have always found God to speak to me exactly what was needed for the season of life I found myself in. First question of the Bible study today: " How has your life been interrupted lately?" Hmmm...must have been written specifically for me. :) "The interrupted life, Divine intervention, is the privileged and significant life, where eternally significant events become the story that God uses for His kingdom purposes and to bless others for generations to come." That's the kind of life I want! Not that I would have ever chosen to go through the pain and disappointments we just experienced, but knowing that God most certainly guided us and directed us that far, and gave us the grace and peace to accept His divine intervention, helps me be that much more confident in His plans for the future (even though we don't know them yet). We do know we can trust Him, and His interruptions are always for a purpose, for good! We are still growing by grace, just in ways we didn't know we would have to. </span>GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-45988544428369617242011-09-02T15:51:00.000-07:002011-09-02T15:51:20.953-07:00Only God KnowsGod has lead us to Colombia, and after a difficult 8 days with Laura, Oscar and Daniela, we have had to make the difficult decision to not continue in the process due to significant concerns about the safety and well-being of each individual child, including Caitlin, living together in a family setting. Our hearts are breaking, but we have the peace only God could give at a time like this. It's difficult to understand the "why" but we trust God's heart for our family and the kids. We are praying about remaining in the Colombia program so as not to lose too much ground with fees already paid, as many of you have so generously given toward expenses. We humbly ask that you let us know if you would like your donation returned. Thank you for continuing to pray for us as we grieve this loss.<br />
GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-61570847309775009402011-08-19T19:47:00.000-07:002011-08-19T19:47:12.717-07:00The Journey Begins TomorrowWe drove to Atlanta Monday afternoon, applied for our visas Tuesday morning, drove back home, got our visas the next day, and packed the rest of the week! Wheeww! Ready for travel tomorrow! My heart is grateful for being chosen to be an adoptive mom; I've learned so much about my great God, and have been forever changed!GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-58581436881663556382011-08-13T11:31:00.000-07:002011-08-13T11:31:40.223-07:00Colombia Here We Come!Yesterday, we were given our presentation date (the date we will meet our kids)! August 23, 2011! Which means we need to be in Colombia on the 21st, meet with the orphanage on the 22nd and then our kids the next day. So, now we have 7 days to travel and still need to get the required documents to drive the 7 hours to Atlanta for our visas, plus pack, arrange things at home, get medicines and paperwork together, etc....! Exciting!!GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-45580819873139309252011-08-04T17:01:00.000-07:002011-08-04T17:01:09.965-07:00God Answers Prayer....Again!Got a call from the FBI today (so grateful they took the time to call!). My fingerprints were legible, they have been processed, and the clearance was mailed out yesterday! Thank you, Lord, for looking after us, and for answering our prayers! Psalm 106:1 "Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-72160524796532349692011-08-01T19:32:00.000-07:002011-08-01T19:32:58.055-07:00God Answers PrayerImmigration approval for our kids came today! We praise the Lord that all requirements were met the first time around, and <em>that</em> paperwork is done!<br />
A call to the FBI today went well as my fingerprints have been marked to process quicker than the usual 8 weeks. He said it could be a few days or a week or two but not 8 weeks!<br />
Please still pray that they will be legible this time, and will be returned within a week so we can proceed with getting a travel date.<br />
We thank you for your prayers and we are so grateful for God watching over us and moving things along!GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126405168545205384.post-19455427483933666202011-07-24T19:31:00.000-07:002011-07-24T19:31:15.173-07:00Needing a miracle and knowing God can do anything! We've been thinking for awhile now that we've only got a month to travel; but, with 3 documents needing correction and longer processing times for U.S. immigration, that month hasn't gotten any shorter.<br />
Our fingerprint clearance cannot be older than 6 months at the time we appear in court in Colombia. They take 8 weeks (alnost on the dot) to get back. We had them done in Dec. so needed to send them in again in the spring, which we did. After 7 weeks, they were returned to us saying they were not clear enough to read. So, we sent in another set at the end of May. We just got back the notice saying that Robert's were clear enough (so he has clearance for another 6 months) but that mine were not, and need to be re-submitted (of, course with a separate fee involved and a wait of 8 more weeks).<br />
The customer service at the FBI office said there was no way to expedite the fingerprint process because it's first-come, first-serve in the data base, and to expect the 8 weeks processing time once again.<br />
So, we need a miracle! Please pray that my prints will be able to be processed in half the normal time, so as not to hold up travel once the other documents are complete!<br />
Although we are discouraged, we know without a doubt that God can do anything He pleases (no matter what the 'normal" processing times may be) and He continues to have His hand on every detail in this very long adoption, and on our kids who are having a hard time understanding why we are taking so long to come!<br />
We so appreciate your prayers for them, for encouragement for us, and for the financial needs still to be met (as we received 1 out of 3 grants applied for, so are a bit behind where we were expecting to be at this point).<br />
We sure are grateful we have such great prayer support, and we know that God is doing a work beyond what we can see or imagine and He has the eternal perspective. <br />
A friend posted this recently: <strong>"Waiting times are not an excuse for spiritual laziness but a season for gaining His strength & seeking His wisdom for the days ahead, while continuing to proclaim His name!" </strong> May we continue to proclaim His name while we wait! because He knows all things and can do all things, and has good things planned for those who love Him.GrowingByGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12328292371046937596noreply@blogger.com0