Georgia Branch Approved

Wow...two posts in one day. I just sat down in the office and scanned and submitted forms for Bethany (our adoption agency). And I had a cup of coffee. I feel like a college girl completing a late night assignment. Maybe the college feel also has something to do with the fact that I just browsed through a local college's catalog searching for courses to renew my teaching certificate (which will be up for renewal in less than two years now). Here's the lamest fact about me...I enjoyed it. I like school. I hate the tuition part of course, but I like classes. Calling it lame may be a bit harsh on myself, but it is kind of weird. I did not get on here to post, however, about my late night accomplishments. What I wanted to share is this:

The Georgia Branch of Bethany approved our formal application today.

Picture a Candy Land board game. Our piece just moved about two squares forward from "Start." (That would be an early-childhood certificate I wish to renew... ;)

That's not far, but it's progress.

Praise God through Whom all blessings flow!

Curios Little J-man

We're having an afternoon and evening at home today. Joshua is congested. This time we're not sure the cause. He doesn't have a fever. Mucus is clear. It could be teething. It could be allergies. It could be a virus (although we kind of doubt it this time). No wheezing (PRAISE THE LORD). We just think we need a normal evening so no getting out. I'm having to "die to self" in this way as I am one who likes going to church. At the same time, I had such a good afternoon with this little guy. We napped in the recliner this afternoon which was a sweet little time together. And this little nap gave him a second wind, and he was ready to play.

 

 

Check out that pose..."What can I conquer next?"

 

These pictures were taken in less than a minute. Really. Hence we have chosen the them "Curious George" for his first birthday party. I really am thinking about his first birthday already even though it's five months away. It's a happy thought on a cold January day when we're housebound. (and it gives me a good excuse to waste time on Pinterest).

 

I was thankful for our nap in the recliner especially because these days the only chance I get to snuggle is when he's asleep. I'm not complaining though, I love his busyness.

 



 



 

A Powerful Quote for My Vulnerability...

Okay those of you praying for us as we seek to adopt, (I wish I had more time to sit and think through how I'm going to write these posts, but alas I have a napping baby and time if of the essence ;)...we're so so close to submitting our formal application. We are going to sit down and proof read it tomorrow. Here's some of what's going on in my mind...

• This is a season where we are trying to say yes to God. We'll see where this application takes us...His will be done..even though my heart's desire is for our application to be approved. It's humbling and faith testing to know that we have to be "approved." We just do. It's part of it. And let me be clear that it's a GOOD part of it. I'm so glad that Bethany care deeply about the well being of children! Sooo glad!!! I'm so grateful that God is Sovereign. I can REST, yes rest in the fact that He will move in ways that are out of my control and I can trust Him.
• I am not the Savior. Jesus Christ is The Savior and Lord! And He is GOOD at that! So I will rest in His goodness.
• I'm trusting that He will guide our decisions. May He work in our hearts in such a way that they BURN with conviction for His will to be done. May His desire burn so strongly that we cannot help but to say "no" to our natural/sinful desires and fears.

Those who know me, know that I'm a Beth Moore junky. When we're together in His Kingdom someday, I'm pretty sure He'll give me the opportunity to tell her that there were some seasons in my life when she was like my best friend. As God would have it on my quest to read through the Bible and study the minor prophets, He has me studying Esther right now and soaking in the Old Testament timeline. Since Beth has a book on that, I purchased it and have been blessed to have done so. Esther is the perfect story to speak to my vulnerability through this process. I needed some courage today, and here's the quote Beth gave me ;)

"At some of the hardest times in my life, I have been able to make more difficult choices out of pure blind-eyed, bent-kneed acceptance that it was somehow part of a greater plan. I was beaten by a conviction that throbbed relentlessly against my strong self-centeredness. As much as my flesh wanted relief, I knew that when all was said and done, I'd sit on that side of glory having much rather fulfilled my calling than serve myself all the way to meaninglessness. I had to accept that I was not called to an easy life. I was called to a purposeful life.....Beloved, in the times of greatest struggle when you make the Godward decision over convenience, earthly comfort, or carnal pleasure, you too have come to a critical moment in the fulfillment of your destiny. A defining moment. A war is being waged over your head in the unseen realm, and a great cloud of witnesses is cheering you on. You have no idea what's at stake."   Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman pg.98

Well when you put it that way, Beth ;)

...And a good hardy thank You Jesus for Beth.

But in a way I do know what's at stake...I mean not in an God-sized-omnipotent-understand-reality-outside-of-time-and-can-see-the-whole-picture-and-is-the-author-of-the-whole-story kind of way...but I do know that somewhere in this world is a person whom God has placed on my heart...a child. And I am PRAYING that soon (yes specifically soon) Baby (I say Baby because that's how I referred to Joshua before I knew he was a boy...so that's how I'll refer to our adopted child until I know boy or girl) can sleep in our home where the Holy Spirit dwells and be our child and until I get to see this happen with my own eyes, I am PRAYING and choosing to trust that His Spirit (Who is not limited to any location) is with him and is sovereign.

And I also know that right here in this little room is a mommy who is well aware she is a sinner and am so grateful to be able to approach His throne of grace, free to make all kinds of petitions with thankfulness, and safe to be vulnerable before my King. Lord please give us the courage to say yes to Your will.

Praises

After a little over two weeks of fighting viruses, we are healthy. Let me not forget to say thank You Jesus! Thank you for healing us. Thank You for modern medicine. Thank You for family. Thank You for surrounding us with prayer warriors.

We had a wonderful Christmas. A very busy Christmas, but it was wonderful. We came home from spending time with family on December 31st. Joshua had RSV from then until, well he'll finish his antibiotic for his secondary ear infections tomorrow. He has recovered, however, from RSV since about last Saturday.

Among the many differences between adulthood with children versus without is how I handle illness. This little guy gets sick and our little world halts not for a couple of days but for a couple of weeks. In fact, January 2013 has been a month of illness in our household...January 2013.

I can almost hear my experienced mommy friends saying..."Yep! Welcome to our world...and wait until you add additional children."

This is motherhood. Thank You Jesus. Thank You for reminding me to put away my agendas and let You determine my paths. Thank You for making me feel my need for You. Thank You for provision.

Joshua is growing and changing at a tremendous rate. In ten days he'll be 7 months old. He's trying so hard to crawl which is a joy for me to watch. I'm really trying to order our day so that I can spend time with him as well as "keep house." The best way I can think to do this is for him to have consistent nap times. When he naps I do laundry, straighten, keep the checkbook, check email, clean, etc. When he's awake I want to spend time with him...reading, puzzles, strolling, swinging, exploring, talking...etc. The implementing of this plan is so much more messy of course. In reality I do a little cleaning here, and a little playing there. Sometimes I fold laundry with Joshua on my hip. Sometimes I cook supper with him in the pack and play. That's life I guess. The issue is that I'm not a balanced person naturally so I have to be diligent not to spend all my time cleaning with Joshua in the excersauser or all my time playing as laundry and mess mound up all around. But...with the blessed mundane month of January, maintaining order is getting easier and easier as one simple day passes to another.

And every now and then, I get to sneak back here to the computer and blog. Or read a book. Or journal. I still LOVE those things, and always will I suppose. Every now and then I read an old paper from seminary. Every now and then I reflect my personal little faith history and am reminded that He's working out a great story. And I'm grateful to woven into it. And I'm reminded of my calling. As a friend of mine puts it..my calling to Someone and not to something. 

Christmas 2012

 

Whew...has it really been a month since I posted? Where do I begin online journaling about December? Wasn't I going to post about Christmas traditions that we hope to incorporate into our family? I don't think I'm going to post about traditions this year after all. I will say this...The Jesse Tree Advent Devotional is wonderful. Also, The Jesus Storybook Bible is amazing. Joshua loves the pictures and its very well written. Also, we love the Fisher Price plastic nativity set and hope to use it through the years. 

That's it for explaining our Christmas traditions this year. My New Year's Resolution is to blog more. :)

We traveled to Scottsboro December 14th for Christmas with the Thompsons and Masseys. We got to see sweet little Reagan. My they've grown!

The uncles decided to help these two open presents.

Some friends of Mamaw and Papaw are Santa for local stores in Scottsboro. They stopped by on their way home for some pictures!

 

These two already have so much in common. ;o)

Then on the 20th my mom, Joshua and I left our house at 4:30 to pick up Aunt Lala!!! Lauren (my sister) lives in Hawaii and had never met her nephew. Joshua was in such a sweet little mood. I was so excited to see Lauren, I barely needed any coffee for the drive. ;) This is the video from my phone. Its not too clear, but at least it captures the moment.

Here's Joshua entering the airport. As you can see, he's very chipper for 5 am. He can sense the excitement.

Christmas Eve Service at my parents' church.

 

We baked home made sugar cookies for the first time. 

 And here is the classic six-month-old shot from Christmas morning at my parents. Wrapping paper is for eating...as is everything else right?

After Christmas Lauren came to stay at our house. We spent time hanging out with Joshua, window shopping in Senoia,, and riding horses (well Lauren rode a horse). I hope to post pictures of this later.

Regarding our adoption. We are completing our formal application and hope to be finished by the end of January (really sooner). Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.