Well we have been quite busy over the last few weeks and haven't been able to post as much as usual. We had some close friends come to town for a visit, painted a room in the house and went on a family vacation to the beach for a week. We have really enjoyed our time together and had a blast with daddy being with us for the whole week. We had Paul's parents and grandparents with us for a few days and then it was just us. We ate good seafood, went to the beach, the pool, an alligator farm and took rides around on the golf cart with the boys (always a hit with two boys who are obsessed with things containing wheels...), did a little shopping and read some good books. We also hit up one of our favorite Chrisitan Book Stores in Wilmington called The Salt Shaker. We could spend hours in there!! They even carry the Puritans, which you will not find at your local Lifeway. Some cute pictures from our trip follow:
Anyways we are glad to be back and thankful for little gifts from God like rest and vacation but eager to be in daily life and on with things for the adoption. We also got a call while there from Kate, letting us know that some of our last items were not accepted to be authenticated in NC because they were notarized wrong. We also found out that two of the grants will not work out for us at this time, although they could in the early fall. These things were discouraging but as my husband put it, "It is bittersweet" and I said "What do you mean, it is just bitter", to which he replied "It's bitter because it didn't work out but it's sweet because now we can see God's greatness and power in providing for us like only he can." This is so true and this has been the theme of our adoption. In order for our adoption as sons of God to take place it costs God his only son, which is an infinate amount. It encourages our hearts when we think this way, knowing God will give us grace, provide in his ways at
His time. I think at times I just want things to go smoothly, be easy and get this cute little baby at the end of it all but God is pruning my heart, working in our family and revealing more of himself and his power through this. It is not simply about growing our family by adding another child. I pray (and you can pray for us too!) that we will have eyes to see God's work and a heart that submits joyfully to his perfect design. I want to embrace the trials he bring about for my good, knowing that he is sanctifying me and is wise in all his ways. I do not want to harden my heart and make my demands, turning this adoption and this child into my idol, which will NEVER satisfy. We are always worshipping and I think I don't realize my idolatrous heart until something goes wrong and my response in not humility and dependance upon God but anger, despair and unbelief. It struck me like never before I am, at the heart-level, just as Rachel when she doubted the goodness of God and demanded to Jacob that she be given a child. "When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, "Give me children, or I shall die!" Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, "Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?". Rachel then resorts to her own methods of getting what her heart is craving (read the story for yourself in Genesis 30). This is so often my heart, and I think it can be applied to countless things we feel we MUST have to be happy. I long to crucify these sinful cravings that are not for God himself but I have elevated the gift above the giver. I want to have a heart that clings to God as my treasure. I think when this happens, his grace to change my sinful desires and help me love him above all else, exalts him greatly in this adoption. We go to finish up these last (hopefully last!) things and then wait for them to be authenticated, THEN we go on the waiting list. Another exciting announcment is that our friends
The Mestas Family got their referral!!!!!! We were thrilled for them and amazed at God's great work in giving them two twin 51/2 mos old baby girls and their brother, a 2 1/2 yr old boy. You must see their pictures, they are precious! It makes me so excited for when we get that call.
Anyways we are glad to be back and thankful for little gifts from God like rest and vacation but eager to be in daily life and on with things for the adoption. We also got a call while there from Kate, letting us know that some of our last items were not accepted to be authenticated in NC because they were notarized wrong. We also found out that two of the grants will not work out for us at this time, although they could in the early fall. These things were discouraging but as my husband put it, "It is bittersweet" and I said "What do you mean, it is just bitter", to which he replied "It's bitter because it didn't work out but it's sweet because now we can see God's greatness and power in providing for us like only he can." This is so true and this has been the theme of our adoption. In order for our adoption as sons of God to take place it costs God his only son, which is an infinate amount. It encourages our hearts when we think this way, knowing God will give us grace, provide in his ways at His time. I think at times I just want things to go smoothly, be easy and get this cute little baby at the end of it all but God is pruning my heart, working in our family and revealing more of himself and his power through this. It is not simply about growing our family by adding another child. I pray (and you can pray for us too!) that we will have eyes to see God's work and a heart that submits joyfully to his perfect design. I want to embrace the trials he bring about for my good, knowing that he is sanctifying me and is wise in all his ways. I do not want to harden my heart and make my demands, turning this adoption and this child into my idol, which will NEVER satisfy. We are always worshipping and I think I don't realize my idolatrous heart until something goes wrong and my response in not humility and dependance upon God but anger, despair and unbelief. It struck me like never before I am, at the heart-level, just as Rachel when she doubted the goodness of God and demanded to Jacob that she be given a child. "When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, "Give me children, or I shall die!" Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, "Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?". Rachel then resorts to her own methods of getting what her heart is craving (read the story for yourself in Genesis 30). This is so often my heart, and I think it can be applied to countless things we feel we MUST have to be happy. I long to crucify these sinful cravings that are not for God himself but I have elevated the gift above the giver. I want to have a heart that clings to God as my treasure. I think when this happens, his grace to change my sinful desires and help me love him above all else, exalts him greatly in this adoption. We go to finish up these last (hopefully last!) things and then wait for them to be authenticated, THEN we go on the waiting list. Another exciting announcment is that our friends The Mestas Family got their referral!!!!!! We were thrilled for them and amazed at God's great work in giving them two twin 51/2 mos old baby girls and their brother, a 2 1/2 yr old boy. You must see their pictures, they are precious! It makes me so excited for when we get that call.
4 comments:
Beautifully written Miranda! Where do you go to church?
I know we filled up so much time! Just kidding! Just thought I would let you know we got back here safe and sound, now all that remains is to rejoin the blogosphere, right, won't the hubbies just relish that?! I make myself laugh! Man I wish we lived closer to you guys! Much love and thanks for letting us impose on you all!
I am always encouraged by your blog. It is so wonderful to know that someone has a proper perspective of the sovereignty of our God and his faithfulness.
Not sure how I stumbled on your blog today but I believe it was a devine appointment.
Absolutely beautiful post! You are walking the very same road we are right now and I find myself having those very same feelings. What a refreshing read, full of the reminders of Gods sovereignty, mercy, and grace that I needed this morning. Thank you for blessing my heart.
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