Sacred Parenting

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me" Matthew 25:35-36

our life group started a new study, Sacred Parenting (Gary Thomas) ... how raising children shapes our souls. Not only has our group started this study - I am leading it! ... jumping right in.

this weekend will be the 2nd session ... during my preview I was rocked - by the above well known verse.

In my limited view, I read this verse with eyes that understood it to state I needed to reach out to those less fortunate then me, more specific the people on the side of the road, the folks with out homes and without resources. NEVER had I looked at this statement through the lens of a parent (an adoptive parent at that). Granted this parent lens is a new for me ... but with this lens, I am able to see the manifestation of this scripture. As a parent the first thing you do is meet this little stranger, feed him, clothe him, bring him home, care for him. Care for his EVERY NEED. Without question.

Further, I began to think about my life as a whole, expanding my view of who I may have helped clothe, feed, care for - before becoming a parent ... suddenly my years of teaching and coaching came flooding back.

How different that scripture looks through a new lens - how narrow my view has been ...

I can only imagine as this study unfolds and I continue to learn how to be a GOD Centered person, My prayer , that my lens will be altered and my heart more like HIS.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Our Family

Enjoying Easter:)

Family Picture Easter Sunday

GRACE AND PEACE!

My Little Love

His size is little - but my love is HUGE!

3 weeks ago I met my son.
My love for him was immediate, and continues to grow each day.
When he was 4 days old, he recognized my voice, my heart melted and tears of joy filled my eyes.

Who knew that I would have this most amazing experience to gain a glimpse at how Our Father in Heaven loves each of us. We have all been adopted into HIS family, how blessed and loved are we. 4 weeks ago, I thought I understood the Love our Father has for us - blown away. I was not even close to comprehending. PRAISE THE LORD!

My love grows for our little man, I watch Aaron with him, waves of joy pour over - and my love for Aaron multiplies. Parenting together, providing the needs for this little love is our joy and our pleasure. Again, a glimpse of how much Abba, our Father desires to provide for us.

Praise the Lord for this valuable season of learning we are experiencing!

GRACE AND PEACE!

abundance!

this was a great word from Joel today ...

A Place of Abundance

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE "…We went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance"
(Psalm 66:12 NIV).

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Everyone has times in life when they feel like they are going through the fire, so to speak, or they feel overwhelmed with everyday life. If that's you today, understand that God is going to bring you through those challenges. He's going to bring you through the fire and the flood into a place of abundance and victory! We serve a God of more than enough, and His desire is to always make sure you have whatever you need to be successful and victorious in every area of your life. Remember, John 10 says that Jesus came so that we can have life—abundant life! He wants you to have an abundance of resources, an abundance of wisdom, an abundance of peace—everything you need. Open your heart and thank Him for His goodness. Begin to receive His promises by faith. Let your praise open the door for Him to move on your behalf so He can take you to a place of abundance in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Heavenly Father, I humbly come to You today, giving You all that I am. Thank You for leading and guiding me into a place of abundance and victory. I give You all the glory, honor and praise. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE!

our new little love

Just a glimpse of our little gift ... many more to follow.

Behold Children are a gift of the Lord Psalm 127:3a

first family picture, Xavier only a few hours old

loving the little lambs ... after papers signed
open eyes ... first day home

And so we are off on the next stage of this journey .... with many adventures to follow!

GRACE AND PEACE!

Look at GOD!

I remain without clear words to describe my heart, my mind, my soul, my emotions that I have actually brought my son home from the hospital. Please bear with me as I begin ...

Xavier Moses is home! (pictures soon)
important stats: 6lbs 9oz, 19 1/2" - 9:22am, Wednesday March 30th
He has been eating, sleeping, peeing and pooping like a champ:)

The scripture that continues to run through my head
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. " 1 Corinthians 2:9

I consider this part: WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED ...

I certainly never could have imagined how HE was going to answer my prayer, my request, my persistent knocking .... to bring a child home from the hospital. LOOK AT GOD!!!

I am ever thankful for the obedience of fellow servants, that heard a prompting from the Lord - not just in the past few weeks ... I am talking YEARS AGO! So much of this story is attached to decisions and choices made many years ago. Should I be surprised, no because believe it or not it is not MY story, it is Gods story. From the beginning of creation. Oh how blessed am I that I have been chosen to be a part of the story! ... that HE has prepared.

The parts continue to be revealed, each at the appointed time.
Right on time - Praise the Lord!

to be continued ...

GRACE AND PEACE

... and we wait

the waiting continues.

we all know babies come when they are ready, not just because all of us on the outside are ready.

i turn to the word .... for assurance as i wait ...

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

We wait in hope for the LORD; HE is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20

While I wait, I have completed some projects ... new curtains in the kitchen

... the black really makes the kitchen table pop.

Thank you all for the amazing prayers, looking forward to introducing our son - soon:)

GRACE AND PEACE!