One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him" 

(Psalm 62:5).

When seasons overlap... 
When there is sadness, when there is joy.
When there is hurt and pain, when there is healing.
When there is doubt, when there is trust.
When there is despair, when there is hope.
When there is suffering, when there is pleasure.
When there is unhappiness, when there is elation.

When seasons overlap...

God doesn't promise joy without pain, but He does promise that He has everything in His control.  He promises us that His love is never ending and it is unconditional.  He promises to never leave us and that He is our strength and strong tower.  His promises are true and He is always faithful to His promises.

Today was a very emotional day. 

We've been on a very emotional roller coaster.

Today, we received the exciting news that the MOWA courts in Ethiopia have given positive comments regarding our file, and that they will issue us an adoptive court date in a few days.  That means that we hope to be travelling to Ethiopia within a week or two, D.V.!  We are so thrilled that we'll be meeting our little boy soon!  God's timing never ceases to amaze me!

Continuing to give thanks...

-overlapping seasons

-an answer to our fervent prayers

-joy and happiness in the midst of sadness

-God's faithfulness to His promises

-renewed hope

-multiple conversations with a dear friend today, reminding me to trust in God, first and foremost

-loving, supportive friends and family

-worshiping with thousands of other believers of all different backgrounds

-when walls are broken and bridges are built

-inspiring music and lyrics ("Because he lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!" Bill Gaither) 

-enjoying trick or treating together

-how they love to play games together when he comes to visit
-enjoying dinner together

-preparing for some canine therapy

-how most of us are excited to get a little puppy (sorry, Jesse)

-my helper and how she loves to do the work that I'm doing with me

-how she finds her escape places

-grandparents who have hearts of gold and love and pray for all of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren

-celebrating his 79th birthday blessings

-running for a great cause (edu deo)

-how she includes a spot for him at the dinner table

-the great community building projects the grade nines are doing
-the wonderful things happening at our amazing high school
-the awesome, loving, supportive teachers at our high school and grade school

-Sunday afternoon naps
-the pleasure she took while styling my hair